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Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?
Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:41 pm
by pzorner
Given how popular the sport is here and the amount of talented people that work here. Why are there no kite companies located here? All I have heard of is Best, but apparently they no longer exist.
I'm just curious why there are no product companies making/designing kites located here. Any I am unaware of?
Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 1:55 pm
by sflinux
Best Kiteboarding opened a location on Howard St.
Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 3:22 pm
by Yoda
Kites/Bars/Boards/Hydrofoils = F-One (US HQ in S SF)
Boards/Hydrofoils = Axis (Evan at Live2Kite is part owner, but the boards are designed overseas)
Boards = Litewave (HQ'ed inland near Folsom lake)
Kite Surfboards = Linden/Kafka (Jeff Kafka at WindOverWater is part designer)
Hydrofoils = Mikes Lab (HQ'ed in El Sorbrante)
Harnesses & Wetsuits = Marnera (US HQ in S SF)
Recycled Kites = Mafia Bags (HQ'ed in SF)
Ride Engine (formally called Engine) got it's start in Santa Cruz, CA, but are now in Oregon.
Remember that kiting's US "birth place's" were in Hawaii where Cabrinha and Naish have their US HQ's and on the mainland along the Columbia River (the windsurfing capital) where Slingshot, Ride Engine, Liquid Force, Duotone, Ion, and Dakine all have their US HQ's.
Note: Best (old Best) was an import brand when it had an HQ in SF. They were designed overseas by Peter Stiewe. F-One & Manera are no different.
Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2019 11:19 am
by MehYam
Other locations have longer, more accessible kite seasons, and don't have our cost of living.
Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?
Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2019 9:08 pm
by pzorner
That's an extensive list Yoda. Thanks!