Hi There The 2004 bars came without "Da Tickler" which is standard with 2005 bars and up. It is fitted to your harness and and looks like a smaller part of a windsurfing harness line. They work well and you have the option of not using one also. You can buy them from Naish dealers, so go ask for "Da...
The new Torch 8m is, if you can believe it, an improvement on the '05 model. Sweeter turns, smoother control and even better for looping. The 8m Torch was a huge success in our region and the new '06 will be too.
water 9/10 and air about 11°C. freaking fucking cold, and Clinton won the toughness award with his shorty! So does that mean that the kite in the Hellfish comic pic by GrahamF was for Clinton? :D You want cold, come to SA..... winter is officially in the Cape - 14c, 30kts and 5m swell. Even thae...
The 14 is great for up to 25kts, but you are then fully depowered and the 12 is better. If you are only going to be riding on flat water get the 14. If you want to use the kite in waves get the 12. The 14 has great lift and hangtime...
The KPWT is going to be in Cape Town in December. They managed to get things organised with sponsors and government. If the PKRA really wanted Cape Town or Langebaan as an event, perhaps they need to be more proactive with the country or countries.
SAA have been really good in the past with bags and more. You hear horror stories, but then most of those can be avoided. Their fleet is currently being updated with Airbus planes. My only advice, if you see the multi coloured SAA plane, get off and take another, it is the oldest 747 in their fleet....