June 2020 Cabrinha Contra Update
Throughout quarantine in St Petersburg, Florida we had to choose two kites to go kiteboarding with. We had to take the jetski out to some of the islands or flats where we’d launch. Our jetski only has space for two kites. The two kites we chose were the Cabrinha Contra and 2020 Cabrinha Switchblade.
What we love most about the Contra is that its a kite for everyone! We use it to teach lessons. The feedback we gathered from our students that have tried other kites rave about the Contra being smooth and predictable. Its an easy kite to fly at any level of kiteboarding. We know this kite has the performance to take your riding to the next level!
The 2020 Cabrinha Contra underwent a design change. At the dealer meeting for 2020, Cabrinha was super excited for the release of the new Contra. Not only were they releasing their new nano ripstop canopy but a better performing lightwind kite. After a few sessions on the 2020 15m Contra we have a good feel for this kite. Here’s our 2020 Cabrinha Contra review.
2020 Cabrinha Contra Review
Right when you open the packaging of a new 2020 Cabrinha kite, the kites appear brighter and more crisp. A big reason is the new nano ripstop material. (You can read more on Cabrinha’s website about it.) The basics of nano ripstop is that the layout of the ripstop and new coating create a more rigid and 2x stronger material. Having a “stiffer” material will also change the way kites fly in general.
Out of the package the Contra will come on the “A setting” for the outside bridle line. Personally, we like the B setting, as it provides more direct steering and more bar pressure. The A setting will have the kite turn faster and provide lighter bar pressure. For this review, we had our kite on the B setting.
Our First Impressions
This kite is smooth, light in the air and turns fast! The most noticeable thing about the 2020 Cabrinha Contra is how fast and smooth it is. We are very impressed with the steering and overall feel. Even on the B setting the kite had lighter bar pressure than in years past. Boosting on this kite, even in light winds, is super fun! We forgot that we were even on a lightwind kite.
Going upwind was easy, this kite was made to park and ride. Meaning its very easy to develop and control power. Water relaunching is super easy with the Contra! The kite wants to roll over on its side and go to the edge of the wind window. Very little input from the rider is required, even in light winds.
At 160 lbs you can have a lot of fun with this kite in 10-15 kts. Even if the winds lull to less than 10 kts the Contra flew perfectly. We haven’t tested this kite in the upper wind limits yet but will update back when we do. Cabrinha does claim that the upper wind limits have increased with the new Contra.
Who Is The Contra For?
We feel the Contra is for anyone either first starting out or looking to progress their riding in lightwinds. If you ride a twintip board and want a kite that is easy to get you out on the water, the Contra is for you. If you want the most performance out of a lightwind then the new shape of the 2020 Cabrinha Contra is what you want. Boosting, looping and unhooking are all not just doable but enjoyable on the new Contra.
Shop 2020 Cabrinha Conta
Watersport West stocks all Cabrinha kite models. They recently just got a shipment of the 2020 Cabrinha Contra kites. If you have an older Cabrinha model and are looking to upgrade or trade, reach out and see what they can do. Either call the shop or send us a message.
No Fields Found.It’s no surprise the Contra was voted best lightwind kite of the year. The Contra matches efficiency with performance. It gets you out having fun on those lightwind days!
