Eleveight Kites: We tell you everything about the kitesurf brand!
📌 Quick Answer
Founded in 2017 by Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe (formerly of Best Kiteboarding), Eleveight Kites has become a leading kitesurf brand in under six years. They operate in 50 countries with 250 retailers, manufacturing their kites at Aqua (Sri Lanka) and their boards in Europe. Their extensive range covers all riding disciplines: RS/RS+ (freeride), FS (freestyle), WS (wave), XS (big air), plus a full wingfoil lineup including the WFS and GT One+. GlissEvolution has proudly been a partner retailer since the very beginning.
Eleveight Kites: The Rising Kitesurf Brand
Launched in the summer of 2017, Eleveight Kites quickly established itself as a premier kitesurf brand. In just six years, Eleveight has become a benchmark in the kite world, positioning itself among the leaders in the global kitesurf market. With an innovative vision and rapid growth, Eleveight is now a significant brand for kitesurf enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
1. Interview with Eleveight Founders
2. A Retailer Distribution Model
3. Peter Stiewe: Design Freedom
4. Manufacturing: Sri Lanka and Europe
5. Warranty and Quality Control
6. The Eleveight Kitesurf Range
7. The Eleveight Wingfoil Range
8. The Brand's Future
9. Eleveight at GlissEvolution
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Interview with the Founders: Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe
Eleveight Kites hit the market in July 2017, and their first year was a massive success. Their slogan, "Our passion is yours," has been validated by enthusiastic feedback from riders. Dive into the full story behind Eleveight Kites, based on an interview we translated from IKSurf Mag.
How was Eleveight born?
The founders of Eleveight had known each other for years, sharing a dream to create a kitesurf brand that truly reflected their identity, passion, and experiences. The idea for a new brand emerged long before Best started facing issues. Changes in ownership at Best Kiteboarding and decisions that no longer aligned with their values became the catalyst for launching Eleveight Kites.
Fun fact: Philippe Martin was part of the GlissEvolution Team over 15 years ago.
Eleveight rider Arthur Guillebert became the 2021 GKA Freestyle World Champion in Cumbuco, Brazil, and also competed in the Red Bull King of the Air. The Eleveight team consists of 20 employees, primarily based in France.
Rapid Global Growth
Since its launch, Eleveight has seen rapid growth and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the kitesurf community. In just over a year, the brand has gone global, now available in 50 countries through a network of over 250 specialized retailers. While Europe remains a core market, Eleveight has also forged strong partnerships in the USA, South America, Israel, South Korea, and South Africa.
By actively listening to rider demands, Eleveight developed kites like the Eleveight XS. This kite is specifically designed for big air enthusiasts, a segment that continues to grow in importance within the market.
A Distribution Model Through Partner Retailers
The Philosophy
Eleveight has chosen to distribute its products through a network of partner retailers rather than direct sales. The brand believes in fostering the kitesurf community, with local shops and schools serving as its pillars. These establishments provide essential services for a safe and enjoyable kitesurfing experience, and they create spaces for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.
A direct sales model would not support this vital community dynamic. By backing local shops and schools, Eleveight strengthens the sport's infrastructure and promotes sustainable growth.
A Strong Network
The first retailer meeting in June 2017 felt more like a small family gathering. Retailers and industry leaders placed their trust in the founders' experience and shared vision.
Six years later, the family has expanded, yet it maintains the same welcoming atmosphere. The network is supportive, built on mutual trust. Eleveight prioritizes quality over quantity, limiting the number of shops per country to prevent excessive local competition.
A key point: Eleveight does not sell on promotion. Customers buy the current year's kite and can resell it second-hand without significant depreciation, which reinforces the brand's image of quality and reliability.
Peter Stiewe: Complete Design Freedom
Peter Stiewe, who previously designed kites for Best Kiteboarding, faced strict constraints on raw materials and manufacturing processes. At Eleveight, Peter now has complete freedom to select the best materials and manufacturing processes available. There are no limits or restrictions; the goal is simply to create the best possible product at a competitive price.
Peter oversees product development. He also serves as the company's CEO. This dual role places Eleveight at the forefront of designing and manufacturing high-performance products.
Innovative Eleveight Materials
Teijin 4D Spi: a major advancement over the 2D material used for twenty years in the industry.
The DYNEATEX material used for the Leading Edge (RS+) is 30% lighter than dacron. It's also 32 times stronger, with 50% less stretch, and recovers its original shape 80% faster.
XTC TEX is a high-modulus polyester, featured on the GT One+ wings. This material competes directly with Aluula and Penta TX.
Manufacturing takes place between Sri Lanka and Europe.
Kites and bars are produced by Aqua in Sri Lanka.
Kites (RS, WS, XS...) and bars are manufactured at Aqua in Sri Lanka, recognized as the world's number one supplier for kitesurf equipment. With over 2,000 specialized employees, Aqua can produce up to 250 kites per day. Eleveight now has monthly production slots like Duotone, Core, or F-One, with 10,000 kites produced and distributed, with virtually no close-outs at the end of the season.
All boards are made in Europe.
All boards are manufactured in Europe. Twin-tip boards (Process, Master, Commander) are designed by Franz Schitzhofer, an influential designer with over 30 years of experience. He had more than 2,000 windsurf boards to his credit before joining Eleveight.
The surf-kite boards (Curve, Escape) are produced in Portugal, at one of Europe's leading production sites. They are available in two finishes: fiberglass sandwich and PVC.
Warranty and Quality Control
Eleveight closely monitors the manufacturing of all its products and offers an extended warranty. All suppliers and manufacturers adhere to strict quality control protocols, and each product is individually tested and approved.
If a product isn't 100% perfect, Eleveight is committed to providing fast, proactive service to resolve the issue. This responsive, customer-centric warranty system is one of the brand's strengths.
The Eleveight Kitesurf Range
The Kites
The Eleveight RS is the performance freeride kite and the range's best-seller. It's versatile and high-performance. This makes it ideal for most riders.
The Eleveight RS+is the high-end version. It features a DYNEATEX Leading Edge. It's 30% lighter than Dacron and 32x stronger. This kite is designed for demanding riders who want the best.
The Eleveight FSis designed for freestyle. It offers responsive and precise handling during rotations.
The Eleveight WS is specifically designed for wave conditions, excelling in drift and pivot.
The Eleveight OS is optimized for light wind and foil riding.
The Eleveight XS is the big air kite, built for riders seeking maximum height and hang time.
The Boards
The Master is the high-end twin-tip, designed by Franz Schitzhofer. It delivers exceptional performance and finish.
The Process is a versatile twin-tip, excellent for both freeride and freestyle.
The Ignition is an entry to mid-range twin-tip, perfect for progression.
The Commander is a twin-tip designed for big air and strong conditions.
The Curve / Escape surf-kite boards are made in Portugal. They are available in fiberglass and PVC sandwich construction.
The Eleveight Wingfoil Range
The Wings
The WFSis a versatile wing with a boom. It offers easy control and fun sessions in all conditions. It's recommended for freeride and beginner riders.
The GT One+ wing features innovative rigid handles made from XTC TEX. It delivers optimal performance and handling, with the option to switch between soft and rigid handles.
Boards and Foils
The Evolveis a stable, responsive board. It helps you progress and have fun on the water.
The RSF foil delivers excellent glide and stability.
The HXS is a high-performance, robust foil built for advanced riders.
R&D and the Brand's Future
The R&D Process
Eleveight's research and development process is built on decades of experience. The team follows a rigorous process that includes product specifications, deadlines, prototyping, and testing. Success relies on the team's qualifications and the synergy among its members.
Short, reciprocal communication, collaborative brainstorming, a shared vision, and open participation from everyone are the keys to success. Listening is one of Eleveight's strengths: the brand analyzes and feeds field information into the R&D process with shops, schools, and partners.
Vision for the Future
Eleveight is a self-funded, rider-focused company that believes in organic growth. The goal is to become one of the major brands recognized for technical product design and authentic values in watersports.
The emergence of wingfoil presented a new challenge, successfully met through the adoption of the boom and the GT1 Plus in XTC TEX. The brand continues to innovate with cutting-edge materials like DYNEATEX and Teijin 4D.
What about the Best Kiteboarding Rebrand?
Some people say Eleveight is a rebrand of Best Kiteboarding. This statement is incorrect. Best Kiteboarding is still an existing brand operating in the same sector. Eleveight has its own identity, with unique roots and values. The idea of creating a new brand emerged before Best's difficulties. The team prefers to focus on its own development and innovation.
Eleveight at GlissEvolution
From the beginning, GlissEvolution has been proud to be a partner retailer of the Eleveight brand. Come discover the full range in our shop in Pornichet: kites (RS, RS+, FS, WS, XS), twin-tip boards (Master, Process, Ignition), surfboards, wings (WFS, GT One+), and foils (HSX, RSF).
Discover Eleveight Products
This article is based on an interview with Eleveight's founders published in IKSurf Mag, which we translated and supplemented with our analysis. Photo credit: James Kameda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the founders of Eleveight Kites?
Eleveight was founded in the summer of 2017 by Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe. Philippe was part of the GlissEvolution Team over 15 years ago. Peter was previously a kite designer at Best Kiteboarding and holds the position of Eleveight CEO, combining management and product development.
Where are Eleveight products manufactured?
The kites and bars are manufactured at Aqua in Sri Lanka, the world's number one supplier (250 kites/day, 2,000 employees). Twin-tip boards are made in Europe by Franz Schitzhofer, and surf-kite boards are produced in Portugal.
Which Eleveight kite should you choose for freeride?
The RS is the ideal choice for performance freeride: versatile, high-performing, and accessible. For demanding riders who want the best materials, the RS+ with its DYNEATEX Leading Edge offers significant gains in lightness and stiffness.
Is Eleveight a rebrand of Best Kiteboarding?
No. Best Kiteboarding still exists as an independent brand. Although Peter Stiewe worked at Best, Eleveight has its own identity and designs. The idea to create the brand arose before Best's difficulties, driven by the founders' shared desire to create a brand reflecting their values.
Explore Our Categories
Find our complete selection: kites, kitesurf bars, kitesurf boards, wings, and kitesurf packs.
Need advice on Eleveight gear?
Our team has partnered with Eleveight from the start. Come see us in store in Pornichet or give us a call.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Eleveight Kites: The Rising Kitesurf Brand | Launched in summer 2017, Eleveight Kites quickly established itself as a leading kitesurf brand. |
| Interview with the Founders: Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe | Eleveight Kites hit the market in July 2017, and their inaugural year proved to be incredibly successful. |
| How did Eleveight get its start? | The founders of Eleveight, long-time acquaintances, shared a vision: to build a kitesurf brand that truly reflected their identity, fueled by their passion and experiences. |
| Rapid Global Growth | Since its launch, Eleveight has seen rapid growth, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback from the kitesurf community. |
| The Philosophy | Eleveight opted to distribute its products through a network of partner dealers instead of pursuing direct sales. |
| A Strong Network | The initial dealer meeting in June 2017 felt more like a small family gathering. |
| Peter Stiewe: Complete Design Freedom | Peter Stiewe, who previously designed kites for Best Kiteboarding, faced strict limitations on raw materials and manufacturing processes in his former role. |
| Innovative Eleveight Materials | Teijin 4D canopy: This represents a significant leap forward compared to the 2D material used in the industry for the past two decades. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Eleveight Kites: The Rising Kitesurf Brand: Key Takeaways
Launched in the summer of 2017, Eleveight Kites quickly established itself as a premier kitesurf brand. In just six years, Eleveight has become a benchmark in the kite world, positioning itself among the leaders in the global kitesurf market.
Interview with the Founders: Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe: Key Takeaways
Eleveight Kites has been on the market since July 2017, and their first year was incredibly positive. Their slogan, "Our passion is yours," has been validated by enthusiastic feedback from their riders.
How did Eleveight get its start?
The founders of Eleveight had known each other for a long time, sharing a dream of creating a kitesurf brand that reflected their own identity, based on their passion and experiences. The idea for a new brand emerged long before Best began encountering problems.
What should you know about rapid global growth?
Since its launch, Eleveight has experienced rapid growth, receiving overwhelmingly positive reactions from the kitesurf community. In just over a year, the brand went global, establishing a presence in 50 countries with a network of over 250 specialized retailers.
What should you know about the philosophy?
Eleveight chose to distribute its products through a network of partner retailers rather than direct sales. The brand believes in fostering the kitesurf community, with shops and schools forming its core pillars.
What should you know about a strong network?
The first retailer meeting in June 2017 felt more like a small family gathering. Retailers and industry leaders placed their trust in the founders' experience and shared vision.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
Eleveight
