Light-Wind Freeride
2025 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard
A large, efficient light-wind twintip designed to plane early, drive upwind and keep your sessions going when a conventional board struggles.
The 2025 North Trace turns marginal wind into usable riding time. Its long waterline, straight square outline and generous surface area generate early planing and forward momentum, while the lightweight Biaxial Hybrid Carbon construction keeps the board lively and surprisingly maneuverable. A center-V spine, longitudinal quad channels and progressive medium-low rocker add traction, control and enough pop for light-wind tricks and transitions.
- Light-Wind Freeride
- Early Planing
- Strong Upwind Drive
- Hybrid Carbon Construction
- 40 mm Fins Included
- 145 & 155 cm Sizes
Why You’ll Love It
Get Riding Earlier
The Trace’s long, wide platform creates lift and forward momentum with less kite power, helping you plane while riders on conventional twintips are still waiting.
Efficient Upwind Performance
A straight outline, wide tips and channeled bottom provide the traction needed to hold ground and climb upwind efficiently in marginal conditions.
Playful for Its Size
Strategic carbon reinforcement and medium-low rocker give the Trace lively rebound, useful pop and easier turning than its large dimensions suggest.
More Time on the Water
Pair it with a larger efficient kite to build a dedicated low-wind setup that expands the number of rideable days in your local season.
Technical Features
Biaxial Hybrid Carbon Construction
A lightweight 380gsm E-glass laminate is reinforced with strategic 3DY carbon to optimize flex, rebound and weight for lower-powered conditions.
Straight Square Outline
Extra waterline length, wide tips and straighter rails maximize usable surface area for early planing, efficient tracking and dependable upwind drive.
Progressive Medium-Low Rocker
A flatter, progressive rocker maintains speed across flat water and creates enough load and release for transitions and light-wind tricks.
Center-V Spine
The central V adds structural stiffness and helps deflect water away from the board for reduced resistance and improved high-speed control.
Longitudinal Quad Channels
Four bottom channels generate extra traction and guide water efficiently along the board, improving tracking without requiring oversized fins.
Dynamic Flex
Individually tuned core thickness, taper and laminate structure keep the board responsive and consistent across both sizes.
Paulownia Wood Core
The renewable Paulownia core combines low weight, impact resistance and natural flex for a lively feel without sacrificing durability.
Deep Integrated Grab Rail
A larger grab rail is shaped directly into the deck for more secure handling during board-offs, water starts and beach carrying.
40 mm Composite Fins
The straight outline already provides natural tracking, so smaller fins reduce drag and help keep the large board maneuverable in light wind.
FlipTech Mounting System
Centerline inserts let you reverse the bindings when one edge becomes worn, giving you a fresh heelside rail and extending the board’s service life.
Board Size Chart
| Board Size | Length | Width | Recommended Rider Weight | Fin Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 × 45 cm | 145 cm / 57.1" | 45 cm / 17.7" | Under 80 kg / 176 lb | 40 mm |
| 155 × 46 cm | 155 cm / 61.0" | 46 cm / 18.1" | 80–120 kg / 176–265 lb | 40 mm |
North notes that rider recommendations can vary with ability, wind strength, water conditions and kite size.
Choosing Your Trace Size
145 × 45 cm
Recommended for riders under 80 kg. It offers light-wind efficiency while remaining easier to turn, edge and transition than the larger 155.
155 × 46 cm
Recommended for riders from 80–120 kg. The additional waterline and surface area give heavier riders the support required for early planing in marginal wind.
Size-up option: A lighter rider may choose the 155 for maximum low-wind performance, but should expect slower edge-to-edge handling and more board to manage when the wind increases.
Recommended Kite Pairing
North Reach 13–19m
The Reach’s efficient profile, responsive steering and lightweight three-strut construction make it the natural pairing for maximizing low-wind freeride performance.
Larger North Orbit
Pair the Trace with a larger Orbit if your light-wind sessions focus more on hooked-in airstyle training, boosting and extended hangtime.
North specifically recommends the 13m, 15m, 17m and 19m Reach. Actual kite size should always be selected for rider weight, skill and local wind conditions.
Who Is the Trace For?
- Freeriders who want to maximize marginal-wind sessions
- Heavier riders needing more planing surface and support
- Progressing riders who benefit from early planing and upwind efficiency
- Light-wind trick and transition practice
- Airstyle riders pairing the board with a larger kite
- Anyone building a dedicated light-wind twintip setup
Specialized design: The Trace is optimized for light wind. It can be ridden as conditions increase, but a conventional freeride twintip will feel quicker and more controlled once fully powered.
Package Includes
- 2025 North Trace Twintip Kiteboard
- North TwinTip Accessory Kit
- Four 40 mm composite fins
- Lightweight ergonomic board handle
- Fin and handle mounting hardware
Bindings sold separately: Complete the Trace with compatible North Flex or Flex Pro bindings. Select the binding size that matches your foot size and preferred level of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much wind does the Trace need?
North does not publish a fixed minimum wind speed. Usable low end depends on rider weight, kite size, skill, water conditions and whether the kite can generate steady forward drive.
Can it replace a regular twintip?
It can cover relaxed freeriding, but its large outline is optimized for marginal wind. Most riders will still prefer a smaller twintip for powered or high-wind conditions.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Its early planing, stability and upwind performance can help progressing riders. However, its large dimensions require more effort to edge when strongly powered.
Why does it use only 40 mm fins?
The straight outline and bottom channels already provide strong tracking. Smaller fins reduce drag and make the board easier to turn in light wind.
Are bindings included?
No. The board includes fins, a handle and mounting hardware, but North Flex or Flex Pro bindings must be purchased separately.