North CARVESurf / Strapless Freestyle2022

New Bridle System

Structurally designed so each tow point and cascade is individually controlled but interconnected as one unit, the new Carve bridling allows for loads to be more precisely distributed from the wing tip to the centre of the kite.​ This has enabled us to focus the loading on the leading edge for the most direct pivot steering possible - limiting the amount of power that is produced so you generate less speed in your bottom turns and can ride closer to the pocket of the wave. With the new bridle the Carve flies faster. It also FEELS faster and livelier in the air because the bar pressure, steering impulse and pull from the harness are in harmony. 

NEW lighter construction

For 2022 we’ve further reduced the weight of the kite for improved static balance and lightwind performance, without affecting the strength and durability. This re-engineered lighter construction helps with the drift and behaviour of the kite and reduces any tendency to front stall in lightwind conditions. The surf-tough exo-skeletal reinforcement still completely surrounds the inner canopy, with extra wide reinforcements at strut ends. This adds strength and elongation control, protects the lighter inner main canopy body, and allows the kite to be more responsive in the steering and depower.

Improved wind range 

We’ve maintained the linear power delivery, ensuring the kite is rock solid when it needs to be. Strapless freestyle riders can go higher with better hangtime, yet still have the control and manageability you need for jumps and tricks. Because the Carve has such impressive power and efficiency, we still recommend going a size smaller for wave riding. So, when everyone’s on a 7m, you can pull out a 6m. A smaller kite means even less weight, faster steering and better drift.

Evolved drift  

The Carve is a statically balanced, stable kite that resists nose diving. Down the line drift is most important when the wind is onshore. The more offshore it gets, the more important it is for the kite to fly forward.

Direct Pivot Steering

The two-stage arc allows the smooth-curved efficient central region of the kite to produce power, while straighter wing tips provide a more dynamic steering response. As the arc shape becomes narrower the kite uses less of its projected area, giving it a smaller turning radius for tighter turns, and less pull or power in turns. The Carve, a narrower span kite, is fast in flight, with less power overall.  

No-pulley bridle

Our high-quality spliced, pre-stretched bridle lines are pre-loaded and measured before cutting to improve accuracy and consistency. This results in reduced shrinkage, reduced elongation and improved longevity.

Refined PTP

The profile transition panels ensure that as the leading edge expands, tension from the elongation doesn't migrate into the canopy and a precise lateral profile shape is maintained as close to the leading edge as possible. This creates a smooth transition from the segmented leading edge to the curved canopy, so the profiles are more uniform throughout the entire wing.

Fast-launching 

The Carve is not swept in the trailing edge like a bow kite, but it has a lot of curvature when viewed from the side, and the wingtips are not particularly wide. This puts a lot of the usable area in the center of the kite, rather than in the wing tip. So even though the Carve is lower aspect, it is still efficient for its size, and more importantly, the relaunch is super-quick. With less leading edge on the water it doesn't lay flat, so for fast relaunch in most cases you don't have to pull the rear line, simply rotate the bar. This really helps if you're riding waves and need to relaunch your kite quickly when a set’s coming.  

High-buoyancy LE

For a rigid, stable kite frame which requires less inflation pressure. The high volume of air in the leading edge ensures the kite stays on top of the white water and is not easily crushed by the waves. With less curve through the main body of the canopy and a larger leading-edge design, you end up with less canopy movement or deformation as you ride the kite at lower attack angles or sheeted out. The kite sits a little further back in the window, so that it will run with you as you steer towards it, rather than stop moving or flying forward and front stalling.  

DuraLite seam protection  

Thin foam padding is inserted underneath to form a lightweight durable buffer which lifts the kite slightly off rough surfaces, and protects the stitching along the struts and leading edge seams.

Personalised performance tuning options

Kevlar reinforced

NEW HyperFlow geometry 

Ergonomic high volume single point inflation system with large diameter hose for rapid inflation and deflation. The bayonet style main inflation valve is compatible with most pumps. No adapter needed. 

Recycled PET kite bag