PLKB Peter Lynn: from kite flying to a kitesurfing empire
The story of PLKB Peter Lynn begins with a visionary engineer from New Zealand, Peter Lynn, who was not only a passionate kite flyer, but also had the technical know-how to take kitesurfing to a new level. Born in New Zealand in 1946, Peter Lynn discovered the fascination of kite flying during his childhood. But his passion for wind and air was not just a leisure pursuit – it was to be the beginning of a career that would revolutionize the world of kitesurfing.
Peter Lynn was an outstanding student and graduated with honors in mechanical engineering in 1969. After graduating, he initially worked in industry, but kitesurfing did not let him go. In 1971, just two years after graduating, he decided to follow his heart and change his career path completely: he devoted himself to designing kites. It was a brave move, but it was precisely this move that made him one of the leading minds in the kitesurfing industry.
In 1973, after years of practical experience and constant testing, Peter Lynn officially founded his company – Peter Lynn Kites. His motivation was clear: he didn't just want to sell kites, but to develop innovative designs that would enable people to use the power of the wind in completely new ways.
In the beginning, he mainly made traditional kites and flying machines, but Peter Lynn had an eye for the future early on. The kites he designed were not just toys – they were tools capable of pulling people and generating great power. In doing so, he laid the foundation for modern kitesurfing as we know it today.
His first major project was to develop a high-performance power kite – a kite that could generate enough pulling force to pull a vehicle. This was the beginning of the development of traction kites. Peter Lynn saw the potential of wind as a driving force and was determined to explore the possibilities of this technology further. His vision was to develop kitesurfing far beyond classic kite flying and to create new, exciting sports driven by wind power.
The early years were not easy, and as with many innovative projects, there were setbacks and challenges. But Peter Lynn did not get discouraged. Instead, he continued to refine his designs, test tirelessly and look for solutions that would make kiting safer and more effective.
As his success grew, so did the company. The breakthrough came in 1990 when Peter Lynn developed the first kite buggy. This innovative buggy, combined with a kite, opened up new possibilities for kiting by allowing riders to travel above the ground using wind power to propel them forward. The kite buggy was a revolutionary step that took the world of kitesurfing by storm and gave birth to a new discipline – kite buggying.
But Peter Lynn did not rest on his laurels. The development of new kite technologies continued. In 1997, he presented the C-Quad, a kite that set new standards in terms of its innovative shape and performance. The C-Quad was highly efficient and was the first kite to offer excellent performance even in light winds.
At the same time, Peter Lynn also developed kites that were specifically designed for water sports. These kites revolutionized kitesurfing, which was still in its infancy at the time. The development of foil kites and tube kites was a decisive step in the direction of kitesurfing gaining popularity as a mainstream water sport.
Over the years, Peter Lynn Kites not only built up as a company, but also established itself as one of the most recognized brands in kitesurfing worldwide. With his innovations, he contributed significantly to leading the sport of kitesurfing into a new era. He always kept the vision of developing kites that would allow people to experience the freedom of the wind in a safe and exciting way.
PLKB (Peter Lynn Kite Boarding) eventually became a global empire, not only supplying the kitesport with innovative products, but also popularizing new disciplines such as snowkiting and landboarding. Today, PLKB is synonymous with high-quality kites that impress not only with their performance, but also with their durability and ease of use.
Peter Lynn himself, a humble and visionary man, once said that he wanted to create the sport of kitesurfing not only for the athletic performance, but also for the joy and sense of freedom that the wind offers. Today, over 50 years after the company was founded, PLKB remains a leading player in the sport of kitesurfing and continues to inspire generations of kitesurfers worldwide.
The journey from a small kite shop in New Zealand to a global company is a prime example of visionary innovation and the passion of an individual to change the world. Peter Lynn has not only created a kitesport, but an entire culture that continues to grow and evolve.
Milestones of the company
- 1971: Peter Lynn starts his career in kite development.
- 1973: Peter Lynn Kites is established.
- 1987: Development of power kites for traction kiting and kite buggying, opening up a new dimension of kitesurfing.
- 1990: Introduction of the first kite buggy, which revolutionized kitesurfing and created a new discipline.
- 1997: Introduction of the C-Quad, an innovative high-performance kite that took the possibilities of kitesurfing to a new level.
- 1999: Development of the Arc Style/Twinskin kites, which set new standards in kite technology and became known for their exceptional performance.
- 2020: Rebranding to PLKB to appeal to a broader audience and better position the company in the global market.
Technical achievements and innovations
Peter Lynn has always been a pioneer in kitesurfing and has created numerous innovations:
- Kite-Buggy: In 1990, he developed the first Kite-Buggy, a three-wheeled vehicle powered by the wind that opened up new possibilities in kitesurfing. This vehicle pushed the boundaries of kitesurfing and inspired many further developments.
- C-Quad: In 1997, he introduced the C-Quad, a kite with a unique design and high efficiency. This kite was a turning point because it revolutionized the handling of kites in a completely new way.
- Arc Style/Twinskin kites: In 1999, he introduced these kites, which impressed with their special construction and performance. The kites offered better stability and an even finer control experience.
- Latest innovations: In recent years, PLKB has developed a range of new technologies, including the “Swell V4” series and the popular “Nova V2” kite, both of which impress with their user-friendliness and performance.
These innovations have significantly influenced kitesurfing and enabled new disciplines, making Peter Lynn a leading visionary in the industry.
Best-known products
PLKB is known for a variety of products that stand out for their quality and performance:
- Hornet: A well-established all-round power kite that has been on the market for over 15 years and has been continuously developed. The Hornet is known for its versatility and robustness and is ideal for beginners and advanced users.
- Swell V4: A wave/freeride kite that is valued for its performance in waves and during freeride sessions. The Swell V4 is characterized by its excellent wind stability and easy handling.
- Nova V2: A depower foil kite known for its stability and ease of use. It is particularly popular with kitesurfers who value precise control and high performance.
These products reflect PLKB's commitment to innovation and quality and have helped to make the brand famous worldwide.
50 years of innovation and passion in kitesurfing
Peter Lynn has had a lasting impact on kitesurfing through his numerous inventions and designs. His developments, such as the kite buggy and special kite designs, have enabled new sports and revolutionized existing disciplines. Although specific patents are not documented in detail, his influence on the industry is undeniable. One example of his significant contributions is the development of kite buggying, which not only enriched the sport of kiting, but also led to kite buggying becoming a discipline in its own right. Similarly, his kites, which can be used both on the water and on land, influenced the variety of sports that can be practiced using wind power.
