Eleveight Kites : on vous dit tout sur la marque de kitesurf !
📌 Quick Answer
Eleveight Kites, founded in 2017 by Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe (formerly of Best Kiteboarding), has become a leading kitesurfing brand in less than six years. Present in 50 countries with 250 retailers, it manufactures its kites at Aqua (Sri Lanka) and its boards in Europe. The range covers all uses: RS/RS+ (freeride), FS (freestyle), WS (wave), XS (big air), plus a complete wingfoil range (WFS, GT One+). GlissEvolution has been a partner retailer since the beginning.
Eleveight Kites: The Rising Kitesurfing Brand
Launched in summer 2017, Eleveight Kites quickly established itself as a leading kitesurfing brand. In just six years, Eleveight has become an essential name in the world of kiteboarding, positioning itself among the global market leaders. Thanks to an innovative vision and rapid growth, Eleveight is now a must-have brand for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Summary
1. Interview with Eleveight's Founders
2. A Retailer-Based 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 Future of the Brand
9. Eleveight at GlissEvolution
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Interview with the Founders: Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe
Eleveight Kites has been on the market since July 2017, and their first year was extremely positive. Their slogan, "Our passion is yours," has been validated by enthusiastic feedback from their riders. Discover the full story behind Eleveight Kites, from an interview we translated from IKSurf Mag.
How was Eleveight born?
Eleveight's founders had known each other for a long time and shared the dream of creating a kitesurfing brand that reflected their own identity, based on their passion and experiences. The idea of creating a new brand was born long before Best started experiencing problems. With the change of ownership at Best Kiteboarding and certain decisions that no longer aligned with their values, this change was a catalyst for the creation of Eleveight Kites.
Fun fact: Philippe Martin was part of the GlissEvolution Team over 15 years ago.
Eleveight rider Arthur Guillebert became GKA Freestyle World Champion 2021 in Cumbuco (Brazil), and also participated in the Red Bull King of the Air. The Eleveight team has 20 employees, mainly based in France.
Rapid Global Growth
Since its launch, Eleveight has experienced rapid growth with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the kitesurf community. In just over a year, the brand has gone global, present in 50 countries with a network of over 250 specialized retailers. Key markets are in Europe, with strong partnerships in the USA, South America, Israel, South Korea, and South Africa.
By listening to riders' demands, Eleveight developed kites like the Eleveight XS, designed for big air enthusiasts, a segment that is gaining importance in 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 developing the kitesurf community, whose pillars are shops and schools. These establishments provide essential services for a safe and enjoyable kitesurf experience, and allow enthusiasts to meet and share their common passion.
A direct sales model would not foster this community dynamic. By supporting shops and schools, Eleveight strengthens local infrastructure and encourages sustainable growth of the sport.
A Strong Network
The first dealer meeting in June 2017 felt like a small family gathering. Dealers and sector managers trusted the founders' experience and shared vision.
Six years later, the family has grown while maintaining the same warm atmosphere. The network is supportive, and trust prevails. Eleveight prioritizes quality over quantity by limiting the number of shops per country to avoid 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: Total Design Freedom
Peter Stiewe, who previously worked as a kite designer for Best Kiteboarding, faced strict constraints regarding raw materials and manufacturing processes. At Eleveight, Peter now has complete freedom to select the best raw materials and manufacturing processes. No limits, no restrictions: the goal is to create the best possible product at a competitive price.
In addition to overseeing product development, Peter is the company's CEO. This combination places Eleveight at the heart of designing and manufacturing high-performance products.
Innovative Eleveight Materials
Teijin 4D Spinnaker: a major advancement over the 2D used in the industry for twenty years.
DYNEATEX (Leading Edge, RS+): 30% lighter than Dacron, 32x stronger, 50% less stretch, 80% faster to return to its original shape.
XTC TEX (high-modulus polyester, GT One+): a material competing with Aluula and Penta TX, used on wings.
Manufacturing: Between Sri Lanka and Europe
Kites and Bars: Aqua (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.
Boards: Made in Europe
All boards are manufactured in Europe. The twin-tip boards (Process, Master, Commander) are designed by Franz Schitzhofer, an influential designer with over 30 years of experience and more than 2.000 windsurf boards to his credit before joining Eleveight.
The Kite Surfboards (Curve, Escape) are produced in Portugal, at one of Europe's leading production sites. 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: each product is individually tested and approved.
If a product is not 100% perfect, Eleveight is committed to providing fast and proactive service to resolve the issue. This responsive, customer-centric warranty system is one of the brand's strengths.
The Eleveight Kitesurf Range
Kites
Eleveight RS: the performance freeride kite, the range's best-seller. Versatile and high-performing, it's ideal for most riders.
Eleveight RS+: the high-end version with a DYNEATEX Leading Edge. 30% lighter than Dacron, 32x stronger. Designed for demanding riders who want the best.
Eleveight FS: designed for freestyle, reactive and precise in rotations.
Eleveight WS: specifically designed for wave conditions, drift and pivot.
Eleveight OS: optimized for light wind and foil.
Eleveight XS: the big air kite, for riders seeking height and hang time.
Boards
Master: The high-end twin-tip, designed by Franz Schitzhofer. Exceptional performance and finish.
Process: A versatile twin-tip, excellent for both freeride and freestyle.
Ignition: An entry/mid-range twin-tip, perfect for progression.
Commander: A twin-tip designed for big air and strong conditions.
Curve / Escape: Surf-kite boards made in Portugal. Available in fiberglass and PVC sandwich construction.
The Eleveight Wingfoil Range
The wings
WFS: A versatile wing with a boom, offering easy handling and fun sessions in all conditions. Recommended for freeride and beginners.
GT One+: A wing with innovative rigid handles in XTC TEX. Optimal performance and handling, with the option to switch from soft to rigid handles.
Boards and foils
Evolve: A stable and responsive board, designed for progression and fun.
RSF: A foil offering excellent glide and stability.
HXS: A high-performance and robust foil for advanced riders.
R&D and the Future of the Brand
The R&D Process
Eleveight's research and development process is built on decades of experience. The team follows a rigorous process: product specifications, deadlines, prototyping, and testing. Success relies on the team's qualifications and the synergy among its members.
Short and reciprocal communication, collaborative brainstorming, a shared vision, and open participation from everyone are the keys to success. Listening is one of Eleveight's strengths: with shops, schools, and partners, the brand analyzes and feeds field information into the R&D process.
Vision for the Future
Eleveight is a self-funded, rider-focused company that believes in organic growth. The goal: to become one of the major brands recognized for technical product design and authentic values in watersports.
The emergence of wingfoil was a new challenge successfully met, thanks to 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 was born before Best's difficulties. The team prefers to focus on its own development and innovation.
Eleveight at GlissEvolution
Since the beginning, GlissEvolution has been a proud 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 credits: 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 to 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 was born before Best's difficulties, driven by the founders' shared desire to create a brand reflecting their values.
Explore our categories
Discover 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.
Ce qu'il faut retenir
| Section | À retenir |
|---|---|
| Eleveight Kites: The Rising Kitesurfing Brand | Lancée à l'été 2017, Eleveight Kites s'est rapidement imposée comme une marque de kitesurf de premier plan. |
| Interview with the Founders: Philippe Martin and Peter Stiewe | Eleveight Kites est sur le marché depuis juillet 2017, et leur première année a été extrêmement positive. |
| Comment est née Eleveight ? | Les fondateurs d'Eleveight se connaissaient depuis longtemps et partageaient le rêve de créer une marque de kitesurf reflétant leur propre identité, basée sur leur passion et leurs… |
| Rapid Global Growth | Depuis son lancement, Eleveight a connu une croissance rapide avec des réactions extrêmement positives de la communauté du kitesurf. |
| The Philosophy | Eleveight a choisi de distribuer ses produits via un réseau de revendeurs partenaires plutôt que la vente directe. |
| A Strong Network | La première réunion de revendeurs en juin 2017 ressemblait à une petite réunion de famille. |
| Peter Stiewe: Total Design Freedom | Peter Stiewe, qui travaillait auparavant comme concepteur de kites pour Best Kiteboarding, avait des contraintes strictes concernant les matières premières et les procédés de fabrication. |
| Matériaux innovants Eleveight | Spi Teijin 4D : avancée majeure par rapport au 2D utilisé depuis vingt ans dans l'industrie. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Eleveight Kites : la marque de kitesurf qui monte : ce qu'il faut retenir
Lancée à l'été 2017, Eleveight Kites s'est rapidement imposée comme une marque de kitesurf de premier plan. En seulement six ans, Eleveight est devenue une référence incontournable dans le monde du kite, se positionnant parmi les leaders du marché mondial du kitesurf.
Interview des fondateurs : Philippe Martin et Peter Stiewe : ce qu'il faut retenir
Eleveight Kites est sur le marché depuis juillet 2017, et leur première année a été extrêmement positive. Leur slogan, "Notre passion est la vôtre", a été validé par les retours enthousiastes de leurs riders.
Comment est née Eleveight ?
Les fondateurs d'Eleveight se connaissaient depuis longtemps et partageaient le rêve de créer une marque de kitesurf reflétant leur propre identité, basée sur leur passion et leurs expériences. L'idée de créer une nouvelle marque est née bien avant que Best ne commence à rencontrer des problèmes.
Que faut-il savoir sur une croissance rapide et mondiale ?
Depuis son lancement, Eleveight a connu une croissance rapide avec des réactions extrêmement positives de la communauté du kitesurf. En un peu plus d'un an, la marque est devenue mondiale, présente dans 50 pays avec un réseau de plus de 250 revendeurs spécialisés .
Que faut-il savoir sur la philosophie ?
Eleveight a choisi de distribuer ses produits via un réseau de revendeurs partenaires plutôt que la vente directe. La marque croit au développement de la communauté du kitesurf, dont les piliers sont les magasins et les écoles.
Que faut-il savoir sur un réseau solide ?
The first dealer meeting in June 2017 felt like a small family gathering. Dealers and sector managers trusted the founders' experience and shared vision.
Une question sur le matériel évoqué ici ?
L'équipe GlissEvolution navigue sur ce qu'elle vend et répond de vive voix, au magasin de Pornichet ou par téléphone.
ELEVEIGHT
