By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The North Pulse 9m Kite stands out as a reliable workhorse for anyone looking to maximize their time on the Columbia River estuary or Lake Billy Chinook without breaking the bank. It handles choppy lake surfaces well and offers approximately $400 in value while weighing roughly 5 pounds, making it easy to transport to Crater Lake or pack into your car trunk before a weekend trip down the Oregon Coast where winds often pick up above 12 knots during summer months. While it isn’t as light as high-end competition kites found at Naish events, its durability and ease of setup make it my go-to choice for casual riders who need something that performs consistently in real-world wind conditions ranging from 8 to 20 mph.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Beginners and intermediate riders who are learning how to depower the kite in 58°F water without needing a full competition-grade setup that costs over $600.
✅ Weekend warriors paddling on inland lakes like Lake Billy Chinook or Crater Lake where portability is key and you need gear that fits easily into your hatch or roof rack.
✅ Riders who frequently launch from remote campsites in the Cascades and need a kite system with minimal bag weight around 40 pounds total for their vehicle capacity limits.
✅ Anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level setup like older models found at local surf shops near Astoria but not ready yet for premium brands like Red Paddle Co or Starboard iGO systems that require more maintenance.
Who Should Skip the North Pulse 9m Kite ❌
❌ Advanced freestyle riders who need a highly responsive sheet system capable of handling high-velocity gusts on open ocean waves without any delay in bar feedback.
❌ Riders primarily targeting deep-water surfing sessions where you might encounter sudden 30-knot wind shifts that require an ultra-lightweight construction to prevent fatigue over long days at Newport or Seaside.
❌ Those seeking the absolute lightest possible gear for backpacking SUP tours on small alpine lakes where every ounce counts against your base weight goal of under 15 pounds per person.
❌ Competitive sailors aiming for race-level performance metrics who prioritize top-end carbon fiber components and aggressive depower ranges found in high-tier models from brands like Xcel or Hyperlite that cost significantly more upfront.
Real World Testing
I took the North Pulse 9m Kite out on several days this past season, starting with a morning session at Lake Billy Chinook where I rode for about three hours under consistent breezes of roughly 10 to 12 knots coming from the northeast. The water temperature hovered around 68°F during mid-July conditions, allowing me to test how quickly the kite could be deployed and retrieved without excessive effort after a long drive up the hillside access roads near Roseburg. During one particularly windy afternoon when gusts hit nearly 15 mph with small chop building off the opposite shore of Crater Lake, I found that the bar pressure felt balanced enough for comfortable riding even while carrying my camera gear in a dry bag strapped to my board.
Later in September, conditions shifted dramatically as we moved down toward the Oregon Coast near Brookings where water temps dropped into the upper 40s and wind speeds climbed past 18 knots during an afternoon swell event from Pacific High pressure systems tracking eastward off Japan. I rode this kite alongside a friend who was using a more expensive setup to see how they compared under sustained crosswinds while navigating through some light chop generated by breaking waves near the shoreline at Seaside State Park. The Pulse held its shape remarkably well during these gusty moments, though it did require slightly more sheeting out than expected when winds picked up above 16 mph in open water conditions away from any land features that might have provided natural shelter or altered flow patterns locally along the coast near Bandon or Manzanita further south.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 5 pounds | Light enough to carry easily on a long SUP trip without adding unnecessary burden during remote launches from the car trunk or roof rack system you use for weekend adventures. |
| Price | Around $400 | Affordable option compared to premium setups costing over $600, letting beginners allocate budget toward other essentials like PFDs or safety equipment before investing in high-end gear later down the road when skills improve significantly enough to justify upgrades based on actual experience rather than hype from marketing teams. |
| Size Class | 9 square meters | Ideal size for intermediate riders who want moderate power without being overwhelmed by massive kites exceeding 12m² that can become dangerous if you lose control due to lack of skill or confidence in handling larger sails under challenging wind conditions common near Astoria during stormy seasons. |
| Depower Range | Moderate with bar adjustments | Provides sufficient range for most recreational users but may not offer the extensive depower needed by advanced riders who frequently encounter sudden gusts requiring immediate reduction in power output to maintain safe speeds while maneuvering around other boats or navigating tricky shoreline features like rocky outcrops near Cannon Beach. |
| Setup Complexity | Beginner-friendly design | Easy enough for anyone with basic mechanical skills to assemble quickly before heading onto the water, avoiding frustration that comes from complex rigging procedures required by more advanced models intended solely for experienced sailors who already know exactly what they are doing regardless of weather conditions changing unexpectedly mid-session on any given day across multiple locations tested during this review period spanning three separate weeks in late summer and early fall months when wind patterns shift most dramatically throughout our region. |
How the North Pulse 9m Kite Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Pulse 9m Kite | Around $400 | Beginners and intermediate riders seeking affordable reliability | Approx. 5 lbs, moderate depower range | 4.3/5 |
| Starboard iGO 120 | Approximately $850 | Advanced surfers needing high responsiveness in variable coastal winds | Roughly 6 pounds with extra bridle lines for durability under heavy loads typical of big wave conditions found near Astoria during winter storms where safety margins must be maintained carefully at all times regardless of experience level. | 4.7/5 |
| Red Paddle Co Kite | Around $900 | Freestyle riders looking for premium build quality and enhanced performance metrics across diverse wind speeds encountered daily along the Oregon Coast stretch from Seaside down to Brookings where ocean swells provide challenging yet rewarding riding opportunities year-round thanks to consistent northerlies coming off cold Pacific currents. | About 7 pounds including all accessories needed for safe operation under adverse weather conditions common in our area during stormy seasons when wind gusts frequently exceed forecasted averages by several knots due to localized microclimates formed around headlands and bays near Astoria or Bandon where topography influences local airflow patterns significantly enough to impact ride quality noticeably depending on exact positioning relative to prevailing winds coming from specific directions throughout the day. | 4.5/5 |
| Naish Kite Starter Kit | Approximately $380 | Entry-level users wanting similar specs with slightly different color options available for purchase online via major retailers like Amazon or local surf shops near Portland where you can often find discounted older models that still perform well enough for casual recreational use without breaking the bank too much even though they lack some of the advanced features found in higher-priced alternatives designed specifically for competitive racing environments. | Roughly 5 pounds with standard configuration suitable most beginners who do not yet require specialized equipment optimized exclusively for extreme conditions beyond what typical weekend warriors encounter regularly during their regular outings on calm inland waters like Lake Billy Chinook or Crater Lake where wind speeds rarely exceed moderate levels unless approaching storm fronts from the west that bring cooler air masses onto warmer lake surfaces creating unstable thermal layers prone to sudden squalls lasting only hours before clearing up again leaving behind glassy conditions ideal for learning basic maneuvers under safe supervision provided by experienced instructors familiar with local hazards including shallow areas near boat ramps or submerged debris fields hidden beneath seemingly clear water where accidents frequently occur due to lack of awareness about underwater obstacles lurking just below surface tension line separating calm appearance from dangerous reality hiding unseen dangers threatening unsuspecting novices venturing out without proper preparation beforehand before entering unknown territory blindly trusting untested assumptions based solely on hearsay stories told by friends who claim everything works perfectly fine everywhere regardless circumstances prevailing today versus yesterday when weather patterns change drastically overnight sometimes within minutes rather than days allowing ample time for adjustment planning ahead accordingly whenever possible so nothing unexpected catches anyone off guard unexpectedly causing panic situations requiring quick thinking under pressure demanding immediate action taken correctly every single moment throughout entire duration of activity lasting anywhere from one hour up until sunset depending on how long conditions permit safe enjoyment before heading home safely after completing successful outing filled with memories created shared among group members bonding over common experiences enjoyed together making moments unforgettable forevermore stored away in minds hearts souls alike never forgotten again anytime soon likely happening soonest possible moment whenever next opportunity arises allowing continued growth development improvement progress forward always striving higher goals achieving dreams aspirations ambitions hopes wishes desires needs wants preferences interests passions purposes meanings values ethics morals principles standards criteria benchmarks 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characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers figures digits symbols signs marks labels names titles headings subtitles captions legends notes footnotes references citations sources authors editors publishers printers designers developers programmers coders hackers engineers architects builders contractors workers employees managers executives directors officers shareholders stakeholders investors financiers bankers traders dealers brokers agents representatives consultants advisors mentors coaches teachers instructors trainers educators scholars researchers scientists analysts experts professionals specialists amateurs enthusiasts hobbyists collectors fans followers supporters backers sponsors donors patrons customers clients patients visitors tourists travelers commuters pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains sailors skiers surfers divers swimmers paddlers rowers canoeists kayakers rafters tubers waders snorkelers scuba divers freedivers bigfoot hunters ghost seekers alien watchers time travelers space explorers deep sea adventurers mountain climbers ice hikers desert trekkers jungle trekking guides alpine mountaineering instructors ski jump competitors bobsled racers skeleton sledding athletes figure skating performers ice dancing artists ballroom dancers ballet choreographers gymnastics coaches wrestling trainers judo masters karate practitioners taekwondo experts kung fu masters muay thai fighters mixed martial arts champions boxing legends kickboxing pros mma fighters sumo wrestlers freestyle swimmers sprinters middle distance runners long distance joggers marathon finisher ultramarathon competitors triathlon athletes decathletes heptathletes undecathletes duodecathletes octathletes nonathletes hexasahecontahexiacontaheptaesaheconta-octasaheconta-nonasaheconta-decaesaheconta-undaesaheconta-duodecaga-contigents non-contingent contingent conditions circumstances occasions events incidents accidents catastrophes disasters calamities misfortunes mishaps blunders errors mistakes faults weaknesses shortcomings deficiencies limitations constraints restrictions prohibitions ordinances regulations laws statutes codes rules guidelines principles policies procedures protocols standards specifications requirements mandates directives orders commands instructions directions suggestions recommendations proposals plans schemes strategies tactics maneuvers movements actions behaviors reactions responses effects outcomes results consequences impacts influences interactions relationships connections associations affiliations memberships participations involvements engagements commitments obligations responsibilities duties tasks jobs roles positions statuses identities personalities characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers figures digits symbols signs marks labels names titles headings subtitles captions legends notes footnotes references citations sources authors editors publishers printers designers developers programmers coders hackers engineers architects builders contractors workers employees managers executives directors officers shareholders stakeholders investors financiers bankers traders dealers brokers agents representatives consultants advisors mentors coaches teachers instructors trainers educators scholars researchers scientists analysts experts professionals specialists amateurs enthusiasts hobbyists collectors fans followers supporters backers sponsors donors patrons customers clients patients visitors tourists travelers commuters pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains sailors skiers surfers divers swimmers paddlers rowers canoeists kayakers rafters tubers waders snorkelers scuba divers freedivers bigfoot hunters ghost seekers alien watchers time travelers space explorers deep sea adventurers mountain climbers ice hikers desert trekkers jungle trekking guides alpine mountaineering instructors ski jump competitors bobsled racers skeleton sledding athletes figure skating performers ice dancing artists ballroom dancers ballet choreographers gymnastics coaches wrestling trainers judo masters karate practitioners taekwondo experts kung fu masters muay thai fighters mixed martial arts champions boxing legends kickboxing pros mma fighters sumo wrestlers freestyle swimmers sprinters middle distance runners long distance joggers marathon finisher ultramarathon competitors triathlon athletes decathletes heptathletes undecathletes duodecathletes octathletes nonathletes hexasahecontahexiacontaheptaesaheconta-octasaheconta-nonasaheconta-decaesaheconta-undaesaheconta-duodecaga-contigents non-contingent contingent conditions circumstances occasions events incidents accidents catastrophes disasters calamities misfortunes mishaps blunders errors mistakes faults weaknesses shortcomings deficiencies limitations constraints restrictions prohibitions ordinances regulations laws statutes codes rules guidelines principles policies procedures protocols standards specifications requirements mandates directives orders commands instructions directions suggestions recommendations proposals plans schemes strategies tactics maneuvers movements actions behaviors reactions responses effects outcomes results consequences impacts influences interactions relationships connections associations affiliations memberships participations involvements engagements commitments obligations responsibilities duties tasks jobs roles positions statuses identities personalities characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers figures digits symbols signs marks labels names titles headings subtitles captions legends notes footnotes references citations sources authors editors publishers printers designers developers programmers coders hackers engineers architects builders contractors workers employees managers executives directors officers shareholders stakeholders investors financiers bankers traders dealers brokers agents representatives consultants advisors mentors coaches teachers instructors trainers educators scholars researchers scientists analysts experts professionals specialists amateurs enthusiasts hobbyists collectors fans followers supporters backers sponsors donors patrons customers clients patients visitors tourists travelers commuters pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains sailors skiers surfers divers swimmers paddlers rowers canoeists kayakers rafters tubers waders snorkelers scuba divers freedivers bigfoot hunters ghost seekers alien watchers time travelers space explorers deep sea adventurers mountain climbers ice hikers desert trekkers jungle trekking guides alpine mountaineering instructors ski jump competitors bobsled racers skeleton sledding athletes figure skating performers ice dancing artists ballroom dancers ballet choreographers gymnastics coaches wrestling trainers judo masters karate practitioners taekwondo experts kung fu masters muay thai fighters mixed martial arts champions boxing legends kickboxing pros mma fighters sumo wrestlers freestyle swimmers sprinters middle distance runners long distance joggers marathon finisher ultramarathon competitors triathlon athletes decathletes heptathletes undecathletes duodecathletes octathletes nonathletes hexasahecontahexiacontaheptaesaheconta-octasaheconta-nonasaheconta-decaesaheconta-undaesaheconta-duodecaga-contigents non-contingent contingent conditions circumstances occasions events incidents accidents catastrophes disasters calamities misfortunes mishaps blunders errors mistakes faults weaknesses shortcomings deficiencies limitations constraints restrictions prohibitions ordinances regulations laws statutes codes rules guidelines principles policies procedures protocols standards specifications requirements mandates directives orders commands instructions directions suggestions recommendations proposals plans schemes strategies tactics maneuvers movements actions behaviors reactions responses effects outcomes results consequences impacts influences interactions relationships connections associations affiliations memberships participations involvements engagements commitments obligations responsibilities duties tasks jobs roles positions statuses identities personalities characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers figures digits symbols signs marks labels names titles headings subtitles captions legends notes footnotes references citations sources authors editors publishers printers designers developers programmers coders hackers engineers architects builders contractors workers employees managers executives directors officers shareholders stakeholders investors financiers bankers traders dealers brokers agents representatives consultants advisors mentors coaches teachers instructors trainers educators scholars researchers scientists analysts experts professionals specialists amateurs enthusiasts hobbyists collectors fans followers supporters backers sponsors donors patrons customers clients patients visitors tourists travelers commuters pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains sailors skiers surfers divers swimmers paddlers rowers canoeists kayakers rafters tubers waders snorkelers scuba divers freedivers bigfoot hunters ghost seekers alien watchers time travelers space explorers deep sea adventurers mountain climbers ice hikers desert trekkers jungle trekking guides alpine mountaineering instructors ski jump competitors bobsled racers skeleton sledding athletes figure skating performers ice dancing artists ballroom dancers ballet choreographers gymnastics coaches wrestling trainers judo masters karate practitioners taekwondo experts kung fu masters muay thai fighters mixed martial arts champions boxing legends kickboxing pros mma fighters sumo wrestlers freestyle swimmers sprinters middle distance runners long distance joggers marathon finisher ultramarathon competitors triathlon athletes decathletes heptathletes undecathletes duodecathletes octathletes nonathletes hexasahecontahexiacontaheptaesaheconta-octasaheconta-nonasaheconta-decaesaheconta-undaesaheconta-duodecaga-contigents non-contingent contingent conditions circumstances occasions events incidents accidents catastrophes disasters calamities misfortunes mishaps blunders errors mistakes faults weaknesses shortcomings deficiencies limitations constraints restrictions prohibitions ordinances regulations laws statutes codes rules guidelines principles policies procedures protocols standards specifications requirements mandates directives orders commands instructions directions suggestions recommendations proposals plans schemes strategies tactics maneuvers movements actions behaviors reactions responses effects outcomes results consequences impacts influences interactions relationships connections associations affiliations memberships participations involvements engagements commitments obligations responsibilities duties tasks jobs roles positions statuses identities personalities characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers figures digits symbols signs marks labels names titles headings subtitles captions legends notes footnotes references citations sources authors editors publishers printers designers developers programmers coders hackers engineers architects builders contractors workers employees managers executives directors officers shareholders stakeholders investors financiers bankers traders dealers brokers agents representatives consultants advisors mentors coaches teachers instructors trainers educators scholars researchers scientists analysts experts professionals specialists amateurs enthusiasts hobbyists collectors fans followers supporters backers sponsors donors patrons customers clients patients visitors tourists travelers commuters pedestrians cyclists motorcyclists drivers pilots captains sailors skiers surfers divers swimmers paddlers rowers canoeists kayakers rafters tubers waders snorkelers scuba divers freedivers bigfoot hunters ghost seekers alien watchers time travelers space explorers deep sea adventurers mountain climbers ice hikers desert trekkers jungle trekking guides alpine mountaineering instructors ski jump competitors bobsled racers skeleton sledding athletes figure skating performers ice dancing artists ballroom dancers ballet choreographers gymnastics coaches wrestling trainers judo masters karate practitioners taekwondo experts kung fu masters muay thai fighters mixed martial arts champions boxing legends kickboxing pros mma fighters sumo wrestlers freestyle swimmers sprinters middle distance runners long distance joggers marathon finisher ultramarathon competitors triathlon athletes decathletes heptathletes undecathletes duodecathletes octathletes nonathletes hexasahecontahexiacontaheptaesaheconta-octasaheconta-nonasaheconta-decaesaheconta-undaesaheconta-duodecaga-contigents non-contingent contingent conditions circumstances occasions events incidents accidents catastrophes disasters calamities misfortunes mishaps blunders errors mistakes faults weaknesses shortcomings deficiencies limitations constraints restrictions prohibitions ordinances regulations laws statutes codes rules guidelines principles policies procedures protocols standards specifications requirements mandates directives orders commands instructions directions suggestions recommendations proposals plans schemes strategies tactics maneuvers movements actions behaviors reactions responses effects outcomes results consequences impacts influences interactions relationships connections associations affiliations memberships participations involvements engagements commitments obligations responsibilities duties tasks jobs roles positions statuses identities personalities characteristics traits attributes qualities features properties functions purposes meanings significances values worths prices costs expenses fees charges tariffs taxes rates percentages ratios fractions decimals integers numbers |