North Kiteboarding, lead by CEO Till Eberle, focused the composite development of the new Select board on further optimizing the carbon reinforcement used. The choice once again fell on TeXtreme®. To achieve weight savings and the mechanical performance needed in all directions, the best material was an unbalanced 120gsm TeXtreme® fabric, which offers extreme stiffness in one direction. TeXtreme® is a high-performance Spread Tow Fabric used to reduce weight on composites. The material is utilizing two proprietary technologies; Tow Spreading and Tape Weaving. First the carbon fiber is spread into thin flat tapes which then are used in weaving the tapes into a fabric, STF. As the fibers are oriented relatively straighter and the fabric structure consumes less resin which reduces matrix dead weight the combination of these novel technologies renders in improved mechanical performance, superior surface finish and significant weight savings.

North Kiteboarding Track System:

Kiteboarding is evolving at an amazing pace. As a result of this development, the demands on the material are increasing as well.

Due to new tricks and an increased variety of people who engage in the sport, it has become more and more important that the entire equipment can be individually adjusted.

For this reason North have set out to develop a multifunctional mounting system for their boards. What North envisaged was a solution that would allow a wide range of adjustments as well as quick and easy mounting of the footpads without having a negative influence on the board’s flex and weight.

The result of this effort is a system that meets all our requirements. North proudly present the new THE TRACK SYSTEM!

The Track System features two ultrasonic welded tracks made of fibreglass reinforced plastic that are laminated into their boards in the production process. The tracks are then CNC milled out of the finished board.

The Track Nuts provide the connection with the footpad. The Track Nuts are made of non-corrosive brass and can be freely moved along the track to both sides. This system offers a whole range of possibilities to mount your footpads. One particular advantage is that the flexible tracks do not interfere with the finely-tuned flex of North boards.

The new S-Bend fins offer more pop, are faster, provide more directional stability and engage quicker after fast landings.

Last but for sure not least, rounded center rails allow a smoother ride and saver landings.

So grab a new Select and feel for yourself what all the hype is about!

Construction / Technology:

Textreme Spread Low Technology:

The patented TeXtreme® spread tow makes the composite 20% lighter, with unprecedented performance. The main reason is that the fibres are straighter in TeXtreme® than in standard carbon reinforcement. As a result of the optimized fibre structure, the end product will hold a large amount of carbon fibers, at a minimum size and weight. The outcome of the unique technology is a board with high fiber volume fraction, low weight and enhanced strength.

3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich:

2012 is a big leap forward in board technology as North Kiteboarding introduces the 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich in combination with the Responsive Centre Flex. Combining the unique properties of wood core and carbon fibre, with an advanced flex pattern from a CNC milled 3D deck and concave bottom, the 2012 North Kiteboard range is setting a new standard in performance, comfort and durability.

Technology Leader:

The unique thing about the 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich is the fully 3D shaped wood core with the advanced deck flex pattern and concave bottom. This type of advanced step cap sandwich construction, in combination with a concave bottom has previously only been possible to manufacture with foam cores, which have certain limitations regarding flex, core thickness and shear strength. Thanks to North's strong R&D focus and collaboration with one of the world’s leading snowboard factories, North Kiteboarding is the first company in the world to introduce 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich. This technology opens up a new door for flex development. In terms of kiteboards it means a significant performance boost and a whole new level of comfort for the rider.

Comfort:

The strong, fibrous structure of the wood core allow for a thinner core profile and a higher amount of bending compared with a traditional foam core, without the risk of breakage. The result is a board with a greater amount of flex, working as an active suspension while riding, providing a smooth and controlled feeling even through rough water.

Responsiveness:

Thanks to the natural flex characteristics and spring back of the wood core, our new boards have a responsive and lively feel on the water, without sacrificing the comfort. A further step in technology is the Responsive Centre Flex. The result is a highly responsive, yet still forgiving board, with instant feedback to the rider’s input.

Control:

The 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich construction has a higher amount of flex and torsion than a traditional foam core. This allows the board to quickly adapt to every impact from the water surface, giving the rider more space for mistakes, without the risk of loosing control. What the rider will experience is a board that’s easy to set up for take off and forgiving in the landings, and maintains good grip when riding full speed through choppy water.

Strength:

North's wood core has three times higher density than a standard foam core, and much greater strength and impact resistance. Fatigue resistance, the ability to withstand stress caused by thousands of impacts and hard landings over time, has been significantly improved. Heel dents, split cores and cracked laminates are history. The new 3D Wood Carbon Cap Sandwich is the strongest construction we’ve ever made, reassuring a long life and functionality for your kiteboard.

3D Decks Responsive Centre Flex:

For 2012 North have worked hard to further enhance the feeling and performance of our twin tips through innovation. A harmonic flex from front to rear means that the rocker line is actively changing and adapting to the water’s surface, which gives you pro active dampening and absorption of chop. Furthermore, the continuous flex offers increased power flow for hard pop, making take-offs easier and more predictable. Torsional Absorption System offers smoother, stickier landings, a more solid feel through the water, more grip on the heel-side edge and consequently better upwind performance. Flex Tips give you more control when combined with lower bottom curve as well as responsive, controllable pop and cushioned, comfortable landings.

Absorption Flex Tips:

The flex tips are reinforced with transversal ribs for increased torsional stiffness to create a more aggressive edge grip and pop while the longtitudinal flex remains moderate for a smooth and forgiving ride. The result is maximum performance, control and durability in combination with a high level of comfort.

Super Flight Core:

Keeps the kiteboard extremely light and responsive yet durable enough to withstand all the abuse that this style of riding can dish out!

Hard Flex:

Allowing you to ride and with a powerful and aggressive style with no limits.

Who is the board designed for:

If you're looking for a lively, fast and incredibly smooth ride, the North Select is as good as it gets!

Riding Style:

Freeriding / Freestyle / Jumping

Skill Level:

Intermediate / Expert

North Select 2012 Kiteboard - Length / Width:

North Select 2012 - 132 x 39.5cm

North Select 2012 - 135 x 40.5cm

North Select 2012 - 137 x 41.5cm

North Select 2012 Key Features:

High Performance Board

Wakestyle Width

Textreme Lightweight Carbon

Precise and Solid Landing

Massive pop plus control

Responsive Centre Flex

Great Control and Pop

Fast and Smooth

3D Carbon Cap Sandwich

Aggressive Feel with lots of comfort

Asymmetrical Concave

Hard Flex

North Select Board Selector: