I will attempt to answer what makes the Venturi Waterbug so good that we bought three of them (need a spare in the Baja). For most kiting the wind makes for rough, choppy water. The majority of the time the waves are overhead, or smaller. The Columbia River is a good proving grounds for any kite board with variable conditions as described above and lots of slop and choppy, rough water. I originally bought a Venturi Waterbug for my wife. After using it once she insisted I try it. She was in love with the board. We have ridden many production boards (and have accumulated quite a quiver), searching for a board that was responsive, quick turning, and smooth in the choppy waters of the coast, the Baja, and the Columbia river. After the first pass I was pretty sure this was it. After the end of the day, riding in 30+ mph gusty winds, I ordered another one. The Venturi Waterbug flys through the choppy waters and feels like it’s on a smooth pond. Throw it onto a wave face and it smoothly runs the line you want, no drama, no surprises. Want it to turn fast and hold at the bottom of the turn, fine, it does it. Jumping with it is a joy, smooth takeoffs and it cuts through the air, staying more stable in high winds than any other board I have tried. The venturi system in the back of the board is definitely different and sure seems to work. While the board will give in a sharp turn, it doesn’t want to slide out, just soften the turn a little. The science of why it works I don’t know, but wow, it does work well! – Jon –