Naish Triad Overview: Is This the Most Versatile Wave Kite in the Naish Lineup?

The Naish Triad has been one of the most misunderstood kites in the Naish lineup, mainly because it has evolved a lot over the years. It started as a beginner-friendly freeride design and gradually shifted toward a surf-focused shape with real performance behind it. Today, the Triad sits in a unique spot. It is a wave kite that still works extremely well on a twin tip, which makes it one of the most versatile options for riders who split their time between boards.

Here in Tampa Bay and across the Gulf Coast, that versatility matters. Our conditions change fast. One day you are threading soft shoulders at Treasure Island, the next you are cruising flatwater at the Skyway. We get onshore chop, short-period swell, winter-front power, and light seabreeze days. Those changes also vary beach by beach. On days when the swell lines up cleaner along St. Pete Beach or Sand Key, the Triad’s balanced canopy makes it easier to stay locked into the pocket without overpowering. When the seabreeze is lighter, riders often head toward Clearwater North or the Skyway flats, where the Triad’s sheet-and-go power helps you stay upwind even in softer wind. That range is a big part of why this kite works so well on the Gulf. 

A kite that can handle a directional board and a twin tip in the same week is valuable, and this is exactly where the Triad shines.

The Triad offers smooth sheet-and-go power, predictable handling, and improved drift thanks to its updated frame and squared wingtips. It does not have the pure surf focus of the Slash or the big-air punch of the Pivot, but it balances the two worlds better than anything else in the Naish range.

↪ If you want to understand where it fits alongside the Pivot, Slash, Boxer, Phoenix, and Psycho, you can check the Which Naish Kite Should I Buy? guide.

↪ And if you want size guidance for Florida’s 10 to 20 knot patterns, the Kite Size Guide is a great reference.

If you want to feel the Triad for yourself, Elite keeps them available for demos. You can stop by Elite Watersports or call 727-800-2202 and ride one in real Gulf wind.

What type of kite is the Naish Triad?

The Naish Triad is a hybrid wave and freeride kite designed for riders who want surf performance without being locked into a single discipline. It sits between the Slash and the Pivot in the Naish lineup.
The Slash is a pure surf kite.
The Pivot is a classic freeride all-rounder.
The Triad takes pieces from both designs so you can ride a surfboard one day and a twin tip the next without switching kites.

Where the Triad stands out is feel. It has the predictable, sheet-and-go power that newer riders appreciate, but it also has the drift, quick steering, and balanced canopy tension that surf riders rely on. When you look at it on the beach, the Triad has a three-strut frame, a balanced leading edge, and squared wingtips that help it pivot without creating a heavy surge of power. That creates a ride that feels controlled and stable while still being reactive when you want to change direction.

In Tampa Bay, that balance matters. Our wind swings from light seabreezes to stronger winter fronts, and the water conditions shift between flatwater behind the Skyway Bridge and short, punchy Gulf swell at Treasure Island. A pure wave kite like the Slash excels in steep sections but can feel overly specific when you want to freeride or boost a little. A freeride kite like the Pivot is smooth and powerful but does not drift as cleanly when you are riding toward the kite in onshore wind. The Triad fills the gap comfortably.

↪ If you want to see how the Triad compares to the rest of the lineup, the Naish Kite Collection breaks down the full range of options available at Elite.

How does the Naish Triad perform in waves?

If you ride surfboards in Tampa Bay or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, the Triad’s wave performance will feel noticeably different from many freeride kites. Its biggest strengths in the surf are drift, predictable pivot turns, and smooth depower. Those three traits make wave riding feel calmer and more controlled, especially in onshore or side-onshore wind.

The first thing that stands out is how the Triad behaves when you ride toward it. In sloppy Gulf swell or during a clean winter front at Fort De Soto, you often generate your own apparent wind on a directional board. Some kites surge as you speed up. Others collapse or stall. The Triad holds its shape and simply floats with you. It waits until you need input instead of demanding constant steering.

Turning is sharp and deliberate. When you snap a turn on the inside at Treasure Island or try to redirect quickly while chasing a reforming section at Madeira Beach, the Triad pivots without flooding you with power. You get a clean redirection that helps you keep flow without fighting a sudden yank.

Depower is another key asset. Sheet out and the power bleeds away gradually, which helps keep you stable when a section stands up or the wind spikes during a front. Sheet in and the power returns smoothly rather than all at once. That predictable bar feel is a big part of why riders like the Triad in messy or variable conditions.

If you’re working on timing, pocket placement, or balancing through cutbacks, the Triad’s mix of drift and stability takes a lot of stress out of the session. Riders who chase cleaner, longer sandbar sections will also feel the difference at Indian Shores and Sunset Beach. These spots often have softer shoulders and longer reforms, which reward a kite that pivots quickly without dumping unexpected power. On north-wind days, Sand Key North can offer the cleanest wave faces in the region, and the Triad’s predictable drift helps you stay centered as the swell stacks up outside the sandbar.

Is the Naish Triad good for freeride and twin-tip riding?

Yes. This is one of the main reasons the Triad stands out. While the Slash leans hard into surf-only performance, the Triad is built to handle both surfboards and twin tips without feeling awkward on either. That makes it a smart option for riders who split time between cruising flatwater, learning small jumps, and riding waves when the swell appears.

On a twin tip, the Triad feels smooth and steady. The sheet-and-go power delivery helps newer freeriders get comfortable without needing perfect bar management. When cruising behind the Skyway Bridge or riding the flat sections near East Beach, the Triad tracks well upwind and reacts predictably in transitions. If you prefer a quieter, less crowded flatwater spot, Maximo Park is another place where the Triad feels extremely steady. The protected basin behind the park gives newer riders cleaner water to practice toe-side, basic pops, and first transitions. On days when the seabreeze pushes farther north, riders often head to Clearwater Beach North where the Triad’s easy steering makes cruising long distances more relaxed.

The turning arc can be adjusted with bar input. Pull lightly and the kite sweeps through a rounder turn that gives you consistent pull. Pull harder and the kite pivots more tightly, which is helpful for redirecting quickly in surf or making fast adjustments during a downwinder.

For riders learning basic boosting or freeride progression, the Triad has enough lift to get off the water without the aggressive pop of a big air kite. Landings feel softer because the canopy does not rip you downward. Most importantly, the Triad stays comfortable through gusts, especially on unpredictable days along St. Pete Beach or during spring thermal shifts.

✔ If you want one kite that works for both surfboards and twin tips without being overly specialized in either direction, the Triad delivers that balance naturally.

How does the Naish Triad compare to the Slash and Pivot?

Most riders shopping the Triad are comparing it directly to the Slash and the Pivot, so it helps to understand where all three sit in the Naish lineup. They overlap in some ways, but each kite rewards a different riding style.

Triad vs Slash

The Slash is Naish’s pure surf kite. It is designed to drift as cleanly as possible and stay invisible when you are carving down the line on a directional board. In steep sections at Fort De Soto or during strong fronts, the Slash stays glued to the sky and responds instantly with very little bar input.

The Triad drifts well, but not quite as deeply as the Slash. What you gain instead is versatility. The Triad handles surfboards and twin tips without feeling dedicated to one discipline. It still pivots sharply and stays predictable in onshore wind, but its handling is less surf-specific and more balanced across conditions. You will especially notice this difference at Sunset Beach or Indian Rocks Beach, where the waves tend to be short, quick, and unpredictable. The Triad’s tighter pivot helps you stay synced with these fast-moving sections without needing the ultra-specific drift of the Slash.

▸ If you only ride a surfboard and want the most dialed-in wave feel → pick the Slash.

▸ If you ride waves but still spend time cruising or doing mellow boosts → the Triad is the smarter choice.

Triad vs Pivot

The Pivot is one of the most popular freeride kites in the world. It boosts well, flies smoothly, and works for nearly every rider from beginner to advanced. In flatwater behind the Skyway Bridge, the Pivot feels powerful and easy to manage. 

The Triad leans more into wave handling. It pivots tighter, dumps power smoother, and manages side-onshore Gulf wind better than the Pivot. It does not jump as high, and it is not as punchy through the window, but it gives much more control on a surfboard. When riding chop at Treasure Island or linking soft shoulders at Pass-a-Grille, the Triad’s steering and depower feel built for surf flow. ​​​​The same advantage shows up at St. Pete Beach, where longshore currents can pull you off your line. The Triad gives you smoother control when you need to redirect quickly or make a clean cutback before a section closes out.

▸ If you want big air and classic freeride performance → choose the Pivot.
▸ If you want a surf-leaning kite that can also freeride comfortably → choose the Triad.

What size Naish Triad should I use for Florida wind?

Sizing the Triad correctly depends on your weight, your board, and the type of wind you ride in around Tampa Bay. Our wind patterns are unique. We have light seabreezes in the afternoons, stronger winter fronts, and short-period Gulf swell that changes how the kite feels on both surfboards and twin tips.

Most riders end up with an 8 or 9 meter as their everyday Triad size. These sizes offer the best balance of drift, upwind drive, and turning speed in 12 to 18 knot sea breeze sessions. Heavier riders, or riders who spend more time on a twin tip, may prefer a 10 meter for afternoon cruising.

During winter fronts, a 6 or 7 meter Triad becomes the go-to. These fronts often create the cleanest conditions at Sand Key North and the outer bars at Clearwater Beach, where stronger north wind stretches the swell and rewards a smaller kite with tight turning and stability. These sizes stay incredibly stable when wind shifts cross-shore at Fort De Soto, and they turn quickly enough to keep you in the pocket when the waves stand up.

↪ If you ride mostly surfboards, you can size down because the Triad’s smooth power and the board’s natural glide let you ride smaller canopies comfortably.
↪ If you split time between directional boards and twin tips, choose the size that best matches the wind strength you see most often.

Who is the Naish Triad best for?

The Naish Triad is built for riders who want one kite that feels comfortable in multiple situations.
It appeals to riders who split their time between surfboards and twin tips, or who want a wave-leaning kite without giving up freeride versatility. Its predictable handling, smooth depower, and stable canopy make it a natural fit for riders progressing into the surf or refining their directional skills around Tampa Bay.

If you ride places like Treasure Island, where the waves are short and punchy, the Triad’s tight pivot helps you stay connected through messy sections. If you do long carving downwinders from the Skyway toward Shell Key, the Triad drifts well enough to let the board and swell drive the session instead of the kite. When the wind swings onshore or side-onshore, the steering remains predictable and forgiving. Strapless riders who frequent Sunset Beach or Indian Shores will appreciate how the Triad balances drift and power during small pocket waves. On long downwinders toward Shell Key, the kite’s ability to stay calm through transitions helps you link section after section without interruptions.

Riders who enjoy light freeride sessions will appreciate how the Triad handles flatwater cruising behind the Skyway Bridge. It has enough power and responsiveness to make transitions, small boosts, and cruising sessions smooth without the aggressive pull of a big air kite.

The Triad is ideal for:

✔ Intermediate riders who want a surf-friendly kite that still works on a twin tip
✔ Riders who switch between boards depending on conditions
✔ Directional riders who want smoother power and easier depower
✔ Downwinders and carving-focused riders
✔ Riders who want more control than a Pivot but less surf specificity than a Slash

It is not designed for high-powered big air, unhooked freestyle, or foil-dedicated riding. Riders with those goals will be happier on the Pivot, Torch, or Boxer.

Is the Naish Triad beginner friendly?

Yes, but with context. The Triad is not the first kite we put in the hands of brand-new riders learning waterstarts, but it is beginner friendly once you understand basic kite control. It offers predictable steering, steady drift, and smooth sheet-and-go power, which helps newer riders focus on board skills instead of managing sudden power spikes.
If you have outgrown your school kite and want something that can help you move into real sessions around St. Pete Beach, the Triad makes learning easier. Beaches like Belleair Beach and Indian Rocks Beach are especially beginner friendly because of their wide, open riding areas. The Triad’s smooth depower and steady drift help new riders hold speed and position better on these mellow stretches of shoreline. The canopy remains stable in gusty conditions, which is a big advantage during spring thermals or light winter fronts. When you sheet out, the kite releases power gradually instead of shutting off abruptly, which helps keep you balanced as you work through transitions and your first small carves.

For riders transitioning from a twin tip to a surfboard, the Triad is often the perfect next step. Its controlled depower and forgiving feel let you learn jibes, tacks, and foot changes without being overpowered. On directional boards, the Triad feels calm and supportive even when the wind is inconsistent along the Gulf Coast.

If you are unsure whether you are ready for a Triad or should start with something more all-around like the Pivot, taking a session with the instructors at Elite Watersports is the fastest way to figure it out. They will help you understand which kite matches your skills and the conditions you ride most.

How is the Naish Triad built?

The Naish Triad is built for riders who need a kite that can handle surf one day and freeride cruising the next. Instead of chasing extreme performance in one direction, Naish focused on durability, stability, and easy handling. The frame uses a three-strut layout that keeps weight low while giving the kite enough structure to stay stable when the wind shifts or when you ride straight toward it on a surfboard.

The Triad’s squared wingtips are one of its standout design updates. On the water, they create a tighter, cleaner pivot. When you snap a turn on the inside at Treasure Island or redirect along the outer sandbars at Pass-a-Grille, the kite reacts quickly without generating a surge of power that throws you off balance.This is what makes the Triad feel more controlled than the Pivot and more adaptable than the Slash.

Another advantage is the Triad’s smooth canopy tension. It holds its shape well during gusty winter fronts along the Gulf Coast and resists flutter when you’re riding faster swell on directional boards. This stability helps maintain predictable pull, which newer riders often struggle to find in choppy water. You will notice this most on stronger winter days at Sand Key or during south-wind sessions near Clearwater Pass, where the water can get chaotic. The Triad keeps its shape through the bumps and makes carving in and out of sections feel more controlled.

Relaunch is simple. Even in sloppy St. Pete surf where whitewater hits quickly, one pull on a steering line usually rocks the kite to its side. For riders learning directional transitions or practicing small strapless airs, having a kite that reliably relaunches is essential.

If you want to keep your kite performing for multiple seasons, Elite has a full breakdown on care and longevity in the Kite Maintenance Tips guide. Small habits with rinsing, storage, and line checks go a long way on the Gulf.

Should I demo the Naish Triad before buying?

Yes. The Triad is a kite that reveals its personality on the water, not on a spec sheet. Riders often comment that the Triad feels calmer and more predictable than they expected, especially when switching between a surfboard and a twin tip. The best way to know whether it matches your style is to ride it in the same conditions you already ride.

In Tampa Bay, this matters more than almost anywhere. Our wind is inconsistent. Our swell is short-period. Our onshore days can feel messy. A demo lets you feel how the Triad handles drift, turning, and bar feedback in conditions you already know. You can run it through a down-the-line carve at Fort De Soto, then take it to flatwater behind the Skyway Bridge to see how it behaves on a twin tip. For riders who prefer a quieter demo zone, Maximo Park offers protected flatwater where you can focus on steering and bar feel. If you want to test the surf performance directly, Treasure Island or Sand Key will show you how the Triad handles messy sections, cross-shore flow, and tighter pockets.

Elite keeps the Triad in the demo fleet, and you can test it back-to-back against the Pivot or Slash if you’re unsure which direction you want to go. Pairing a demo with kiteboarding lessons is also a great option. Riding with a coach beside you gives clarity on what the kite is doing in the pocket, how it reacts when depowered, and which size makes the most sense for your weight and local wind.

Find Your Perfect Naish Triad Setup at Elite Watersports

If the Triad matches the way you want to ride, the best next step is to try one in real Tampa Bay wind. Elite stocks the full Naish lineup, keeps Triad sizes available for demos, and has instructors who use these kites every week in local conditions.

Whether you are carving through the inside at Treasure Island, linking sections at Pass-a-Grille, or cruising flatwater behind the Skyway Bridge, the right setup makes the session smoother and more rewarding.

If you want personalized advice, the team at Elite is always ready to help. Aaron and the instructors can walk you through wind ranges, sizing, and board pairing so your setup matches your skill and the conditions you ride most.