The BEST kite from beginner to advanced | KITEBOARDING

Today we teamed up with Mike from Otherside Boardsports. Otherside Boardsports is located in sunny Islamorada, Florida. A family company that specializes in water sports. Their storefront serves primarily as a retail source and demo center with a family-oriented atmosphere. They can also take you out on their boat. With access to some of the best flat water spots in the keys. Whether it is kitesurfing, wakeboarding, wingsurfing you name it they can cater lessons for any level.
Mike has been teaching for years, and he believes there is one kite that can do it all for beginner to advanced riders. The Cabrinha Switchblade kite is the ticket! In this video he goes over this special kite and gives a few tips about harnesses and boards.
If you are looking to get into kiteboarding, Islamorada offers some of the most ideal conditions possible! Head over to othersideboard... or give Mike a call 305-853-9728.
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[@luccafrieri]

Sick shoutout! Thanks for the info regarding switching the bar length for heavy handed students.. great tip!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

It truly is a great kite! You must visit Mike and the family the place is all time.....

[@caiorosisca6425]

Gotta admit that I couldn't be happier with the recommendation on this video. Ended up getting myself a 9 and a 12 switchblade after lessons when I started to kite on my own and recently just got a 15m contra for light wind.. Can definitely recommend the quiver.. using them all with a slingshot sentry 1.1 bar

[@thegoooodmorningguy]

Awesome show!!!!!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you so much for the kind words.....

[@sanderpsychologie]

How would you say the switchblade 9m and less is for learning aerial kiteloops? What would be a safe jumping height with it to catch you?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Sander, The SB is a powerful kite so it will be a little harder for learning mega loops. Works but would be better to learn on a smaller size like a 8m or 7m. You have to go very big for it to catch you on the 9m. A larger bar will also help it turn even faster!

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks! Indeed what I was afraid of. I don't really like the 7m size wise to be honest. Too zappy. Would u recommend the rpm 2019+ version? I'm in doubt if it would take me high enough to be able to loop :p same for the fx... harder to boost high to safely loop. But easier to loop...

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@sanderpsychologie Yea man the RPM is not the greatest boosting kite as well, never been really. I would look for a Moto from Cabrinha turns fast but will not go as big as the SB. If you can wait till spring there might be something very special coming! :)

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin thanks! Check, I doubt I want to pay full price for a nitro ;) maybe in 3-4 years a secondhand model :p

[@sanderpsychologie]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin I'll look into the moto as well! Tyvm. Any other kites you suggest from 2017-2021 range?

[@kevinbradley9601]

Agree. The Switchblade is such an amazing kite. I can't articulate every detail the way these guys can but will say it just makes everything easier-- jumping, backrolls, frontrolls, transitioning with loops, downloop transitions, all the old school classic stuff... Its just a great great kite.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you Kevin! Have the best week!

[@kevinbradley9601]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin hey Damien, question-- just grabbed a new 2022 Switchblade 11m. Haven't rode it yet but am a bit apprehensive-- Read an online review from a Kiter who says the 2022 Switchblade DNA got completely changed and it kinda lost some low end. Sounded similar to the 2013 model comments. I found this a bit hard to believe (i know don't put much into random online comments) but have you spent much time on the new Switchblade? I know you guys have reduced the bar pressure over the years (my 2014 and 2019 are vastly different in BP) and did this on the 2022 but hoping the Switchblade dna stayed relatively intact. Thanks

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@kevinbradley9601 Kevin, I am not sure if I agree with the comment my brother you will be fine! I love the 11m my favorite size really! For sure not like the 2013 situation!

[@kevinbradley9601]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin awesome! I didn't think it sounded right. 11m Switchblade is a hidden gem. Thanks for calming my irrational fears ;)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Kevin, The Cab drifter loops very well really, incredible! Hangtag will be a lot less than the SB but it can jump and loop! Have a great holiday brother...

[@philippstaudinger1804]

Damo, you were my Inspiration in finding the right kite which fits to me. I am a beginner and just orgered a 12 and a 9 qm Switchblade, the 2021 version. Do you think the Overdrive Bar Trimlite is the right in Size M (44-52 cm width) for my two kites? I watched almost all of your Kitesurfing Videos and you are just an amazing expert in what you do!!! Best regards from Germany to Jupiter Florida ;)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Philipp thank you for the kind words! Yep that bar will work great for the two kites and exactly what I use and love it.

[@philippstaudinger1804]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thanks a lot Damo for your answer, I appreciate it!!! Hope to see especially more kitesurfing videos from you in the future ;)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@philippstaudinger1804 Thank you!

[@giorgio4660]

Anyway I just have bought a Moto 😂🤙

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Your going to love it!

[@Rudsonlinomachado]

What the name of the bar?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

The Quickloop Overdrive 1X Trimlite bar.

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

I got rid of my switchblades. I don't think they are good beginner kites. I hated them.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Jack might want to try their new MOTO X. Have a great week.

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Thanks. I try every one I get a chance to since I don't have a lot of experience and it is obvious that our impressions and what we like is very personal. There aren't a lot of demo days for kites it seems though. When I bought my last mountain bike, I went to every demo in my area for a couple of months and glad I did as the impression I got was completely different from reviews. Funny thing is I liked a really old Cabrinha kite, a 2009 crossbow or something like that. I also really liked a 14m contra I tried last summer, I was shocked how well it turned. I thought 14m wouldn't turn.

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

@@DamienLeroyKZbin Although my last phon was a MOTO and it was a pile of junk, so the name is somewhat tainted for me (joking)

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@davidsuzukiispolpot Jack, I was not a big fan of the previous Moto's as well but the new MOTO X is a complete redesign and people really love it. The Contra is a great kite and has lighter bar pressure which might be why you love how fast it turns! :) Best thing as always is if you can like you said, demo them, as everyone has a different feel on what they like. Have a great week Jack!

[@hobie996]

Never really got the why?

[@Theothersidebs]

The Why what? Why Switchblade? EASY!! It does it all, and feels great doing it! The range and versatility would be my top two, but I can go on forever if you want more!

[@hobie996]

@@Theothersidebs What is it about the kite that gives it the range, versatility anad all those other things? If you don't know why that's OK.

[@theweatherseed]

​@@hobie996 Otherside is right. It's an incredibly stable, predictable and intuitive kite. A little heavier than others but that disadvantage in light air gives it great rigidity in strong wind and strength when crashed. The low end of this kite is fantastic and my 12m kite lets me boost when others are mowing the lawn on a 15m. It offers clear bar feedback and has linear pull. I started flying them in 2013 and still fly them today. For a freeride and boosting kite, it's amazing. When I want to ride strapless or foil, I choose something else with more drifty character. As for the why... LE shape, 5 strut design, bridle geometry, and wingtip profile.

[@hobie996]

@@theweatherseed Cheers brother!!!! Exactly the info I'm looking for........ as a noob.

[@vikingh3008]

My first quiver was cabrinha switchblade 7, 9, 12m was fantastic I would say most predictable kite on the market and relaunch is like auto relaunch, fantastic for going upwind, I’m not on cabrinha anymore but would happily go back to the switchblade to be honest

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Thank you for your insight friend.

[@zenASDF]

Is this still relevant for 2024?

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

100% still a great kite! They have added the Nitro & Moto but all around the SB is still a very great kite.

[@tka2000]

I use my switch blade 2013 since then. Indeed only now xr8 feels bit better

[@iron9870]

Im newbe. What is the exact model switchblade

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

I believe its the 2022 Switchblade by Cabrinha kites.

[@gBayCanada]

Thanks for sharing the stoke. Really appreciate it and need it!

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Mike have the best day ever brother! Thank you for making our day!

[@Pete_R63]

What are some thoughts on seat harnesses? I used to use one windsurfing in the '80s and loved it. In my first and only kite lessons so far with Kiteboard Key West, the owner used one of his own design and I loved it. I'm new but have heard of people making fun of folks who use a seat harness. I think it makes a lot of sense since it stays at your center of gravity. I've heard a waist harness jokingly referred to as a chest harness because that is were it ends up. Also, I've heard that you could be more prone to rib injuries with a waist harness. Love to hear others' thoughts on the matter.

[@huzcer]

Looks like you're wearing a nappy but they work for some people. People with back problems may need them. Weird for jumping apparently.

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

Pete, Honestly a harness is personal preference... I tell everyone to try some different ones, any brand, whatever feels like it fits you the best is the best for you! Should just be about fit and comfort. Does not matter waist or seat. As long as you like it perfection! my 10 cents....

[@Pete_R63]

@@huzcer I'd agree with the nappy part if they sold them in all white but, never seen one like that. ; ) To me it looks like a seat harness. Maybe the waist harness looks like a girdle to hold (or hide) your belly in to impress the chicks, I don't know. It just makes so much sense to be connected to your center of gravity. I remember how nice it was windsurfing to comfortably sit back in the harness like a comfy chair and relax. In so many activities a lot of your control and balance comes from your core. Kiter Dmitri Maramenides hurt his ribs and had to go to a seat harness to ride because there was no way he could use a waist harness without pain. I have back issues from a skydiving accident and a host of other things like lifting, snowboarding, and martial arts. Ah, late night ramblings.

[@huzcer]

@@Pete_R63 yes if it's required for back reasons there is no issue. Better to be kiting than not. And yes same with ribs or ab muscles if there's an injury there. As said for jumping tho which is a big part of kiting it's not ideal as having the seat as the fulcrum in that situation is not optimal.

[@natalialiseramirez1138]

Hi! Great video, do you have switchblade size kite recommendations for 5’2 115 lbs? TIA

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

All depends on your location and average wind but a 10m or 11m for light winds would be great for you! Where are you located or what are your winds on average?

[@vikingh3008]

Depending where you live and what your wind conditions are, 7 9 and 12 should cover most places and conditions

[@DamienLeroyYouTube]

@@vikingh3008 perfection!

[@scottklandl488]

Boring kite