2021 North Sonar Aluminum Kite Edition

The 2021 North Sonar Aluminum Kite Edition is a mast-and-fuselage foil set from North Kiteboarding, built around the modular Sonar foil platform. This package bundles an aluminum mast, the A600 fuselage, an S01 carbon stabilizer, a board adaptor, hardware, tools, and a padded travel bag — everything needed to build a functional hydrofoil except the front wing and board, which are sold separately. Two mast lengths are offered: the AK70 (70 cm) and AK85 (85 cm), letting riders choose between a shorter setup suited to learning or shallow water and a taller configuration with more clearance for chop and steeper turns.

North designed the Sonar system to be fully modular, so each component can be swapped independently as a rider's needs change. The masts are CNC-machined from 6061-T6 anodized aluminum, and the fuselage and board adaptor share the same material and machining process. The connection between mast and fuselage uses North's GeoLock tapered-geometry interface, which transfers load across the full cross-section of the mast profile rather than relying on fasteners alone.

• Mast material: 6061-T6 anodized aluminum, CNC-machined
• Mast lengths available: 70 cm (AK70), 85 cm (AK85)
• Fuselage: A600
• Stabilizer: S01 (carbon pre-preg, cover included)
• Board mounting pattern: 165 × 90 mm (industry standard)
• Connection system: GeoLock tapered geometry
• Included: Mast, fuselage, stabilizer with cover, AK board adaptor, screw packs A/B/C, tool set, 600D padded travel bag
• Not included: Front wing, foilboard

The AK70 configuration targets riders who are learning to kite-foil or who frequently ride in shallow water where a shorter mast reduces the risk of striking the bottom. The 70 cm length also makes surface recoveries easier, which is helpful during early progression when breaches are common.

The AK85 option suits intermediate to advancing kite foilers who want additional ride height. The extra 15 cm of mast gives more room to clear waves and chop, allows deeper heel-over angles during carved turns, and generally provides a more forgiving feel in rougher conditions. Because the Sonar system is modular, a rider can start on the AK70 and later purchase the AK85 mast alone to extend the setup's range.

Within North's Sonar range, the Aluminum Kite Edition sits below the carbon-mast Kite Edition, which uses CF72 and CF85 carbon masts for a stiffer, lighter, and more responsive ride at a higher price point. The aluminum set offers a more accessible entry into the Sonar ecosystem while maintaining full compatibility with every Sonar front wing and stabilizer. Riders who outgrow the aluminum mast can upgrade to a carbon mast without replacing the fuselage or hardware.

Compared to other aluminum kite-foil packages on the market, such as the Slingshot Hover Glide or the Cabrinha foil sets from the same era, the Sonar Aluminum Kite Edition emphasizes modularity and a standardized mounting pattern. The 165 × 90 mm bolt spacing fits a wide range of foil-ready boards, reducing lock-in to a single brand's deck.