Interview with Peter Stiewe, ELEVEIGHT Designer
📌 Key Takeaways
Eleveight co-founder and designer Peter Stiewe is a true pioneer in kitesurf design, even incorporating Cuben fiber back in 2010. His philosophy is clear: no single kite can excel in every discipline. That's why Eleveight offers 9 specialized models, including the RS, XS, WS, FS, PS, OS, RS+, XS-PRO, and RS-PRO. While he acknowledges Aluula's performance benefits, he emphasizes that stiffness and durability are more critical than just weight. His personal favorite? The RS, perfected over 9 iterations.
French summary of Peter Stiewe's interview by IKSURFMAG.
Summary
Peter Stiewe: designer and co-founder of Eleveight
A kite design pioneer
Peter Stiewe is a key player in the development of kites. Before co-founding Eleveight in 2017, he contributed to numerous innovations, including the introduction of Cuben fiber in 2010. This significantly improved the lightness and responsiveness of leading edges. With Eleveight, founded alongside Philippe Martin and Robert Bratz, he has been able to design kites that align with his vision. He offers every rider a kite perfectly suited to their style and riding discipline.
A kite for each discipline
Peter is firm: it’s impossible to create a single kite that truly excels in all disciplines. That’s why Eleveight offers a range of 9 specialized models. The RS is your go-to for allround freeride, while the XS is built for Big Air and extreme jumps. For waves, the WS offers exceptional drift, and the FS is designed for freestyle and wakestyle. Beginners and schools will love the PS, and the OS is perfect for foil and light wind. Plus, Pro versions (RS+, XS-PRO, RS-PRO) feature premium materials for demanding riders.
The development process
Development follows two distinct cycles. The evolutionary cycle, lasting 12-14 months, refines an existing model based on feedback from riders and distributors. The new product cycle, taking 24-30 months, integrates new technologies with thorough validation before market launch. Peter emphasizes a key point: never release an unfinished kite. Every product undergoes rigorous testing and validation to ensure optimal performance.
Aluula: A Rider's Perspective
Aluula has revolutionized wing design. Manufacturers can now slash the overall weight and boost stiffness. However, Peter offers a more subtle perspective. He argues that the industry often overemphasizes weight reduction. For long-term durability, stiffness, recovery, and the inherent strength of the materials are even more crucial factors. He doesn't believe Aluula is necessary for every wing. Instead, some models benefit from a strategic blend of materials that perfectly balances performance and cost. This also ensures longevity. Eleveight embraces this selective approach, reserving premium materials for their most demanding models.
Big Air and the XS-PRO
With the rise of Big Air, Eleveight designed the XS, a kite built for extreme jumps and hangtime. The XS-PRO, the latest evolution, features a 5-strut construction. This delivers powerful lift for explosive jumps, extended hangtime, improved strong wind resistance, and faster rotation for radical loops. This model meets the growing demand from riders looking to push the limits of Big Air.
Rider feedback
Even with advancements in digital modeling tools, Peter still prioritizes rider feedback to refine kite designs. The sensations and feel on the water are irreplaceable, which highlights the importance of real-world testing. This direct connection to the field also allows Eleveight to stay connected to the actual needs of riders, from beginners to competitors.
His favorite kite and his vision for the future
Among all the kites he has developed, Peter considers the RS to be the most accomplished freeride kite. After nine versions, he believes he has achieved a perfect balance of accessibility, performance, and versatility. For the future, he’s focused on better integration of advanced materials, increasingly high-performing designs tailored to different disciplines, and improved durability with stiffer, more resistant materials. His goal remains to evolve the sport with innovations that meet riders' needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Eleveight kite should you choose for freeride?
The RS is Eleveight’s ultimate allround freeride kite. After 9 versions of refinement, Peter Stiewe considers it the most accomplished kite in the range. The RS+ and RS-PRO offer superior performance with premium materials.
Is Aluula essential on a kite?
According to Peter Stiewe, no. While Aluula offers performance advantages, material stiffness and durability are more important criteria than weight alone. Eleveight reserves premium materials for Pro models.
What is the best kite for Big Air?
The Eleveight XS is designed for Big Air. It delivers powerful lift and extended hangtime. The XS-PRO takes it even further with its 5-strut construction, better strong wind resistance, and faster rotation for loops.
How long does it take to develop a new kite?
At Eleveight, the evolutionary cycle for improving an existing model takes 12 to 14 months. Creating a new model with new technologies takes 24 to 30 months, with full validation before it hits the market.
Eleveight Kites
Also Read
You can also find the interview with Philippe Martin (Eleveight) and all our gear tests. See also: Eleveight brand, kites, wings.
Ready to test Eleveight kites?
Stop by our shop to explore the Eleveight range. Our expert advisors will help you choose the perfect kite for your riding discipline and skill level.
Pornichet Store, 2C Avenue du Gulf Stream, 09 62 64 74 77
Source: IKSURFMAG - Interview with Peter Stiewe.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Peter Stiewe, Eleveight's co-founder and designer, is a kitesurf design pioneer. He introduced Cuben fiber in 2010. |
| A kite design pioneer | Peter Stiewe is a key player in the development of kites. |
| A kite for each discipline | Peter emphasizes that it's impossible to create a single kite that excels in all disciplines. |
| The development process | Development follows two distinct cycles. |
| Aluula: A Rider's Perspective | Aluula has been a standout feature. It allows for a significant reduction in the weight of wings and a boost in their stiffness. Peter holds a more subtle opinion. |
| Big Air and the XS-PRO | With the rise of Big Air, Eleveight designed the XS, a kite specifically for extreme jumps and hangtime. |
| Rider feedback | Digital modeling tools have advanced, but Peter still prioritizes rider feedback to refine kite designs. |
| His favorite kite and his vision for the future | Among all the kites he has developed, Peter considers the RS to be the most accomplished for freeride. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Peter Stiewe, Eleveight's co-founder and designer, is a kitesurf design pioneer, introducing Cuben fiber in 2010. His vision: it's impossible to create a single kite that excels in all disciplines.
What should you know about a kite design pioneer?
Peter Stiewe is a key player in the development of kites. Before co-founding Eleveight in 2017, he contributed to many innovations, including the introduction of Cuben fiber in 2010. This improved the lightness and responsiveness of leading edges.
What should you know about a kite for each discipline?
Peter insists it's impossible to create a single kite that excels in all disciplines. Eleveight offers a range of 9 specialized models.
What should you know about the development process?
Development follows two distinct cycles. The evolutionary cycle (12-14 months) improves an existing model based on feedback from riders and distributors.
What to know about Aluula: A Rider's Perspective?
Aluula has reduced the weight and increased the stiffness of wings, but Peter has a subtle opinion. He believes the industry focuses too much on weight reduction, while stiffness, recovery, and material strength are even more critical criteria for longevity.
Big Air and the XS-PRO: What You Need to Know
As Big Air riding exploded, Eleveight responded with the XS, a kite specifically designed for extreme jumps and massive hangtime. The XS-PRO, the latest evolution, features a 5-strut construction. This design delivers powerful lift for explosive jumps, extended hangtime, and improved resistance to strong wind. You also get increased turning speed for radical loops.
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.
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