Big Air '23. Courage is calling.

Defying gravity. Putting your body on the line. Embracing risk. Do you know that feeling? At North, we understand that even the courageous feel fear. As kiters, what sets us apart is our ability to rise above fear. 

The 2023 Big Air collection is in store and available to demo at your local North Kiteboarding retailer now. 

NEW ORBIT BIG AIR / FREERIDE KITE

The lighter the kite, the faster the steering, the more lift it creates, and the higher you jump. 

For 2023 we've constructed the Orbit leading edge and struts in our lighter N-Dure Dacron to save significantly more weight without compromising strength or durability. 

We've also introduced two additional bar pressure options so you can choose from a lighter, more forgiving feeling in cruise mode, right through to ultra-direct steering with shorter depower travel in megaloop mode. This new fourth setting gives you the confidence to loop the kite even lower on those crazy 40knot + days.

 Jett Bradshaw riding the yellow 2023 Orbit Kite in Cape Town

What team riders say about the Orbit ’23:

MARC JACOBS: "With the Orbit 11m I can make amazing progression from 15knots+. Practising all the megaloop manoeuvres in lighter conditions than before lets me improve even faster. The 10-8m kites are perfectly tuned for all the big air moves, and riding on any of these size kites is an extremely addictive feeling – you get that extra height and yank from the kite in those extra knots. The 7/6m are amazing for double loops." 

JETT BRADSHAW: "The Orbit feels like the Ferrari of kites. Both the 8m & 9m Orbit are very responsive, allowing me more reaction time on short lines. I also find the kite recovers so much quicker after a low loop (I had a scare on the shoot that would have ended in disaster on any other kite). The combination of the 2023 kite and board honestly feels like a fitted suit, the crisp feel of both takes my Big Air confidence to that next level."

LUCA CERUTI: "When I first flew the 2023 Orbit it felt like it was half a size smaller than the 2022 version.  In other words, the 2023 10m Orbit performed like it was a 9m Orbit 2022.  I felt this with all the sizes (8,9,10) - not only did I feel an improvement in the turning speed of the kite but the hangtime also increased as did the catch coming up from a loop.  I am super excited to see what the smaller sizes are going to be capable of - specifically with the double loops and S-loops."

KARLIE THOMA: "The 2023 Orbit feels more responsive, my kite loops are more controlled and dialled in all conditions." 

GRAHAM HOWES: "The New Orbit is unreal, I love how I can ride it in such totally overpowered nuking conditions, 45knots and still be on my 9m. When a big gust comes I just put in a powerful edge and the kite shoots to the edge of the window and I go upwind like mad, I very rarely feel like I'm overpowered and have to downsize when the wind picks up. As for the 12m, I've never really liked big kites and light winds, since in Cape Town it's usually always nuking, but I've started to ride lighter wind now because you can still loop and do big air on the 12, which I love." 

"Riding Cape Town’s gnarly, strong winds, you really have to feel comfortable and trust your gear. When I am on the water in full send-mode, I can really focus on my riding and my mind - the gear becomes an extension of me." - Graham Howes

Karlie Thoma rides the Astra with the Flex LXNEW FLEX LX

RIDER KARLIE THOMA, PHOTO FRANCK BERTHUOT

Your feet let you fly. Your Flex LX take care of the landings. 

A human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 ligaments and tendons – the complex biomechanics that make these parts work together let you walk, run, jump, and fly.

Hugh Pinfold, North Director of Engineering, has crafted the all-new anatomically shaped TwinTip bindings to support and stabilize your feet, spread the load evenly and prevent slipping.  

HUGH PINFOLD: “The all-new 2023 Flex LX have a sense of luxury that speaks to the perfect balance between performance and design. We’ve added structure and stability with a more contoured footbed and ramped chassis for improved fit and increased lateral support. Outer angled heel inserts ensure your foot rolls properly, providing a stable landing and protecting your knees and ankles.”

MARC JACOBS: “The Flex LX bindings are a massive game changer. It feels like a custom shoe for kiteboarding. You feel locked in better, without excess material. Your board is even lighter, with more comfort.” 

KARLIE THOMA: “Having the new binding fitted to my feet really gives me a better feeling of my board – the padding really gives me a sense of grip and also makes for a softer landing.” 

 

NEW FLIPTECH TWINTIP TECHNOLOGY

For 2023, North has engineered all TwinTips with a new FlipTech Mounting System. The new centreline inserts mean if you wear out one side of your board, simply flip your bindings around and you’ll have a shiny new heelside rail again.

Luca Ceruti rides the Atmos CarbonATMOS CARBON ‘23: RIDER LUCA CERUTI. PHOTO CRAIG KOLESKY

Master-crafted for mega-boosting, looping and controlled landings, the Atmos Carbon ‘23 is a dynamic ride with powerful upwind, precise edge control, rapid response and explosive pop. 

The 100% carbon laminate layup provides balanced torsional stiffness and flex.

LUCA CERUTI: “This board can definitely hold down a load of power.  I never once felt like I would lose my grip or spin out going max speed. Not only is the board great for taking off kickers, but also for fast landings. I never felt my board skidding out from underneath my feet.”   

Jett Bradshaw rides the Atmos HybridATMOS HYBRID ’23

RIDER JETT BRADSHAW. PHOTO CRAIG KOLESKY.

A high-performance freeride board for explosive boosting, looping and stable, predictable landings.

Graham Howes: "The Atmos Hybrid is my favourite board for super-lit, overpowered riding, in big Cape town winds your landing are always super-fast and sometimes you are landing in choppy water, and the Atmos gives clean and controlled landings every time."


ASTRA ‘23

Crafted for lighter-weight riders with a responsive flex pattern for explosive pop, softer landings, and comfort in chop. The smaller sizes and narrower foot positioning allow smaller riders to stay in control across every manoeuvre.

Karlie Thoma: "During the photoshoot in Maui I got to test the full abilities of the Astra 132. I love the way it feels so aggressive yet smooth to ride."

North Brand Director Mike Raper is humbled by the performance gains riders are experiencing with the new collection:

“Our 2023 Big Air collection has a level of technology that allows riders to put complete trust in their gear. We look after the performance – riders bring their spirit. In the Big Air category, bravery or courage are vital qualities. But for me, courage is more than megaloops at extreme heights. Courage is showing a sense of fortitude in the face of adversity. Courage is inspiring others with your example.”

“At North, we continue to refine our products, chasing performance, simplicity, and ease of use, so our riders can keep flying forward when others hold back, and keep challenging us all to go big.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and of the direction in which we’re heading.”

The 2023 Big Air collection is in store and available to demo at your local North Kiteboarding retailer now.