Yes, yes, I know… it’s been awhile since the last post here at NWLiquid.com. Gregg’s been working on the new Havoc release video, helping the NW dealers promote end-of-season product deals, and then getting ready for Surf Expo, which is happening right now!! So I’m taking over as guest blogger to fill in here on what’s happening in Liquidland.
Unfortunately, Gregg didn’t get to post about the new 2008 Havoc before leaving for Surf Expo, and there’s a lot to talk about with the new kite. However, I’m going to skip out on posting the marketing on the new Havoc here. If you want to check out the official LF marketing on the new Havoc, get it here on Kiteforum. Or, check out the 2008 Havoc Video on LiquidForceKites.com. That’s the video Gregg has been working on day and night that kept him from posting here.
I’ll give you my experience on the new Havoc from going out and riding it… over AND over AND over again in the chaotic conditions that we’ve had here in the Gorge the last week. Let me just give you a visual:
Windy? Yes. Steady? No. In fact, it was right about 4pm when I went out on the Havoc 8m… see that gust and then the big lull right after it? I was in it. And as everyone came in off the water, I kept riding on that 8m, able to depower in the gusts and ride fine through the lulls. I was actually having a blast and had no problem being the only one out on the water!! Then, Friday….
Still gusty, but “decent” in Gorge circles. Again, went out on the 8m Havoc. I was pretty powered most of the time, with my below-the-bar sheeting strap pulled in about 7 inches. A side note to all the women riders out there… you absolutely must have the below-the-bar trim strap that the Liquid Force control bar offers. With many other bars, we have to reach up on our tippy toes just in order to slap the trim handle, let alone grab it. Not only is that annoying and painful, it’s a pretty big safety issue if you need to depower that strap and you can’t reach it. So, I’m pretty happy that Liquid Force put out a friendly, accessible trim strap that requires no reaching or jumping.
When you’re depowered 7 inches on the trim strap (that’s a lot!), usually a kite doesn’t perform or turn efficiently. But this is where the new 2008 Liquid Force Havoc really shines… it turns solid and smooth, with no flutter, or loss of bar feel even when it’s depowered that much. I can downloop it, or do a regular transition, without any slack or loss of power. It’s steady and consistent through the wind window. Love that!
So, I’m out riding having a blast and then it hit: The 6 o’clock drop. The wind takes a dive, and as I continue to ride, I see people drop their kites left and right. The weird thing is that there is still wind, so one should still be able to relaunch their kite. Looking around, I notice that most of the kiters down can’t relaunch their kites. Pulling, pushing, swimming, and yanking on bars and lines…. come on people, it shouldn’t be that difficult. I continue to ride and try to execute (and land…ha!) a Blind Judge when I drop the kite, depowering it completely. Watching everyone else struggle to relaunch their kite, I think to myself, “This will be the test!” I go to grab the bar, pull it in, hook in, pull one side of the bar, and the kite rolls on one wingtip and takes off. Perfect. Love that Havoc relaunch system!! It’s so easy!!
Here’s me smiling from that day. Henry Rico took this pic. He’s a solid rider from Portland, who happens to be an awesome photographer from the water.
For all the gals out there, stay informed on upcoming Liquid Force Maven kiteboarding clinics for women at WomensKiteboarding.com. We’re going to have beginner, intermediate, and freestyle camps this winter!! And don’t forget to join The Women of Kiteboarding group on Facebook. This is a great networking opportunity for riding and travel with other women who kiteboard.
Thanks for reading!! See you on the water soon!
~ Tonia
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