Ultra Team DS – Double Surface Technology
Interview with Kite Designer, Mark Pattison.
The much loved Ultra Team has been taken to the next level with the introduction of its all-new Double Surface (DS) leading edge. This innovative design delivers unmatched performance, offering improved glide, increased speeds, dynamic movement, superior upwind capability, and a wider wind range. By eliminating turbulence, the DS leading edge ensures smooth airflow for greater acceleration and reduced drag. With a reduced leading edge and strut diameter, the kite moves faster across the wind window creating powerful apparent wind for enhanced performance.
What was the inspiration behind introducing the Double Surface (DS) leading edge to the Ultra Team?
The inspiration behind introducing the Double Surface (DS) leading edge to the Ultra Team came from our ongoing pursuit of improving efficiency and performance. We’ve been experimenting with double surfaces for quite some time, but it wasn’t until recently that we were able to perfect the design and bring it to market. The concept of adding a lower surface to the leading edge has always been part of our long-term vision, as it promises to enhance aerodynamic efficiency by improving airflow dynamics.
However, achieving the right balance of performance, stability, and responsiveness took extensive research, testing, and development. The addition of the lower surface helps to optimize the kite’s lift-to-drag ratio, which ultimately leads to a more efficient ride with better control, particularly in challenging conditions. It took time to fine-tune the geometry and material integration, ensuring that the benefits of this new design didn’t compromise the overall feel or handling of the kite. Now, with the Ultra Team, we are confident that the Double Surface leading edge enhances both the performance and versatility, giving riders the perfect combination of power, precision, and control.
What makes the DS leading edge different from traditional single surface leading edges in both form and function?
The DS (Double Surface) leading edge differs significantly from traditional single surface leading edges in both its form and function. In a single surface design, the leading edge typically consists of just one layer of material, which creates a simpler, more straightforward aerodynamic shape. In contrast, the DS leading edge introduces a lower surface that runs directly from the bottom of the leading edge and extends about 30% along the chord before connecting seamlessly to the upper canopy.
This dual-layer structure creates a more refined and aerodynamic profile by forming a continuous airflow path across both the upper and lower surfaces. The result is a significantly more efficient shape that reduces drag and enhances overall kite performance. This improved efficiency is particularly noticeable in key areas such as upwind ability and jumping performance. The dual surface allows the kite to generate more lift while requiring less energy to maintain flight, making it easier to cut through the wind, stay on course upwind, and perform higher, more controlled jumps.
Overall, the DS leading edge not only enhances the kite’s aerodynamic efficiency but also contributes to a more responsive, stable, and controlled ride, particularly in demanding conditions where upwind performance and jump height are critical.
What performance gains do you get from the DS leading edge?
The performance gains from the DS leading edge are most notably observed in two key areas: upwind ability and jumping performance.
Firstly, the enhanced aerodynamic shape created by the double surface design significantly improves upwind performance. The lower surface connected to the leading edge allows for a more efficient airflow, reducing drag and enabling the kite to cut through the wind with less resistance. This results in the ability to maintain a stronger and more consistent upwind angle, making it easier for riders to stay on course even in challenging wind conditions. Essentially, the DS leading edge allows the kite to generate more lift with less effort, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during upwind riding.
Secondly, the DS leading edge also boosts jumping performance. The increased efficiency of the kite, combined with the added lift from the double surface structure, allows for higher, more powerful jumps. Riders experience more responsive take-offs and greater airtime, with improved stability during the ascent and descent. The extra lift and control provided by the DS design help riders execute cleaner, more controlled jumps, even in gusty conditions.
In summary, the DS leading edge offers a marked improvement in both upwind efficiency and jumping, giving riders more control, power, and precision when navigating the water and executing aerial maneuvers.
Mark Pattison is the lead kite designer for Airush Kiteboarding. Beginning his career repairing windsurfing sails in Perth, Australia, Pattison has been the creative force behind Airush’s kite designs since 2008. Splitting his time between Cape Town and Bali, Mark ensures rigorous testing across diverse conditions, solidifying Airush’s reputation for cutting-edge kiteboarding equipment.