Airush Apex Team v8 Kiteboard

The Apex is Airush's all-round twin-tip for freeride and big air. The geometry is shared across the range: double concave with a pronounced centre spine. The concave softens landings, the spine holds an edge on flat water — so the board both forgives a hard touchdown and doesn't let go when you load the edge before a jump.

What separates the Team is the carbon basalt laminate. Carbon gives stiffness and energy return: the board doesn't absorb your edge load, it puts it into the jump. Basalt adds toughness — pure carbon cracks more readily on landings.

Important on what you get: board, fins and handle only. Pads and straps are not included and are bought separately.

The practical upshot is simple: the Team jumps higher for the same rider, but asks for precision in return. A mistake on a stiff board is felt more than on a normal one.

Who it isn't for. Beginners — a stiff board doesn't forgive imprecise edge loading and punishes the knees on landing; the standard Apex is where to start. It's more board than relaxed freeriding in chop needs. And size by weight and wind.