Riders profiles insight into the industry Lewis Wilby

Lewis Wilby -GoPro Session from CKB Boards on Vimeo.

Mr Lewis Wilby
Age: 21

D:O:B: 14/11/1988
Nationality: British
Lives: Norwich, UK
Years riding: 8+
Discipline: Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing and Snowkiting.
Has kited in: England, France, Spain, Belgium, Scotland and Wales.
Kites: Flexifoil Ion 4's, Hadlow Pro 09's

Landboard: MBS Pro 90
Kiteboard: Flexifoil Hooligan/ Hooligan Pro
Accessories: Pro Limit Aaron Hadlow Harness

Chris Airo... Hi mate, I know you have been riding for some years how, did you get in to it?

Lewis... I started power kiting in June 2002 when I was 13 years old. My younger brother, Aston took up power kiting before me and it was through him that I had my first go on a Flexifoil Proteam 8. I
instantly became addicted to this sport and soon planned to progress onto the traction aspect of the sport. I bought my first board in November 2002 and within the first few hours; I was progressing
quickly onto my first few jumps.

Chris Airo... I know you have been sponsored by Flexifoil since 2006 and that you are currently flying the amazing Ion 4's how do you compare the 4 to the 3's or even the 2's. What are the improvements?

Lewis...  The Ion 4’s is without doubt a highly tuned version of the 2 and 3. Flexifoil have done simple but effective adjustments, such as, giving it more power by removing the middle strut. This also makes the aerofoil much cleaner and gives a smoother feel through the window.  They have tuned the turn and it is now much faster which means I now fly all sizes of the smallest bar. My favourite bit though is now so stable and smooth that I barely recognise when I’m flying in gusty winds! All in all it just means I have that little bit more confidence and performance to push my riding to a higher level.

Chris Airo... Anything in the pipeline at Flexifoil that you can tell us about?

Lewis... There is always prototypes around and being tested but to answer your question, no nothing I can say before the guys a Flexifoil release.

Chris Airo... Apart from the Ion 4 has any other kites caught your eye over the last year?

Lewis... Most manufactures make half decent kites nowadays and if I was looking to buy a kite other than Flexifoil, I’d be pretty confused. My favourite kite at the moment is actually the Flexifoil Hadlow Pro because I have spent my last few sessions on the water and there is nothing like that kite on the water.

Chris Airo... What do you think is the most innovated design or safety feature that you have seen coming through in the kiteboard world over the last few years?

Lewis... That’s hard to say as most kites have reached the stage where they are getting tweaked to get that little extra performance out of them and I don’t really use a safety system to be honest. My chicken loop is linked straight up to a suicide leash and that’s all I really need. Of course, I still have a back up but it’s yet to be used.

Chris Airo... All the guys on the forum loved the Push Kiting movies and can’t wait for the next one but did I see you in wake boots or snowboard bindings and what advantages does that give you?

Lewis... Haha, honestly there aren’t many benefits of riding with the snowboard boots. It was more just trying new things out to see what would work. I actually ride with Bindings and Heelstraps more than not nowadays as the board feels like it becomes part of you and there is no movement or risk of losing the board, which means you can push that little bit harder.

Chris Airo...What direction has your kiteboarding taken lately and what’s making you buzz?

Lewis... High wind is being dominated by Kiteloops! There is a big push between me and my friends to see who can go highest and furthest. We are also experimenting with flips and other tricks whilst looping (a bit like you see on the water). However, I would love to move the sport onto more ramps, rails and street style. For me this is the best way the sport could go... There are so many possibilities out there and I think that side of the sport will take off soon then continue to grow. (An example being the Sea Wall gap at one of my local spots- All it needs now is a nice long rail going down the side)
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Chris Airo... It was great to see the Kite Landboard Progression DVD and it’s a must have for anyone starting out its full of good tips and tricks. Can you tell me your top few things to remember for a newbie starting out?

Lewis... Always fly with your mates, be it you’re learning to get started or you’re trying the push yourself to learn that latest trick. If you’re doing something wrong, it’s likely they can see what you’re doing wrong better than you can. Another pointer is if you’re struggling with a trick, ask a mate to film you- that way you can go home and see what stage is going wrong then compare it to other videos online so you know how to correct yourself.

Chris Airo... Your web page http://www.lewiswilby.com says you are
taking some time to freeride and make movies among other things. So
what in store for you the coming year?

Lewis... I have lots of other plans for this year. I am spending the first few months doing two snowboard trips- the first being a trip to the Snow Kite Masters- The next is a normal snowboard trip with some good mates. After that, I will be focusing on getting my water kiting up to competition level. But don’t worry once the competitions start, I will relax again and continue to push my riding be it on land. As always I will make sure other people get to see it via video.

Chris Airo... Anything else you would like to share with us?

Lewis... Just thanks for the support and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to get in contact with me via my website!

Chris Airo... Thanks for your time lewis have a great year and good luck from us all here with your adventures