The Taina is one of their newest kites developed by Starkites. They’ve utilized this new design in order for the Taina to be very easy to fly for beginner riders, including those just starting to develop their kite skills. It also has excellent crossover for those with a lot of experience under their belt. It’s a lightweight kite with 3 struts making up the frame. With the Taina, Starkites has moved away from the flat bow kite model to the newer delta hybrid. Along with the solid design and construction, the new hybrids allow for an extended de-power and quicker turning compared to older kite designs.

Starkites Taina Review

The 2013 Taina is a great kite for just about any condition we could throw at it – chop, waves, flat water…it handled it all. Something we’ve noticed about this kite is that the same factors that make it excel in wave riding are also what make it a great all-around kite. One of the features that makes this kite so nice in the waves is its ability to stay aloft using a nice downward drift. This is especially good for those days with offshore wind that create those great breaks on the waves. We feel that with some great low-end power and fast turning speed, this kite delivers excellent rides without compromising safety.

The adjustable de-power on this kite also allows for wave riders to get their turns while on the wave without stressing about too much speed or riding overpowered. The reaction of the Taina while steering is quick and efficient, making it easy to steer with one hand which comes in handy on the waves. The Taina can pivot sharply when required. This may have to do with the swept leading edge design and the bridles used by the Taina.

This kite is easy to relaunch which can be a huge plus for beginners or for instructors using these kites to school new riders. Beginners just getting started have a lot on their mind and may not notice the advantages right away. We’ve found that not having to constantly trim this kite will allow new riders to keep their attention on flying the kite, planing, and turning. For those that are more advanced, trimming the kite is easy and will allow for some great unhooked ride in or out of the waves.

The Taina boosts very well for a kite with such low end power. We were impressed with the level of control built into the kite. It never felt out of control as some kites do. It’s been described by other riders as a “safe” kite in that the boosting ability was there, but not overbearing.

Even with the smaller sized kites, we felt there was plenty of uptake potential within the kite for more power. This was clear in the boosting as well as giving a surge of power anytime we wanted it. It may have to do with the physics of the delta hybrid design, but whatever the reason, Starkites did a great job with this one.

Some highlights Starkites Taina Test Review

• solid feel, bar pressure can be customized
• excellent for wave riding
• bridle system simple and clean
• new delta hybrid design
• direct controlled steering
• one-pump bladders
• great all-around kite, can be used for schools & beginners

Starkites as a company has done a solid job in keeping the costs down while maintaining a high level of construction using quality materials for their kites. We expect this trend to continue as Starkites keeps developing and improving their line of kites. They have improved as to their attention to detail and overall approach as a relatively new player to the kite manufacturing arena.

The Taina fits with what Starkites has tried to do with creating kites that will work for multiple rider levels. Freeriders, wave surfers, schools, and beginner to advanced riders can get a lot from this kite. The local conditions where you ride will always play a part on how many kites you’ll need, but for the amount of money you’ll spend, it may be tough to get a kite this solid.

Starkites offers the 2013 NEX Bar. It’s comfortable and engineered very well. There may not be too much to say about the bar except that it compliments the kite very nicely. Our only complaint, and admittedly it’s a small one, is that the trimming system above the bar requires a bit of a reach. This could be how we had it adjusted on the specific day, but before diving the kite, trim it just a bit for the initial conditions and the minor adjustments you’ll need to make as you ride should be easy to make.

The Starkites pro riders use the 2013 NEX Bar and whether riding unhooked or not, you’ll have a great safety system, solid comfort with the ergonomics of the bar, and the ability to throw down some great tricks.

Bar highlights:

• good bar flotation (nice floaters)
• comfortable; thin, yet sturdy
• color coded bar & lines
• exceptional de-power
• simple, functional and safe
• user-friendly chicken loop & safety system
• high quality ejection / emergency
• adjustable length bar
• internal swivel is solid

We do recommend the Taina. It’s a kite that you could start with and have ample room to progress. There are pro riders using the Taina, and a growing contingent of riders with a Taina in their quiver. It’s a solid kite in the waves and will definitely hit the mark if you’re looking for something versatile with plenty of room for advancement built in.

Sizes available: 5.5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 m

Starkites Taina Kitesurfing Kite

If you’re after a decent harness for kiteboarding you’re going to need a serious look at the Mystic collection of harnesses that is now available. The Mystic name alone is good reason to take a closer look, but the quality you’ll find when you get there is pretty amazing too. They also have some pretty nifty inovations such as the Mystic 2Face Wave Waist Harness new for 2013 which sits naturally in the right position for wave riding , they still have the winners in the range such as the shadow, warrior and the Aviator Seat harness for the beginners or for those needing a bit more back support 

They sell harnesses both for men and women, and the men’s range contains both seat and waist harnesses as well as some for younger kids. They have a signature series too , with the Youri Zoon , Warrior Len10 and the Artistic Yz Pro examples to check out. You’ll easily be seen wearing these.

In fact most of the harnesses come in several colourways, so you can grab your own perfect harness in terms of design and colour. Who said you couldn’t have everything you always wanted? And with the Mystic name proudly displayed on these harnesses you’ll show the world you’re serious about your kiting.

The seat harnesses are just as well designed as the waist harnesses, although they’re a little more understated in terms of colours. The Force Shield and the Supporter are both presented in shades of grey and give great mid to lower back supprt , whereas the Star Kite Seat is available in red, blue and yellow colours if you want to be a little more visible, these harnesses are poisitioned for the beginners and come in at a great price.

In the women’s range you’ll find the Bruna Kajiya Signature Model, alongside a couple of multi-use harnesses. So if you love windsurfing just as much as kitesurfing, you can buy one of these harnesses and be in the best position for doing both without shelling out any more cash . How good is that? There are fewer harnesses in the women’s range but you’ll still find some seat harnesses as well as waist harnesses, so there is no danger of not getting what you need and want.

Of course the entire range has one thing in common with every harness you see – safety. These are built to last and built to provide the kind of protection and comfort you’d expect from a name as big as Mystic. Take a closer look at some of the harnesses available today and see whether you want to sink your money into one of them. We’re pretty sure you’ll see the benefits of doing just that, as this is one range that delivers on all counts. Stand out, be proud and be confident and get going with some serious kite surfing today.

 Mystic Harnesses Overview

If you haven’t come across a Nixon watch yet you’re in for a treat. These are stand out watches that really catch the eye because of the way they’re made. Just take a look at the Time Teller Analogic model for example – made from polyurethane moulded into shape and incredibly eye catching in green as a result.

This watch is known as a lifestyle watch and it is definitely aimed at the young section of the market. The different styles are also superb for those who want to get out and about and enjoy their sports without fear of damaging or smashing their watch in the process. They certainly look sporty and they’re also eye catching owing to some of the unusual colours they come in. How about a bright purple design for example? Or maybe a red, yellow and green Rasta design would be more your kind of thing?

You might think these Nixon watches would come with a huge price tag. It’s certainly true to say some people would spend a lot of money on something like the Tide Analogic watch, which comes with a black dial and a silver strap. You can expect to part with a few hundred pounds for this watch. But how about taking to the slopes or heading out kite boarding wearing a pure white Time Teller design? This is available for a little over £50, which just goes to show these watches are priced to appeal to all pockets and for all reasons.

Of course you may not want a stainless steel or rubbery strap to contend with when you’re being all sporty. But Nixon has even handled that particular requirement by creating The Corporal design. This comes with a canvas strap so you can adjust it to feel comfortable while you’re doing whatever you’re doing. If you normally put on any old watch while you’re getting out and about on the slopes, you can leave that one behind and replace it with a Nixon watch instead. With simple time telling capabilities yet solid and strong design to rely on, it’s easy to see why this brand makes it onto plenty of websites alongside skiing gear and other similar sporting equipment.

If you haven’t tried out a Nixon watch yet, discover the benefits for yourself. You’ll probably find it becomes an essential part of your kit.

Look Stylish With a Practical Nixon Watch