What Is It Like to Work Inside a Kite Brand like Naish in 2026?

Most riders see the finished product.

A new kite drops. A launch video goes live. Specs hit the website. Social clips circulate. Reviews appear. Then it is on the beach. Behind every release is a small group of people testing in cold water, debating over millimeters of material, standing on beaches tying and untying knots, sending emails to factories, and chasing a specific feeling in the kite that is difficult to describe but obvious the moment a rider feels it.

We sat down with Naish International kite designer Ewan Jaspan to understand how modern kite design works, how much safer the sport has become, and how riders should actually choose their next kite. Ewan Jaspan competed internationally for over a decade before joining Naish’s R&D team. Today he works directly on kite design, testing prototypes, refining materials, and shaping the lineup used by riders worldwide.

That is where Ewan Jaspan now spends most of his time when he is not kiteboarding. Many riders know Ewan from a decade on the international competition scene. He started competing young, moved from local events to the world tour, and spent years traveling with the best riders in the sport. When asked about riders who shaped his perspective on the sport, Ewan quickly mentioned Aaron Hadlow as one of the most influential freestyle riders in kiteboarding history. Hadlow dominated the freestyle world tour during the sport’s early competitive years and helped define the technical riding style that many modern freestyle riders still build from today.

Today, Ewan is the kite designer at Naish International. His job is not posting clips.

It is building the kites behind them.

What does a kite designer actually do week to week?

“There’s not really a structured day-to-day,”  Ewan explains.

Some months are heavy on prototyping. In winter, that often means time in Maui, where consistent wind allows long testing on sunny days. In Hood River, where he lives, winter sessions are short and cold. Prototyping requires standing around, adjusting bridle lines, testing small changes, coming in and out of the water repeatedly. Which makes Maui the perfect location for testing. Other periods are less about riding and more about communication. Discussions with material suppliers. Calls with importers and retailers. Planning where a kite sits in the lineup. Reviewing feedback from team riders. Looking at how a model performed in real conditions.When a new design cycle begins, the process usually starts with a single size, often a 9 meter. Small changes are tested in isolation. The team identifies what works, what does not, and what direction feels right. Only then does that prototype expand into more sizes.

If new materials are involved, they are tested on older designs first. Someone rides them for months. They watch for stretch, wear, or structural fatigue. Nothing moves forward without time in the wind.

“There’s definitely two ways to come at design,There’s more of the technical engineering, and then there’s more of the feel experience, chasing a feeling rather than just numbers.”  ,he says.

On the engineering side, there are specialists working on quick releases, foil components, and 3D modeling. On the design side, there is a different mindset. More like surfboard shaping. Adjusting arc, tension, profile, and balance based on how the kite responds on the water.It is not purely science. It is not purely art.

It is a collaboration between both.

How did Ewan move from competing to designing?

The transition was not a straight line.

During COVID, competitions stopped. Travel shut down. Instead of waiting, Ewan went to Maui and started spending time with the design team. He tested. He asked questions. He learned the software. He gave structured feedback.

At the same time, wing foiling was accelerating. The lead kite designer was focusing heavily on wing development. There was room to step in.

“I kind of put my name in the hat,” he says.
“It was a bit of a risk for the company to trust me with it.”

But timing and preparation aligned.

He had years of competitive experience. He understood what high-level riders felt. He knew the lineup history. And he had already been investing time inside the R&D process.

Now, four years in, he is not just testing kites. He is shaping how they evolve.

How much has kite design changed?

If you started riding in the mid-2000s, the difference is…dramatic.

“When I learned, there was definitely a lot of bad, dangerous gear still around,” Ewan says.
“I had a piece of rope as my safety line. You couldn’t really get rid of the kite.”

Boards were smaller. Depower was limited. Safety systems were not existent. The sport carried a lot more risk.

Between 2006 and 2008, major improvements shifted kiteboarding from being viewed as extreme and unstable to something kids and less athletic riders could realistically learn.

Now, design progress has slowed in shape but accelerated in materials.

“Materials are ‘the big thing’ in the last few years,” he explains.

Laminates, welded seams, stiffer leading edges. Those changes allow smaller diameters, better efficiency, and stronger construction without adding weight.

That does not mean every new model year is revolutionary.

For kites like the Naish Pivot, now in its eleventh version, refinement is incremental.

“You finish the new one and you’re like, this is the best one ever. Then next year you have to do it again,” he says. “Sometimes you change something and you actually lose something somewhere else.”

That tension between improvement and balance is constant.

And that balance between engineering precision and rider feel is what defines what it is like to work inside a kite brand in 2026.

Why Does Social Media Give Riders the Wrong Picture of Kiteboarding?

If someone who has never kited searches the sport today, they will likely see one thing.

Big air.

Massive boosts. Double kite loops. Riders suspended what looks like 40 meters above the water. Clips framed for maximum drama.

That version of the sport is real. But it is not the whole sport.

Ewan has watched this shift happen from inside the industry.
“It used to be about riding,” he says. “That was what would get you sponsored. That was what would get you deals.”

For years, the dominant lanes in kiteboarding were freestyle, park riding, or surf style. Board sports that skateboarders, snowboarders, and surfers could recognize. A hand drag. A rail hit. A wave carve. Something relatable.

Now the algorithm favors spectacle.“You look online and it’s just people flying away,” he says. “People imagine that if that person’s up that high, I could get up that high with no control and die basically.”

To a trained rider, that fear does not hold. To someone new, it does.

There is a gap between what performs well online and what most riders actually do.

Most riders are not chasing extreme heights. They want a sport that feels challenging but manageable. Something that builds skill, fitness, and flow over time. The version of kiteboarding that keeps people coming back is rarely the most viral clip.

But visibility does not reflect participation.

Big air content spreads because it looks extreme. It resembles base jumping or wingsuiting. It captures attention quickly. Brands see high engagement and assume that equals demand.

“I think there’s a bit of a misconception where brands just blindly follow likes now,” Ewan says. “They think 4,000 likes equals sales, but it doesn’t. It’s just like clickbait.”

That does not mean big air is bad for the sport. It pushes development. It raises performance ceilings. It generates technical innovation that filters into other kites.

But when it becomes the dominant image, it shifts perception.

Imagine being a parent doing a quick search to see if this sport is safe. The first result is a rider boosting higher than the trees. That is not exactly reassuring.

Or picture someone who just wants a new hobby, something active and outdoors. They see a rider mid-loop at full height and think, “That’s not for me.”

Meanwhile, the actual sport has become more controlled and structured. Lessons are standardized. Safety systems are proven. The baseline is higher than ever.

Now social feeds do not filter that way.This creates a distortion.

The sport looks more extreme than it statistically is. And that distortion influences how new riders approach gear, progression, and expectations.

Why Professional Kiteboarding Feels Less Centralized Today

During the early years of competitive kiteboarding, freestyle dominated the scene. The riders competing at the top of that tour were widely recognized as the best kiteboarders in the world.

Today the competitive landscape is much more fragmented.

There are now separate tours for big air, freestyle, hydrofoil racing, wave riding, and park riding. Each discipline has its own rankings and events.

That diversity reflects how much the sport has expanded, but it also makes it harder for a single competition circuit to represent the entire sport.

Instead of one dominant tour defining progression, kiteboarding culture now spreads across multiple disciplines, brands, and communities.

For many riders, progression on their local beach matters more than competition rankings.

The Naish Lineup Explained Simply

Once you step outside the social media version of kiteboarding, the next question becomes simple.

What are the actual kites designed for?

Naish builds a lineup where each model focuses on a specific style of riding rather than trying to do everything at once. As the current kite designer, Ewan Jaspan spends most of his time refining how each platform behaves on the water so riders can choose gear that matches how they actually ride.

Here is how Ewan explains a few of his favorites in the lineup without marketing language.

Naish Pivot – The All-Around Kite

The Pivot is the most versatile kite in the lineup.

It turns quickly, handles a wide wind range, and most importantly, depowers cleanly.

“You push the bar out and it stops pulling,”  Ewan explains.

That simple behavior is what makes the Pivot so adaptable. Riders use it for freeride sessions, wave riding, and general cruising with the ability to boost when they want to.

Naish Psycho – Built for Big Air

The Psycho is designed specifically for height and lift.

Big air kites prioritize upward drive and hangtime, which is exactly what the Psycho is built to deliver. That focus makes it powerful for boosting but less relaxed when simply cruising.

It is a purpose-built kite for riders chasing big air progression.

Naish Torch – Freestyle Precision

The Torch is a true C-kite built for unhooked freestyle.

It has a curved arc, higher aspect profile, and less depower than freeride kites. Those characteristics create explosive pop off the water and controlled slack in the lines during tricks.

“It sits there really solid and gives you a lot of pop off the water,” Ewan says. “Then it goes slack midair.”

That slack is critical for handle passes and technical freestyle riding.T

he Torch is not designed to be forgiving. It is designed to be precise.

Naish Boxer – Light Wind Efficiency

The Boxer is a one-strut kite designed for lighter wind conditions and smooth power delivery.

It flies efficiently in marginal wind and generates steady pull without feeling aggressive. For riders in lighter wind areas, it often becomes the most used kite in their quiver.

Its simple structure and easy relaunch also make it a practical option for riders dealing with inconsistent wind.

Naish Hunt – Wave Focused but Surprisingly Versatile

The Hunt is the newest kite in the lineup.

While it is labeled as a wave kite, the characteristics that make it strong in surf translate well beyond wave riding.

It drifts downwind without pulling riders off the board, delivers smooth power through turns, and relaunches quickly.

“Because what makes a wave kite good makes a beginner kite good,” Ewan explains.

Brands are careful about calling something a beginner kite because riders assume they will outgrow it. In reality, the Hunt is designed to scale with progression.

You can learn on it, ride waves on it, and continue pushing your riding without feeling limited.

Why the Wrong Gear Can Make You Think You’re Bad at Kiteboarding

Most beginners assume that if something feels hard, it must be them.

Not enough balance.
Not strong enough.
Not athletic enough.

Ewan remembers that feeling clearly.

When he first moved from flying trainer kites on the beach to riding on the water, it did not immediately click. The gear he was on was older. It was from a time when safety systems were still evolving quickly.

For a 13-year-old kid who had just been given an expensive birthday present, that created pressure.

“I remember feeling really guilty,” he says.
“Like maybe I don’t like this.”

He did not think the gear was the problem. He thought he might be the problem.

A few sessions later, once he could stay upwind and start jumping, everything changed. But that early friction came from equipment limitations, not lack of potential.

And that pattern still happens today.

Cheap Gear Is Not the Same as Good Used Gear

One of the biggest mistakes Ewan sees is riders trying to “half get into it.”

“They’re like, ‘I’m just going to get something cheap and see if I like it,’” he says.
“And then the gear is just a nightmare.”

There is a difference between smart secondhand gear and outdated equipment.

A well-maintained recent-model kite can be a great entry point. But extremely old kites with tired canopy fabric, leaking bladders, stretched lines, or outdated safety systems create friction everywhere. Relaunch becomes harder.

Power delivery becomes inconsistent.
Confidence drops.

And when confidence drops, progression stalls.

“If it is one of those sports where you’re going to do it, it is a bit of an investment,” Ewan says.
“There’s no point in half getting into it.”

That does not mean you need brand new gear. It means you need functional gear.

Board Size, Wind Range, and Ego

Gear mismatch is not just about old equipment.

It is also about choosing the wrong tool for your conditions.

Boards used to be much smaller. Kites had less depower, so riders needed more edge control to hold power. Today, most riders are on slightly larger boards, especially while learning.

Then there is wind range.

Modern kites have wider usable ranges than ever before. A properly sized 9 meter freeride kite can comfortably cover a large window of wind speeds.

But ego still sneaks in.

Some riders take too much kite because they want to prove they can “hold it down.” Others underpower themselves because they are afraid of getting pulled.

Neither approach builds consistency.

Being properly powered is about riding in control, not fighting the kite.

The Psychological Trap

Here is the real issue.

When the platform is wrong, riders internalize the struggle.

They think:
- I am not progressing fast enough.
- I am not coordinated enough.
- I am not cut out for this.

Sometimes the answer is simpler.

The kite may not match the discipline.
The size may not match the wind.
The equipment may be too old to perform predictably.

When the gear aligns, confidence builds quickly.

Ewan’s own turning point was not a motivational breakthrough. It was the moment he could stay upwind and control the session. Once that happened, he was on the beach every day for the next decade.

The difference was not talent. It was alignment.

Try Before You Commit – Naish Demo Kites at Elite Watersports

Ewan’s advice was simple: talk to shops, ride the gear, and ask questions. Demo sessions let you feel the difference between a Pivot’s range, a Psycho’s lift, and a Boxer’s efficiency before committing to a purchase.

As Ewan pointed out, it’s not about buying the cheapest kite to “see if you like it.” 
It’s about getting on the right platform so your progression matches your effort.

Pivot – All Around / Freeride / Wave

2026 Pivot Q Red 14m – Demo

2026 Pivot Q White 9m – Demo
2025 Pivot Dark Blue 14m – Demo
2025 Pivot Dark Blue 8m – Demo
2026 Pivot Nvision White 12m – Demo2026 Pivot Nvision 12m – Demo

Psycho – Big Air Specific

2024 Psycho Nvision 9m – Demo
2024 Psycho Nvision 12m – Demo
2025 Psycho 9m – Demo2025 Psycho Nvision 7m – Demo

Boxer – Light Wind / Beginner Friendly / Easy Power

S28 Boxer 16m Orange – Demo
S28 Boxer 12m Orange – Used

S28 Boxer 10m Orange – Used
S28 Boxer 8m Orange – Used
2025 Boxer QS Coral 7m – Demo
2025 Boxer QS Slate 9m – Demo
2025 Boxer QS Slate 10m – Demo2025 Boxer QS Slate 16m – Demo

Wing (Foil)

2024 Naish ADX Nvision 6m Wing – Demo

How Much Safer Is Kiteboarding Today Compared to Ten Years Ago?

It is significantly safer. When Ewan started, depower was limited. Quick releases were basic. Some setups were unreliable by today’s standards.

“It was really when the gear changed from being dangerous and it being a proper extreme sport to it being okay, kids can learn this now,”  he says.

That shift happened fast between roughly 2006 and 2008.

Modern kites now have:

• Reliable quick releases
• Large depower range
• Predictable relaunch
• Standardized safety systems

When you push the bar out, the power drops. When you activate your release, the kite flags properly. Those mechanics remove a layer of unpredictability that used to exist.

“There’s such good forecasts now. Such good depower,” Ewan says. “It is generally a safe sport if you know what you’re doing.”

Kiteboarding is safer because equipment has improved and because riders are more educated. Forecast tools are accurate. Lessons are structured. Shops teach safety systems properly. The baseline knowledge is higher.

The accidents that circulate online often involve extreme conditions.

In one widely shared case, gusts reportedly reached 70 knots. If you launch in 70 knots, the issue is not the kite. It is the decision.

Most experienced riders avoid those scenarios. They check the wind. They understand storm patterns. They know when not to rig.

The sport did not become safer because it became tame. It became safer because the systems matured.

Today, a beginner can sheet out and remove power. They can eject cleanly. They can relaunch without swimming for thirty minutes. That changes the learning curve and reduces risk.

Kiteboarding is not risk free.
But it is not the same sport it was fifteen years ago.

Is Big Air Kiteboarding Actually Safe Now?

Big air itself is not unsafe.

Conditions, preparation, and skill determine risk.

To get significant height, you have to load the edge properly, send the kite correctly, and commit. It does not happen by accident in normal wind.The clips that circulate online represent the edge of performance, not the baseline of participation.

Modern big air kites are built to handle load. Lines are stronger. Leading edges are stiffer. Control systems are refined. Riders train specifically for that discipline.

What makes big air risky is not the height alone. It is poor judgment in unstable weather or riding beyond your technical ability.

If the wind is stable and the rider understands their release and landing mechanics, big air becomes technical, not chaotic.

It is a discipline. Not a gamble.

What Naish Kite Should I Buy as a Beginner in Florida Light Wind?

Light wind changes everything.In places like Tampa Bay and St. Pete, where thermal wind and light days are common, efficiency matters more than aggression. That makes power delivery and relaunch more important than aggressive lift.

For true light wind, the Naish Boxer makes sense. It is efficient, generates steady pull, and stays responsive when the wind drops.

For riders who want something that will scale as they improve, the Naish Hunt is often the better crossover. Smooth turns. Easy relaunch. Drift when needed. It does not overpower in transitions.

If you want maximum versatility across conditions, the Naish Pivot remains the safest all-around choice.

The key in lighter wind is pairing the kite with the correct board size. A slightly larger twin tip reduces frustration more than simply buying more canopy.

What’s the Most Comfortable Naish Kite for Cruising?

Comfort is about how the kite delivers power over time.

Low bar fatigue. Smooth pull through turns. Stable drift. Predictable response when you sheet out.

For pure cruising, the new Naish Hunt stands out. It does not surge forward in turns. It does not yank through transitions. It stays with you.

The Naish Pivot is a close second for riders who want that comfort but still value lift and range.

Comfort builds session length. Longer sessions build skill.

What Should Kite Brands Start Doing Again?

Ewan is direct about this.

The industry used to center riding.
Now it often centers metrics.

He believes education matters more than numbers. Gear reviews that go deep. Tutorials that teach. Designers explaining why something changed. Shops staying connected to beaches.

Long-form YouTube breakdowns and real gear tutorials build more trust than highlight edits ever will. Technical conversations build trust. Community presence builds loyalty.

Big air pushes innovation. But participation sustains the sport.

Brands that invest in clarity and culture will outlast brands chasing visibility.

Why Participation Matters More Than Performance in Kiteboarding’s Future

One theme that came up during the conversation with Ewan is that the long-term health of kiteboarding does not depend on extreme performance. It depends on participation.

For years the sport grew because it looked approachable. Riders were carving waves, cruising across flat water, and learning tricks step by step. Someone watching from the beach could imagine themselves doing it.

Today social media often highlights the most extreme version of kiteboarding. Massive boosts, double kite loops, and riders suspended far above the water.

That side of the sport pushes progression, but it is not the version of kiteboarding most people actually experience.

“The big air stuff is amazing to watch,” Ewan explained. “But we also need to focus on the fun, cruisy side of the sport again.”

Most riders are not chasing world-tour performance. They want something that keeps them active, challenges them, and connects them with wind and water.

Participation grows the sport. High-performance riding pushes its limits. Both matter, but participation is what keeps beaches full of riders.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying Your Next Kite?

Keep it simple:

• What wind do I actually ride in most?
• What discipline do I spend the most time doing?
• Do I value comfort or height more?
• Am I properly powered in my normal conditions?
• Is my current frustration technical or equipment related?

Then go one step further.

Ask someone better than you at your beach what they ride and why. Call a shop and describe your real sessions, not your ideal ones. The right answers usually show up quickly when you remove ego from the equation and put yourself out there.

Final Thoughts

Kiteboarding looks louder than it is.

Online, it’s height and loops.
On the beach, it’s timing, wind, and feel.

Inside a brand, it’s refinement. Small adjustments. Trade-offs. Testing. Listening.

Talking with Ewan Jaspan made one thing clear: progression has less to do with chasing extremes and more to do with alignment.
The right conditions. The right platform. The right expectations.

Modern gear is better than it has ever been. Safety systems work. Lineups are more defined. There are real options for every discipline.

The difference now is clarity.

Choose gear that matches how you actually ride. Demo when you can. Talk to shops. Pay attention to wind. Focus on sessions, not highlight reels.

Thanks to Ewan for taking the time to meet with us at Rygo Labs and walk through what the sport looks like from the inside. Conversations like this help riders make better decisions long before they rig their kite.