North Kiteboarding Gambler 131 x 41cm 2017
Reviews / Twin Tips
12,673
At A Glance
The Gambler, of course, is North’s go to Wake Style and all out freestyle board. It does, however, come in a rather small 131x41 size making it perfect for those freestyle orientated groms who ride hard. This made it a perfect candidate for our youth riders test!
This board is jam packed with technology to live up to the demands of the most all-out aggressive riders. A stiff board, it has a big rocker and is designed to be used with boots, though can, of course, be used with the North Entity strap and pad set.
The bottom of the board features a Slick Base which is protective to the core of the board when riding obstacles either behind a kite or cable. There is also a double concave design on the base to ensure perfect water movement underneath for explosive pop and stability on landings.
The tips on the Gambler actually change depending on the amount of power going through the board, so in the lighter winds a flatter tip for better planning, then they flex to create more rocker in those super powered conditions.
"Once powered up, the board is a wakestylers dream."
A very trendy black and grey colour scheme sits upon the Gambler, but grab some chalk pens, and you can make your board your own with any design your mind fancies. Our junior riders simply loved this.
Sizes: 131x41, 135x41.5, 139x42, 143x42.5
On The Water
Tiny fins, big rocker and super stiff flex, mean you will need some riding under your belt and an aggressive style to get the most out of the board. For simply riding around, you will need some good power in your kite as the rocker will soak it up, once powered, however, the board is a wakestylers dream.
Digging low and deep with an equally low kite will provide the mammoth pop this board has been designed for. Launching into the sky, the board rebounds instantaneously due to the Biax Fibre Construction and stiffness. It is relatively heavy for a small board; this can sometimes help though, and stops you spinning off into oblivion during super fast rotating moves for the smaller riders.
Landings on the Gambler are surprisingly pleasant. Helped by the big rocker line and double concave, the board doesn’t spit you off, like some flexier boards can. The bomb-proof construction of the Gambler will keep it going for years. Even if you are not hitting objects, having the knowledge you can ride up the beach without taking massive chunks out the bottom will certainly make it more desirable.
We tried the Gambler in both straps and boots, and it is for sure better suited to boots. Completely fine to use straps however you just won’t be able to get the most out of it, and will defiantly struggle to see it when you fall off!
Overall
A phenomenal all out wakestyle board, perfect for those super aggressive riders who want a board to handle the harshest of environments. Couple with the flattest of the flat water and some big obstacles to achieve your best in kiting. For Junior riders to get the most of it, they will need some good weight and power behind them.
Videos
This review was in Issue 63 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit North KiteboardingRelated
By Robin and Sukie
With years of kite sport experience combined, you can be sure you’ll be receiving the highest quality of knowledge on the best equipment the industry has to offer.
