Scene News · Every release, day one · Week 43 · 2026
New Kites & Gear Launches
Kite, board, bar and harness launches as the brands drop them, with the changes that matter instead of the marketing.
Ozone Releases EXP V2 and Explore V3 Snowkites
Ozone has released two new snowkites, the EXP V2 and the single-surface Explore V3.
ION Releases Core Wetsuit Line with Neoprene-Free Natural Rubber
ION has relaunched its Core wetsuit series featuring a 100% neoprene-free construction made from Ocena bio-based natural rubber foam.
Duotone releases NTT 360 straps
Duotone has launched the new NTT 360 straps, a product described as a potential evolution in comfort and support.
Mystic introduces Poncho Explore changing robe
Mystic launches the Poncho Explore, a versatile changing robe designed for various weather conditions and activities.
Duotone releases Jaime Concept Blue 2027 kiteboard
Duotone Kiteboarding launches the Jaime Concept Blue 2027, a new kiteboard combining an established shape with natural materials for freestyle and big air.
Duotone releases Team Series Big Air SLS 2027 board
Duotone Kiteboarding has launched the Team Series Big Air SLS 2027, a new board developed for high-end competition.
Mystic Boarding launches FW26/27 Midnight Sun collection
Mystic Boarding has released its new FW26/27 Midnight Sun collection, designed for durability and performance in challenging conditions.
Manera Launches U-Zip System for Seafarer Wetsuits
Manera introduces a new U-Zip system for select models within its men's Seafarer wetsuit range, enhancing the product line with a new technical feature.
Ride Engine launches new RE_X cold water wetsuit collection
Ride Engine introduces the RE_X wetsuit collection for men and women, designed for colder waters and winter conditions.
ION Launches Amp Wetsuits for Enhanced Flex and Warmth
ION has launched its new Amp Level wetsuits, featuring Graphene_Plush 2.0 lining and Max_Flex technology for increased flexibility and warmth.
ION Amaze Amp Shorty wetsuit launched
ION launches the Amaze Amp Shorty wetsuit for women, featuring Max_Flex technology for flexibility and comfort during high-energy sessions.
ION Products Releases Fall/Winter 2027 Wetsuit Collection
ION Products introduces its new range of women's wetsuits and cold weather accessories for the upcoming Fall/Winter 2027 season.
Harlem Kitesurfing Details Thrive V2 and Launch V2 Development
Designer Ralf Groesel and five-time World Champion Aaron Hadlow sit down with Lewis Crathern to discuss the prototypes and testing behind the new V2 range.
Mystic Launches FW26/27 Waterwear Collection for Cold Water
Built for the unpredictable conditions of Lofoten, the new FW26/27 range from Mystic includes wetsuits, harnesses, and cold-weather accessories.
ION Spectre and Riot Light Harnesses Receive New Colourways for FW27
ION has released new white-inspired colour options for its Spectre and Riot Light kite harnesses for the Fall/Winter 2027 season.
Mystic Debuts 2026 Range with New Stealth Buckle and Expanded Helmet Line
The 2026 Mystic range brings a new press-buckle system to the Stealth harness, expanded CE-approved headwear, and reinforced Armor Skin technology to the Majestic wetsuit.
Eleveight launches Stratos Plus five-strut big air kite
Eleveight has released the Stratos Plus, a new five-strut big air kite designed for advanced jumping and looping.
Duotone Launches 2027 Neo and Neo SLS Wave Kites
Duotone updates its wave and strapless freestyle lineup for 2027 with new iterations of the Neo and the high-performance Neo SLS.
Naish Previews Psycho Nvision Big Air Kite
Naish reveals details of its upcoming Psycho Nvision big air kite, developed for precision and top-end performance.
Ozone launches Reflex kite, presents Vortex V2 Ultra X at AWSI 2026
Ozone presents its new Reflex kite and the Vortex V2 Ultra X at AWSI 2026, offering distinct options for different riding styles.
Mystic Launches FW26/27 Cold-Water Clothing Collection
Mystic released its FW26/27 apparel collection, designed for warmth and comfort in cold-water kitesurfing conditions.
ION Storm Coat Returns for Fall/Winter 2027
ION has released the Storm Coat in a new colorway for the Fall/Winter 2027 season, updating its popular cold-weather product.
Reedin Snack Pack: Kevin Langeree introduces crossover board
Reedin introduces the Snack Pack, a new board described as a twin tip and surfboard crossover developed by Kevin Langeree and Damien Girardin.
Ride Engine presents Hyperlock Harnesses at AWSI 2026
Ride Engine showcased its new Hyperlock Harness range at the AWSI 2026 trade show, highlighting its latest design innovation.
RRD Launches Split Back and Travel Trolley
RRD has released its new Split Back and Travel Trolley bags, targeting active users with functional luggage solutions.
Cabrinha Introduces 2027 Drifter Kitesurf Kite
Cabrinha has released its 2027 Drifter Kitesurf Kite, designed for performance surf and strapless freestyle.
Cabrinha Launches 2027 Drifter Apex Kite and S-Quad Surfboard
Cabrinha introduces its 2027 Drifter Apex surf kite and S-Quad performance surfboard, enhancing its wave-focused product range for advanced riders.
North Launches Orbit Ultra with N-u80 Airframe Technology
North Kiteboarding launches the Orbit Ultra, a high-performance Big Air kite featuring the new N-u80 UPE airframe, following success at King of the Air 2025.
ION launches Fall/Winter 2027 collection, including new Amp, Core wetsuits and Feelgood Sock
ION presents its Fall/Winter 2027 collection, featuring updated wetsuits, accessories, and harnesses, designed to enhance performance in cold water conditions.
Duotone Launches Jaime SLS 2027 Kiteboard
Duotone has introduced the Jaime SLS 2027, an updated version of its performance freestyle and big air kiteboard.
Duotone releases 2027 Dice SLS kite
Duotone Kiteboarding has launched the 2027 Dice SLS, an updated version of its high-performance crossover kite for freestyle, looping, and wave riding.
Naish Kiteboarding Launches Psycho [Q] Series Kite
Naish Kiteboarding has launched the Psycho [Q] Series kite, designed for progression in big air and megaloops.
Duotone releases Evo D/LAB 2027 kite
Duotone Kiteboarding launches its new Evo D/LAB 2027 kite, designed for high-performance freeride, big air, and freestyle.
North Kiteboarding Debuts FW26/27 Range with Lighter Orbit and Navigator Pro Gen2
North Kiteboarding has officially launched its FW26/27 collection, featuring the new Orbit kite, Navigator Pro Gen2 control system, and Atmos Pro twin tip. The collection emphasizes technical engineering and 'loop progression' performance.
Harlem Kitesurfing releases Launch V2 Freeride twintip
Harlem Kitesurfing launched the Launch V2 Freeride, a new twintip board designed for progression and comfort, showcasing it in a product video.
Duotone and Porsche Reveal 2027 Evo SLS Limited Edition Kite
Duotone Kiteboarding has released its third collaboration with Porsche, featuring limited edition 2027 Evo SLS kites and Jaime SLS boards inspired by the Cayenne Turbo Electric.
Bruna Kajiya introduces BK Capsule Collection with Mystic
Bruna Kajiya and Mystic have launched the BK Capsule Collection, featuring gear designed by the athlete based on her competitive experience.
More from the newsroom
Gear Launches
New Kites & Gear Launches, explained
New kite releases, board drops, bar updates and harness launches the moment brands announce them: model years, key changes and what matters on the water.
How kite gear release cycles work
Kite brands work in model years, much like car makers. A new Evo, XR or Rebel does not appear randomly: most flagship kites are refreshed on a yearly or two-year rhythm, with the bulk of launches landing between late summer and winter, in time for the southern-hemisphere season and the new year's orders.
A launch usually rolls out in stages: a teaser, the official announcement with the full size run and prices, then availability at shops and schools. Limited builds and mid-season additions (new sizes, special editions) fill the gaps between the big drops.
What actually changes between model years
Some years bring a real redesign: a new canopy layout, different strut count, new materials. Most years bring iteration: refined bridles, reinforced seams, tweaked bar pressure. Both get announced with equal enthusiasm, which is why our launch stories focus on the concrete what-changed list instead of the campaign language.
Our rule for covering launches is simple: the news tells you what is new, and the product's page in our gear index tells you how it actually rides, with researched characteristics and honest trade-offs.
How we verify a launch
Before a launch story publishes here, our system checks the brand's own website for the product. A video or social post alone is treated as a signal, not a confirmation. Verified launches also feed our kite, board, bar and harness databases, so specs, sizes and prices stay in one consistent place.
Stories in this section are researched with AI assistance and cite their sources. Most are approved by an editor before they go live. Routine results and product launches from verified sources can be published after automated source checks, and our editor reviews them afterwards. We correct errors.
Frequently asked
When do new kites come out?
Most model-year launches land between late summer and winter, but brands increasingly spread releases across the year. Follow this page or the RSS feed to catch every drop the day it is announced.
Is the newest model year always worth the upgrade?
Not automatically. In iteration years the previous model is often nearly identical and drops in price. Check the what-changed list in the launch story and the ride characteristics in our gear index before deciding.
Where does your launch information come from?
From the brands' own announcements and websites, cross-checked automatically against the brand's official product pages, with every story citing its sources.