THE BIG AIR BLUEPRINT

TRUST THE PILOT

Short lines vs. long lines – this is one of the hottest topics in Big Air kiteboarding right now. In this episode of The Big Air Blueprint, we find out from Double loop pioneer Giel Vlugt what he perceives as the perfect line length, and his preferred control system setup for sending it big. 

So Giel, what Ocean Rodeo control system do you use?

I use the Pilot Bar. 


Do you adjust your center line bar trim just before "going big"?

Nope, I just take it as it is and go as big as possible!


What is your "go to" line length? Are you changing line lengths for S-loops or double loops?

Always 22s. For me it's just the perfect combination of height, power and steering feedback for me. I've been experimenting with 12 meter lines for fun too lately. A different ball game but extremely fun!


What size trim loop do you use? Big (Freestyle) or small (Freeride)?

I use the Freeride loop! It just feels better to have the bar close to me when I'm looping and hanging upside down. It just feels so much more connected to me, and that’s super important.


Where do you attach your leash? Harness front or back? 

On the front of the harness, on the right. To make sure I can reach it quickly if I need it!


Sometimes when watching you coming down from a megaloop I see you pumping the bar… What’s happening here?

If you loop the kite very low or if the second loop takes out all the power, the lines slack for a second. By pumping the bar you try to get the line tension back and you can get the kite to recover so you can land smoothly. It's a rush!


What length bars do you use for each Rise size in your quiver?

For the doubles I use the 52cm bars. So the 7 and 8 meter I ride on big bars for doubles and also the 11 and 12. The 46cm bar is for single loop action for the 7, 8, 9 and 10 meter. Because the kite is so quick it's nice to ride a smaller bar to make sure the loops aren't too high.

So Giel, what Ocean Rodeo control system do you use?

I use the Pilot Bar.


Do you adjust your center line bar trim just before "going big"?

Nope, I just take it as it is and go as big as possible!


What is your "go to" line length? Are you changing line lengths for S-loops or double loops?

Always 22s. For me it's just the perfect combination of height, power and steering feedback for me. I've been experimenting with 12 meter lines for fun too lately. A different ball game but extremely fun!

What size trim loop do you use? Big (Freestyle) or small (Freeride)?

I use the Freeride loop! It just feels better to have the bar close to me when I'm looping and hanging upside down. It just feels so much more connected to me, and that’s super important.


Where do you attach your leash? Harness front or back?

On the front of the harness, on the right. To make sure I can reach it quickly if I need it!


Sometimes when watching you coming down from a megaloop I see you pumping the bar… What’s happening here?

If you loop the kite very low or if the second loop takes out all the power, the lines slack for a second. By pumping the bar you try to get the line tension back and you can get the kite to recover so you can land smoothly. It's a rush!


What length bars do you use for each Rise size in your quiver?

For the doubles I use the 52cm bars. So the 7 and 8 meter I ride on big bars for doubles and also the 11 and 12. The 46cm bar is for single loop action for the 7, 8, 9 and 10 meter. Because the kite is so quick it's nice to ride a smaller bar to make sure the loops aren't too high.

Get your Pilot

Totally redesigned, the Pilot bar is a culmination of 20 years frontline trim design experience. Every component is refined to deliver the cleanest, easiest to use frontline trim bar to date.


The Pilot is available in two sizes: 46 cm and 52cm, with 22m lines.