We know how to do It well

Nobile is at the forefront of pushing kitesurf equipment every year. They’ve been building boards in their family owned factory since 2003 and the quality definitely shows. Everyone knows that TT boards with Nobile marks are best of the best. 

When designing a twin tip, which features do you prioritize? 

First of all, boards should be for the people. During tests or travels we meet different people who use our equipment or just take a chance to try it. We collect their opinions, listen what they have to say and what are their wishes towards the equipment; what is good for them and what could we possibly improve. Then we get a vision of customers’ expectations and a perspective the kitesurfing is heading towards. Of course, you need a different approach to every type of twin-tip, whether it’s split, freeride or freestyle. Each type of board has its own specificity, different character which corresponds with proper shape, construction and flex. Of course, everything must suit the people who use it. So once again we return to the user.

Which technologies are you utilising at the moment that make a real difference to the rider of the board?

First of all, the APS technology, which means implementing an initial stress to the board’s construction. Riders feel it mainly at properly adjusted board parameters: torsional and longitudinal stiffness, which we can control almost freely. The great advantage of this technology is that it gives us lighter boards, compared to those without APS. The second technology is our Split system. Split boards are valued mostly by those who travel a lot. Even a transport to the beach by a car is much more comfortable when the board can easily fit in the trunk. In my opinion we have the best system of split boards on the market right now. It is also the most advanced one which unfortunately makes it very complicated in production. But it translates into super easy using: no tools, quick to assemble and disassemble, great joint durability and zero impact on board’s performance. Years of work, continuous development and we are not even done yet. Our another flagship technology is generally a tool-free assembly system Click’n’Go. All our board accessories have this option. Why sweat with screwdrivers and spanners, remember about them or look for someone who owns them? We do what we can to make user experience better, easier and nicer.

Where do you stand on the impact of board production on the environment?

We’re almost directly connected to our boards factory, so this issue is not alien to us. We take into account the reduction of production waste, excessive energy consumption, etc. as early as at designing stage. That’s why we’re able to optimize further production, its environmental impact, material and energy consumption. A scope for activity is huge. Even minor changes in design can significantly facilitate manufacturing process, although we also deal with situations where we have to complicate it deliberately, e.g. prolong production a little so we don’t dispose of too much waste. Both production facility and water are heated by sawdust which comes as a waste in the process of manufacturing board wedges.

What does the twin-tip of the future look like to you? 

Twin-tip still remains the first contact with kitesurfing. Everyone – or to be more secure: majority – begins from riding on twin-tip. Then each of them chooses his/her own way, depending of their preferences. The basic system will change slowly, contrary to freestyle or wakestyle. There’s still a lot going on here – it’s like a testing ground, e.g. a freeride takes advantage of later. And one more thing – I’m curious whether hydrofoil will catch on twin-tip.

Can you de-jargonize the twin-tip technology? How do concave, rocker, channels, flex, outline, construction, etc. actually impact a board ride?

It’s a very broad topic. Briefly speaking: Concave adheres the board to water surface, making it more stable, even during landings. The bigger Rocker is, the easier it is to ride on wavy water, but it slows the board on flat one too. Channels stabilize directionally and give better board control. Flex impacts either a riding comfort or a confident control. Outline mainly impacts edging and turning. Construction enables proper positioning of stiffness and durability in given points of the board. Size, length and width are adjusted to board’s character, as well as user’s height and weight. Here begins the fun with combining all these things. By proper mixing and regulating we can not only sum properties but also gain new features. For example the right outline and construction can improve the pop. Of course, not all of them are able to reconcile and not every combination will prove.

Let’s say I choose my board purely for the graphics, can I really go wrong? 

I think it’s obvious that you ride better on a prettier board, right? Haha! However, don’t forget to match the equipment with your style, weight (sometimes height as well) and water conditions you kite most often.

Many riders crossover to surfboards or foil boards soon after they can stay upwind. Should kiters consider sticking with, or going back to twin-tip riding even after they’ve passed the beginning stages of their progression?

Everyone should judge for himself. We do what we like to do and give our best. There’s no need to dug our heels in and insist that twin-tips are what everyone should master to perfection, or to the contrary – learn a little and then move on to the next level: surfboards. But it’s good to be open-minded, try new stuff and do not close yourself in your own world.