Overview
Based in Hood River, Oregon, Slingshot is one of the most innovative brands in the kiteboarding industry. Since its inception in 1999, it has consistently delivered products that defy industry norms across kites, boards, and hydrofoils. Tested in the harsh, high-wind conditions of Hood River, their gear has earned the trust of riders worldwide for its heavy-duty construction and high performance.
Brand History and Philosophy
Founded in 1999 by brothers Jeff and Tony Logosz, Slingshot aims to do more than just manufacture gear; its CORE philosophy is to build kiteboarding culture. Events they have supported, such as the Triple S, became the absolute mecca for kite Park style. Their synergy accelerated further after acquiring Ride Engine, the brand that created the original hardshell harness concept. Continuously questioning existing connection methods and structures remains the CORE of Slingshot’s development.
Flagship Products
RPM / RPX: The iconic flagship model that defined Slingshot’s dominance. As a pioneer of the Open-C shape, the “RPM” was favored by top riders like Carlos Mario for years and secured multiple world titles. It later evolved into its successor, the “RPX”, which was refined for lighter weight and faster responsiveness.
FUEL: The legendary C-kite synonymous with kiteloops and hardcore action. Its limits were pushed by riders like Ruben Lenten, leaving a disruptive impact on the kiteboarding world.
SST / FUSE: The dedicated Wave Riding lineage. Evolving from the legendary “SST”, which boasted ultimate drift and was occasionally chosen by Sam Light for major contests like King of the Air, the legacy has been reimagined. Led by Wave Riding legend Ben Wilson, it has been reborn from the ground up as the latest wave-specific model, the “FUSE”.
MACHINE: A dedicated Big Air kite designed for massive hangtime and stability in strong winds.
CODE: A versatile 3-strut all-rounder suitable for any condition, characterized by intuitive handling.
GHOST: A lightweight 1-strut design that truly shines in light wind sessions and foil riding.
UFO: A strutless kite that shocked the industry. Boasting ultimate lightness and infinite drift, it is purely specialized for foil freeriding.
Iconic Boards
ERA: Currently the hottest and most highly anticipated state-of-the-art twin tip board. With innovative technology and a refined shape, it delivers massive pop and buttery smooth landings. It holds the potential to become the next-generation standard for Freestyle and Big Air.
ASYLUM: A monumental twin tip that has garnered immense support from hardcore freestylers for years. Known for its aggressive riding characteristics and massive edge grip.
MISFIT: Slingshot’s most versatile and long-loved freeride twin tip. It guarantees a comfortable cruise in all conditions.
SCI-FLY: A shortboard-style surfboard dedicated to Strapless Freestyle and performance in smaller waves. It offers outstanding control in the air.
GLIDE: Known as the ultimate light-wind twin tip board. It boasts overwhelming light-wind performance, allowing you to get on the water and easily ride upwind while other riders are still waiting on the beach for the wind to pick up.
Technological Features
CODE NXT: The flagship model utilizing the premium lightweight material ALUULA. The increased rigidity has elevated loop speeds and recovery times in extreme Big Air to another dimension.
One Lock System: A revolutionary screwless connection system for hydrofoils. It completely eliminates the need for screws, allowing the mast, wing, and fuselage to be secured with a single clip mechanism. Not only does this drastically reduce setup time, but eliminating screw holes also minimizes water drag for an incredibly smooth GLIDE.
Ride Engine Synergy: Integrating the technology of Ride Engine, which developed the world’s first carbon hardshell harness, provides a total package that reduces physical strain on the rider while enabling direct power transfer.
Team Riders
Jeremy Burlando: The undisputed ace of the new generation who secured the GKA Big Air World Champion title armed with the CODE NXT.
Zac Adams: A young up-and-comer hyping the scene with his incredible Big Air performances. He symbolizes the brand’s momentum with his limit-pushing riding.
Youri Zoon: A two-time World Champion and an absolute legend of the sport. Having been with Slingshot for over 15 years, he continues to lead the scene as a brand ambassador, embodying both the heritage and the future of the brand.
Sam Light: A legend who symbolizes Slingshot’s style. He has long been the face of the brand, continuing to broadcast the appeal of Park style and freeriding.
Fred Hope: A pioneer of Hydrofoil Freestyle. Deeply involved in the development of the UFO and One Lock System, he continually redefines the limits of foiling.
Ben Wilson: An authority in wave kiting. He heads the testing and development of the latest FUSE model, driving the brand’s wave division forward.
🔗 関連リンク: Welcome to Slingshot Sports
Search Aliases: Slingshot Kiteboarding, SlingshotKiteboarding, Slingshot