Authors: Paul

Original Article: 2012 BUYER’S GUIDE: FireWire Kitesurf

For the best reading experience, click View in fullscreen below.

FireWire 2012

For 2012, FireWire has updated the construction of their kitesurf-specific line of surfboards and has introduced the Deviant Fin, a canting center fin to replace the trailing fin on any tri-fin surfboard. FireWire’s Brian Friedmann answered our questions about what’s new from FireWire and how riders should go about choosing the correct FireWire for their needs. 

Do the shapes of the FireWire Kitesurf boards differ from the equivalent boards in the surf line?

All of the FireWire Felix Pivec Pro Kitesurf models are identical shapes compared to their FireWire surf-specific counterparts. FireWire has spent years developing technology and shapes that are proven to work for some of the best surfers in the world including two top ten contenders. Additionally, the same 3x4mm Parabolic Balsa Wood Rails and Future Shapes Technology (FST) methodology is used to preserve similar flex characteristics found in our surfboard line, a key component to ensure the same surf feel is maintained in our kitesurf line.  FireWire is committed to making certain that our kitesurf boards are identical in shape and performance as our surf models. We strive to provide a variety of boards that will let you surf with a kite. When’s the last time you paddled into a wave with your kitesurf board? FireWire kitesurf boards are the real deal and intended to kite or surf.

Photo Chuck Harlan

How is the construction different from the FireWire surfboards?

Our kitesurf boards are reinforced compared to the surfboards with an emphasis on the deck areas due to the additional load that kiting puts on a board. A double 4 oz. layer of cloth combined with a reinforced laminate on the top deck and a high-density skin provides the additional strength required for our kiteboards. In addition, there is a layer of bamboo under the hi-density deck skin to provide more strength and to control the flex due to the higher loads inherent in kitesurfing. We have done extensive testing to ensure you are getting a long lasting board that provides an excellent balance between weight and strength.

Has the construction changed from the first round of kite-specific boards?

The Kiteboarder Magazine