Cabrinha Drifter 2022
Cabrinha Drifter 2022 – Specs, Sizes, Drift & Wave Performance Guide
The 2022 Cabrinha Drifter is purpose-built for surf and wave riding, designed to drift effortlessly down the line while staying stable and responsive when you need power. It’s tuned to feel almost invisible on the wave, letting you focus on carving rather than flying the kite.
- Category: Surf / Wave kite
- Struts: 3
- Feel: Light bar pressure, fast depower, excellent drift
- Best for: down-the-line surf, strapless freestyle, onshore/offshore waves
Specifications (2022)
| Sizes | 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 |
| Strut count | 3 strut |
| Design profile | Moderate aspect hybrid surf design with drift-focused wing tips |
| Construction | Nano Ripstop canopy, high tenacity dacron frame, reinforced stress zones |
What the Drifter is built for
The Drifter is Cabrinha’s dedicated wave kite. The goal is simple: let the rider surf naturally while the kite follows without pulling them off the wave. Fast depower, stable slack-line flight and light steering input are prioritised over boosting or hangtime performance.
Compared to freeride kites like the Switchblade, the Drifter turns quicker, drifts better and feels lighter in the hands, making it much easier to position while carving or riding down the line.
Features & benefits (2022)
- Slackline Drift to stay airborne when lines go slack while surfing
- Fast depower response for immediate speed control on the wave
- Light bar pressure for long, low-fatigue sessions
- Quick steering and tight pivot turns
- 3-strut layout for lighter weight and faster handling
- Swept leading edge for easy water relaunch
- Durable canopy materials for repeated crashes and shorebreak use
Onshore vs Offshore tuning settings
- Onshore setting: maximises drift and tighter turning for riding toward the kite in side/onshore winds
- Offshore setting: improves upwind drive and stability for side/offshore waves and longer tacks
These tuning options let you adapt the kite depending on your local conditions, which is especially useful if you ride a mix of beach breaks and point breaks.
Ride feel (on the water)
The 2022 Drifter feels light and reactive, with very quick depower when you sheet out. It’s easy to park the kite and forget about it while carving a wave face. When you need power, it responds instantly and turns tightly without pulling you off balance. Compared with previous years, the feel is slightly cleaner and more refined, with smoother steering input and better stability when drifting.
What changed vs 2021
- Smoother canopy stability when drifting
- Slightly lighter handling and quicker turning initiation
- Cleaner power delivery through gusts
- Same proven surf-focused DNA
Who it suits
- Wave riders surfing down the line
- Strapless freestyle riders needing quick depower and tight turns
- Kite surfers riding mixed onshore/offshore conditions
- Anyone wanting maximum drift rather than hangtime
Who might prefer another Cabrinha kite
- Freeride boosting & big air → Switchblade
- All-round crossover feel → Moto
- Freestyle / unhooked focus → FX
Official product book PDF
Download Cabrinha 2022 Product Book (PDF)
FAQ
Is the Drifter 2022 good for beginners?
It’s best suited to riders focusing on waves. Beginners learning general freeride may find the Switchblade or Moto easier.
What makes the Drifter different from freeride kites?
It prioritises drift, quick depower and light steering instead of big jumps and hangtime.
What sizes does it come in?
4–13 metres.