Carafino News:
Limited Edition Performance Hydrofoil Board
HI Guys:
Here is the Performance board for 2014. This model is compatible with pre 2014 hydrofoils that have a flat square plate for mounting. There are only a limited number of these boards because we have changed the mounting design. So customers who want to continue using their previous hydrofoils with flat plate mounting can use this model board. I will no longer manufacture this type of board after January 2014
Since the beginning of the hydrofoil kite board, we have manufactured the top of the hydrofoil to mount to the bottom of the board. This was a great design that came from hydrofoil "surfing". Because when the hydrofoil "surfer" began to go to fast, or got out of control. The plate hitting the water slowed the surfer down, this gave the surfer ability to regain control. When the hydrofoil moves with the open swell, typically in Hawaiian Surf. The hydrofoil travels over 25 knots. This is a very high speed for surfing. Especially when the rider is "Hands Free". Meaning no control bar in the hands to leverage against.
When Hydrofoil Surfing moved into the sport of Hydrofoil Kiteboarding, the Hydrofoil kitesurfer suffered a loss of speed when the board touched the water. For many years, this was acceptable because the sport was in the introduction stage, or properly said, hydrofoil kiteboarding was in its infancy.
Now that hydrofoil kiteboarding has matured, hydrofoil kiteboarders have progressed and the demand for speed is essential. The flat plate mounting to the bottom of the board is counter productive to maintaining speed over a race course or in flat out racing against the clock.
The new design boards will feature a diamond recessed attachment so that water free flows pass the hydrofoil attachment. Same as a Tuttle box or normal surfboard fin attachment point.
I appreciate your input on this topic and any ideas that further the sport for all. I have read comments from different viewers and they tend to look to the past and draw the attention of our previous production run in 2009 which suffered breakage. It is our great relief that we no longer and never again will manufacture boards in China. We manufacture all our boards with the APS cutting machine and laminate them at our new factory on the island of Bali. We look forward to the future of this sport and the new innovations will we bring to the sport of kitesurfing for the world to enjoy.
I will feature the 2014 Hydrofoil Racing Board in the next week and in January will feature the new speed hydrofoils we have been testing over the last year. Following this we will feature the impressive formula one traditional course racing boards that have never been seen before. This will hopefully pull the industry in the direction of futuristic products for kite surfing and with some positive proposals bring traditional course racing to the lime light of televised events via digital and cable networks. Meaning, rider prize money should exceed 50 to 100 thousand USD for event winners. This is our goal for the future of kiteboarding.
Happy Holidays.
Carafino