Cabrinha Drifter 2021
Cabrinha Drifter 2021 – Specs, Sizes, Wave Drift & Settings
The 2021 Cabrinha Drifter is built for wave riding: quick power/depower, stable “park and drift” behavior, and tuning options for onshore vs offshore conditions.
- Category: Surf / Freestyle Surf
- Design profile: 3 strut, moderate aspect ratio hybrid design; surf/drift wing tip design; 2 bridle setting options
- Designed for: making the kite feel “invisible” while surfing, with fast power and depower for fluid board control
- Signature trait: drift stability for down-the-line riding
Specifications (2021)
| Sizes | 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 |
| Product code | K1KODRIFR |
| Design profile | 3 strut, moderate aspect ratio hybrid design; surf/drift wing tip design; 2 bridle setting options |
What makes the Drifter different (from the 2021 product book)
Cabrinha positions the Drifter around one core idea: when you’re surfing, you want the kite to be as “invisible” as possible. The product book focuses on quick power/depower for board control, and that key moment when the kite drifts down the line while you concentrate on the wave.
The book also calls the Drifter an iconic surf kite that pioneered “drift stability” as a concept in kitesurfing.
Features & benefits (2021)
- Heavy duty closing seam construction
- Nano Ripstop Canopy (durability, stability and responsiveness)
- High Tenacity Dacron for enhanced arc stability and improved handling characteristics
- Strategic canopy reinforcements in high-stress areas
- Pure Profile Panels for efficient aerodynamics
- Slackline drift for down-the-line surfing
- Light bar pressure with direct and responsive steering
- Great pop for strapless freestyle tricks
- Onshore and offshore conditions settings
- Fast power and depower response
Drift explained: “Slackline Drift”
In the 2021 book, Slackline Drift is described as the kite’s ability to park itself and stay aloft longer when the lines go slack, so you can focus entirely on riding the wave.
Onshore vs Offshore settings (how to use the tuning)
Cabrinha includes dedicated Onshore and Offshore settings for the Drifter:
- Onshore: optimizes performance for side-shore and onshore wind, aiming for maximum drift and tighter turning.
- Offshore: optimizes performance for side-shore and offshore wind, facilitating better upwind ability (useful for cutbacks in offshore wind).
Ride feel (what to expect on the water)
Based on the 2021 design intent and features, the Drifter is built to be responsive and “wave-focused” rather than locked-in and boost-oriented. Expect quick power/depower to match board speed changes, light bar pressure for long sessions, and steering that helps you place the kite and then forget about it while you surf. Use the Onshore/Offshore settings to bias the kite toward drift/turning or upwind drive depending on your spot.
Who it suits
- Wave riders who want the kite to drift down the line while they surf
- Strapless riders who want quick depower and direct steering
- Riders who regularly kite in mixed onshore/offshore conditions and want tuning options
Who should consider a different Cabrinha model (2021)
- If you want freeride boosting and hangtime as the priority: Switchblade
- If you want freestyle crossover focus (hooked/unhooked mix): FX
- If you want an all-round 3-strut kite for freeride/surf/freestyle/foil crossover: Moto
Official product book PDF
Download the Cabrinha 2021 Product Book (PDF)
FAQ
What sizes does the Cabrinha Drifter 2021 come in?
4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13.
What is “Slackline Drift” on the Drifter?
It’s the ability to park the kite and keep it flying when the lines go slack, so you can focus on surfing down the line.
What’s the difference between the Onshore and Offshore settings?
Onshore aims for maximum drift and tighter turning in side/onshore winds; Offshore biases toward better upwind ability for side/offshore conditions.
What’s the Drifter 2021 product code?
K1KODRIFR.