Authors: Ben Ruhe
Date Submitted: May 31, 2005
Article Type: Journal

Don Montague, of Naish International, in Maui, has a vision for the future: kiteboating. “I’m very involved in developing this new sport. I have the passion. That’s where my heart is. I see the huge potential.”

A Canadian involved early on with boat sailing and attracted to Maui because of its wonderful windsurfing, Montague, 42, came to Hawaii years ago and teamed up with the noted windsurfing champion Robby Naish to set up the first big kiteboarding business. With Montague pioneering as the chief designer, the company has set the pace ever since. Now kiteboating—-big kites pulling small vessels—-looms as the next popular extreme sport and Montague can’t wait.

Kiteboating is dangerous, Montague emphasizes. “The boat is heavy. The issue is how to control it once it’s under way.”

But the advantages are great. “With kiteboating, you can put the kite 200 meters up in air, where there is much more wind,” he says. “There is no mast, no heeling, no banging, no attachment point. Acceleration is much faster than with a sail. The kite generates so much more power. Because the boat is constantly tilted upward by the bow, there is much less drag. With less sail area you can generate more force.”

PDF Link: Journal Issue