Ever wonder what the riders you follow are actually riding? Not the team-issue dream quiver, but the real, everyday setup they reach for session after session.
That's what this new series is all about. We asked some of our crew four simple questions: What's your go-to Naish setup? Why does it work for you? Where's your favourite spot? And who's your local shop? Their answers are honest, personal, and full of the little details that make each rider's setup their own.
This is Part One. First up: Alessa, Stig, and Jason.
Alessa
The setup. "My go-to is the Pivot NVision in any size between 7 and 10m. For now, anyway, that might change soon. And of course the Alana 132. I only ride one size, no matter the conditions. The more time you spend on one board, the more it becomes an extension of yourself. You get to know every little detail, and that makes a huge difference when the conditions get challenging and unpredictable. And after all the abuse I've put it through over the years, one thing is for sure: this board is built to last."
Why it works. "I love this setup for Big Air. The Pivot NVision is such an easy kite to progress on, and yet it still gives you an aggressive loop. Together with the Alana, I feel like I can take on any conditions."
Home spot. "Hard to pick just one, I have a favourite per country. Overall, Cape Town takes the win. But thanks to the second stop of the GKA World Cup, I had the pleasure of getting to know a new spot: Mykonos in Greece. It won't be my last time there. I love the vibe and the scenery on the island, and even though the spot is tricky, it's a really good place to train."
Local shop. "Growing up in the south of Germany, I didn't really have a local kite shop around. I only discovered kitesurfing after I left home to travel, so I've always been a bit of a nomad in the sport. That's why it meant so much to me when I got the chance to visit Surf Pirates, WSM, and HW Shapes to premiere the Naish House movie with their local communities. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with open arms. It didn't feel like walking into a shop. It felt like joining a family. Those experiences reminded me how special the kiteboarding community really is."
Stig
The setup. "A 138 Drive with Apex bindings and 4.5 cm fins, and a 9m Pivot NVision on 22-metre lines."
Why it works. "I enjoy making the most out of the moment I'm in. If the wind picks up, I'll be doing Big Air on this setup. And if the wind drops, I'll have just as much fun freeriding or even throwing in some freestyle on the same gear."
Home spot. "A downwinder from Dolphin Beach to Doodles in Cape Town, on a day with 3-metre waves and a good 40-plus knots of wind."
Local shop. "I grew up with Telstar Surf in my backyard, in Harderwijk, the Netherlands."
Jason
The setup. "Psycho NVision, Torque 3, and the 134cm Drive."
Why it works. "Honestly, it's the perfect choice for powered Big Air sessions. The Psycho NVision gives me the performance I need to push proper Big Air. The Torque 3 is simple and indestructible, which for me is the biggest thing: a bar I can truly trust. And the 134cm Drive is fast and easy to manage in strong wind and choppy conditions."
Home spot. "Either Macassar in Cape Town or Blue Lagoon in Egypt."
Local shop. "Suntrax in Blouberg."
That's a wrap on Part One
Three riders, three very different setups, and one thing in common: gear they trust enough to ride in any conditions, and a home spot and local crew that keep them coming back.
If you spotted a setup you want to try, head to Naish.com to find your size, or visit your local Naish dealer to demo it for yourself.
This is just the start. We've got more riders, more spots, and more home shops lined up for the next installment. Stay tuned for Part Two.
