Airush

Airush Kiteboarding: origin, innovation and vision

Airush Kiteboarding is a renowned brand in the kiteboarding industry, having established itself as a leading manufacturer through continuous innovation and a clear vision. With over two decades of experience, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of kite, board and accessory development, inspiring both professional and amateur riders.

Origin and creation of the brand

Airush Kiteboarding was founded in the late 1990s by Keith and Karen Baxter, who previously ran the Hawaiian Pro Line company on Maui, with the aim of further developing kiteboarding and offering riders a better experience through innovative technologies. In the early years, Airush focused on further developing the accessories under the kites. While other brands were concentrating on making better kites, Airush was developing bars, bindings, footstraps and fins that significantly improved safety and performance. Initially, the products were met with only slow acceptance. But over time, interest grew, especially when riders like Lou Wainman, Elliot Leboe and Rush Randall joined the Airush team. Their spectacular moves and progress helped to make Airush famous worldwide. After a successful start and growing interest in kiteboarding, Airush decided to develop its own kites. The market grew rapidly and the Baxters realized that they needed a strong R&D team. Starboard, a Thai windsurfing manufacturer, became an important partner in this development process.

Airush managed to bring kite production in-house and developed some of the most innovative designs on the market. Their kites combined high performance with user-friendly handling, making the sport more accessible to beginners.

Airush's technical achievements

Airush has developed many groundbreaking technologies in the kiteboarding industry that have revolutionized the sport. Some of the most significant technical advances in recent years include:

• Ho'okipa Ultra PE Leading Edge: This innovation has taken kiteboarding design to a new level. The Ho'okipa Ultra PE material is used in the leading edge and struts of the kites. This ensures a significant weight reduction while increasing strength and durability. This technique improves performance and makes for a faster and more agile ride, without compromising on stability.
• ONE: Airush is launching the first mono strutter in 2010, setting new standards in low-end tube kites.
• The legendary SWITCH: A milestone in board development, the Switch board established itself over the years as one of the most popular twin-tip boards in the world. Originally introduced in 2001, it combined versatility, comfort and performance and was continuously developed.
• Technoforce D2: Airush has developed a special high-density fabric technology in collaboration with the leading fabric manufacturer. The Technoforce D2 material is particularly UV-resistant and extremely abrasion-resistant, which considerably extends the lifespan of the kites. This choice of material not only makes the kite more robust, but also ensures better flight behavior, as the shape stability is maintained over a longer period of time.
• WebTech and Load Frame: Airush has introduced a new measure to improve durability and performance with the introduction of the Load Frame, a reinforced structure in the kite. The WebTech process uses a network of channels to replace the Dacron reinforcements while minimizing the weight of the kite. This technology ensures that the kite remains stable under load and that force is distributed evenly across the entire material.

Vision and plans for the future

The current headquarters of Airush Kiteboarding is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Airush's production facilities are mainly located in China, where most of their kites, boards and accessories are manufactured. Airush has close partnerships with specialized factories to ensure that their products meet the high-quality standards.

• Innovation and research: Airush continues to focus on research and development to create new products that meet the needs of riders. There is a particular focus on creating kites and boards that offer the best conditions for both beginners and professional athletes. The company is known for regularly introducing new models and design features that set the standard in the industry.
• Sustainability: Sustainability is another of Airush's key objectives. In recent years, the company has increasingly turned to more environmentally friendly production methods and materials in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint. Airush is making increasing use of recycled materials and is continuously working to extend the lifespan of its products. This not only reduces waste, but also helps to use resources more efficiently.
• Commitment to the kiteboarding community: Airush is not only a company, but also an active part of the global kiteboarding community. By supporting kitesurfing events, sponsoring talent and working with athletes, Airush strives to advance the sport of kiteboarding. The company aims to provide a platform for sharing the latest trends and technologies while promoting the joy of the sport.

A clear focus on the future

Airush Kiteboarding has managed to establish itself as one of the leading brands in kiteboarding. The story of Airush Kiteboarding is an inspiring example of innovation, passion and the relentless pursuit of perfection. From its humble beginnings on Maui to the development of groundbreaking products, Airush Kiteboarding has left a lasting mark on the industry.

Although Keith and Karen are now devoting their time to other projects, their legacy lives on. Airush remains one of the most influential brands in kiteboarding and continues to stand for quality, innovation and a love of the sport.