The R1 V4 has been derived from the extremely successful R1 V2 and V3, both of which set the benchmark in kite racing competitions. The V4 design takes it to the next level, delivering supercharged performance while maintaining the R1s well known ease of use and accessibility.
Info Pdf Find a dealerThe V4 design takes it to the next level, delivering supercharged performance while maintaining the R1s well known ease of use and accessibility.
The new re-designed internal structure has allowed us to increase cell count up to 8% while reducing bridle line up to 12%, accounting for major parasitic drag reduction.
• Internal Airfoil Sections
• Internal Diagonal Ribs
• Internal Tension Straps
Nico, Axel and Toni create our international hydrofoil race team. Being and the forefront of the sport since its appearance these talents have developed an amazing portfolio of experience and knowledge.
We have very much enjoyed developing of the R1 V4 with these guys and are sure it will not just keep them on the podium but will give access to any racer to true performance.
The Leading Edge now features Double Transverse Sail Shaping creating a cleaner surface on the most important area of the aerofoil. The result is less turbulent airflow and longer skin adhesion, which positively effects the lift to drag ratio increasing overall performance.
The Leading Edge air intakes have been refined for faster progressive inflation, improved seal and optimised positioning to maintain internal air pressure. This enhances land and water re-launch capabilities.
The top and bottom surfaces use our time proven Ultra Light materials (top 35g/sqm; bottom 27g/sqm)with an even lighter weight material (27g/sqm) for the internal structure on the 15m to 21m sizes keeping weight down and improving light wind flying characteristics.
The all-new R1 V4 Pro-Tune Speed System is lightweight and low drag using reduced line diameters and features incredibly simple adjustment via the stream line self-locking Splice Trim System.
What do these design changes mean?
in a package that is as easy to use as its predecessors!
Technical Bag with loads of space featuring an internal stash pocket and external control system pocket. Adjustable shoulder straps and foam padding provide extra comfort.
For a secure packing process to maintain the plastic pattern profile shape. Light weight materials, internal compression straps and a breathable mesh lining keep weight and packing size to a minimum – perfect when traveling with multiple kites. Combine with the Bag to fit multiple kites inside one bag.
• The R1 V4 is for advanced riders only who have previous foil kite experience. It is not difficult to fly but there are techniques required to fly a high aspect ratio foil kite.
See R1V4 Manual
• The R1 V4 materials have been used extensively on our Ultra Light Kites and Paragliders since 2011. The kite must be carefully looked after, it needs an experienced rider who knows how to keep the kite up in the air and how to handle it gently on the ground.
• The kite is water re-launchable, but we recommend that you keep it flying and out of the water if possible! A drainage system on the wing tip allows any water that may have entered the kite to drain out. Do not use the kite in waves.
• Always use a Brake Handle when flying a foil kite. This is the handle/line spanned between the back leader lines on the control system. This easy to grab handle makes inflation, self-landing and reverse launch easier.
• This kite features a simple yet effective front line flag out release. After releasing the flag out you should check the speed system, bridle lines and your flying lines for twists before restart.
• The R1 V4 must be packed using the concertina method. If the kite is packed and stored using any other method such as rolling this will void the warranty. The Leading Edge plastic battens are a fundamental part of the design and must not be forced out of their given shape otherwise the kite can loose stability and flying characteristics.
• The Speed System and Bridle lines will require maintenance just like any high performance equipment in racing sports – they must be checked after every 60 hours flying time and maintained in the correct trim or the kite will not perform as designed. Bridle Lines that are worn or not to factory specification (+ or – 15mm) must be replaced. Speed System lines that are worn must be replaced. If the Speed System lines are not worn but are not to factory specifications you must adjust back to factory spec. How To videos and a Bridle Check PDF with all measurements can be found here …
World-class construction in our own factory, using the highest quality materials and hand checked Quality Control at every step. The Ozone factory manufactures all our Kites, Wings, Boards, Hydrofoils, Paragliders, Speed Wings and Accessories - the same Quality Control processes are used across all products.
The FUTURE is NOW - All Ozone kites and wings are designed and developed using our own highly advanced custom built CAD software. Our designers are able to work with features specifically tailored to the unique forms and structures of technical inflatable and foil kites and wings. Part of our design team is dedicated to the upgrade of the CAD code and addition of new modules and features to the program as the development of our products continues.
High quality Ultra Light materials have been used extensively on our Kites and Paragliders since 2011. Using Ultra Light materials translates to true performance increases - the kite inflates quicker, flies faster and is more reactive even in the lightest breeze.
Double Transverse Sail Shaping produces a cleaner surface on the most important area of the aerofoil, resulting in less turbulent airflow and longer skin adhesion, which positively effects the lift to drag ratio increasing overall performance.
A high number of cells controls ballooning between the ribs, holding the wing shape and designed surfaces smoother and more accurately. This reduces turbulent airflow, providing more efficiency, speed and de-power for increased overall performance.
Precisely positioned intake valves along the Leading Edge lead to a stability increase at all angles of attack. The inflation is easy and safe as the kite rapidly inflates.
The Leading Edge is reinforced with flexible lightweight plastic battens to maintain the shape of the profile during angle of attack changes and turbulent airflow. This drastically improves overall performance as the foil remains true to the designed shape.
Internal span-wise straps work in unison with optimized diagonal ribs, distributing load from the bridles evenly and effectively. This increases the internal structural balance that helps control the high aspect ratio, while allowing the top and bottom surfaces to maintain the designed profile without being distorted from indirect tension or loads.
The all-new R1 V4 Pro-Tune Speed System is lightweight and low drag using reduced line diameters and features incredibly simple adjustment via the stream line self-locking Splice Trim System. Durable line materials reduce wear and tear on the pulley lines, with increased resistance to stretch or shrinkage for a longer life span. The Speed System is a Double-Pulley layout using high spec low friction Ronstan Orbit pulleys. NOTE: You must watch the How To video before adjusting your Speed System settings.
High performance low drag Technora bridle lines are a key component to the R1’s outstanding performance. Technora line is ultra strong with unbeaten stretch and shrinkage characteristics to maintain the highest performance trim.
An internal channel is shaped into the end of each cell along the trailing edge. This allows loose sand or water to run between the cells and out of the tips during flight. The Velcro sealed cells at the tips can be opened for cleaning the kite. Always clean your kite by emptying any water, sand or dirt as this will prolong the life of the kite and help it fly as designed.
Intelligently positioned for easy deflation and pack down.
Technical Bag with loads of space featuring an internal stash pocket and external control system pocket. Adjustable shoulder straps and foam padding provide extra comfort.
For a secure packing process to maintain the plastic pattern profile shape. Light weight materials, internal compression straps and a breathable mesh lining keep weight and packing size to a minimum - perfect when traveling with multiple kites. Combine with the Bag to fit multiple kites inside one bag.
We can make any combination of colours using the colour chooser below. The manufacturing time for these special kites is 30 days. Design your kite, share with your friends and ask your dealer to place your order.
Millions of people go to the beach every year and kitesurfing is the most visually spectacular beach sport around, drawing the eyes of attention from everyone. Kites are huge and kites with a customized design can be amazing advertising spaces.
Flying up and down the beach, park or snow all day long, these spaces can be used to advertise local and international businesses, kite-schools or simply for your own kite with a design that suits you perfectly and makes you stand out a little more from the crowd. If you have your own company you can add your company logo to your kites which allows them to be written off as a business operating expense. How cool is that!
For mainstream companies the opportunity to invest in a flying Billboard is obvious at a fraction of the cost to normal advertising. So far we have worked with many of the World’s leading brands making them kites or making kites for riders sponsored by mainstream brands that see the benefit in Kite sports.
Check out some of the custom kite designs we’ve made for customers: custom kite gallery
Quotes vary depending on the complexity and size of the logo or design. We can only give a quote once we have the info (see above)
For logos to be stuck onto only 1-2 kites, we print the logo onto the white rip-stop sticky-back material. Then the logo is cut out and then stuck on the kite. The stickers typically stick very well however we cannot guarantee them for the life of the kite.
If the logo is not too complicated we can cut into the sail as its single surface (or both surfaces of foil kites). The logos look amazing and the light shines through beautifully. Price depends on the size and how complicated the logo is. Please note that we can only use our standard colour fabrics. Ask your local distributor for feasibility.
Striving for excellence and ceaseless attention to detail are key elements that define the pinnacle of motorsport, qualities that are central to our core values.
Our racing expertise encompasses a broad span: hang-gliding, paragliding, motorcycling, cycling, kite buggy racing and snow-kiting. Within our strong design team, we boast World and European champions.
That wealth of experience and hard-won knowledge derived from competing and winning at the highest levels enabled us to create the category-leading R1 V4.
It is one of the fastest kites on the market. Paired with its unmatched accessibility, it is very effective in all areas of the race course. But as with any high-performance equipment built to win, the R1 V4 must be well-maintained to maximise its durability and extend its peak performance as long as possible. On the following pages you will find crucial tips and tricks to keep your R1 V4 kites at the top of their game for as many training sessions and races as possible.
The testing combination of wind, sun, sand and salt are among the harshest challenges a high-performance wing can face.
By contrast, of course, that is often the very environment that is ideal for kiting. Kites used only on fresh-water lakes, and launched and landed on grassy areas, show little wear compared to those flown on the sea. But wherever the kite is flown, the more it is cared for, the longer it will last and perform at its best.
The kite’s upper and lower surfaces suffer most, as they are exposed to the elements.
The upper surface in particular endures abrasion from sand on the beach. Moving a kite on the beach is essentially like rubbing the surface with sandpaper. Lightweight sail material does not respond well to that kind of treatment.
To improve durability without compromising performance unduly, the R1 V4 uses a heavier and more robust material on the upper surface.
We opted for the lightest material available for the underside as it is rarely in contact with the sand. This combination of the two strikes the best balance between lightness and longevity.
As your kite ages, the canopy will inevitably lose crispness. It will get softer and may feel like a handkerchief between your fingers. Porosity will increase, and it will have more stretch as the coating wears off. The kite will have less response, power and overall performance compared to a new, well-treated kite.
Due to the heavy load racers put through kites, some bridle lines are prone to stretching more than others.
As a starting point, we have a side view of a kite profile section. From it is suspended three rows of bridle lines, plus brake lines, just as we currently have on the R1 V4.
The A lines are attached near the Leading Edge (LE) of the kite
The B lines are behind the A lines going towards the Trailing Edge (TE)
The C lines are behind the B lines
The K lines (brakes) are attached closest to the TE
Generally, most load goes through the A bridles. The most loaded area there, is the centre, suspended by AR1.
The load decreases as we go out towards the tips and towards the Trailing Edge.
As you can see in the 2D view, AR1 is splitting into AM1 and AM2, which again split into A1, A2, A3 and A4. Those few lines have to sustain the highest loaded (or working) area of the kite. The further we go towards the tips or the trailing edge, the less lift the wing creates and the less load there is on the bridle lines.
Level the lower end of all bridle lines (the point where they attach to the Speedsystem) using a ground stake, screwdriver or having a person holding all points at the same level.
Get someone to hold all A bridle lines (left and right) on the lower end at the same level. Check bridle attachment points; for example, A1 left and right on the canopy have the same distance from the lower end. Repeat for A2, A3, A4. Perform same test for B and C level.
have someone hold all bridle lines of one side at their lower end. The lines of A, B, C should have the same length up to where they split to the very upper lines that attach to the canopy.
In particular, AR1 is prone to stretching as it is the most loaded line. It can be shortened by using a larks head, or double, triple loop, on to the Speedsystem line as shown:
1: Lay out the speedsystem as you would for set up
2: Disconnect the front (#2 or #3) pigtail
3: Remove PA1 from PA2 and PB2
4: Remove PA2 from bridle lines AR1, AR2, AR3
5: Put the bridle lines that are not effected back onto PA2 (AR2, AR3 in sample)
6: Put effected bridle line onto PA2 using a double loop as shown. This will shorten the line length by around 1cm to 1.5cm depending on the line thickness. If the effected line needs shortening even more add another loop. If the line is off spec more than you can compensate with the double loop we recommend to replace or re-splice to the spec length
7: Tighten the double loop onto PA2 and measure length of effected line to check if modification brought it back to spec length
8: Close the loop to loop connection on upper end of PA2 by looping lower end of PA2 through its upper loop (reverse way from opening)
9: Connect PA2 and PB2 with PA1
10: Connect PA1 with PB2 with front pigtail
11: Repeat for other side or any other effected line.9
The Speedsystem allows us to change the Angle of Attack (AoA) of a kite in flight. It sits between the bridle and flying lines. It is permanently connected to the kite’s bridles and is controlled by the back flying lines running from the bar ends to the kite. It allows us to rotate B, C and K lines around our fixed bridle line point A and therefore change not only the AoA, but also the camber of the kite.
Here is a side view of a profile section set at a low AoA when the bar is pushed away from the rider.
This view shows a profile section with a high AoA when the bar is pulled in towards the rider.
With the Speedsystem we are moving B, C, K with a ratio of B 1:4, C 1:2, K 1:1 compared to the travel/throw on the bar.
This way the profile also gets more camber as the AoA increases, which creates more lift at a lower speed. That helps when going deep on downwind angles, adding lift for the manoeuvres and giving a very responsive feel on the bar.
The Speedsystem is set to an overall length of 992mm from where it attaches to the bridle line down to the flying line connectors (pigtails).
Make sure you keep the trim of the Speedsystem as per spec. You can use the splice trim system on the upper end of the Speedsystem to adjust it.
Speedsystem level: check A, B, C are set to the correct length of 992mm.
EXAMPLE 1:
If measurement point A is 20mm longer than the factory standard spec of 992mm, move the knot under the heat shrink down 40mm and adjust the A bridles connection to the loop of PA2.
EXAMPLE 2:
If measurement point B is 10mm shorter than the factory standard spec of 992mm, move the knot under the heat shrink up 20mm and adjust the B bridles connection to the loop of PB3.
EXAMPLE 3:
If measurement point C is 10mm shorter than the factory standard spec of 992mm, move the knot under the heat shrink up 20mm and adjust the C bridles connection to the loop of PC1. Then move the knot in KR1 EXT up by 10mm.
EXAMPLE 4:
If measurement point C is 20mm longer than the factory standard spec of 992mm, move the knot under the heat shrink down 40mm and adjust the C bridles connection to the loop of PC1. Then move the knot in KR1 EXT down by 20mm.
Some riders prefer to have C shorter than A and B by 10-15mm without changing the KR1 EXT knot. The Speedsystem will approximately stretch out to that setting after the first ride.
Speedsystem pulley lines PB1, PB2 shrink as they are running through the pulleys
Speedsystem pulley lines (sheathed grey thick lines) need to be checked regularly.
Step-by-step instructions. Refer to the R1 V4 Pro-Tune Speed System Diagram and Photos.
1. Disconnect the flying lines and lay the Speed System out in an open area.
2. Disconnect the front (#2 or #3) and back (#1 or #4) pigtails.
3. Remove PB1 from the lower pulley.
4. Disconnect PA1 from PA2 and PB2.
5. Remove PB2 from the upper pulley.
6. Disconnect PB2 and PC1 from the pulley – loosen the loop-to-loop connection and feed the pulley through the end loops of PB2 and PC1.
7. Take the replacement PB2 and PC1 and re-connect with the pulley. The pulley goes through the end loops of PB2 and PC1 i.e. reverse the previous steps.
8. Feed the replacement PB2 line through the upper pulley.
9. Connect replacement PB2 and PA2 with PA1.
10. Take the PB1 replacement line and feed it through the lower pulley.
11. Connect PB1 and PA1 to the front line pigtail (#2 or #3).
12. Connect the other end of PB1 and KR1 EXT to the back pigtail (#1 or #4).
13. Repeat the same process for the other speed system side. Always check your speed system and replace lines when excessive wear shows.
Having your equipment maintained, cleaned and set up to the best possible state will give you trust and confidence to focus fully on the race. Regularly check, trim and replace your equipment and have it in a race-worthy state when going to events.
Now that we have shown how to maintain, care for and put the kite back to its factory trim, you can be reassured it will perform like the first day. To maximise your performance further, here are some more aspects to consider.
You, as the athlete, are the critical link between the power generated by the wind in your kite and the wing under the water that allows you to fly.
You need to become the best version of yourself to succeed. That requires deep reserves of physical and mental resilience, paired with steely discipline.
Your body must be a high-performance machine in peak condition for racing. Ensure it meets the required specs: strength, endurance and power. You must have enough energy on tap at any given moment. To be tired after two races and have to drag yourself through the day’s other three races is falling short. A soccer player who can last a game of 90 minutes, but breaks down when it goes to extra time will struggle. Learn to deal with pain if you know where it comes from. Your legs might feel tired, but there are more reserves of power than you realise. Learn to enjoy the pain and keep pushing.
Or get help, on how to become fitter. Refine your diet to make sure you are getting sufficient nutrition. After racing, or training, be kind to your body. Massages, stretching, re-hydration and good food are essential. Give your body time to recover. Get good sleep, avoid alcohol, nicotine and other drugs. There are times for those things. But they should be limited and controlled as much as you can. Certainly not before, or during, a competition.
An athlete’s mental strength is just as important as physical strength. Train your mind as well as your body. Problems that might bug or bother you—work on them. Seek professional help if necessary. Don’t be shy about it—we are all a little crazy, one way or the other.
In the end, you should be focused, but relaxed. Enjoy what you are doing, and remember nobody is forcing you. You are privileged to do what you love. It is all about having fun.
Drag is created everywhere on moving obstacles. It can be beneficial.
On an aerofoil, it creates lift in the air as well as underwater. Equally, you want to cut non-beneficial parasitic drag to a minimum. The bridle and flying lines, bars, boards, mast, fuselage, stabiliser and riders themselves are all “dragging” through the air. But they are not creating lift and therefore are not beneficial. They are, nonetheless, necessary to control the ride.
Drag increases by the velocity squared—this means if you are trying to be twice as fast, your drag coefficient is four times higher. A good example is a bicycle: if you ride at 15kph, it is relatively easy. Drag comes from rolling resistance of your tyres, chain, bearings, pedals—basically all the moving parts. Aerodynamic drag is relatively low when moving slowly. To ride at 30kph, you will get a good sweat on. Your rolling resistance and the other parts are still creating the same drag, but your aerodynamic drag is four times higher than at 15kph.
Kitefoil racers are riding at speeds where aerodynamic drag is significant. So, it is essential to reduce parasitic drag to a minimum. Flying lines should be strong enough to withstand heavy loads, but not over-sized in diameter. Ozone’s race lines have 300kg breaking strength at a 0.9mm diameter for the front lines. You can also get lines with the same breaking strength, but twice the diameter. Again, that adds parasitic drag—lowering your performance.
Make yourself as aerodynamically clean as possible. Clothing, hair, anything flapping in the wind will create additional drag. Open face helmets with air vents, clutter on the harness, big flapping bibs—all slow you down.
A good example can be seen in the road cycling industry over recent years. Bike manufacturers moved all cables for brakes and gears into the handlebars and frames to become more aerodynamic. The frames, forks, rims are all designed to have low aerodynamic drag. Jerseys became very tight with no flutter. Helmets are designed to be low drag.
Performance comes not only from the wings that create lift underwater and in the air, but it also comes from what you are dragging through the air. The less, the better.
Here is an excellent example of how much you can gain by reducing aerodynamic drag. Pay attention to how much the other riders are still pedalling even on the downhill.
The ultimate Kite Racing control system featuring a double pulley trim system, a removable brake handle to make inflation, self-landing and reverse re-launch easier and our innovative Click-In Loop Quick Release.
Info Pdf Find a dealer
Push-away quick release with an innovative one-step Click-In reload function that is incredibly intuitive. The release handle fits comfortably in the hand, it is quick and easy to activate the release by pushing the handle away. A self-positioning release mechanism locates automatically, ready to be re-loaded by simply ‘clicking’ in the loop. The Click-In Loop is AFNOR NF S52-503 certified.
Colour coded 300kg front / 200kg back lines are precision cut, pre-stretched, spliced and sewn in our own production facility to guarantee accuracy. We use the highest quality Bio-based Dyneema® – this material has the same performance as conventional Dyneema® with a carbon footprint that is 90% lower than generic HMPE fiber.
Our modular design makes adding or removing extensions quick and easy via removable pigtail end connectors.
3D pressed EVA with ergonomic shaping and a lightly sanded finish provide the ultimate bar grip. It is colour coded with the leader lines and flying lines for an added visual safety feature.
What’s the first thing you do when you get in a car? You click in your seatbelt, hearing that ‘click’ sound makes you feel secure that you are safely buckled up, and you know instinctively how to release it. The design of our innovative quick release system, the Click-In Loop, was inspired by the same principle. In the same way fastening your seatbelt has become a natural action when getting into a car, riders should activate and reload their release systems before and after every use. Although this important safety check is often overlooked, checking your release before each session will ensure it is functioning properly. We developed the Click-In function to be simple and intuitive, so activating and reloading will become second nature.
All riders should attach their Kite Leash to the Flag Out System. This is the small eyelet on the Stainless Steel Swivel Ring.
When the release is activated, the kite will flag out and fall to the water/ground.
Riders performing unhooked tricks or who are more confident and have spent many hours Kiting can attach in Expert mode, where the loop part runs through the large eye of the steel ring. When letting go of the bar in Expert mode (without activating the release e.g. missed handle pass) the kite will depower but WILL NOT flag out.
Be aware in this situation, the Quick Release will be out of reach and can therefore not be released. When hooked in and activating the Quick Release the steel ring automatically slips off and the kite will flag out.
In all situations make sure that all lines are clear of all working release systems and the kite leash is connected in the right way.
Always clean your control system with fresh water after every session, and reload/release the Click-In Loop to check the system is functioning correctly. Store your control system with the Click-In Loop release open. Reload the next time you set up your kite.
