View allAll Photos Tagged stability
International Monetary Fund's Financial Counsellor and Director Jose Vinals answers a question during the Global Financial Stability Report press conference Ocotber 9, 2013 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
From left to right; U.S. Army Col. Darius S. Gallegos, CoESPU deputy director, Mrs. Robin Smith political advisor to the U.S. Army Africa Commanding General, Monsieur Han Theyssens, and Brig. Gen. Giovanni Pietro Barbano, Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) director, pose for a photo following the graduation ceremony of the 14th Protection of Civilians Course at the CoESPU in Vicenza, Italy, February 21, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Visual Information Specialist Paolo Bovo/released)
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
160821-N-BB269-360 OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 21, 2016) Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure amphibious assault vehicles in the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, attached to Expeditionary Strike Group 7, is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2020) Sailors handle the phone and distance line aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11). Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)
International Monetary Fund Financial Economic Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department Tobias Adrian (C) along with Fabio Natalucci (2nd R), Anna Ilyina (2ndL), Peter Breuer (L) and Randa Elnagar (R) will discuss the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
Almost two years after the presentation of the EU Global Strategy and more than a year after Jean Claude Juncker’s white book on the future of Europe, the European Union still struggles with major challenges and threats that seem to undermine the stability of the security environment within its borders and in its neighbourhood. In the aftermath of Brexit and with the proximity of to the European Parliament elections in 2019, the third International Conference Europe as a Global Actor (Lisbon, May 24 & 25, 2018) will discuss the role the EU can play in the current global transformations, as well as the domestic and external obstacles it faces as a global actor.
The Center for International Studies of ISCTE-IUL organized the third edition of the International Conference “Europe as a global actor”, on 24 and 25 May.
The opening lecture was given by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, on May 24, at 09:30 am.
The Conference Program also included a debate on the state of the Union with the presence of Portuguese MEPs, panels and round-tables on the challenges of the Common Security and Defense Policy, the future of European security and defense, the EU’s relationship with other global players and the future of the European Union as a global player. In addition to the presence of several invited scholars, in plenary sessions moderated by Portuguese journalists, the program also included the presentation of communications by around 40 international researchers in this area of knowledge.
May 25th
10h00-12h00 | Roundtable III
Roundtable: State of the Union – Portuguese Members of the European Parliament (Aud. B203) – session in Portuguese
Moderator: Ricardo Alexandre (CEI-IUL; Journalist TSF)
Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (EPP)
Carlos Zorrinho (S&D)
António Marinho e Pinto (ALDE)
João Ferreira (GUE / NGL)
Pedro Mota Soares (CDS-PP) (tbc)
12h00 – 14h00 – Lunch Break
14h00 – 15h45 |Parallel Sessions III
Panel 7 – Economy, Energy and Geopolitics (Room C201)
Moderator: Timea Pal (CEI-IUL)
Simon Schlegel (ISG) & Allison Nathan Araujo de Miranda (ISCSP): “EU Global Strategy 2020-2030: the Revival of the Franco-German Consensus-Engine in face of the EU-Lusophone Trade Relations”
Paloma Diaz Topete (College of Europe): “In Varietate Concordia or Divide et Impera? The Security Implications of Chinese FDI in EU Member States”
Natallia Tsiareshchanka (College of Europe; University of Kent): “Nord Stream 2: when geopolitical and commercial interests are at stake”
Zuzanna Gulczyńska (Adam Mickiewicz University, College of Europe, University Lille 2): “The energy cooperation between the EU and Algeria – what legal future?”
Panel 8 – Soft & Normative Power (Room C302)
Moderator: Ana Mónica Fonseca (CEI-IUL)
Idalina Conde (ISCTE-IUL): “Tables as metaphors. Europe in the World and cultural diplomacy”
Andrea Perilli (College of Europe): “Erasmus student or EU ambassador? People-to-people contact in the European Neighbourhood policy: the cases of Georgia, Ukraine and Tunisia”
Osman Sabri Kiratli (Bogazici University): “When do Voters Choose to Delegate?: Europeans’ Attitudes on Multilateral Aid”
João Espada Rodrigues (CEI-IUL): “EU and Democracy Promotion”
Nezka Figelj (University of Trieste): “EU not only a payer but also a player in the Middle-East and North Africa (MENA)”
15h45 – 16h15 – Coffee Break
16h15 – 17h45 | Parallel Sessions IV
Panel 9 – EU and Crisis Management (Room C201)
Moderator: Diogo Lemos (CEI-IUL)
Csaba Toro (Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary): “External institutional partnerships as vehicles of implementation in pursuit of effective and adaptive EU contribution to international crisis management”
Inês Marques Ribeiro (CEI-IUL): “A critical discourse analysis of the normative justification of the EU’s crisis management actorness”
Pablo Arconada Ledesma (Universidad de Valladolid): “European Union’s Missions In Somalia: Ten Years Of Successes And Failures (2008-2018)”
Panel 10 – Political Parties, Populism, Euroscepticism (Room C301)
Moderator: Riccardo Marchi (CEI-IUL)
Ewa Szczepankiewicz-Rudzka (Jagiellonian University, Krakow): “From Consensus to Skepticism?: Attitudes of Polish Society towards European Integration”
Ana Mónica Fonseca (CEI-IUL): “The SPD in government: a party in crisis”
Pedro Ponte e Sousa (FCSH-UNL & IPRI): “Portuguese foreign relations with the United States in the age of Trump: aligning with the superpower or supporting a European global stance?”
Teona Lavrelashvili (European Commission, KU Leuven) & Alex Andrione-Moylan (KU Leuven): “The populist playbook in the Western Balkans: Case of Serbia and Montenegro”
18h00 – 20h00 | Roundtable IV
Closing Roundtable The Future of Transatlantic Relations (Aud. B203):
Moderator: Bárbara Reis (Público)
Sven Biscop (Egmont Royal Institute for Foreign Relations, Brussels)
Mike Haltzel (Center for Transatlantic Relations; Johns Hopkins University SAIS)
Carlos Gaspar (IPRI-NOVA)
Susana Pedro
via
The thrill of the wind catching your kite—and that rush as it lifts you up over the breakers—is one you’ll never forget!
Riding the swells with a good headwind and knowing you’re safely harnessed-in can give you such a buzz, as you practice your jumps and turns. Sound familiar? If you’re also a wind junkie, you know that the gear’s performance makes all the difference in this sport.
Keep reading for a review covering the best kitesurfing kites on the market, looking at how they fare against the competition. Whether you’re a fan of all-around kites or want a specialty model for niche moves, we break down the features of each to help you decide which one might work best for you.
Best All-Around: North Reach
Durable, versatile, and easy-to-use, this high-performance kite is perfect.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Incredibly easy to maneuver and use
Stable and won’t toss you around the water
Easy on the elbows and knees
What we don’t like
A bit pricey
Not necessarily the best choice for a first-time user
The North Reach Performance Freeride is the best freeride kite available on the market. With an abundance of features and superbly-smooth handling, this kite seamlessly does what you want and goes where you take it. We love the Performance Freeride’s solid-yet-lightweight construction, which doubles its response time and effectiveness while it increases its value.
The webbing on this kite’s three struts boosts the kite’s strength, but the pads and reinforcements on the seams don’t weigh the kite down. Additionally, the Performance Freeride’s bridle has medium-to-light bar pressure, which is easier on the arms and lets you enjoy a longer ride.
The North Reach Performance Freeride kite is fun, playful, and reacts beautifully to your touch. One of the kite’s best features is its stability, which is due to the shape of its edges and swept-back wingtip. It helps you establish a firm connection to your kite.
High-Performance, Smooth Ride
Dubbed the best desert-island kite, you’ll never need another kite when you have the Performance Freeride. It is the King of Kitesurfing Kites and deserves the title of “Best All-Around” because it is the ultimate performer in any wind condition.
The kite has impeccable reaction time and maneuvering options. It is a breeze to get out of the water and relaunch, and you can easily steer and maneuver it as it rises with the wind.
The North Reach Performance Freeride is the kite that works for all kiteboarders and lets you fine-tune your method. It comes in yellow, red, and blue, and sizes range from 0.3m to 17m. Powerful, efficient, and accommodating, this kite is sure to please even the most discerning of kiteboarders. It gives you that extra boost, whether you’re into big loops or freestyle tricks.
Runner-Up Best All-Around: Cabrinha Switchblade
May be an old-timer, but still one of the smoothest and most durable all-around kites in the market.
Check Latest Price
What we like
User-friendly no matter what your experience is
Stable, durable, and versatile
Reliable for years, a trusted brand
What we don’t like
Not the fastest kite out there
Not as responsive to rider input, making it better for beginners than pros
The Cabrinha name is synonymous with quality and performance, and the Switchblade is among its best-known models. While The Switchblade is certainly not a newcomer, its consistent upgrades and spectacular performance makes it feel like a new kite with every launch. The Switchblade is such a high-performer that, frankly, not much needs improvement. This brand was once the benchmark standard for all-around kites.
The kite combines performance with ease-of-use and balance. You can rely on the Switchblade when unexpected weather hits and when you need a strong kite to weather the elements. The kite’s balance is next-to-none in the industry and provides on-demand power delivery. If you’re a big air and loop enthusiast, the Switchblade offers an impressive boost and great hangtime while letting you stay in control.
Fun and Functional
The nano ripstop technology ensures that your kite weathers the strong ocean winds and keeps up with your pace and technique. And as the years go by, the Cabrinha Switchblade keeps getting progressively lighter and more durable. This kite helps you create remarkable loops, transitions, back loops, and down loops. The 2019 upgrades incorporated strut enhancement, and the bar offers medium pressure and wide range.
The Cabrinha Switchblade grows with you and evolves with your style. It has some of the industry’s most massive wind ranges, sitting far-forward with a strong and steady upwind drive. Less aggressive than other kites, you can still get the pops and progressions you seek without needing to maneuver it excessively.
This kite is your friend on the seas and the perfect kite to grow with you. We’re sure that you’ll love how versatile, smooth, and durable it is.
Best Freeride: Naish Pivot
This two-time King of the Air champion kite hits the mark in more ways than one, allowing you to fly through the air and glide between the waters.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Professional capabilities and design
Fantastic pull and an overall light feel
Beautiful maneuverability, always where you expect it to be
What we don’t like
Stays bulky after deflation, and its bag could feel too tight-fitting
The Naish Pivot is the best kite for freestyling, allowing you to bring out your creativity and unique style with its versatility and strength. The larger wingtip charges your turns with power, allowing for better looping, higher stability, and meeting heavy gusts of wind head-on.
The Naish Pivot is a kite for the performers at heart and the ones who go for the gold. If you want to test how far you can go and the boundaries of your endurance, this is the kite that lets you do so without hassle. With the Naish Pivot, you get to perform jaw-dropping loops, jumps, and turns to your heart’s content.
This kite works for professional-grade championships and handles wind speeds of up to 40 mph with grace. Its unique shape creates a powerful downwind pull and helps with drift. The tighter pinch also increases its stability, and the frame is stable and durable.
High-Intensity Performance
The Naish Pivot won’t stay down, so it allows you to perform an easy relaunch. This model is the perfect kite for loops and jumps, with powerful reinforcements that keep it firm and steady.
Its newer models finally got rid of the octopus inflation system. It now has an easier-to-manage external sherlock system that makes it simple to perform repairs. Easy to inflate and deflate, this kite has a 10.5 psi, which is more than most models in the industry.
The kite keeps its shape, and it is easy to get back up going for the relaunch. Its steering capabilities are top-notch. The kite’s design disperses the air throughout the kite, which creates that smooth and steady glide. The kite is excellent for performing old-school tricks, but it yields some of the most impressive loops and tricks when it’s in the hands of experienced riders.
Best Freestyle: Cabrinha FX
Potent steering, ultra-durable, and made for tacking the seas, this is the kite that places you at the helm.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Acts as an extension to your body
Very receptive to your movements
Allows to reach show-stopping heights and perform complex techniques and tricks
What we don’t like
Could improve with a smoother jump experience
Is not the best kite model for drifting and foil
The Cabrinha FX is one of the more well-known kites in crossover freestyle. Made for high-powered performance and rough handling, this kite keeps you in control when your adrenaline levels go on overdrive. The FX doesn’t compromise on stability but encourages you to work with its features and controls. The kite is best for an aggressive rider and offers mind-boggling turn speeds and jumps that require skill, experience, and precision.
This kite features a ripstop canopy that provides excellent protection against high winds and rough waters. Durable and stable, the latest model release offers two times the strength of previous models but maintains the same weight and size.
Giving Experiences Even to the Experienced
Although the FX has dominated the crossover category, it’s not suitable for beginners. Newer or less-experienced users will need more time to learn how to control the kite due to its smaller wind range. If you don’t plan on performing aggressive jumps, loops, or turns, another kite would be a better option.
If you are not at the appropriate skill level, you may find it challenging to ride upwind with the Cabrinha FX kite. Its responsiveness best accommodates kiters who want to be more involved in their ride. In other words, this kite doesn’t have the “auto-pilot” feel but instead attunes to the rider.
The FX is ideal for catching big air and loops, and its bridle settings bring pop and slap ability. For surfing and soil boarding, the FX is not the best, but if you’re more into jumps and extreme moves, this is the kite that will accommodate that energy.
Best for Big Air: North Orbit
Orbit is the ultra-responsive kite with minimal lag, gravity-defying potential, and smooth handling.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Responsive and attuned to the movements of the rider
What we don’t like
Can be overly-aggressive on the turns if not maneuvered well
The Orbit was the winning kite in the 2020 Red Bull King of the Air championship. With its signature design, this kite is easily one of kiteboarding’s most popular and recognizable models. The Orbit has smooth navigation and airflow control and offers remarkable stability during high winds. It allows you to make strong turns, provides a high jump, and handles well.
Why is it called the Orbit? This kite catches big air and elevates you to dazzling heights, shooting you straight to orbit. Not for the faint of heart, this kite that grows with you will thrill you with both how well you can take control of your jumps and maneuvers and the boundaries that you can push.
Lets You Take Control
A distinguishing feature about the Orbit is how receptive it is to the kiter and how responsive it is to feedback. It turns when you want it to and makes an easy relaunch, with minimal lag, after being down. You can expect impressive hangtime and spectacular jumps with this kite.
The Orbit has a static bridle with medium bar pressure, so you don’t need a lot of elbow grease while maneuvering. The loops are consistent with zero lag, and the kite is, overall, a comfortable ride. With the Orbit, you’ll push the limits of your style and upgrade your tricks and technique.
Key features include its strength-to-weight ratio and its structure, which allows the kite to maintain its shape despite the elements. The kite is also easy to hook up so you can inflate it, and it works with most pumps. It has excellent reinforcements while managing to keep the weight down.
Perfect for foiling, and with a medium grip, you won’t have difficulty making the kite move the way you want. The Orbit handles wind beautifully and is one of the best kites on the market. Once you choose this kite and have the technique and experience to use it to its full capacity, you’ll find it challenging to switch to another kite model.
Best Wave Riding: Slingshot SST V5
One of the strongest kites on the market with instant response to keep you in control between the waves.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Hard-to-beat build, tech, and durability
Compact bridle eases the gust pull
Bar absorbs shock
What we don’t like
The SST is not the best for turbulent conditions
Lack of upwind rideability
Most suitable for surfers and foilers, the Slingshot SST V5 is a design marvel in style and longevity. It has some of the best downwind drifting in the kiteboarding world. The Slingshot also has instant relaunch, which comes in handy with choppy waves and turbulent weather conditions.
If you’re always on the water and want a kite that helps you work with the waves, the Slingshot SST V5 has a cult following for its manageability.
One of the Slingshot’s more impressive features is the way it allows you to control and maneuver the kite even when depowered. The kite features a swept wingtip design that’s excellent for depowering and helping you position yourself on the wave.
The bungee replaces a pulley and provides all the benefits of a pulley but adds durability. The Slingshot SST V5’s unique design prevents blowouts, and you won’t have to worry after it when it hits heavy surf. Its structural features give the kite and the rider better stability and create a seamless glide through the air and water.
High Performance, High Value
The Slingshot SST V5 is one of the most durable kites in the market. It will help you get out of unique or unexpected situations. The kite is ultra-responsive, so if you need a fast-reacting kite to work with you and allow you to steer without power, this is the model for you.
Although it is a performer in the wind, you can fare better with a different model when experiencing turbulent conditions.
Another distinguishing feature of this kite is that it stays out in front of you so that you will not outrun the kite. This feature makes it the ideal surfing and foiling kite for intermediate and expert-level riders, but it does need some experience to maneuver appropriately.
Best for Entry Level: Core Nexus 2
A buttery-smooth, playful kite that embraces diversity in riding styles and abilities.
Check Latest Price
What we like
Evolves with the rider and stays relevant even after the rider advances in skills
What we don’t like
Not the best kite model for unhooked riding
The Core Nexus 2 is the best beginner kiteboarding kite on the market. Although it’s user-friendly and playful, don’t think it’s only for kiters who lack experience. With this kite, you can start as a beginner and continue using it as you sharpen your skills and improve your technique.
One of the reasons why we love this kite is because it acts as an all-inclusive ride. You get to go surfing, foiling, and catch big air with the same kite. The Core Nexus 2 will take whatever you throw at it, all while handling well and maintaining its distinctive shape.
The more you sheet in with the Core Nexus 2, the better steering you get—and the more responsive the kite becomes. One of the best aspects of this kite is that it accommodates virtually any board. Whether you want to go old-school freestyle or use the kite to catch big air, it works well for any technique you adopt.
Why It’s Good For Beginners
This kite knows what to do with little input from the kiter, but it will accommodate preferences with the right maneuvering techniques. It’s not a kite that will yank you everywhere—instead, it offers a buttery-smooth ride. Due to its remarkable stability, the Nexus fits the bill for you, no matter where you are in the experience spectrum.
The newer model of the Core Nexus is manufactured from a lighter material that changes the kite’s feel and balance. The wingtip is also fuller, making it ideal for loops and propelling your turns while creating beautifully-arched curves. When kite surfing, the Core Nexus 2 is quick and responsive but not overly aggressive.
For an all-in-one kite that grows with you, the Core Nexus 2 is hard to beat in value and functionality and will even work as a specialty kite later on.
Final Verdict
Although all the kites in this review have breathtaking capabilities, our top pick overall is the North Reach Performance Freeride. Not only does it have an outstanding balance—and won’t let you down even in the lowest wind—but it also picks up the pace, as you do, to keep you in the air and boost your lift.
If you’re just getting started with kiteboarding, you might consider the Cabrinha Switchblade instead. The Switchblade is our runner-up for the top spot. It’s less aggressive than the Performance Freeride, very user friendly, and will continue to work well for you even after your skills advance.
For those on a budget or looking for an excellent freestyle kiteboard, the Naish Pivot is a good fit. It comes in on the lower side of the price scale but still offers impressive performance.
The Ultimate Kiteboarding Kite Buying Guide
Image credit: North Kiteboarding
Now that you’re familiar with the best kiteboarding kites in the market, it’s time to narrow down your options and choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re a beginner, it helps to know what kind of kite you can start with and which one will grow well with you as your skill level increases.
Choosing the right kite isn’t just about what you want it to do but how the kite fits you and what boards work with the kites. If kiteboarding is your new favorite sport, we recommend wearing the right protective gear to minimize bodily harm.
Take Kiteboarding Lessons
We cannot overemphasize the importance of taking lessons and the difference that lessons can make to enhance your kiteboarding experience. Although it may look simple to the untrained eye, kiteboarding requires skill, practice, and endurance. Adolescents and even seniors can indeed kiteboard, but there are differences in everyone’s technique and what they want to get out of the experience.
Kiteboarding may cause injuries—in rare cases, this sport results in fatalities. If you don’t have the right training and equipment to tackle the wind and waves, you may harm yourself while pursuing this exciting sport.
Know Your Kite
Once you have the training and feel that you’re ready to buy your first kite, the time has come to determine the type that works best for your technique and method. Kites come in four varieties – bow kites, C-kites, hybrids, and deltas.
C-Kites
Compact and versatile, C-Kites are the oldest kite type. They don’t have a bridle and have a C-shape with long, flat square wingtips. They offer great control, powerful pop, and excellent performance. However, they also have a short wind range and can be difficult water relaunch.
C-Type kites are best for riders with experience who enjoy freestyling thanks to their sheer power and stability when unhooked. They aren’t recommended for beginners and can even be dangerous for inexperienced users.
Bow Kites
Introduced around 2005, bow kites a little newer to the scene. They have a flat profile with bridles in the leading edge and a concave trailing edge. These kites have excellent wind range and upwind performance.
They are easy to use and suitable for multiple techniques and proficiency levels. Launching and relaunching is particularly easy. One downside to these kites is that they aren’t suitable for unhooked use. Additionally, they reduce the speed and power of your turns.
Hybrids
Hybrid models combine the best of C-Kite and Bow features with their unique half-moon shape and bridled connection. The flatter shape generates more power than non-hybrid models and is easier to relaunch when down.
They can offer slightly slower response time than C-Kites, but that also makes them safer for less experienced riders. Hybrids are an excellent choice if you’re at an intermediate level and want some of the power of a bow kite in an easier-to-operate package.
Deltas
A hybrid variant with a broad, D-shaped profile and short wingtips, Deltas are similar to hybrids in that they offer wider wind range and easier launches. They also have the same downside in that they have a slower response time, but they are arguably the most forgiving of the kite types, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Choosing the Right Board
Your board is a tool that you use to achieve your kiteboarding goals, making it just as important as your kite. When choosing a board, your first consideration should be the size. Boards are typically measured in cm and range from 134-165 cm.
Riders who weigh under 150 pounds should look for boards between 134-148 cm. Riders 150-180 pounds need a 140-160 cm board, and those over 180 pounds will fare best with a board between 142-165 cm.
To narrow that range further, consider the type of riding you want to do. The larger the board, the more resistance you’ll get. Longer boards are best for beginners and free riders. For tricks, you want to aim for a shorter board.
There are also three board shapes: square, tapered, and round. Square boards travel upwind easier and provide better pop to jumps. Tapered boards make it effortless to carve and are more forgiving in choppy water. Rounded boards provide the smoothest ride and a great option if you’re looking to take it easy on your knees and joints.
Learn About Your Kite’s Control System
Although kite control systems are customizable, we recommend sticking to the ones that come with your kite. The control system helps you increase and decrease your kite’s power and includes a unique safety system in each model.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get started with kiteboarding?
The kites in our review range between around $800-$1,500, which is typical for a good kite. You can expect to pay $500-$1,000 for a board and another $100-$200 for a harness and jacket. Everything included, you’ll likely spend between $1,500-2,500.
That may seem like a lot, but kiteboarding gear has excellent longevity. Kites often last 7-10 years, boards 10+ years, and harnesses jackets 4-8 years if you take good care of everything.
How do I care for my kite?
All your kiteboarding gear, including the kite, needs to be dry and clean before being packed away. Make sure to shake off any sand and allow it to dry completely. It’s also a good idea to check for damage after each use. Small tears can be repaired using ripstop repair tape.
Keep everything out of the sun and protected from the elements, and you’re good to go. Kiteboards kites don’t really require special care.
Can I buy a kiteboarding kite used?
You can—but we don’t recommend it. The problem with buying a used kite is there’s always a chance the seller will misrepresent or won’t know its age or condition. A kite that’s older or has been left in the sun a lot will be more prone to rips and tears, which could present a safety hazard. You’re better off with a new kite as you’ll know its history and can take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty.
How long are kiteboard kite warranties?
Most kiteboard kites come with a one to three-year warranty. Keep in mind that warranties usually won’t cover everyday wear and tear or misuse. They apply to damage related to manufacturing defects (so situations where the kite shouldn’t have been damaged under typical conditions).
Hongkong, China
August 2009
Had to get back to this spot for a night shot. Made while balancing on a power switch or trashcan in order to get a little more stability.
Nikon D50
Please do not reproduce or use this picture without my explicit permission.
If you ask nicely I will probably say yes, just ask me first!
Appreciate the awards and scripted comments
But I will remove them...
All rights reserved
September 7, 2011 -- Bringing together voices from Afghanistan, the Netherlands and the United States, “Empowering Women in Afghanistan: Stability Through Rural Development,” highlighted the state of Afghan women in rural areas, the promotion of stability through rural assistance to women, and ways in which America and Europe can work together to empower them.
The conference -- organized by the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and The Atlantic Commission -- highlighted the advantages of directing aid to programs for rural women.
On 17 December2018, UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Jeremiah Mamabolo addressed the closing session of the Internally
Displaced Persons Conference, held in Nyalal, South Darfur. The tow- day forum, supported by the Mission and brought together
over 200 displaced including women from across Darfur, recommended among others, restoring peace, stability, development and
address the root causes of the conflict in the region. Photo by Yousif Bilal, UNAMID.
Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Giovanni Pietro Barbano (right), Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) director, addresses dignitaries and guests from Europe, Africa, Italy and the U.S. during the Graduation Ceremony of the 14th Protection of Civilians Course at the CoESPU in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 21, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Visual Information Specialist Paolo Bovo/released)
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Jose Vinals (C), Deputy Division Chief Chris Walker (L), and Deputy Director Peter Dattels (R) hold the joint press conference on the Global Financial Stability Report April 9, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Jeong Joon Yu (SK Group), Olga Algayerova (UNECE), Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport, UK), Volker Wissing (Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, Germany), Hee-ryong Won (Minster of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea), Kris Peeters (European Investment Bank, EIB) and Carlos Monje (Under Secretary for Transportation Policy, US explore the role of transport in promoting economic co-operation, peace and stability in the Open Plenary "Transport as an enabler of sustainable economies, peace and stability in time of crisis". The event takes place during the International Transport Forum's 2023 Summit on "Transport Enabling Sustainable Economies" in Leipzig, Germany on 24 May 2023.
Gaston Gelos (C) Division Chief, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division of the International Monetary Fund delivers his opening remarks with Jan Brockmeijer (2nd L) Deputy Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF Nico Valckx (2nd R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF; Luis Brandao Marques(R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF and Keiko Utsunomiya (L)
Senior Communications Officer, Communications Department, IMF during the press conference for the Global Stability Report Analytical Chapters October 1, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters 2 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
MAURA, Brunei (June 20, 2013) - U.S. Navy Capt. John Gilman, Theater Security Cooperation officer in charge, shakes the hand of Captl. Guan Bo Lin, Chinese medical officer with the People's Liberation Army, during a tour of the USNS Mathew Perry during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise (AHMX) off the coast. More than 2,500 multinational personnel from 18 Asia-Pacific nations are participating in the ASEAN exercise, which provides a platform for regional partner nations to address shared security challenges, strengthen defense cooperation, enhance interoperability and promote stability in the region.(Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason W. Fudge)
130620-M-SQ436-120
** Interested in following U.S. Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/pacific.command and twitter.com/PacificCommand and www.pacom.mil/
Virtual Teams in 2018 MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS, CHANGES & CHALLENGES
SA TECHNOLOGIES - IT CONSULTING SERVICES PROVIDER
CHANGES IN IT THAT BROUGHT STABILITY R&D Internationalization – Exploiting Location Specific Innovative Advantage
Increased Use of Outsourcing: Outsourcing brought massive economic changes to the outsourcing country and social impact to the outsourced nation. 1 2 Moving away from working with people in Visual Proximity: Service based economy like the USA put stress on the cost driven model that altered many things. More R&D $ are now spent in the native countries. 3 Evolving Workplace Requirements/Habits: The workplaces has transformed since last 2 -3 decades. People with the help of internet-driven technologies now have more work options.
Major Work Culture Changes
Teleworking: It is a contemporary example of the work culture change, which is boosted by the cloud collaboration tools. 1 2 Extended use of Freelancing: Growth in freelancing is recent and is due to the universalization of particular skill sets that are needed everywhere. 3 Increased acceptance of Virtual Engineers: The major developments in the recent past are the accentuated growth of virtual offices helped by the ease of telecommunication that has triggered a rise of entrepreneurial culture.
Virtual Team – Is it a solution for Small and Medium-sized Businesses?
SMBs are increasingly leveraging their virtual workforce to
- Reach the global markets, - Reach critical masses - Tackle the pressure of globalization - And, Plug the necessary skill set
Virtual Engineering Teams also help to acquire the knowledge growth and keep the company afloat on the inexpensive information transfer.
MARKET CHANGES THAT AFFECTS GLOBAL IT INDUSTRY 1. Mass Production/Mass Consumption – Automation
Automation considerably decreases the headcounts required for a job. Thus, in future most of the workforce will not stay relevant.
The overseas software services industry’s clients increasingly ask their vendors to invest more in the automation tools.
The requirement of Innovation thus, also spearheads to the involvement of giving international dimension to a common problem, i.e., Retaining skill, and knowledge transfer are now the significant management challenges in global IT contexts that will help tackle the issues raised by Automation
2. Global Recession(s)/Government Reforms
Because of the global recession of 2007, companies in the west started slashing their IT budgets. Here're few major reforms post-recession -
2.1 Reforms in the West
It is speculated by many that the next stage of the economic crisis might engulf the global software services market. Thus, the government is trying to
reform their existing visa policies revamp local business by leveraging local resources nurture in-house talents as financial institutions are shying away from investing more
2.2 Reforms in Native Countries (1990 - Now)
Focus towards becoming manufacturing hub Focus on domestic innovation Increased spending on R&D Introduction of various reforms like incentives to the citizens who return backs to their native countries, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF VIRTUAL TEAM Virtual teams are now more global with team members dispersed globally. Corporate teams are now nearly virtual, and 41% of the teams never meet in person
ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
REDUCED TIME TO MARKET
ACCESS TO GLOBAL TALENTS
Infrastructure costs are reduced as the everyday operational expenses are equal to zero.
24*7 support, lesser product development time, and faster response to the global and local demands.
Easy access to global talents. Better understanding of global and local markets
FUTURE OF IT INDUSTRY VIS-À-VIS VIRTUAL TEAM
Paradigm shift in the methods of gathering data, response, service, and logistics only due to the advancement of the IT
IT organizations today are leveraging the millennials more than any other sectors.
IT has permeated every other sector, revolutionized the manufacturing sector, brought changes in advertising, and marketing approach.
BEST PRACTICES FOR EFFECTIVE VIRTUAL TEAMS
1. Set Clear Agenda: Create an agenda to help your employees develop their ideas and questions.
2. Create Team Charter: Build project guidelines that follow your company's structure, while taking into consideration that it does not hamper the cultural scenario of your overseas virtual engineering team.
3. Make Personal Contact: Hold private conversations as it helps nurture a positive atmosphere.
4. Rotate Meeting Timings: Fluctuate the meeting timings, it will go a long way to win your virtual team's trust.
5. Plan Communication: Have clear and open communication as it helps build a productive collaboration.
GET A FREE EBOOK B O R D E R L E S S I N N O V A T I O N : R O L E O F C O L L A B O R A T I V E D E V E L O P M E N T I N T H E I T P R O J E C T S
Get more insights on how virtual teams and global collaboration can help in IT Innovation and operational efficiency. Download this ebook to unlock the secrets today.
Download your Copy Now
SAT is a global leader in Consulting and Technology solutions with a focused approach to transform, grow and lead today's enterprises. For 16 years, SAT has been providing best IT talent to the clients across North America.
www.satechglobal.com | 609-964-0551 | sales@satechglobal.com USA | Canada | India
ABOUT SA TECHNOLOGIES
The “Project for Livelihood Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” is a new three-year initiative, financed by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in Tajikistan in cooperation with UNDP in Afghanistan.
This project will support rehabilitation of more than 75 rural infrastructure facilities to improve direct access of more than 176,400 vulnerable people, including women living in rural communities, to schools, hospitals, irrigation, drinking water and energy supply.
Learn more about this exciting initiative.
International Monetary Fund Tobias Adrian the Financial Economic Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department answers question after he presented the Global Financial Stability Report press briefing at the 2018 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings at the Bali International Convention Centre October 10, 2018 in Bali Indonesia. IMF Staff Photo/Stephen Jaffe
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Tobias Adrian (R) and Deputy Director Peter Dattels (L) participate in the Global Financial Stability Report press conference October 11, 2017 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Gym and fitness centre, with classes in kick boxing, cardio kick, stability ball, yoga as well as massage therapy room. Caters for people of all fitness levels for both men and women. Relaxed atmosphere with a great membership. My favourite place to train. Under refurbishment and will include sauna & solarium shortly
Jose Vinals, financial counsellor, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013, at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 13, 2019) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Jesse Printz, from Lothian, Md., fires a shot line from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) to the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) during a replenishment-at-sea. McCampbell is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaac Maxwell/Released)
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Jose Vinals walks to the stage to hold a joint press conference on the Global Financial Stability Report April 9, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24AN15 - •Hélène Rey, Professor of Economics, London Business School, United Kingdom; Global Agenda Council on Global Economic Imbalances captured during the session Davos Insights on Growth and Stability in the congress centre at the Annual Meeting 2015 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 24, 2015.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/Benedikt von Loebell
IMF Financial Counselor Tobias Adrian provides the Global Financial Stability Report update during the COVID-19 Pandemic at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 2020. IMF Photo/Cory Hancock
Labour Party Deputy Leader and Director of Elections, Joan Burton today launched “Vote YES for Stability”, the party’s animated video on the Stability Treaty.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Burton said: “This animated video is a short and simple guide to the main issues that arise from the Stability Treaty and it outlines some of the reasons why we believe that a YES vote is crucial for Ireland.
“We hope that the use of simple visualisations and key messages in the video will make the YES arguments accessible to an online audience who may be more accustomed to using online platforms to inform themselves on various issues.
“This Treaty is about ensuring a stable currency which will increase investor confidence in Ireland which will in turn bring about economic recovery. This is why it is vital that we vote YES on May 31st.”
Labour Party Deputy Leader and Director of Elections, Joan Burton today launched “Vote YES for Stability”, the party’s animated video on the Stability Treaty.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Burton said: “This animated video is a short and simple guide to the main issues that arise from the Stability Treaty and it outlines some of the reasons why we believe that a YES vote is crucial for Ireland.
“We hope that the use of simple visualisations and key messages in the video will make the YES arguments accessible to an online audience who may be more accustomed to using online platforms to inform themselves on various issues.
“This Treaty is about ensuring a stable currency which will increase investor confidence in Ireland which will in turn bring about economic recovery. This is why it is vital that we vote YES on May 31st.”
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Jose Vinals, financial counsellor, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013, at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
This ideal state of affairs won't last forever. There will always be another time to serve with every possible stability being out of range. To me it seems that the only constant is change
PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 9, 2019) Yeoman 3rd Class Taliana Canales, from Winter Haven, Fla., looks through “big eyes” binoculars as she stands watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG85) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). McCampbell is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaac Maxwell)
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24AN15 - Laura D'Andrea Tyson , Professor, Business Administration and Economics, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, USA captured during the session Davos Insights on Growth and Stability in the congress centre at the Annual Meeting 2015 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 24, 2015.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/Benedikt von Loebell
Stability ball leg curls with resistance band targets hamstrings. Home leg workout. If using the video, please credit: Personal Trainer in Toronto, www.PTinTO.com, Eric Astrauskas
Dialogue and discussion with Jeroen Dijsselbloem at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Dutch finance minister and ECOFIN Chair Jeroen Dijsselbloem worries that the way in which the EU Commission applies Stability and Growth Pact rules may not be entirely objective, he told Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs on Tuesday. At a meeting reviewing the Dutch Presidency of the Council of Economy and Finance Ministers, he said he hoped that on Friday 17 June they would agree a road map for completing the Banking Union with a European Deposit Guarantee Scheme (EDIS).
Stability and Growth Pact: No special treatment for France "because it is France"
Read more: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160613IPR32051...
This photo is free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© European Union 2016 - European Parliament".
(Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives CreativeCommons licenses creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
For bigger HR files please contact: webcom-flickr(AT)europarl.europa.eu
(L-R) Matthew Jones; Division Chief Monetary and Capital Markets Department; Jennifer Elliott; Deputy Division Chief, Global Markets Analysis; José Viñals; IMF Financial Counsellor and Director of Monetary and Capital Markets; Peter Dattels; Deputy Director; Monetary and Capital Markets Department; Andreas Adriano; Senior Communications Officer at a Press Conference for the Global Financial Stability Report during the 2015 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings October 7, 2015 in Lima, Peru. IMF Staff Photo/Stephen Jaffe
Matthew Jones, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013, at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
Jose Vinals, financial counsellor, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013 at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Tobias Adrian answers questions at the Global Financial Stability Report press conference October 11, 2017 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
"Mass wasting" is the geologic term for all forms of landslides - rapid or slow. Many roadcuts are prone to small- and moderate-sized collapse events of rocks & soil. Especially vulnerable roadcuts are often modified using various slope stability measures.
The steep roadcut in Tennessee seen here is composed of shale, a soft sedimentary rock type. Shale slopes weather and erode quickly, resulting in slow mass wasting (slump & creep) and rapid mass wasting (rock falls & rock slides). Chain-link fencing and a tarp have been secured to the outcrop using rock bolts.
The cut is on the northern edge of Poor Valley & the southernmost slopes of Clinch Mountain. As the name suggests, Poor Valley has low-quality soils - there is no farming there.
Locality: roadcut on the northeastern side of Route 25E, west-northwest of the town of Bean Station, northeastern Grainger County, northeastern Tennessee, USA (36° 20' 42.33" North latitude, 83° 19' 56.83" West longitude)
International Monetary Fund Financial Anna Ilyina answers questions on the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
Gaston Gelos (C) Division Chief, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division of the International Monetary Fund delivers his opening remarks with Jan Brockmeijer (2nd L) Deputy Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF Nico Valckx (2nd R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF; Luis Brandao Marques(R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF and Keiko Utsunomiya (L)
Senior Communications Officer, Communications Department, IMF during the press conference for the Global Stability Report Analytical Chapters October 1, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters 2 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
International Monetary Fund Financial Economic Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department Tobias Adrian (C) along with Fabio Natalucci (2nd R), Anna Ilyina (2ndL), Peter Breuer (L) and Randa Elnagar (R) will discuss the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Please read my profile for more information about my craft.
This 90 carat handcrafted Sweet Cappuccino Jasper pendant is created swirling and shaping sterling silver filled wire by hand, adding purple aventurine beads and Swarovski crystals to enhance the natural beauty and shape of the stone. This aubergine colored stone has a nice matte gloss with mauve, brown and plum striations.
It measures 1 1/4" across and 2 1/2" top to tip including the bail.
The bail is designed to be large enough to accommodate your favorite chain, choker or cord.
All purchases are nicely packaged in a gift box.
Cappuccino Jasper's healing effects:
Spiritually- Performance
Subconsciously- Bestow's stability, promotes inner calm
Mentally- Helps tackle a huge pile of work by sensibly apportioning one's energy
Physically- Fortifies the stomach, intestines and immune system; promotes cleansing and elimination.