NORTH Ranger Parawing - Gear Talk Episode #2

On this episode we sit down with Mike and Steff from North Actionsports in New Zealand, diving into the rise of parawinging and their game-changing Ranger parawing. From a daring Cook Strait crossing to decades of kiteboarding roots with pioneer Peter Lynn, they share how the Ranger was born for downwind foiling with safety and ease in mind. This episode uncovers the passion and innovation driving North’s foiling revolution. In this episode, you’ll discover: Origin Story: A 2022 Cook Strait foil sparked a single-skin wing for self-rescue, inspired by Mike’s kiteboarding past. Ranger’s Design: Easy to use, durable, and powerful (2.2m to 5.2m), perfect for beginners to advanced downwinders. Key Features: D-Rib tech for less drag, a depower tab for strong winds, and a harness line for upwind ease. Safety Backpack: Stores multiple wings, straps on for offshore trips, and doubles as a safety device. Material Choice: Ripstop nylon with a strong coating for longevity in harsh conditions. Downwind Edge: Grunt to get on foil without paddling, plus board and foil tips. Community Drive: A passion project with North’s team, fueled by New Zealand’s wild swells. Check out the Ranger at https://northactionsports.com. Join the foiling community and ride the next wave! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections 02:15 Health Challenges and Resilience 05:23 Kiteboarding History and Innovations 08:14 The Evolution of Kite Design 11:18 The Birth of the Power Wing Concept 14:08 Testing and Development of the Power Wing 17:25 Designing the Ranger: Features and Benefits 20:12 Safety and Durability in Wing Design 23:13 The Importance of Size and User Experience 31:37 Kite Design and Performance Insights 34:28 Target Market for Power Winging 37:59 Differentiating Downwind and Upwind Performance 39:53 Packing and Stowing Techniques 43:29 Innovations in Kite Technology 46:18 D-Power Mechanisms and Techniques 49:44 Safety Considerations in Power Winging 56:29 Material Choices for Longevity 59:35 Board and Foil Recommendations 01:01:21 The Future of Power Winging