2022 Cabrinha Contra
The 2022 Cabrinha Contra is made for lightwind kiteboarding for any skill level. The 3 strut version is made specifically for twin tip riding. There is a 1 strut Contra for surfing and foilboarding. This article will focus on the 2022 Cabrinha Contra 3 strut in the 15m size.
2022 Cabrinha Contra Review
This is one of our most used kites for the St Petersburg, Florida area. The majority of windy days fall between 10 and 15 kts of wind. Below is chart for our recommend 2022 Cabrinha Contra size for 10-15 kts.
| 13m | Rider < 150 lbs | |
| 15m | Rider 150 lbs – 180 lbs | |
| 17m | Rider > 180 lbs |
In the video above, winds were 7-15 kts and we were riding a 138cm board.
Key Features
The most noticeable feature is low-end power. This kite is extremely efficient in lighter winds, which makes it possible to stay upwind and have fun! Over the years this kite has been tweaked from the bridle to the overall structure. The 2022 has not changed much from the 2021 version.
We have used the 15m Contra countless times for our lessons. Noticeable features that a beginner kiteboarder would experience are easy water relaunches, steady pull and a large wind range. Some lightwind kites pull and do not stop pulling. This makes it difficult for a beginner rider to control their edge and ride upwind. The Contra is efficiently designed so that when a rider pushes out on the bar, the kite pushes forward in the wind window. What this means is that it is easier to kiteboard upwind in a park and ride position. We have worked with students that have had to water relaunch in deep water and in lightwind conditions. This can be a challenge for even intermediate kiteboarders. The shape of the Contra makes it so that the kite wants to turn on its side for a water relaunch.
An intermediate level kiteboarder will enjoy the Cabrinha Contra for its ability to jump big and downloop. In the more recent years of the iteration of the Contra, the shape is more conducive for a faster steering kite. The more responsive the kite, the easier it is to jump and downloop. Old-school kiteboarding kites had a complicated bridle system with many pulleys that took away from the turning speed of the kite. When the kiteboarder pulled on the old-school kites, the rider could count to five before the kite responded. The more responsive Contras make jumping a breeze.
What Cabrinha Says about the 2022 Cabrinha Contra
In 2003 a kite was launched to help people maximize their time on the water. The name became synonymous with the light wind riding, and has since become a staple in many kiters quivers.
The Contra 3 Strut continues this legacy and provides the rider with the ultimate blend of light wind power and agility to maximize time on the water in threshold winds.
Its supported 3 strut frame allows to not only drive forward when using more a traditional selection of kiteboards, but it also provides a stable canopy and an increased high end range.
Features
- Heavy duty closing seam construction
- Nano Ripstop Canopy, the benchmark in durability, stability and responsiveness
- High Tenacity Dacron for enhanced arc stability and improved handling charecteristics
- Strategic canopy reinforcements in the high stress areas
- Pure profile panels for efficient aerodynamics
- Agile and responsive steering for increased power delivery
- Refined low end performance for better upwind ability
- Effortless relaunch in the lightest of wind conditions
