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

As a base material Ultra PE up to 32 x stronger compared directly to polyester, with the Ultra PE fiber being 15x stronger than steel at the same weight and 2x lighter than Carbon Fiber, in fact Ultra PE fiber is so light that it floats on water. Once integrated into Ho’okipa´s unique woven structure, a high amount of material in the composite is structural, allowing us to optimize all areas of the construction.

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.

The biggest combined benefit of the Ho´okipa is the ability to run high tension without sacrificing longevity. This higher tension leading edge and strut creates a much more responsive frame that responds quickly to rider input and keeps the kite stable.

Running up to 50% more leading-edge pressure which creates a stiffer structure and ultimately allows us to run a reduced diameter high pressure leading edge and struts. The thinner LE reduces the drag on the kite, allowing a higher angle of attack when going upwind, or traveling at a higher speed. This is also ideal in more offshore wave conditions to help keep the rider on the wave face.

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

Black

White

Ho'okipa Ultra PE 1

Ho'okipa Ultra PE 2

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