Bracklesham Boardriders

North Freestyle Fish 2010

James — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:41:33 +0000

North Freestyle Fish 2010 - What a perfect board for the mushy UK conditions!

The 2010 North Freestyle Fish board is most forgiving in lighter winds and smaller swell, with its large width and short length making it very manoeuvrable on smaller waves. The Fish has such a nice rocker and suites all stances from the first time rider on a surfboard through to the experienced.

Jibing the 2010 freestyle fish is very simple with its nice symmetrical outline and width, especially with the skyhook pads giving you an extra bit of security during jibing and slashing the waves up when strapless.

The volume of the 2010 Freestyle Fish makes it a light wind machine and makes early planning a piece of cake – even for the heavier rider.

The 2010 North Freestyle Fish is in its 3rd generation for 2010 and North have gone for one board size being 5′2″ X 19 ¼” and changed slightly in size to give it better control in the waves, but also adding grab rails for those looking at busting out strapless tricks – this Freestyle Fish also looks the part!

An overall summary of the North 2010 Freestyle Fish is that is perfect for the entry level waverider looking at perfecting those jibes/strapless/strapped riding skills and very forgiving in those small waves and light wind conditions, dealing really well with the UK wave conditions.

More info on the 2010 North Freestyle Fish

ION Fusion Drysuit

James — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:39:37 +0000

Having had the chance to test the new ION Fusion Drysuit way back in early 2009 (here), it was pleasing to see that ION had encorporated all of the “extras” that had been recommended to them- a company truely responding to feedback.

The ION Fusion drysuit is different to other suits, by not only being a dedicated kitesurf suit, but also using neoprene rather than standard cloth to produce the suit. The use of neoprene gives many benefits over traditional drysuits, the main being that you do not have to wear many layers of clothes under the drysuit to stay warm, the neoprene provides this insulation for you. The other benefit that is key to kiters, is that when in the water, the suit does not wrinkle up and cling like you are swimming in a plastic bag which is a trait of all standard drysuits.

Simon, our rider from ‘up north’ gives his version of riding with the North Fusion drysuit below:

I have got mine last week and tried it for the first time on Sunday - Im not going to give a full blown review now but I will do next week once Ive had another session in it - But from what I think so far - Its great - People who know me know Ive never taken to drysuits looking like a bin bag - however past winters Ive been feeling the cold more and more especially now Im crashing a bit more than what I was doing - Instead of going back and forth - I know go back and forth and occassionally try something new … depending if I could face the thought of North Sea water going down my back !!

So this winter I thought sack Im going to go for a drysuit and since the new Ion one came out - I thought why not - as its not the usually bin bag look or feel.

So tried it out on Sunday and must admit putting it on was a bit dubious about it because once Ive hit that water there is no sending it back ! But put it on with a normal rash vest underneith as i didnt know what to be expecting but I had read up in the past to wear thermals under drysuit so I opted for the normall rashie. Also like to point out the internal material to the drysuit is the same ‘thermal heat wave’ thats in the standard Ion wetsuits so its cosy in there.

So on the water. Its blowing 30+ knots - pretty cold on the feet and hands but body warm so far once I put my body in the water I didnt feel a thing and it felt like nothing had happened apart from the coldness of the water hitting the face. Brrrr - However nothing down the neck - Nothing up the arms - up the legs - Spot on!

So spent about 3 hours on the water crashing alot - Body dragging in it seems an ease. again No problems. Movement isn’t as restrictive as I was anticipating coz I remember reading that drysuits can be quite restrictive but in this I didn’t notice anything bad about it - the only way I could describe it is like a baggy wetsuit really with latex seals …

So after a few hours on the water decided to have a break and have a chat with some locals ect and standing there for around 30-40mins and didn’t notice the wind chill - where as my friends who had been on the water with me were feeling it abit. and either had a choice of packing up or going on the water again.

So another 2 hours later - still warm and cosy - not wet - no flushing - One happy chappy - so I look forward to winter winds

The Fusion Drysuit is available now: North 2010 Fusion Drysuit

Picture of Simon in his suit:

North Fuse 2010 Kite

James — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:16:28 +0000

We were sent the new North Fuse 2010 kitesurf Kite a couple of weeks back to have a play with, however, we were only sent a 12m, and its been pretty windy here the past few weeks, so only a couple of chances to actually get out and use it. Our intial thoughts are below:

What is the Fuse? Well, to sum up very quickly, it’s North’s 2010 dedicated 4-Line kitesurf kite (although can still be used with a 5 line bar too), aimed at the freeride market, basically a 4 line version of the Rebel 2010.
So how’s it ride? Just like a 2010 Rebel! Its a very predictable kite that likes apparent wind, easy to jump and with direct bar feel without having heavy bar pressure. Relaunch is the standard ‘pull one back line’ and is surprisingly quick to get around to the edge of the window, where it will sit waiting for you. Steering response is maintained throughout the whole bar depower range thanks to the back line tensioners. Floaty jumps and a good wind range will appeal to many exisiting 4line users.

The 2010 North Fuse kite continues with North’s further enhancements in quality that have already been seen across the North 2010 Vegas and North 2010 Rebel kites, with computer aided stitching, revised lazy pump systems, segmented leading edge, revised pigtail attachement points etc. Slightly flatter in profile than the North 2010 Rebel, the Fuse also uses North’s new pulleys with no moving parts to avoid excessive wear/jamming pulleys on its bridle system.

To sum up, the 2010 North Fuse appears to be aimed at the market of freeride kiters that want to stick with a 4line system, yet have all the well known riding attributes of the 2010 Rebel.

Note:- The North Fuse 2010 Kitesurf kite is due out in early 2010. No photo’s yet, as we are not allowed by North to post them, however will add as soon as possible.

North Says:

The 2010 North Fuse Kitesurf kite has a unique and simple Attack Control Bridle which gives the 2010 Fuse smooth, reactive steering especially when de-powered, making it a huge step forward in terms of manoeuvrability and directness on 4 lines.

Additionally the new AC bridle offers the ability to safely and completely de-power the North Fuse on its back, similar to the 5th Element system.

Lots of low end power and extreme resistance to back stalling gives the North 2010 Fuse great light wind capabilities while the AC bridle ensures direct de-power and a crisp bar feel in strong winds with pronounced push and pull power development.

The north Fuse is constructed from the newest Techno Force canopy material d2 that is more resistant to tearing than conventional materials.

Sizes: 5,7,9,10,12 and 14m

Surfboard Gybing Tips

James — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:13:26 +0000

James fastened his Go-Pro waterproof camera to the front of his surfboard and shows you how to gybe your surf board with little hints and tips to help you nail the gybes consistently.

Click for the Gybing Video

These aren’t just muffins…

James — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:33:31 +0000

… these are BBR muffins, beautifully homemade light sponge covered in sweet icing decorated in BBR and north logo’s…!

Well they were until we ate them all! Mark couldn’t even hold off until he had delivered them, hence one had been guzzled before we even got a chance to get a photo!

Thanks to Mark’s ‘Mrs’ , Jen, who made them especially for us, just perfect with a cup of coffee after a morning session on the water.

Mark pushes speed up to 28mph

James — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:24:49 +0000

Mark has taken the lead in line to win the North Race Ltd board in our speed contest.
Mark’s gps claimed over 33 mph to begin with, till it was seen that this was achieved in his car! Later looking at the files on Google Earth a max speed of 28.3mph was achieved, placing Mark in 1st place, nonetheless.

Think you can go faster? Why not pop in the shop, pick up the board and gps, then prove it!

See here for the leaderboard and google files: Speed Competition

Even Newer North Pump!

James — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:04:43 +0000

Well, North have changed the pump even more now…you’ll definately not lose these new ones!

“Downwinder” to the IOW

James — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:06:44 +0000

Pete & Craig from the BBR shop, plus 3 other local guys (Matt, Jon & James), sick of the constant NE’ly winds we’ve been having lately, decided to do a down-winder from Bracklesham across the Solent to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Kitted out with VHF radios, bouyancy aids and a change of clothes for on the ferry back, the guys headed out in some of the best flat water conditions, heading across to Hayling first to say hi to Chris and the guys, then across the Solent to Ryde. The Coastguard had been notified and were very supportive, big thanks to them for keeping a vigilant eye out for the guys on their little trip.

Click here to see their trip on google earth

Pete wore the GoPro helmet cam and a bit of the footage is below, showing the flat water, and Pete pulling off a little kiteloop! We’ve been very impressed with these cameras.

ION 2010 Harness in Stock

James — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:16:10 +0000

The ION Harness’ have now arrived. The new 2010 ION Apex harness is going to be THE harness to have this year. Great looking, comfortable, plenty of support, comes with a spreader bar and pad as standard, and at a cracking price. What more could you ask for? Get yours here: 2010 ION Hummer Harness

Slingshot Fuel 2010 in stock

James — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:10:46 +0000

Praise the Lord, the 2010 Fuel’s have finally arrived!
Great choice of colours in stock now for immediate dispatch, call us on 01243 671777or buy your Fuel 2010 here