5 Important Changes to the Pivot in 2025
Words by Brandon Scheid
The Pivot has long been a staple in the Naish kiteboarding lineup, and for good reason. This iconic kite has a storied history, having won the prestigious King of the Air competition twice under the expert piloting of professional kiteboarder Kevin Langaree. The Pivot's legacy extends far beyond its competitive accolades - it has become a beloved choice for riders seeking a versatile, high-performance kite that can handle a wide range of conditions and disciplines.
For 2025, the Pivot has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, with the design team leaving no stone unturned in their quest to refine and optimize this legendary kite. The key focus has been on enhancing the kite's construction and profile, ensuring that the Pivot delivers unparalleled performance and maintains its exceptional longevity and durability.
One of the standout features of the 2025 Pivot is the introduction of the "profile lock seam," a strategic seam running along the deep point of the kite's profile. This innovative design element locks in the kite's shape, preventing the profile from becoming spongy or deformed over time, even after countless sessions. Complementing this is the addition of an extra diagonal load seam, which transfers the steering load to all three struts, resulting in a tighter, more responsive canopy.
The refinements don't stop there. The Pivot's leading edges arc and shape has been meticulously tuned, with the design team making subtle adjustments to the diameters and shaping to optimize performance across a wide range of wind conditions. Additionally, the kite's bridle system has been carefully reconfigured, with the lower V connection on the front bridle spread further apart to provide enhanced support and stability to the wingtips.
The result of these meticulous design efforts is a kite that truly embodies the term "all-around performance." Whether you're seeking to push the limits of big air, carve through waves, or simply enjoy a leisurely freeride session, the 2025 Pivot is up to the task. Its versatility is unparalleled, making it the perfect choice for riders of all skill levels and disciplines.
With its legacy of excellence, cutting-edge construction, and uncompromising performance, this iconic kite is poised to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in the world of kiteboarding.
Here are five important changes to the 2025 Pivot kite:
- Profile Lock Seam: A new horizontal seam running along the deep point of the kite's profile to lock in the shape and prevent the profile from becoming spongy or deformed over time.
- Diagonal Load Seam: An additional diagonal seam that transfers the steering load to all three struts, resulting in a tighter and more responsive canopy.
- Refined Leading Edge Construction: Subtle adjustments to the leading edge diameters and overall LE arc shape of each size. Helping to optimize performance across a wide range of wind conditions, given the unique demands of each sized kite.
- Reconfigured Bridle System: The lower V connection on the front bridle has been spread apart to provide enhanced support and stability to the wingtips. Allowing for precision control and precise handling.
- Nvision Construction Techniques: The incorporation of construction methods developed for the Nvision kites, including the Bladder Cap construction and TLS bridle lines, to improve weight, strength, and relaunch capabilities.