RRD 2004 'Type Z' prototype kite spotted in the Gorge. David Tyburski is back in the Gorge after a long trip to the DR and several other Caribbean islands. On his trip he picked up a couple of new toys from Simone Vannucci the kite designer for RRD. David was out for a light wind training session when we snapped this photo of the new Type Z 20 meter kite. This is one of the final prototypes of the 'Zed' and it was set up with all the new 2004 features. This new kite has no center strut. The canopy has two zippers on it that can instantly change the performance of the kite from 'burley low-end machine' to 'speed unit that seeks the edge of the window'. David was all smiles when he came in off the water and is looking forward to using these new kites at the world cup in The Canary islands. The word is that these new kites will be available sometime in September. We will keep you posted.