I’ve been a fan of split kiteboards for a long time. Ever since I discovered them I ditched the golf bag and started to travel light. It really makes a difference if you’re traveling far with a lot of stretches where you have to move the kite equipment around. Nowadays I travel with a large duffel bag that holds all my gear, checked in as normal luggage.
Of all split boards I’ve researched, the one that packs down the smallest is made by Kitelement. This is thanks to their unique approach to the joint that holds the two sides together. It looks questionably small to endure the forces of a kiteboarder on the water, yet it works surprisingly well.
Kitelement Re solve
Kitelement has three split kiteboards in their lineup. Re solve is their no-compromises, performance freeride/freestyle board. It’s designed to pop you out of the water like a canon ball, shoot you high up in the sky and soften the landings as you come down. It does all of this really well. It comes with 40 mm fins and the Re form bindings. The two parts are held together with six screws and you get a set of spare screws should you lose one. Assembly is super easy with a normal cross-hair screwdriver.
Re form straps and pads
These straps and pads are extremely cushy and look the part too. Initially I got a small rash on one of my feet, but after wearing them in during their first trip they fit like a glove and bring loads of grip and support. I’ve added my trusted heel straps to them, and both normal assembly and adding this customisation was a breeze thanks to the easy access to the screws. The straps have a lot of adjustability so you can find that perfect fit for your feet.
Re solve performance
Take a look at the picture gallery from Dakhla earlier this year. I went flying, powered up on a 10m Switchblade and the 136 cm Re solve. This board does a great job at cruising, carving and going upwind – but, where it shines is in the jumps. Whether you like powered or sent jumps, the Re solve delivers. The pop is snappy and the landings are soft. You can have fun on most kiteboards, especially if they’re using modern technology – but how many can you pack up and bring with your normal luggage allowance?
Further improvements
Kitelement never rests on their laurels. I’ve known them since 2018, and they’ve been around for a good while before that. From day one, they’ve always worked hard to make next generation of split boards better, lighter, more durable, with more performance. Watch this space for a look at the improvements made in 2024.
Kitelement Re solve image gallery
