Ruakaka Kite Sports

Awesome Autumn Winds

2010-03-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, summer is drawing to a close and Autumn is nearing. This is not a bad thing here in Ruakaka if you are a kiter. In fact it is awesome, because we are expecting more wind and stronger wind than what we see through the summer.

This is also the start of the great down-wind season. The half-moon shaped Bream Bay is 22km long and has a lovely sandy beach with many 'breaks' to explore along the way. We are also expecting more swell thanks to those cyclones passing off-shore. So if you are a wave kitesurfing enthusiast come join us for a session and you can try the new Decay Kiteboards' Scimitar, Cutlass or any of the other boards in their range for that matter.

If waves are not your thing then do not fret, as we have two lovely flat water estuaries and a large harbour with waist deep water to chose an uncrowded riding location from.

While you are up here in beautiful Ruakaka you may like to try a new kite too. We have demo kites from Ozone, Naish, Flexifoil, Ocean Rodeo and Gaastra for you to try. If you are not confident enough to be out there kiting on your own, then you could always book a kitesurf lesson with one of our experienced kitesurf instructors. If you would like to add some spice to your riding, then why not book in for an advanced kitesurf lesson?

So many choices in our bit of kiteboarding paradise, where every wind direction is covered within 5 minutes drive of the Ruakaka Kite Sports shop. No-wonder New Zealands only kiteboard factory is based here - where else would you have a development centre with such a variety of options on your doorstep?

Hope to see you for a sessions soon...

Womens Kiting Workshops

2010-02-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Su Kay has been instructing Womens kitesurfing camps, workshops and clinics in different places around NZ over the summer. Alicia Harmon has decided it's time to run a couple in Su's home spot Ruakaka (see pic) over the last 2 weekends in February. If you are interested email Alicia for further info, or alternately give us a call at the shop.

If you would like affordable one-on-one lessons from beginners to advanced on our gear or your own, just book in to our school by emailing, calling or popping into the shop and we can get you out there when the weather is good and you are available.

Good Winds!

Try before you buy... kite boards

2009-10-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

The new 2010 Decay Falcatas are this years all round weapon, but excells in upwind drive and popping you off the water - we have several sizes available to demo - so come in and grab a ride for the day, or give us a call and we'll try get you a demo of one wherever you may be.

If this board doesn't suit your style of riding you can give the Dagger or Katana a go or we can refer you to the Decay Custom department to make a ride to suit you.

*Decay Kiteboards are designed and manufactured right here in New Zealand, with consideration for the environment. The kiteboards are made from locally sourced materials wherever possible and contain no thermoplastics.

Weekend fun event - Moose Meet

2009-10-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's time again for the annual Muriwai Moose Meet - the longest standing traction kiting event in New Zealand! The details as posted on the Kiteworks website are below:-

The 2009 15th Annual Muriwai Moose Meet
2 days of hardcore kite buggy ,power kite and kite surfing action
Come prepared for wild west coast weather
When:
Saturday & Sunday the 17th and 18th of October
Tides:
Sat 18th low tide 3:37 pm 4WD`s drive on at 12:30pm \ drive off at 4:30pm
Sun 19th low tide 4:20 pm 4WD`s drive on at 1:15pm \ drive off at 5:30pm
(times have been adjusted for daylight savings)
Sunrise and Sunset is: 6:33am and 7:39pm
The moon will be full dark on the 18th
Where:
Muriwai Beach on the west coast ,west of Auckland
Accommodation:
The camp site at Muriwai Beach
Call them on 09 411 9262 for details
Contact:
Perrin on 09 3580991 or 021 253 0453

The beach and dunes are awesome for the buggy addicts and the 'lagoon' at the south side of the Kaipara harbour entrance offers world class kitesurfing for the more experienced!

Windy Westerlies - great for learning!

2009-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Spring's westerly winds have arrived - which has been great riding for those who can get away in the middle of the day. We hope this pattern continues through next week, so that the after work kiters can make use of the extra daylight hours at the end of the day.

Warmer weather, good winds and longer days also means that we will be able to get all you keen beginners out on the water and up and riding quicker - rather than having to wait for the ideal conditions!

For those who are already on the water and looking to upgrade gear - we have demo equipment for you to try, so come out for a session!

We look forward to seeing you all on the water!

Evening sessions are back

2009-09-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Daylight saving starts this weekend, which on the negative side means we have to get up earlier to head to work, but on the positive side we get to go kiting after work!

So to celebrate this step towards Summer and more riding time we are having bring and BBQ at our place on Saturday evening after an afternoon session at K-road. Come along and meet some other kiters and start planning for an awesome riding season!

World Campion in Ruakaka

2009-09-09T02:42:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true, 5 times and reigning world kiteboarding champ, Aaron Hadlow, will be in Ruakaka on Thursday 17 September. For more info call the shop, drop us an email or keep an eye on www.kiteforum.co.nz

Winter Kitesurfing trip - Samoa!

2009-07-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

How does 10 Days relaxing in warm weather with 15 to 20 knots of wind sound? Well the weatherman says that's what we are going to get from Friday on Lano Beach on Savaii island of Samoa!

14 customers of all levels, from absolute beginner to advanced handle passing students, will be enjoying these conditions and the attention of instructors at their will during our winter break away trip from 31 July to 10 August.

This however means that we will not be able to look after the hardcore kiters in the Ruakaka area enjoying the early Spring westerlies that are blowing at the moment. We will however be back with extra enthusiasm and great photos mid August!

Grab a bargain!

2009-05-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

We have a whole list of 2nd hand and ex-demo kite gear for sale. If you would like a complete package, or just a board, kite or harness, drop us an email or give us a call to grab a bargain! This is an ideal oppertunity for a couple or family to get into it or upgrade at an affordable price.

Available gear includes:

7m, 11m, 13m Ozone Sport II

8m Gaastra Jeckyl

Dakine Storm, Wahine and Nitrous Shorts harnesses

Decay Dagger132, Katana135 & 130

Traveling kite pro in Northland

2009-05-03T21:05:00.001-07:00

Lucky DK got a big hug as we said an early morning goodbye to Gabi Steindl who was dashing off to chase some more waves and wind in New Zealand. Pro kiter Gabi and photographer Ian Trafford have been traveling around NZ looking for good kiting spots to photograph and are in Northland for the rest of this week, so keep your eyes peeled and you may see this powerfull kitesurfing blonde bombshell slashing a wave at Shipwreck Bay. For more info go to www.kitegabi.com and www.iantrafford.com

Keep the stoke

2009-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Winters coming, but so is the wind! After a windless summer it is not difficult to get motivated to get out there with all these Easterlies blowing. The temperatures may have dropped, but the conditions are good.

Looking deeper into the winter there may be thoughts of traveling to tropical islands for a kiting get away... give us a call if you'd like to join us on a trip to Samoa. All we are going to do on the trip is kite and recover and kite some more in a lagoon with few coral heads and exposed to smooth wind.

If you are keen to get submersed into the Snowkiting scene this winter you might want to check out some of the snowkiting DVD's we have in stock (How to Snowkite, Something Stronger). Otherwise there is always the Stance DVD Mags that have a bit of everything in them and issue 16 is due out soon (see pics for covers). We also have older issues available if you are missing some in your library.

Remember that the best way to keep stoked is to get out there and keep progressings. If you find you are stuck and don't know what to try next, come ride with us, give us a call or book in for an advanced lesson to boost your skills.

Happy kiting all!

Raglan Freeride

2009-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

The weather forecast for the East Coast was not looking great and Raglan was looking like it had some promise, so we grabbed the local kiters who were allowed out and went and played on the west coast.

Every year Gavin Broadbent organises the Raglan Freeride in memory of Doug Wisor, the only person in New Zealand who's lost his life doing this sport we all love. Not only is the weekend there for all the kitesurfers to catch up and hang out together, but it is a weekend to remember and remind ourselves that we should not become complacent when doing this sport. We should respect the power of the kites and the changeability of mother nature. So when in doubt - don't go out!

As promised there was the breeze apposing tide which saw some keen kiters get a session on the Saturday, but with more wind forecast for the Sunday most of the crew enjoyed some of the other activities Raglan and surroundings had to offer. Sunday was a superb day with almost 50 kites out at one point, making for a spectacular show. The day ended too soon with spot prizes being handed out to nearly everyone who made the trip.

Back here in Ruakaka this week it was good to see some of the locals pushing it with Lara jumping for the first time - you go girl! If that wind was around more often I'm sure the progression would be alot easier.

Here's hoping for a windy weekend...

NZ Kiteboarding Nationals '09

2009-02-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to DK for coming first in the Masters Division (30 to 40yr). He outperformed the other 15 contenders with his great equipment choice and light wind kiting ability!

Other news for February is that we have the first of the 2009 Ozones in stock, so give us a call or pop in for your fix or if you have any questions. There are great deals being run on the last of the '08 kites and the demo and school kites are also up for sale. Let us know your wishes and budget and we'll see what we can come up with for you.

Happy Kiting!

Trade-in Madness

2009-01-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

Do you long to own a new Decay Custom Kiteboard with your own choice of graphics , colour, shape or size? Do you think upgrading is going to cost you an arm and a leg?

If you own a Decay Kiteboard, be it an original Ultralight, a double capped construction board or one of the first SRT boards you are guaranteed a $450 trade-in on any new Decay Kiteboard you purchase from us before the end of February 2009. That means you could own a brand new Decay Kiteboard from as little as NZ$575. You think there must be a catch? Well the only condition is that the board does not require any major repairs and is rideable ie. have footpads, straps and fins.

And what the heck - if you do not have a Decay Kiteboard to trade in we'll do a NZ$350 trade-in on most other boards too. Give us a call and tell us what you have and what you want and I'm sure we'll be able to sort you out. But for now go check out http://www.decaykiteboards.co.nz/ for a bit of inspiration.

Windless Entertainment...

2009-01-14T20:38:00.001-08:00

Northland has had the most perfect Summer... for fisherman and sunbathers! So I thought I'd just remind all of you who may have had too many days between your sessions that we have what you need to keep your motivation up - no matter what your level's at. So pop down to the shop or give us a call to pick up one of the following DVD's or DVD magazines.

For those of you who have recently learnt and not had time to practice - there's the Progression Beginner DVD, which goes over all the basics you need to know through to basic jumping. If you have all the basics sorted and you wanted to step it up this summer, don't despair, there's the Progression Intermediate, which motivates you to try your first rotations. If you have your rotations sorted and you are looking for that cool move to do, then Progression Advanced will have you unhooking and pulling the cool wake style moves. If you are thinking of heading to the NZ Kiteboarding Nationals and competing with the top kiters in the country, then a look at Aaron Hadlow's Progression Professional is a must!

If you are not into the freestyle and you are more keen on finding out where to travel to or who's up to what around the world, we still have a couple of the latest Stance DVD/Magazines in stock and also one each of Issues 11 and 12, if you need to fill the gap in your catalogue. Stance issue #13 is a great one for the girls, with top international women featured throughout. Issue #14 has the Tauranga rippers at the Young blood event on it showing off their stuff.

If you are thinking of getting into snow kiting, then check out the 'How to Snowkite' DVD - it gives you a heads up on the differences between water and snowkiting and makes you aware of the things to look out for when in the mountains. If you're confident with snow kiting, then a little motivation from the best riders in 'Something Stronger' will get you amped for winter.

Here's hoping for more wind sooooon, but until then think about what you gonna get right on the next windy day!

Happy Kiting

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T11:54:00.001-08:00

We have had a very busy and windy week running into Christmas. It has been lovely having some traveling kiteboarders around and being able to take some photo's on the sunny windy days. Here are some pics of Kevin, Megan and Joe out at One Tree Point with Mt Manaia in the background and the NW cloud cap on the heads.

The swell has come up and it was 25 to 35 knots from the East yesterday, so DK and I played hookie and got a downwind session in the waves from Tip Rd to the Power station. DK got to try the 8m Gaastra Jeckyll in windy conditions and thinks he found the top end for his 78kg's in some of the gusts. The bottom end of the kite is superb and the quick release/ safety system has been improved from last year. Still got good bar feel, stable flying charactaristics and that good turning from having no pulleys anywhere. If you want to try it - you are more than welcome to give us a call or pop in. There are always Decay Kiteboards available to demo too!

We'll be available throughout this festive season and would love to show you around our spots. Merry Christmas all!

Wind's back!

2008-12-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

For a couple of weeks there we were going slightly mad with ten knot teasers or wind that only came through for half an hour and then died down. This week however we are loving the wind that's had us kiting a different spot every day.

The lack of wind over the last week has meant that the Decay Kiteboards Factory has had all staff on board to get some stock in the shop and catch up with custom orders. Which means that you can order your custom today and have it before X-mas or you could walk into the showroom and choose form one of the boards on display.

Here are some pics of recent customs and stock boards:

O-oh!

2008-10-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Summer is nearly here and we are looking forward to seeing all you guys and girls come through our new shop and down to our local beaches again! The shop's stocked with all the gear, mags and DVD's to keep you occupied when the wind doesn't show and the latest woodies and printed graphics from the Decay Kiteboards Factory.

Several Clinics are being planned for the summer to help those already kiting onto the next level. Drop us a line if there's a specific topic you'd like to see covered. Clinic topics will include, safety, weather, tides , first jumps, rotations, kiteloops, unhooked, preparing for competition and heaps more.

The number of young girls on the water has increased already with 9yr old Brianna body dragging and 18yr old Sarah showing talent with short upwind runs. Several surfers have added kiting as a new sport for the no swell and blown out days and loving it. Great to see that the local kiting crew's still growing!

See you soon

The RKS Crew

Confidence

2008-05-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a series of good kiting sessions can do for you - well what they've done for me!

When you focus all your energy on trying something new the chances of succeeding are HIGH. When you succeed you feel like you are on a HIGH. As soon as you come down you feel you need to try something more and because you succeeded recently you are confident - which makes it a good time to try something new again.

Last week it was a new kiting trick I learnt and added to over three sessions. Today with there being no wind it was a new experience... Hitting a slider - THE SKUNK - while being pulled by a GRINCH (winch). This slider's been ridden by some of the best riders in the country and the world - Andre Phillip being one of them on his tour of NZ. Mike Holland, winter local and Decay team rider built this beauty and convinced me I could ride it no problem. So under his watchfull eye and constant encouragement I hit THE SKUNK and 50/50'd it from start to finnish on my 3rd or 4th go... this being repeated only 4 times the whole afternoon. Approaching the slider is VERY intimidating, especially when travelling at the right speed. If you go too slow you only fall off!

This brings me back to the confidence thing. If you do not believe you will do it you won't and converselly if you BELIEVE you can you WILL! So go out there and give that new trick a go - with CONFIDENCE. It is getting over that first mental hurdle that is needed for you to learn and grow in whatever you choose!

Happy Kiting

Autumn Motivation

2008-05-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

After nearly four weeks of marginal kiting conditions we just had an amazing week! For a change the "new toys" jinx did not happen and DK got to take his new '08 12m Ozone Light out 5 times in varied conditions, but mostly lovely flat water at Ruakaka River Mouth and One Tree Point Sand Bar. I've also had some awesome sessions and didn't even have a cause to complain when the only kite DK chucked in for me would not have been my first choice, but proved to be fantastic at the bottom end of it's range... the '08 7m Ozone Edge is a FANTASTIC kite and has had me higher than any other kite EVER! Winter riding is great as it's uncrowded and with the space available you can attempt new tricks with confidence.

Something else that inspires me with confidence to try new tricks is having a good platform to land on. My standard board size is 130 x 38 to 42 cm wide, but trying a longer board, a Decay Dagger 136 with my small kite gave me the boost I needed to try my latest string of tricks. This custom board was built softer than usual which meant it was perfect for my weight and I could hold an edge even when the wind picked up, but the length gave me something to lean against on landings instead of falling over. (Sorry no action shots, but here's a pic of the board any way.)

On these long winter nights we have found some enjoyment again in all the kiting DVD's around and we're throughly looking forward to some west coast WAVE sessions after watching the kite movie LINES. There's heaps of wave riding from around the world and location shots that will make your mouth water, but also for the freestyle and slider junkies there's some of that with a good compliment of female riders too. So if you want something to get you motivated come grab a LINES DVD off us here in Ruakaka, or we can post it to you wherever you are.

Our new shop is all painted and waiting for carpet and before the move we are hoping to sell off some old stock, ex-demo gear and trade-ins. So if you are looking at upgrading your old kites or boards we might have a bargain for you here! Just give us a call, email or pop in and let us know what you are looking for and what your budget's like and we'll see what we can do for you.

There's nothing like new gear to give you the motivation to get out in the colder weather and have some damn good fun!

Happy Kiting!!!

End of Summer Specials!

2008-02-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

It makes me sad to say this - but Summer's in it's last month. However up here in the winterless north the kiting does not end! Statistically March has more days when it blows from the east than any other month of the year. This is hard to believe, as it's been blowing from the east all summer long.

The last week now however we have been enjoying the harbour riding - with Northerlies, NW and SW coming through at friendly speeds. We have also had very HOT days in between with no wind, which gave DK and I a chance to break away to Raglan for the Raglan Freeride. There we got to try some of the first '08 Ozone kites in the country and I was kiting in a bikini because of light winds and warm weather. If you'd like to find out more about the new range or would like to try one - just drop us an email or give us a call.

With the new '08 Ozone's on our doorstep we have '07's going out at great prices. The 07's on special are new and top of the range in design - so if you want a great quality kite at a great price go check out our Kitesurf Specials!

We also have 2 great 12m Packages with Naish kites and Decay Kiteboards on special - be quick if you'd like one as only one Code and one Cult available on this deal.

Here at RKS we have visitors from all around the world. This summer we have had Dutch, French, Portuguese, Canadian, American, Brazilian, English, Belgian, Australian, South African and German. The latest of these was Flysurfer's team rider - Sebastian Budmann. He is very enthusiastic and passionate about his sponsor's product. If you see him on his travels around NZ, welcome him to your location and let him reveal some of the Flysurfer secrets.

Hope you are all training hard for the upcoming Kiteboarding Nationals. For updates remember to go to www.kiteboarding.org.nz

Happy Kiting

Su

2008 New Zealand Kiteboarding Nationals

2008-01-27T18:18:00.001-08:00

Notice to all New Zealand Kiteboarders

The 2008 New Zealand Kiteboarding Nationals is to be run in Ruakaka, Northland from the 20th to 24th of March 2008 (Easter long weekend). Ruakaka is 1.5hrs N of Auckland and 35minutes SE of Whangarei.

Proposed program as follows:
Thursday 20th - evening registration
Friday 21st to Monday 24th competition days
Monday 24th - evening prize giving

Major details should all be similar to previous Nationals - with freestyle being the main event, time and wind dependant we may run a best trick, hang time and/or downwind race. There will be a party night in there too - details once confirmed.

This is a low tide weekend; straight after the full moon so should produce good wind for the event.

We plan to run the event based around One Tree Point West, Marsden Bay and Mair Road - these three beaches combined allow good riding in any wind direction. There will be a website with all details.

Current contact for all enquiries is myself - Dave Kay, Event Manager, ph 021 654 149, email dave@decaykiteboards.co.nz

Su Kay has taken on the role of comp director, Justin Cookson is safety officer. We will need volunteers to assist for the weekend - so if you are a kiter and not keen on competing - come join in anyway.

Cheers

Dave Kay
www.decaykiteboards.co.nz
www.ruakakakitesports.co.nz

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

2007-12-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

Thank heaven the wind died down for a day yesterday. It gave us a chance to close up shop and go do our Christmas shopping.

Looking at town yesterday I'd hate to be the person who's left shopping for the weekend or Monday! If you wanted to avoid some of the city rush - we have some great gift options out here in Ruakaka too; There are kids kites, small trainer kites, helmets, DVD magazines, T-shirts, rash tops, Caps, heel bungies and we even do gift vouchers that'll assist your family and friends to get into kiting!

Also just arrived is the new Wind and Kite Magazine - packed with New Zealand windsurfing and kiting action, so pop past the shop and get your copy.

Here comes the SE - I'm heading to the beach

Happy Kiting

Su

New Stock and Easterlies!

2007-12-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

At last we have some of the new '08 Decay Kiteboards in stock in the shop. With the shop and the factory being so close together we are always the last on the list when it comes to getting stock. However there are always demo boards around up here for you to try.

It is going to be blowing from the East for as far out as what the weather man is predicting, so it should be a great weekend for kiting once the worst of this rain passes!

Also coming in this week from Decay are the new T-shirts. We are getting them in every size from small to XXL. Pop in and try one on or order one as a Xmas present for the bloke or girl who has it all.

Talking about Xmas - I think everyone in the southern hemisphere should sing " let it blow, let it blow, let it blow!"

See you in Ruakaka real soon.

Su

November flies by

2007-11-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

We are hitting December already! How the year is flying by....

The last couple of weekends we have been booked solid for lessons and had many people through during the week too. The number of ladies getting into the sport is on the up - which is fantastic. This weekend however the wind is looking a bit fickle - which gives me a chance to update this spot.

The Southerlies and Easterlies have been coming through for the last month, but there seems to be a trend to the west for the next week and then back to the east. So maybe the weather forecasters are right to say that it is going to be a summer of Easterlies.

Our favourite Easterly spot - Ruakaka River Mouth - is continuously changing shape with the sandspit starting to extend again and the flat water pool/ speed track silting up. The current is quite strong on the out going tide and means we are getting good sessions even when it is only 10 knots. The Dotterels and Fairy Terns are back for their summer breeding as well, so we have to make sure we stay below the high tide mark when using this river mouth and the one in Waipu - Johnsons Pt Rd. We'll keep you informed as we hear about the chicks leaving the nest etc. so that we can be considerate to these endangered species.

The other spot that's been fantastic has been Mair Rd. with the low low tides we have been getting. The sand bar's been providing flatwater on the inside and also a safe run for all the beginners to play on. After Laura had a go kiting she took some photo's of Chris and I talking kiting, DK enjoying a session on the new production boards and Craig Cogan going higher than ever before on my 11m Ozone Instinct Edge.

We have a full quiver of Decay Kiteboards to demo here at the moment and off course some Ocean Rodeo Rise's and Ozone Instincts.

Catch up soon

Su

Spring Kiting Pics

2007-10-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from that first seabreeze session of the season at One Tree Point Sand Bar - nothing beets nice flat water!

Mike was getting into his unhooked freestyle and I was just enjoying the location and oiling the joints for the Summer. DK was on camera, but did get a brief session at the end on my kite and board!

Happy Kiting

SPRING kiting

2007-09-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

This is the start of the 07/08 season blog, that'll keep you up to date on what's happening with kiting in Ruakaka, Northland and NZ in general.

Today was the first of the true summer seabreezes. Mike H, Andrej and I got out for an awesome session on 12's at the One Tree Point Sandbar on an incoming tide. Flat water and smooth winds meant we could start oiling our joints in preperation for this summer! DK was out on the camera and I'll be posting photo's in the morning - body's aching and eyes are closing right now - but big SMILES all around.

Good night

Su :)