CABRINHA
Cabrinha was founded in Maui, Hawaii, named after big wave surfer Pete Cabrinha, and is now headquartered in Florida. The brand partnered with the Neil Pryde Group in 2000, released its first collection in 2001, and has been owned by Water Bound Investments, led by former brand pro rider Jon Modica, since February 2020. What we like about Cabrinha: each model has a clearly stated purpose, and the brand details the construction of its Apex versions.
KITESURF
Kites · Bar · Boards
WING FOIL
Wings · Parawing · Boards
FOILS UNION
Masts · Front Wings · Stabilizers
Cabrinha Kitesurf
Five Kites, Each with a Defined Purpose
The Moto Apex is Cabrinha's do-it-all kite for freeride, big air, wave, or foil. This is our top recommendation if you only want one kite.
The Switchblade Design Works is a redesigned Switchblade with Aluula construction for performance freeride. Cabrinha states it is lighter and more reactive than the classic Switchblade.
The Nitro Apex is designed by Pat Goodman for big air, hangtime, and kiteloops. It features Aluula outer struts.
The Drifter Apex excels in wave and strapless freestyle. Its core strength is slack line drift.
The Moto XL Apex is built for light wind. Cabrinha offers it in 13, 15, and 17 and advises choosing the size based on your weight, not the wind.
Bar: Unify Control System
Twintips: Ace · Ace Apex · Spectrum · Stylus · Vapor · Vapor Apex 2026 and 2025 · Xcal · Xcal Apex
Surf: Arcade · S-Quad
Kitefoil: Logic board
Cabrinha Wing Foil
Four Wings, One Parawing, One Board Per Program
The Mantis combines freeride, wave, and big air in one wing. This is the one we recommend to most riders.
The Vision has been redesigned for 2026 with a focus on freestyle, flips, and rotations. It comes with the boom Handlebar.
The Vision XL is the Vision for no-wind days. It features fuller profiles and wingtips for earlier take-off.
The AER features lightweight construction and soft handles, with the range refocused on larger sizes. It's for those who want a wing that is easy to carry and rig.
The Nomad is the brand's parawing, developed with Element Kites, and steered with an all-carbon bar.
Boards: Code for allround wing · Link as a sinker · Quest and Quest V2 for downwind and parawing · Swift as a mid-length · Bump for prone
View Wing Foil products ↓The Union System
A Redesigned Mast-Fuselage Connection, Front Wings for Every Use
According to Cabrinha, the Union connection reduces the fuselage section by 15% compared to previous generations. This results in less drag at the junction and a more direct feel, according to the brand.
Masts: 18 mm Union Alloy in 6061 aluminum, 16 mm Union Carbon, 14 mm Union Apex Carbon in ultra-high modulus carbon. For learning, aluminum is sufficient.
Front Wings: Origin for progression, Whippit for carve and surf, Rebound for freestyle and big air, Domani for speed in swell, Prestige for glide. Each is also available as a kit.
Settings: Union stabilizers in 160, 180, and 200, and the Tweaker system, fuselage in 340 or 390 mm, stabilizer in 140 or 160 cm², shims in half-degree increments for angle of attack adjustment.
The Fusion adapter allows you to mount your Fusion Front Wings on a Union mast. Fusion H-Series and X-Series kits (wing, stabilizer, and fuselage, without mast) are still available.
See Foils products ↓Build Your Union Foil
A mast, a Front Wing, a stabilizer: piece by piece or as a kit
The mast
The Union Alloy is perfect for learning and shrugging off impacts. Step up to the Union Carbon when you're chasing more stiffness and glide. For pure speed and demanding downwind runs, the Union Apex Carbon is your choice; it's the thinnest of the three.
Front Wing Only
The Origin is your go-to for progression. For tight carving in both wing and prone, grab the Whippit. The Rebound is built for freestyle, while the Domani excels at speed in swell. And for ultimate glide, there's the Prestige. Pick one up if you already have a Union stabilizer.
Front Wing Kit
Every Front Wing is available as a kit, paired with the Union stabilizer Cabrinha recommends: the Origin Wing Kit, Whippit Wing Kit, Rebound Wing Kit, Domani Wing Kit, and Prestige Wing Kit. All you need to do is choose your mast and fuselage. This is the easiest way to get into your first Union foil.
The Stabilizer
The Union stabilizer comes in 160, 180, and 200. Cabrinha says the 160 is the most playful, the 180 is the most allround, and the 200 offers the most stability. It's the simplest component to swap out if you want to fine-tune your turning behavior.
The Tweaker Fine Adjustment
The Tweaker fuselage includes shims, letting you adjust the stabilizer angle in half-degree increments. The Tweaker stabilizer mounts directly to it. This system is for riders who love dialing in their foil to match the day's conditions. Beginners won't need it.
Sticking with Fusion?
The Union Fusion adapter lets you mount your Fusion Front Wings onto a Union mast. We still offer the Fusion H-Series kit (which includes a high aspect ratio Front Wing, V-Series stabilizer, and fuselage, but no mast) for those who prefer to stick with the Fusion system.
What Apex Means at Cabrinha
One Word, Different Recipe for Each Product
Kites
Cabrinha uses Aluula in the struts of the Moto Apex and Nitro Apex. The Drifter Apex keeps its Ultra HT Dacron and Teijin D2 canopy. The Switchblade Design Works takes it further: the entire kite was designed around Aluula.
Twintips
The Ace features a full paulownia core, while the Ace Apex has a paulownia frame surrounding a foam center. The Vapor is crafted from paulownia, and the Vapor Apex features a full carbon construction over a wood core. The Xcal Apex delivers more stiffness than the Xcal, with less flex delay.
Union Masts
The Apex Carbon is the thinnest mast of the three, and Cabrinha highlights its torsional stiffness. This translates to superior speed and glide. For the vast majority of riders, the Carbon mast already delivers excellent performance.
Our opinion
The Apex is worth the price difference if you ride frequently and can feel the improved response. If you're only getting out a couple of times a month, the standard version will provide just as much fun.
Which Cabrinha is right for you?
One discipline, one perfect model, no compromises.
I want just one kite
The Moto Apex paired with an Ace twintip. This duo covers the widest range of conditions in the entire lineup.
I want to jump high.
The Nitro Apex and a Vapor Apex. If your spot is often choppy, the paulownia Vapor handles it better.
I ride waves
The Drifter Apex. For your board, choose the S-Quad for powerful waves, or the Arcade for smaller waves and strapless freestyle.
It's rarely windy where I live.
The Moto XL Apex and the Stylus, a wide twintip designed specifically for light wind. Cabrinha themselves recommend this pairing.
I'm new to wing foil.
A Mantis, a large Code wing foil board, and an Origin Front Wing on a Union Alloy mast.
I'm into wing freestyle.
The Vision, compact and balanced for rotations, with a 650 Rebound Front Wing. This setup gets you back on the foil quickly after a touchdown.
I want to try parawing.
The Nomad, paired with a Quest V2 that paddles well and takes off easily. Come see us before you buy; your board size depends on your weight and skill level.
I do downwind.
The Quest or the Swift in mid-length, combined with a high aspect ratio Prestige Front Wing, built for ultimate glide.
I'm into kitefoiling
The Logic carbon board and a Rebound 650. Cabrinha recommends this setup for both kite and wing foiling.
Your most common questions, answered.
Two models head-to-head, and our expert opinion.
Moto Apex or Switchblade Design Works?
Choose the Moto Apex if you want a kite that excels everywhere, from freeride to waves. The Switchblade Design Works is for a more direct freeride feel and a wider wind range. When in doubt, go with the Moto.
Mantis or Vision?
The Mantis is your choice for versatility and waves. Opt for the Vision as soon as freestyle becomes your primary discipline. If you're not yet doing rotations, stick with the Mantis.
Spectrum, Ace, or Ace Apex?
The Spectrum is for progression. It offers an easy and smooth ride in chop, according to Cabrinha, who has been refining it for over ten years. The Ace steps up in comfort and versatility. The Ace Apex, with its livelier foam center, is aimed at the advanced rider.
Vapor or Vapor Apex?
Same shape. The carbon Vapor Apex offers quicker response and more pop on flat water. The paulownia Vapor handles chop better; if you're riding a choppy spot, that's the one we'll recommend. The Vapor Apex 2025 is the previous generation of the Vapor Apex, built with the same Cabrinha recipe: a wood core under a full carbon skin, designed for big air.
Union Alloy, Carbon, or Apex Carbon mast?
Aluminum handles impacts well and is perfect for learning. Carbon adds stiffness and glide. The Apex Carbon is only justified if you're chasing pure speed or tackling demanding downwind runs.
Code or Quest?
The Code is your go-to allround wing foil board, perfect for everything from your very first flight to advanced freestyle, depending on the size you choose. If you're into downwind runs and parawing, the Quest is for you. It features a displacement hull shape. For anyone just starting out in wing foil, the Code is the clear choice.
The full range CABRINHA
The complete range, not a selection. The counters follow the published stock.
CABRINHA Kitesurf Bestsellers
CABRINHA DRIFTER APEX 2027
CABRINHA NITRO APEX 2027
CABRINHA MOTO APEX 2026
CABRINHA MOTO XL APEX 2026
CABRINHA Wing Foil Bestsellers
CABRINHA MANTIS 2027
CABRINHA AER 2026
CABRINHA VISION 2026
CABRINHA VISION XL 2027
CABRINHA Foil Assist Bestsellers
CABRINHA BUMP 2026
Your Cabrinha Retailer in Pornichet, Bay of La Baule
GlissEvolution
2c Avenue du Gulf Stream · 44380 Pornichet
Tue - Sat, 10am-1pm / 3pm-7pm
📞 09 62 64 74 77 · ✉️ info@glissevolution.com
Cabrinha FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Answers We Provide In-Store Before You Buy
Where Does the Cabrinha Brand Come From?
Cabrinha originated in Maui, Hawaii, and its headquarters are now in Florida.The brand partnered with the Neil Pryde group in 2000. It launched its first collection of kites and boards in 2001, along with accessories. Water Bound Investments, led by former professional kitesurfer Jon Modica, acquired Cabrinha from the Pryde Group in February 2020 (source: cabrinha.com, About page, consulted on 02/11/2026). The brand is named after Pete Cabrinha, a Hawaiian big wave surfer and windsurfer who designed boards with Dan Bolfing in the late 1990s (source: Wikipedia).
Which Cabrinha kite Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a single kite, the Moto Apex is your go-to: Cabrinha designed it for freeride, big air, wave riding, and foil. For big air and kiteloops, grab the Nitro Apex. The Drifter Apex excels in wave and strapless riding, while the Moto XL Apex is perfect for light wind. The Switchblade Design Works targets performance freeride with its Aluula construction.
What Does Apex Mean at Cabrinha?
Apex denotes the high-end version of a model, though the specific features vary by product. The Moto Apex and Nitro Apex, for example, feature Aluula struts. For twintips, the Ace Apex uses a paulownia and foam core, while the Vapor Apex features full carbon. Union masts feature ultra-high modulus 14 mm carbon. If you ride twice a month, the standard version is sufficient.
Does the Switchblade Still Exist?
Yes, it does. Launched in 2006, Cabrinha touts it as the world's best-selling kite model (cabrinha.com historical timeline). We offer the Switchblade Design Works 2026, which is entirely designed for Aluula. For a more forgiving freeride experience, we typically recommend the Moto Apex first.
Which bar Should I Use with a Cabrinha kite?
The Unify Control System is the brand's current bar. Cabrinha built it around a market-proven quick release. It has a reduced diameter grip, a revised trim, and automatic lines untangling. On the Drifter, Nitro, and Switchblade Design Works, the Vert-X bridle lets you choose between two Unify configurations, High-Y or Low-V, depending on your desired ride feel.
Which Cabrinha wing Should I Choose?
What is the Cabrinha Nomad parawing?
The Nomad utilizes ram-air kite technology and is steered with an all-carbon bar featuring an EVA grip. Cabrinha developed it with Element Kites. It's used as a parawing, often for downwind runs, with a board that paddles well like the Quest V2 or the Swift.
What is the Union foil system?
This is Cabrinha's current foil platform. It features Alloy, Carbon, and Apex Carbon masts, Origin, Whippit, Rebound, Domani, and Prestige Front Wings, Union stabilizers, and the Tweaker system. According to Cabrinha, the Union connection reduces the fuselage section by 15% compared to previous generations, resulting in less drag at the mast-fuselage junction.
Are My Fusion wings Compatible with a Union mast?
Yes, they are. The Union Fusion adapter is a machined aluminum part that lets you mount your Fusion Front Wings on a Union mast. This means you can keep your wings and upgrade to the current mast. Fusion H-Series and X-Series kits are still available, without a mast.
Which Union Front Wing Should I Choose?
The OriginIt is perfect for learning and progressing. It offers early lift. For carving and surfing, whether winging or prone, the Whippit is your choice. The Rebound is designed for freestyle and big air in both kite and wing. The Domani, with an aspect ratio of 10 according to Cabrinha, is built for speed in swell. For pure glide, choose the Prestige. If you're torn between two sizes, come talk to us with your weight and riding style in mind.
Which Cabrinha foil board Should I Get?
Which Cabrinha twintip Should You Choose?
How Does the Cabrinha Warranty Work?
You benefit from a 2-year legal conformity warranty. In case of breakage or defect, simply bring your equipment to the store or write to us. We will set up the claim and follow it with the brand, so you don't have to deal with them directly.
Why Buy Cabrinha from GlissEvolution?
GlissEvolution has been your go-to watersports shop in Pornichet since 2005, right across from the stunning Bay of La Baule. We offer a full workshop for after-sales support. Enjoy free shipping on orders over €150 (on the most economical delivery option). Need help with sizing or deciding between two models? Give us a call or schedule an appointment.
