North Kiteboarding has released its FW26/27 collection, introducing significant engineering updates to its Big Air and freeride flagship models. The new range, marketed under the theme 'New season. New performance.', focuses on weight reduction and technical refinements across the North Orbit kite, the North Navigator Pro control system, and the North Atmos Pro twin tip.
The launch marks a critical step for the New Zealand-founded brand as it updates its core equipment for high-wind performance. By focusing on faster airframes and automated safety systems, the brand is targeting riders looking for quicker kite recovery in loops and simplified bar management during technical sessions.
Technical Refinements to the Orbit
The standout of the collection is the 2027 Orbit, the brand's dedicated Big Air and loop progression kite. The primary update centers on the N-Max2 airframe, which is now thinner and lighter than previous iterations. According to product specifications from the North Actionsports portal, this revised structure allows for faster loop speeds, enabling the kite to fly forward and catch the rider more reliably after a powered send.
The Orbit continues to occupy the central spot in the North lineup for riders prioritizing height and hang time. While the North Reach remains the brand’s versatile all-rounder, the new Orbit is specifically tuned for predictable behavior in unpredictable, high-wind conditions.
Next Generation Control and Hardware
The FW26/27 collection also debuts the Navigator Pro Gen2 control system. Billed as the safest and most universal high-performance bar in the North range, the Gen2 features an auto-unwinding mechanism. The new design is reportedly stronger and lighter, utilizing a revised grip and comfort profile for all-weather handling.
The safest, most universal high performance control system ever. Now auto-unwinding, stronger and lighter, with unrivalled comfort and grip in all conditions.
Supporting the hardware updates are new twin tip boards and bindings:
- North Atmos Pro: A Triaxial Carbon board designed for aggressive riders, featuring a fast response and precise edge control for upwind tracking.
- North Astra: A lighter-weight board with a responsive flex pattern tailored for riders with a smaller build.
- Flex Pro Bindings: Engineered with triple-density dynamic support to absorb impact during heavy landings.
Engineering and Legacy
North Kiteboarding operates as part of the North Actionsports Group, based in Katwijk, Netherlands. While the brand’s lineage reaches back to Lowell North’s 1957 founding of North Sails, the modern kiteboarding entity focuses heavily on materials science developed in New Zealand. The FW26/27 collection follows the brand's commitment to innovation through its "Digital Product Passport" initiative, which is now applied to the new Orbit and Reach models.
The release also confirms the continuation of specialized kites for other disciplines. The North Carve remains the primary tool for surf and strapless freestyle, while the North Pulse caters to unhooked freestyle and wakestyle riders. For foil and light wind efficiency, the brand continues to offer the North Code Zero and Code Zero Pro.
The new collection is available through the North Actionsports online store and global retail partners.
