Copied from old forum:

August 8 2002 by Doomwheels 

New movie posted to Doomwheels.com...

The Original Kitesurfboard (11.5mg).
1989 footage of a prototype 12 foot, bi-directional, retractable twin keeled surfboard designed for long distance kite surfing.

The idea was to build a cable system to alternate the position of two keels mounted on either end of the board. By moving a switch in the center of the board, one keel would retract as the other lowered into the water and the board assumed a new direction. This way a kite surfer could make long crossings under power without needing to ride "toe-side" in cross-wind runs.
The board was 12 foot long with two deep keels and multiple foot straps.

In this clip, we tested the kiteboard behind a ski boat. Troy tries several times to initiate the keel change and then maneuver the board 180 degrees without biffing (a move not required for kitesurfing).

This board would later be used in real kitesurfing in the San Francisco Bay. It's maiden voyage would be compromised by kite troubles (flexifoil 10' stack collapsing in high wind) and have to be towed back in by windsurfers.
It was never tested again.

Doomwheels grins looking back at the awkward beginnings of kite surfing.

More movies & pics available at:
http://www.doomwheels.com
go to the Movies section.

Enjoy,
BC