Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post general kiteboarding discussion topics here!
Post Reply
pzorner
Joey
Joey
Posts:9
Joined:Thu May 11, 2017 2:22 pm
Contact:
Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post by pzorner » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:41 pm

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?

User avatar
sflinux
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor
Posts:291
Joined:Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:02 pm
Location:ocean beach
Contact:

Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post by sflinux » Mon Jun 17, 2019 1:55 pm

Best Kiteboarding opened a location on Howard St.

Yoda
Resident
Resident
Posts:746
Joined:Fri Sep 30, 2005 6:55 pm
Location:Northern Hemisphere
Contact:

Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post by Yoda » Mon Jun 17, 2019 3:22 pm

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.

User avatar
MehYam
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor
Posts:292
Joined:Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:23 pm
Location:San Mateo
Contact:

Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post by MehYam » Tue Jun 18, 2019 11:19 am

Other locations have longer, more accessible kite seasons, and don't have our cost of living.

pzorner
Joey
Joey
Posts:9
Joined:Thu May 11, 2017 2:22 pm
Contact:

Re: Why are there not kite makers HQ'd in San Francisco?

Post by pzorner » Tue Jun 18, 2019 9:08 pm

That's an extensive list Yoda. Thanks!

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 68 guests