Mr. Gaastra (NL) speaking

Gaastra Jekyll kite

Gaastra kites and board made a comeback in 2008. Recently we saw footage of the new Gaastra kite material and this looked promising. I myself have a lot of experience with the Jekyll 2008 kite. I am positive about the performance of this kite. All the more reason to contact Mr. Gaastra Netherlands, Bert de Boer, and ask him a number of pressing questions. After this interview you will be up to date with Gaastra kiteboarding, you will have a good idea of ​​the different kites and boards and you will know what development the kite brand is going through!

Did Gaastra's comeback in 2008 live up to expectations?

"Yes and no. The Jekyll did a great job, the Max could be much better. The ratio is now 90/10 and I think worldwide sales are also in that ratio (bow / C). Still, we are sure that many more Max's should be able to be sold. It is not a marketing bullshit that this kite is used as a reference by various other brands and that is of course very cool, especially when you realize that the brand has only been active for 2 years. Because actually you should look at it like that.

“Gaastra was taken over in 2005 and from that moment on they work with a completely new team (management, designer, factory, material, sales channel), but with an anchor in the negative atmosphere about kites from before 2006. The new Swiss designer ( Urs Hungerbulher) also has a 50% share in Dock11 (largest repair shop in Tarifa) and there he sees exactly what is going wrong with other brands. This works very well, because so far we have not actually had to deal with warranty cases. ”

What were the stars of the Gaastra material in 2008?

Kites: “The introduction of the 2008 Jekyll. Everyone who tried this one in July 2007 wanted it. Personally, I had never had such feedback on a kite. Nothing but positive. ”

Boards: “It has yet to come. Although the shape of the Vision boards is very good and you get really surprisingly positive feedback on this (also check the Vision Pro test in the next Access), the design leaves something to be desired. ”

“It seems that more and more people are buying kiteboards like snowboards, more on the print than on the performance. But next year we will (finally) come up with a snowboard construction and then I see it very positively. A kitesurfing instructor (of 110 kg) from Workum is now sailing on a proto, he would test it for break resistance. However, I liked the board so much that I couldn't get it back! ”

What was a downside in 2008? Was this remedied in 2009?

“Well, a real downside has not yet been achieved. Of course there are things that could be improved. For example, our depower fever could last a little longer, but it is acceptable and it is easy to replace separately, but still. ”

“We also had to bring back all the first series of 2008 chicken loops, but they have been replaced. Then the 2008 bar was not really a “state of the art” gadget, but that was also improved in 2009. ”

The 2009 material is out, do you want to tell something about it?

kite: “A lot… the 2009 kites both have a dacron frame, better flatter and stronger seams and various extra reinforcements. Furthermore, this changes to a Jekyll:

- better bridle setup for more aerodynamic whole and stiffer tips;

- less bar pressure, better bar feedback (where the kite is);

- lower angle of attack with more low end, comparable depower and less on / off feeling;

- deeper profile in the body and less deep profile in the tips make the kite even more stable;

- better restart due to changed bridle. ”

“The Max also has that Dacron frame and the better flatter seams, in addition:

- deeper profile for more explosive loops, but no more 100% depower, this was not necessary for Freestyle;

- 0 degree profile in the tips for faster, more direct steering;

- kite feels more reliable, more predictable and more as a whole, SOLID POWER. ”

“The Bar has:

- new grip, softer in the hands and looks many times better;

- depowerstrap, completely new system with cover and PVC tubes;

- completely new chicken loop, tested with 400 kg load and meets all international requirements. It is also possible to confirm your leash in such a way that you are both safely attached to it and can be used as an HP leash. So when releasing your chicken loop you still have a safety and no compromise between safety and an HP leash;

- new HP leash, standard with all 2009 kites;

- new way of connection on the bar ends. This allows you to put the steering lines in or out on the bar in an instant. ”

board: “The Vision Pro stays in line and gets thinner with a bit more flex in the tips. This remains a super accessible, but still a real hardcore freestyle board. Then a Matrix will be added in March 2009. This will appeal to more people in terms of design and has a bit more flex and pop than the Vision Pro. ”

Which kite audience is Gaastra for?

“Actually for everyone. I am still amazed at the Jekyll's range of use. I mean that I see Esther Oud or Dicky Hoyng riding golf with it, Cees van Oosterum and Jeroen Gerritsen (Telstar employee) freestyle with it and see my girlfriend taking lessons with it. I think it's great that this can all be found in 1 kite. So basically every kiter can become happy with a Gaastra. Now in Spain and Italy there is an atmosphere similar to that of Slingshot here. That they are bombproof kites without any problems. For example, with Gaastra's one-pump you can easily replace struts for comparable struts and how not to use the original ones. This is especially useful if you suddenly demolish a strutje in Brazil (or something) and the original material is not available. ”

Are there any developments in your Gaastra Netherlands team?

“Esther Oud joined us last spring. The team is now fairly complete with a rider in every discipline. Check gaastrakites.nl For more information."

Can you explain the Gaastra safety system to us?

“The chicken loop actually speaks for itself, both in 2008 and 2009. In 2008 the Jekyll has an optional o-shit handle or 5th line. It is also possible to attach your leash to one depower line, but this is mainly used by schools. In 2009 the bars are standard equipped with an o-shit handle on both sides. In addition, the Jekyll has a +/- 35cm longer safety (red line) which can fully turn off the new kites. ”

“The Max has a 2008th line in both 2009 and 5. With our 2009 chickenloop it is possible to attach your leash in such a way that you are both safely attached to it and can be used as an HP leash. So when releasing your chicken loop you still have a safety and no compromise between safety and an HP leash. In 2009, the leash is really an HP leash and no longer a simpler safety leash. ”

What makes you so enthusiastic about Gaastra?

“User feedback. Many people do not expect that Gaastra will again be able to compete with the best 3 brands in terms of performance. That gives me energy, when people come from the water with a smile from ear to ear, like “I really didn't expect that”. ”

Thank you Bert, we are completely up to date and will soon be happy to sail ourselves with the 2009 material that has already been brought to the market!

As a final question. What is your ultimate kite experience?

“I went to El Gouna (Egypt) for a week at the beginning of September. That was playing flat water and doing tricks was a lot of fun. I also look back with great pleasure to South Africa last year. That is really the ultimate downwinders spot for me. In addition, you can also windsurf perfectly there and since my windsurf level is still much higher than my kiteboard level, that remains my favorite spot. ”

additional snap shots

Bert's girlfriend Leonie is also infected with the kite virus.

Bert in his element.


2 comments

  1. Clear about gaastra's background. It has always been a mystery why they were off the market at the time.

    I still wonder how the depower system works. Does gaastra use a stopper? Is this good? Is there also a strap? I don't see that well in the photo.

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