Apr 24, 2014

The Beginner’s Guide to Picking a Twin Tip Kiteboard

One of the first and sometimes difficult steps when getting into kiteboarding is picking your first board. Based on your weight, you can use the following table to get a good idea of your ideal beginner board sizes.

Beginner Board Sizing Guide
Weight
Min. Size
Max Size
< 150 lbs (68kg)
136cm
148cm
150-200lbs 
(68-91kg)
145cm
160cm
> 200lbs (91kg)
150cm
165cm








When starting out, it is recommended that you use a large board for your size. The reason for this is that you will find that these larger boards are a more efficient ride for anyone starting out. A large kiteboard will float regardless of whether you are on or in the water, which will be very important when you learn to launch from the water. This buoyancy aspect of the board will allow for a more forgiving ride as the board will keep you afloat with some kite mistakes and impacts. Another benefit is that it will be easier to launch. You will find out that with the large volume of this larger board you will not need as much kite power to get you up and moving. It will perform better when learning the board handling aspect with the kite. When you push down on your heels or toes, or edging, you will have more surface area to dig in to the water to steer. Turning and learning the upwind aspect of kiteboarding will be easer as larger boards excel in upwind handling. Lastly, even as you progress as a rider, this large board can still remain a useful pick from your quiver as your light wind board. In the long run, as your skills grow, you will not need to worry about outgrowing this board as it will still have its uses on the less windy days. Other conditions you may want to consider if you are learning in a location that is consistently very windy, you will want to go to a small board size. It will be easier to get overpowered by the heavier wind speeds on a large board, so a smaller board in your size category will be advisable.

Once you have determined the board size, the next step is to select a boards with the right lateral curve, or rocker. The flatter the board is, the better it will perform in lightwind and flat water conditions. If you are in an area where the water is consistently choppy or wavy, the more of a rocker you will need to help with board handling. You might also consider getting a deeper rocker if you are more experienced in board sports and are planning on moving into freestyle or wakestyle kiteboarding.

If you are still confused, feel free to contact us or look take a look at the following beginner board recommendations.




The Cabrinha Stylus is a great lightwind board that has a size for all weight ranges. The flat rocker line and extra wide outline make the most of these less than ideal wind conditions. The outline excels in earlier plaining.





The Best Armada is the best board for kiteboarding beginners who have board sport experience. If you are strong surfer, wakeboarder or snowboarder, this board will be the option that you can grow into.

Mar 3, 2014

New Gill Coastal Collection

Gill has done it again! If you're looking for a new jacket to accompany you while braving foul weather or just need to replace your old faithful, look no further! Their latest Coast suit offers the complete package of protection, practicality and comfort at a great price point.

The new collection features the quality and style you expect from Gill, but with a more extensive focus on all-day comfort. The 2-layer coated material used helps provide a soft handle without compromising on foul gear weather protection, perfect for the coastal boater. 

Check out our Gill Shop today! 






Technical Information:

Technology: 
• 2 Dot™, 2-layer breathable coated fabric with a durable water repellent finish
• Fully taped seams for a waterproof seal
• Non-absorbent and quick-drying lining

Fabric Composition:

Outer: 100% Nylon, Fleece: 100% Polyester, Mesh Lining: 100% Polyester

Features: 
• A rollaway fluorescent hood with volume adjustment for improved fit 
• High cut soft fleece lined collar with face guard for protection
• Adjustable inner and outer watertight cuffs 
• Hi-visibility Reflexite® reflectives
• Fleece lined hand warmer pockets
• Large capacity cargo pockets

The accompanying Coast Trousers are fully lined with front drainage facility and feature adjustable suspenders, along with a semi-elasticized waist and articulated knees to offer a comfortable fit


Jan 30, 2014

Introducing Alex

To ring in 2014, we would like to introduce one of the many voices behind Mauri Pro, Alex. For over a year now, he has been one of the main voices of Mauri Pro’s customer service and marketing teams. Alex’s expertise spans boats of all sizes from Lasers dinghies to 50 footers. If you need a hand with sailboat hardware, Alex is your man.


Alex was born in Ft. Worth and raised in Keller, TX where he was introduced to sailing in the Boy Scouts, later becoming an instructor. He eventually moved to Annapolis for the Naval Academy where picked up some more time on the water and even offshore experience in the 2008 Newport to Bermuda Race. After finishing at the Academy, Alex returned to Texas attending the University of North Texas where he also competed on the Intercollegiate team and in the J24 Circuit with other classmates.




Once completing his degree, Alex found himself turning his passion into his career. After hours, he became the mainsail trimmer for the Mauri Pro Farr 39ML and a Joubert-Nivelt IOR 50 in the Tran-Superior Regatta. Alex can be found on the weekends competing in his own Laser or on the Mauri Pro J24 “sr. happy.”



Off the water, Alex’s skills are instrumental in all of the web development and graphic design aspects of Mauri Pro. If you have had a chance to look over the website, you can bet that you have seen some of his handwork. 

Jan 23, 2014

Henri Lloyd Elite


Offshore Elite Jacket
Henri Lloyd continues to push development of high-performance ocean foul weather gear to new levels. Long a proponent of Gore® membranes for their most extreme waterproof-breathable gear, Henri Lloyd has stayed with them to develop their new Elite Offshore line. The line line of outerwear uses 3-layer laminate with Gore-Tex® membrane sandwiched between state of the art face fabrics and the new Slide-Glide backer. This has resulted in a fabric that is 30% lighter and 20% more breathable than what was previously considered best-in-class fabrics.

The Slide-Glide backing is an important upgrade. Besides contributing to the weight savings, it is also designed to move more freely against mid-layers. The Elite line includes base- and mid-layers designed to work as a system to reduce internal friction. Besides making it easier to suit up when it's time to get on deck this also means easier movement when you're there, and reduced fatigue.

Offshore Elite Hi Fit
The Henri Lloyd Elite foul weather gear combines outerwear, mid-layer and base-layer into a complete system for all conditions. The Offshore Elite Jacket uses Henri Lloyd's OPTIVISION hood system for excellent peripheral vision. It includes chest pockets as well as lower fast-draining cargo pockets. The Offshore Elite Hi-Fit trousers have an articulated cut to further aid easier movement, Cordura reinforcement panels to protect against wear and a fast-draining thigh pocket. Both the Jacket and Hi-Fit are available in a version cut specifically for an ergonomic Women's fit. Also available is an Offshore Elite Racer Jacket which does away with the cargo pockets to further reduce weight and bulk. This also aids breathability by reducing extra fabric layers.

Therm Mid Layer Jacket
Designed as a complementary mid-layer to the Elite Offshore outerwear for extreme conditions, the Elite Therm Jacket and Salopette can stand alone in light spray conditions. It is 100% waterproof and windproof with taped seams and also breathable. The Henri Lloyd Elite Therm mid layers are insulated with a Primaloft lining to provide warmth without weight. Used in moderate conditions or as a mid-layer under the Offshore Elite foul weather gear in extreme conditions, the Elite Therm gear works best when combined with H Therm Base Layers.

Therm Mid Layer Salopette
A key part in any foul weather gear system is a good fitting base layer. The Henri Lloyd H Therm Long Sleeve Crew Shirt and H Therm Tights are designed to layer beneath the Offshore Elite and Elite Therm Mid-Layers. Made of high-wicking Fast-Dri fabric this base layer offers excellent moisture transport to keep you comfortable in your foul weather gear. Silver ion microbial technology helps ensure the garment stays fresh, and flatlock seam construction mitigates seam-rub further enhancing mobility. UVA and UVB protection also protect you from the sun when worn alone.

If you're looking for a complete high-performance foul weather gear system from skin to spray the Henri Lloyd Elite Offshore collection needs to be on your shopping list. Available now from Mauri Pro Sailing.