The world’s first hybrid singelskin kite

GIN Kiteboarding started working on the concept of closed leading edge singelskins already in 2018. The first model of the closed leading edge singelskin kite called Marabou 1 was released in 2019 and resembled the classic model and especially for snowkiting very popular singelskin GIN Shaman. It was probably the world’s first singelskin with a closed leading edge. After three years of development, the second and completely redesigned version of the GIN Marabou 2 kite has arrived on the scene. The overall craftsmanship, stitching, bracing, ribs and trim of the airframe is of a very good standard. All underlined by the beautiful design of the kite. The Marabou 2 is also sewn from a brand new water repellent and very lightweight fabric.

GIN Marabou 2 kite features

I personally started kiting in 2005. Since 2007 I have been going to several international snowkiting competitions every year. Rarely in my kite career have I been so pleasantly surprised, almost even delighted, as with the performance of the GIN Marabou 2 kite.  

It’s something completely new. Huge stability, perfect aerodynamics, lightness of the kite, great performance even in minimum wind, very safe kite behaviour even in maximum wind. These are the advantages over other models. The behaviour resembles closed chambers, it has really very good aerodynamics, but the kite is much more stable than any closed chamber. The cleanliness of the flight is incredible. Nothing flutters, nothing rustles, the kite just “slices” the air cleanly and uses its full potential, it doesn’t waste energy. It behaves great and pulls very well even in light winds. The kite climbs well against the wind. Of course, you cannot expect the climbability of classic closed chambers, it is certainly a bit higher, but here in Marabou 2 is much higher climbability than in competing models of singelskins and even those with closed leading edge. The upwind performance is very good. This is mainly due to the lower profile of the closed leading edge, the overall aerodynamics of the airframe and other design parameters of the airframe. The kite also retains the parameters of a classic singelskin type. Especially the safety after bar release, when the kite almost completely loses thrust. The kite has consistent and predictable thrust during kiteloops.

As for launching the airframe and filling the closed leading edge with air, this is provided by a single open inlet in the middle of the leading edge. After take-off the airfoil is inflated very quickly and there is no need to help it with the bar. When the kite is packed, the air is released through a zippered hole located inside the air fill opening.

Restarting the kite from the water is very comfortable thanks to the wide closed leading edge and water repellent fabric, even in light winds. The kite floats on the water and usually straightens out very quickly for the restart. It has been tested countless times.

If anything is really fun with maximum potential for quality riding on both snow and water, it’s the Marabou 2.

The kite is available in sizes 4; 6; 8; 10; 12qm.

In small sizes it is suitable for children, and for adults in stronger winds. The 10 and 12qm sizes are suitable for lighter winds or for heavier weights in strong winds.

Tested and written by: Martin Lafek;  andconsulted with other riders, instructors and kitesurfing school owners