Mark Doyle, does the name ring a bell ? It is the famous rider competing under Slingshot flag, ever since he got started. So John is nobody else than the father and is Slingshot boards designer. We have asked John Doyle how he develops his boards… | |
Where do you leave and test your boards ? « I am leaving in the Gorge, in White Salmon Washington. This is where I test, but also in Oregon, in Texas, in Hawaii, and anywhere I travel. Boards must be tested in various conditions. » How are the best people that may possibly help you for your tests ? « I need different people to gather different feedbacks at all levels, from large public to pro riders. My target is to develop a board’s range that will adapt all type of riders. « What about Mark, is he a good tester too? « Mark is a young rider with a free spirit. I know what fits him for riding, but he does not really like testing. He wants what is good to him I observe him as he navigates with a new board I give to him and i analyse how he behaves with the new model I provide him with. « How long have you been shaping? “20 years! » how long hav you been working with Slingshot? « it’s been 5 years ! They let me free of creations for my boards. I do work on other types of Slingshot projects, like a big boards and kites development workshop. I may then realise boards’ prototypes, fins, pads and straps, control bars too. « | |
I know this year you are aiming to « customs boards ». Would you tell us the constructions’ basics for these boards? « I am delighted with this new direction, that come from custom from essence. I did work hard last year to get those messages through and enjoin the way I wanted to build my boards. Boards need to be light, reactive and vivid, just like a custom. All my boards are done on the custom way in our factory : « hand made ». I chose the best material and we sand each single board to round the rail. It is not only the materials that provide a board with efficiency or not. Plenty of details give the wanted character to that board. If you whish to discover different construction’s aspects everything is mentioned on our website : www.sskiteboarding.com » What is your idea on boards development in the future ? « As far as Slingshot is concerned, I am going to widen the range and supply a model for each type of discipline for 2006. For 2005 I am thinking of launching a new light wind board called Glide that will fit perfectly with the new light wind kite, the Machine, designed by Tony Logosz. » John Doyle, Board Designer, Slingshot Kiteboarding |