Developed in partnership with Challenge Sailcloth, the Ho’okipa Ultra PE leading edge and strut composite material is 25% lighter and 10x stronger than traditional fabrics.
This allows for 50% higher pressure, creating increased stiffness combined with a thinner leading edge.
UHMWPE
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
UHMWPE fibers (non-branded Dyneema® or Spectra®) are the lightest and strongest fibers commercially available, with a tensile strength 15x stronger than steel. UHMWPE is created by a gel-spun extrusion process which draws out extremely long chains of polyethylene, aligned along a molecular backbone. This alignment effectively transfers load through the fiber for high modulus and strength.
UHMWPE
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
UHMWPE fibers (non-branded Dyneema® or Spectra®) are the lightest and strongest fibers commercially available, with a tensile strength 15x stronger than steel. UHWMPE is created by a gel-spun extrusion process which draws out extremely long chains of polyethylene, aligned along a molecular backbone. This alignment effectively transfers load through the fiber for high modulus and strength.
HO’OKIPA ULTRA PE
PE KEY FEATURES
Incredibly Lightweight
Hydrophobic
Incredibly UV Resistant
Cut & Tear Resistant
Abrasion Resistant
MORE ABOUT HO'OKIPA ULTRA PE
TRADITIONAL ULTRA PE
Traditional Ultra PE materials relied on a high percentage of films, coatings or glues to stabilize the material. The outcome of this was that these materials were strong, but either needed complicated seam constructions, had a limited amount of structural fiber (for their given weight), or had inconsistent strength and distribution throughout the fabric.
VS.
HO’OKIPA ULTRA PE
Ho’okipa Ultra PE takes a reliable primary woven structure and supercharges the material through the use of Ultra PE instead of traditional polyester fabric. The high amount of material in the composite that is structural, has allowed us to optimize all areas of the construction resulting in that beautiful blend of responsiveness, lightweight, and durability.
COLOR SWATCHES
PRODUCTS FEATURING HO’OKIPA
Available sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17m
ULTRA TEAM
Team engineerd lightweight design for foil, freeride & surf.
Reduced diameter leading edge for maximum efficiency.
Ho’okipa Ultra PE high pressure leading edge, strut & load frame.
Defining the future of minimalistic, lightweight performance design for foil, freeride, and surf, the Ultra Team is a more responsive, faster, and lighter version of the Ultra reinforced with Ho’okipa Ultra PE material. Featuring a thinner, higher pressure leading edge to reduce drag and allow for a higher angle of attack when riding upwind, as well as a fixed bridle for direct steering. The unique blend of efficiency, stability and responsiveness creates an extremely versatile product.
KEY FEATURES
Lightweight single strut geometry
Improved canopy tension & rigidity to increase responsiveness
Fixed bridles
Ho’okipa LE narrower diameter
LE high pressure Ultra PE leading edge and struts
Ultra PE Airush Load Frame v4 featuring WebTech
Higher tension LE and strut
Reduced weight
ULTRA TEAM
Available sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17m
Team engineerd lightweight design for foil, freeride & surf.
Reduced diameter leading edge for maximum efficiency.
Ho’okipa Ultra PE high pressure leading edge, strut & load frame.
Defining the future of minimalistic, lightweight performance design for foil, freeride, and surf, the Ultra Team is a more responsive, faster, and lighter version of the Ultra reinforced with Ho’okipa Ultra PE material. Featuring a thinner, higher pressure leading edge to reduce drag and allow for a higher angle of attack when riding upwind, as well as a fixed bridle for direct steering. The unique blend of efficiency, stability and responsiveness creates an extremely versatile product.
KEY FEATURES
Lightweight single strut geometry
Improved canopy tension & rigidity to increase responsiveness
Fixed bridles
Ho’okipa LE narrower diameter
LE high pressure Ultra PE leading edge and struts
Ultra PE Airush Load Frame v4 featuring WebTech
Higher tension LE and strut
Reduced weight
FREEWING NITRO
ULTRA-RESPONSIVE, ULTRA-LIGHT, ULTRA-DURABLE
The immediate responsiveness makes the Nitro feel like it has half a square meter more power. Starting at well under 1.5 kg, the ultra-lightweight is something you feel instantly. The extra stiff struts create control and a wider wind range, so you can enjoy the wing in more wind conditions. The key to the Nitro is the new Ho’okipa Ultra PE high pressure leading edge and strut, with our proven Ultra PE load frame. Airush and Starboard have a combined 50 years of chasing responsiveness, lightweight and durability. Today, the FreeWing Nitro is the best example of this yet.
KEY FEATURES
Ultra-Responsive, High Pressure Leading Edge & Strut
Load Fram Stabilizes & Supports High Tension Canopy
30% Lighter Than A Traditional Wing With Greater Stability
