Kitesurfing, kiteboarding shop & school. Lessons - Durban, PE, J-Bay, Cape Town

Ozone Reo Kite

Ozone Reo logo

Ozone Catalyst 2012 Kite

REO - The Story

The Reo has been a blast to develop. It has involved all of here us here in the Ozone HQ, Hugh, Torrin, Matt and myself but also our close friends, Pagie, Armie and Dave Edwards.
Together we have chased waves all round the North Island of New Zealand, all in the name of “testing”. It was a labour of love. Love of the ocean, love of being out there and of course a love of the waves.

Between us we have a range of different styles and experience and this has helped define the Reo. Torrin is a force to be reckoned with in the waves, flat out pro rider that has no fear and pushes the limits strapped or unstrapped. Dave Edwards is a strapless monster no matter how big and gnarly the conditions, very impressive to watch. Pagie is a ripping surfer turned kiter and rides accordingly! Armie has been on the wave charge since the beginning, he is a fearless strong rider no matter what is thrown at him. Matt, Hugh and myself are what I would describe as “Having it” but with less experience than the others however we are still pushing ourselves hard.

The Reo is not my baby, it is a piece of all of us and I think that is why we all love it. We have come off the water so many times just buzzing and raving about the kite and our sessions. It has fuelled our passion for wave riding and helped us push our abilities to new levels.

So what is so good… Well, I would describe it as an extension of your body, this kite can be flown so many ways but it delivers outstanding performance no matter what your style. Hooked in it can float down the line effortlessly, it’s quick precise handling means you can put in the right spot and just ride the wave as hard as you can. If you slack line it, it still floats rather than falling out of the sky, it just drifts back and you have time to compensate and get the lines tight again.

If you like to move the kite a lot then it responds just perfectly, fast and direct. Unhooked it leaves you with nothing to do, the drift is perfect so all you got to do is concentrate on the next lip or section you are going to bosh.

I could go on but it’s better you read the reviews otherwise it is going to sound like a sales pitch and I would hate to sound like that. As with all Ozone products we like you to decide for yourself rather than believing us.

Rob Whittall - Ozone Kites Designer

REO Design & Performance Features >>

4-line pulley-less system (no pulleys, no problems)
Super fast and direct handling
Mega de-power range with insane float and drift characteristics
Easy on the bar back line re-launch
Comparable feeling throughout the size range
One-Pump system for quick and easy setup
Multiple trimming options for customized handling and bar pressure
Color coded and numbered fool proof line connectors

REO Construction Features >>

High volume inflate/deflate valve for quicker setup and pack down
Improved strut construction for better canopy stability
Internal reinforcements for improved durability
Exceptional hand checked Ozone factory construction using the highest quality materials
Teijin Techno Force sail material
Dimension Polyant Dacron for the LE & Struts
Double stitched bonded seams
Dacron reinforced tip area for load distribution
Reinforced leading edge and struts in high stress areas
Reinforced trailing edge
Light weight & low profile aerodynamic leading edge scuff pads
Unique bladder construction with double layer section in wear areas
Ozone warranty and back-up service guaranteed

Trimming the Reo to suit you…

The Reo is a kite that can be trimmed to suit your personal riding style.

If you like to ride unhooked a lot in the waves then I would suggest lengthening the back lines by sliding the foam floats up and moving the knot to extend the back lines. Like this you will not need to trim the kite with the de-power cleat so much.

If you like to ride hooked in and like the kite to feel stally and back fly then I suggest you shorten the back lines by sliding the foam floats up and moving the knot to reduce the length of the back lines. Then by using the the de-power cleat you can fine tune it to the perfect amount for you.