Kitesurf Team Review – 2010 Ocean Rodeo Mako

Website design By BotEap.comThe Ocean Rodeo Mako series kitesurf boards have been available for a number of years. Aside from the graphics, the board’s time-tested design and build haven’t changed noticeably from year one. Sizes and widths have varied slightly over the years with current offerings including 134, 140, 150 and 165. The heavy rocker and deep, rounded concave profile combine for some interesting sailing features not found on no other production kiteboard and is a loyal fan of kiters in the kitesurfing community.

Website design By BotEap.comThe most heralded attribute of the Mako series is its ability to smooth out bumps in rough water. In North America, regular riders from Hood River in Oregon and La Ventana in Baja Mexico, among other classic bump-riding locales, latched onto this new design early on and have been singing its praises ever since. The bottom cancave shape does an amazing job of absorbing more cuts than any other board I’ve tried.

Website design By BotEap.comAnother thing the Mako does very well is maintain a straight, narrow line upwind when on edge. Many boards need constant minor adjustments to track straight, which can make staying upwind more difficult for beginners.

Website design By BotEap.comDo you like to travel illuminated? This board should be on your radar. The shape allows the rider to hold down more power and more comfortably than most kitesurf boards. Even if you hate traveling lit, take a look at this chart. Why? Because the board can hold power so well, it allows for edge holding and speed control in gusty conditions. This also makes a big difference for the beginning rider who is still working on speed control.

Website design By BotEap.comMost boards that are good at keeping the line feel sticky when you break the edge and try to drift. The Mako due to its heavy rocker is surprisingly loose. When you want to do a slide turn, mako kitesurf boards make it as easy as possible (except if you have the Mako King 165 set to the mutant setting).

Website design By BotEap.comCarvey surfy turns are not something most people associate with twintip kitesurf boards, but Mako boards offer this. The rounded profile and rocker possibly along with the concave combine to give the smoothest carving boards out there.