Podcast Summary: Kitesurf365 — The Line Smith Returns | Episode #424 (Feb 9, 2026)

Overview

In this episode, Adrian Kerr welcomes back Gillian Govea, founder of The Linesmith and a recognized innovator in kiteboarding lines and accessories. The conversation explores how kite lines impact performance and safety, industry improvements inspired by third-party providers like The Linesmith, new products for 2026, technical aspects of line manufacturing, and practical tips for riders to maximize both longevity and feel. The tone remains casual and insightful, with plenty of actionable advice for kiteboarders at all levels.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Gillian’s Evolving Role and Industry Impact

• The Linesmith's Growth:
  Gillian discusses how The Linesmith has become his main focus, even as his other companies (Nine Beaufort, Fluid Kiteboarding) have shifted due to factors like factory closures and trade tariffs.
  • "It's the day job, night job. I'm always thinking about lines... The Linesmith is booming." (01:29)
• Influence on Other Brands:
  Many brands now review and replicate The Linesmith’s innovations, particularly color patterns and layouts—leading to a general industry uplift in line quality.
  • "Some brands have definitely stepped up... Some of them even copied the layouts or the color patterns..." (02:58)
  • "I think one of those things that really changed the kite scene for the better." (03:33)

Line Performance & Rider Safety

• Real-World Incidents:
  Referencing the viral incident with Israeli kiters DOA, Dora, and Bass (03:41), Adrian and Gillian highlight how proper, fresh lines can be life-saving in high-stakes scenarios.
  • "Situations like that is why you need to check your lines. If something went wrong from there, that's death." (03:55, Adrian)
• Brand Copying = Good for Riders:
  Gillian is positive about brands copying his work if it leads to greater safety for the kiteboarding community.
  • "Which is great news for the riders. I don't mind... it brings safety." (03:59, Gillian)

2026 Product Innovations

• Wax Development and Feedback:
  Ongoing refinements, especially for cold weather, based on rider feedback (notably Jamie Overbake).
  • "Jamie... said yeah, it stays too hard {in cold}, so I needed to adapt there... Maybe we do a low-temperature wax..." (04:55)
• New Line Variants:
  Introduction of a premium and an alternative line option, balancing price and performance.
  • "We will have a premium line and maybe one which is slightly cheaper or different..." (05:51)
• Faster Installations & Increased Availability:
  The Linesmith Line System allows riders to change lines in 10–15 minutes, and Gillian plans for even greater availability in shops.
  • "It will take you 10 to 15 minutes to get new lines on your bar... now it's time to make it even bigger so people have less downtime." (06:44)

Technical Deep-Dive: Materials, Colors, and Testing

• Material Myths and Braiding Nuances:
  Clarifies that terms like “Dyneema” (the SK99, SK99 Plus) cover only the base fiber, not the crucial braiding and coating steps which determine actual performance.
  • "Dyneema is only a fiber name... it depends really on what the braider is doing..." (07:18–08:26)
  • "With the plus version [SK99+], the coating process is in the start, so it's on the base fiber... that's the difference." (08:35)
• Testing for Real-World Reliability:
  Lines are constantly tested by pros (Jamie, Jason), both in the field and in lab settings. Longevity is measured by usage cycles, not just time.
  • “People always ask how long you can use a set of lines. It’s not measured in time, it’s measured in cycles…” (11:47)
• The Impact of Color on Performance:
  Line color affects elasticity and stretch. Gillian uses black, white, and blue in specific patterns to balance stretch and longevity.
  • "When you change the colors of the lines, you also get different reactions..." (02:58)
  • "Black is super stable. Gray is ok. White... super stable. So, there are three options that are good." (24:12)
• Notable Quote:
  "The funny thing is that even factories didn't know [color affects elasticity]..." (26:03)

Practical Tips for Riders

• Line Maintenance and Waxing:
  • Apply wax, especially to the lower 4–5 meters—the high-abrasion zone.
    • "It's the front lines which get most abrasion at the lower 4 meters or lower 5 meters... lower 4 or five meters, wax that." (16:18–18:03)
  • Candle wax is a cheap alternative, but watch for melting temperature relative to your climate. (14:07)
• How to Check Lines:
  • Routinely run your fingers along lines to spot abrasion and damage.
    • "Always running your lines up and down with your fingers is a good idea. There are five areas which are common to break." (30:20)
  • Five common break points: near splicing, pigtails, safety line connection, high V area, and abrasion points.
• Changing / Adjusting Lines:
  • Riders should not be afraid to swap lines themselves; video guides are available.
    • "We have a lot of videos out... it takes 15 minutes to change the lines..." (31:57)
    • "Even the pros... do not know how to replace the lines. And you would imagine that they know, but they don’t." (32:53)
• Importance of Tuning:
  • Adjusting line lengths and bar setup dramatically improves feel and safety.
    • "It's a really small adjustment... will feel that the kite is flying faster, it's recovering faster…" (37:02)

Timestamps for Key Topics

• 00:57 – Gillian’s companies, impact of Trump tariffs, and focus shift to The Linesmith
• 02:37 – Industry reactions: Brands stepping up/copying line technology
• 03:41 – The importance of good lines in safety and kiters’ real-world survival stories
• 04:38 – New Linesmith products for 2026 and innovations in wax
• 06:55 – Technical detail: Distinguising Dyneema, SK99, SK99 Plus, and the importance of braiding/coating
• 11:19 – How lines are tested for longevity and abrasion
• 13:33 – Line life expectancy: pro vs. amateur use
• 16:09 – Waxing lines, high-abrasion zones, and tips for both high V and low V setups
• 22:01 – Use of unique color patterns, effect of color on line stretch and performance
• 27:02 – Short-line riding, pressure, and why thicker lines are sometimes better
• 29:52 – How to check your lines and common warning signs
• 31:57 – Changing your own lines—why every rider should learn
• 34:24 – Stories from the pro scene: even champions get tangled up
• 36:25 – Setting up lines for the best experience and why it matters more than getting a new kite
• 38:48 – Where to find Linesmith info and video guides

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you want to be a good rider, you have to understand what kind of materials you are using, why you are using it, and what it does for you." – Gillian (32:53)
• "Every time you're riding... you're working on your gear. It's an interesting balance between doing what you love but also trying to create a product you love..." – Adrian (09:25)
• "The biggest problem now, as the whole industry, is abrasion." – Gillian (13:29)
• "People buying new kites because they think they need a new kite. Now you need new lines, bro!" – Adrian (36:25/36:40)
• "It's just basics, really, isn't it? Go over it and run your fingers down the line and get to know your gear." – Adrian (35:49)

Additional Resources

• Linesmith Care Center & Video Guides:
  • "YouTube or you go to the linesmith.eu Carecenter or just the Linesmith website and click on the Care Center..." (38:54)
• Giveaways:
  Five Glide Stick waxes for listeners; details via Kitesurf365 Instagram (40:09).

Flow and Tone

The discussion blends enthusiastic technical nerdery with grounded, practical advice. Gillian’s passion for kite lines is infectious and Adrian brings in relatable anecdotes from the pro scene, ensuring listeners—expert or novice—walk away with a deeper respect for the unsung hero of kiteboarding: the humble line.

For detailed product info, how-to videos, and more, see Linesmith (linesmith.eu) or search ‘The Linesmith’ on YouTube.