Ocean Rodeo Rise

Feb 5, 2009

Author: Shane Thompson

Size Tested: 10 m2, 12 m2, 14 m2 / Style: Four-line SLE / Wind range: 13- 27, 11-23, 10-21 knots / What’s new: Reduced diameter struts and tubes, enhanced airfoil shape, refined geometry in smaller kite sizes

The OR Rise is back again with some refinements in foil shape as well as reduced diameter struts and leading edge. In its debut season, the Rise had top-rated reviews for its excellent wind range, positive steering performance and versatility for all skill levels and riding conditions. The industry-exclusive Venturi panel lets air flow through the canopy in an attempt to reduce the tendency of back flying or stalling predominant among many evolving SLE designs.

Bar setup and safety system
The 2009 SLE carbon-composite bar has a smooth EVA colour-coded contoured grip. The new central HUB system features a new molded chicken loop and integrated below-the-bar trim system with clam-cleat pulley and easy-to-grab trim handle. The leash attachment ring is also housed underneath the chicken loop and relies on the ultra-long throw line to double up and kill the kite’s power. The stopper-ball system is essential, with long throw lines. This system is simple and effective.

Key kite features
The Rise is packed with Ocean Rodeo’s robust build features and industry-leading design technology. The exclusive Venturi technology puts a mesh vent in the centre of the canopy for reduced back stalling and forgiving performance. Other features include a single-point inflation system, shorter convertible bridle system, tuning options for custom performance and Dacron 3D framing for durability.

On-water performance
Ocean Rodeo kites have always been well-known for their robust build quality—and the Rise is no exception. Pumping the kite, you can see the solid build features, with its rigid frame and Dacron-framed panels. The biggest performance improvement is in the kite’s speed across the window and improved upwind performance. This is probably due to the reduction in weight and the reduced diameter of the leading edge and strut tubes.
    Testers were impressed with the easy jumping ability and smooth power delivery through kite loops. Slightly more low-end power is also an improvement over last year’s model. In the gusts and higher wind range, the Rise excels, with stable pull and easy depower that comes on within arm’s reach. The depower comes on quicker in this year’s model and the kite sits forward more easily in the window. Very light bar pressure is available, but enough to give decent positional feedback. Beginners will appreciate the easy relaunch, and the kite can be tuned to have more stability and less sensitive turning more suited to beginners. Good glide and easy jumping, the Rise is a great all-around versatile freeride machine.

Reality check
The Rise doesn’t fly backwards when oversheeted, but in the most sensitive steering and gusty winds it stalls a bit and requires some trim-line tuning when doing powered unhooked manoeuvres.

Bottom line
The OR Rise rivals the performance of the industry-leading all-terrain freeride category. It has fine-tuned its flying characteristics for 2009 with better upwind performance and a faster, smoother pull. This is kite you can learn and progress into any level of riding.

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