In the late 1990s, as windsurfing reached its peak, Robby Naish turned to a new passion: kitesurfing. This sport, which combines the power of water traction with the freedom of flight, attracted his particular attention. In this second part, we look at Robby Naish's influence on the development of kitesurfing, from its early beginnings to its worldwide popularity.
The turn to kitesurfing: a new era of gliding
At the end of the 1990s, just as windsurfing was reaching its peak, Robby Naish discovered kitesurfing, a discipline still in its infancy but full of promise. Unlike windsurfing, kitesurfing uses a kite to capture the wind and propel the rider across the water, freeing the board from the resistance of a mast. This combination of speed and vertical freedom immediately appealed to Robby, who saw in kitesurfing an unprecedented way of pushing the limits of gliding.
The first kites on the market turned out to be elementary: often made up of large tubular sails, with power that was difficult to control and limited manoeuvrability.
Robby, drawing on his experience, is actively involved in improving equipment such as the Naish Torch and Naish Park, which incorporate innovations such as improved bridle systems, dacron panels for greater durability, and simplified inflation valves that make learning and practicing easier for new kitesurfers. Under his impetus, technical innovations have multiplied: more stable kites, safety systems and simplified control lines have all been introduced, making it easier for new kitesurfers to learn and practice.
The company Naish Sails has become a major player in this transformation, introducing kite models better adapted to different wind conditions and riding styles, whether freeride, freestyle or surf kite. The latter, which combines kite handling with the art of surfing waves, offers a different, more committed dimension to kitesurfing.
In surfkiting, riders use directional boards, similar to traditional surfboards, allowing them to work the waves by harnessing the power of the kite solely to reach the wave. Once they've crested the wave, they reduce kite traction in favor of pure surf maneuvers like turns and carves.
Thanks to this approach, surfkiting is attracting a large number of enthusiasts looking for the feeling of freedom of surfing combined with the propulsive force of the wind. This technical evolution marks a decisive turning point for kitesurfing as a whole, paving the way for a more diversified practice and attracting a new audience eager for thrills and creativity on the water.
The rise and institutionalization of kitesurfing
As equipment became more sophisticated, kitesurfing rapidly democratized, attracting riders from all walks of life. Robby Naish continues to dominate the international scene, becoming one of the most influential figures in the field. He takes part in numerous events, demonstrating the enormous potential of this new discipline by performing spectacular aerial tricks such as the kite loop, backroll, handle pass and mobe, while exploring the limits of speed on the water.
At the same time, Robby supported the creation of official competitions and encouraged the development of various formats, such as Big Air and Wave Riding, to offer riders opportunities to demonstrate their technical and creative abilities. In 1998, he was one of the first to win an international kitesurfing championship, laying the foundations for the institutionalization of the sport.
Passing on experience: from competitor to mentor
Aware of the importance of teaching and safety, Robby encourages young riders to master the technical basics and respect the weather conditions before venturing into advanced tricks.
He also shares his expertise in kite trimming, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning lines and kite profile to optimize stability and responsiveness in flight. For freeriding in moderate winds, for example, he recommends a tighter line trim, resulting in a more responsive and maneuverable kite.
On the other hand, for stronger conditions, or for surfkiting, he recommends slightly easing the lines for greater flexibility and tolerance in maneuvers. Thanks to him, safety standards are evolving, and he promotes innovations such as quick-release systems that allow the kite to be quickly disengaged in the event of a fall.
Windsurfing pioneer, undisputed champion and tireless innovator, Robby Naish has embodied the soul of windsurfing and kitesurfing for almost four decades. Through his passion and commitment, he has not only shaped the history of these disciplines, but also helped to ensure their longevity, advocating responsible practice that respects the nautical environment.
