Spirit

Comfortable and designed as an entry-level kite, the closed-cell foil kite offers an extended weight range for greater flexibility. Riders can enjoy a very smooth feeling of the wind variations, complemented by controlled feedback on the bar, making it an excellent choice for beginners in Gin Kiteboarding.

The Spirit is an all-new closed-cell foil kite from Gin Kiteboarding, who are currently undergoing a brand relaunch with several exciting releases planned over the coming months. The Spirit serves as an all-round entry-level kite that is easy to fly and boasts a performance level comparable to that of an inflatable kite. There is a noticeable demand for kites like this as riders increasingly value the significant advantages of a foil kite without sacrificing performance. Gin Kiteboarding draws on the wealth of experience from their highly respected Gin paragliders, known for their high-end competition paraglider range, which beautifully informs their R&D efforts in the kiteboarding world.

Designed with top-quality materials, the Spirit offers an exceptional balance between high performance and stability. Its ultra-rigid airframe construction, combined with ultra-lightweight fabrics and an optimized internal architecture, ensures that this closed-cell foil kite remains stable in low wind conditions while delivering agility and predictability even in strong, gusty weather. In testing, the 12m model flew in just five knots of wind, generating enough power to enable foiling when other kites would barely lift off the ground. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to maneuver, instilling confidence that it will not fall out of the sky. The stability is truly remarkable, especially at the edge of the window in very light winds where most kites would lose altitude; the Spirit maintains its position without stalling. These features greatly enhance the experience when riding downwind and catching ocean swells, where its high internal pressure and ultra-stable design keep the kite steady even as line tension fluctuates, allowing it to float effortlessly and wait for the right moment to catch tension again. This level of stability is a game changer for freeride foiling, as the constant passive lift from the kite in the top of the window simplifies the learning process for tacks, while the high internal pressure and stability make gybing achievable at any speed.

Transitioning to a twintip, the Spirit also demonstrates clear benefits over traditional LEI kites. Its constant power extends to the far limits of the wind window, enabling you to go upwind quicker and closer than with an inflatable kite. Riders can confidently lock in, and the Spirit will push all the way to the edge of the window, propelling you upwind with ease. Jumping with this closed-cell foil kite is simply exhilarating; the hangtime feels almost like paragliding! By keeping the bar in, you can sustain the lift. The initial pull is incredibly smooth, and there’s ample time to work on board-offs in the air, even managing to do so multiple times if you’re feeling daring. Additionally, the Spirit turns quickly for a closed-cell kite, allowing for controlled kiteloops with ease.

Beyond its impressive low-end performance, the Spirit's capabilities at the top end are equally commendable. During tests with both a 10m and a 12m, we confidently pushed the 10m to 30 knots, maintaining control while maximizing our speed on the water.

Should you find yourself needing to put the Spirit down, relaunching is a breeze, as it remains open on the water and retains significant internal pressure. The thin Dyneema bridles glide effortlessly without tangling, and it would take a substantial crash before you'd be unable to relaunch it. Just push the bar and wait; the kite reopens and positions itself for a seamless relaunch.

Overall, the Spirit behaves remarkably like an inflatable kite, making it appealing to a diverse range of kiters. The advantages of a closed-cell foil kite are substantial for all riders, and these 'accessible freeride' options present a credible alternative to inflatable kites. For us, the Spirit stands out as an impressive representation of this segment, with the potential to elevate your kiteboarding sessions to new heights.