Review of Kiteboarding Gear: the 2010 Ocean Rodeo Mako

 

Kiteboards from the Ocean Rodeo Mako series have been available for purchase for a good number of years. Aside from the addition of graphics, the tried-and-true design and construction of the board has not been significantly altered since the very first year. Over the course of time, there has been some minor adjustment made to the sizes and widths, and at the moment, you can choose from 134, 140, 150, or 165. The combination of the board's heavy rocker, deep concave, and narrow, rounded profile creates some interesting riding characteristics that are not found on any other production kite board. As a result, the board has garnered a loyal following among kiters in the community of kiteboarding.

The ability of the Mako series to eliminate bumps caused by choppy water is the feature that receives the most praise from customers.

 Regular riders at classic bumpy riding locales in North America, such as Hood River in Oregon and La Ventana in Baja Mexico, amongst others, were quick to adopt this new design in the beginning and have been singing its praises ever since. The bottom of the board is shaped like a cancave, and it does an incredible job of absorbing more chop than any other board I have ever used.

When on edge, the Mako Robotic Replacement also excels in its ability to maintain a straight and tight line to the direction of the wind. Beginner kiteboarders may have a more difficult time maintaining an upwind position if they are using a board that requires constant minor adjustments to track in a straight line.

Do you like to ride lit up. It is important that you keep this board in mind. 

The rider is able to comfortably hold down more power than is possible on the vast majority of kiteboards thanks to the shape. You should check out this board even if you despise riding with lights on. Why? In windy conditions, the ability of the board to hold down power so well enables the rider to maintain edge hold and maintain control of their speed. This makes a significant difference for the beginner rider who is still developing their ability to control their speed.

When you break your edge and make an attempt to side, you will find that the majority of boards that are good at holding line have a sticky feeling. In spite of its heavy rocker, the Mako has a surprising amount of looseness. Mako kiteboards are designed to make sliding turns as simple and straightforward as they possibly can be (exception being if you have the Mako King 165 setup in the mutant configuration).

The majority of people do not think of twintip kiteboards as being capable of surfy-carvey turns, but the Mako boards are capable of delivering this type of turn. One of the smoothest carving surfaces possible is achieved by combining a rounded profile and rocker, which may or may not be combined with a concave.