When we think of kiteboarding, a few names instantly come to mind. CORE Kiteboarding is a beacon of innovation, quality, and passion. The story of CORE is not just about kites and boards; it’s about a person’s love for the sport and their relentless pursuit of excellence. In this article, we’ll embark on an expedition through the history of CORE, understanding its roots, evolution, and the values that make it a leader in the kiteboarding industry today.
The Genesis of a Kiteboarding Giant
From Carved customs To CORE KITEBOARDING
Every great story has a humble beginning. For CORE Kiteboarding, that beginning is intertwined with the passion of its founder, Bernie Hiss. He envisioned creating equipment that would redefine the kiteboarding experience overall. This vision led to the foundation of Carved Customs, a bespoke kiteboard manufacturer, in 2001. Carved Customs was not just another kiteboard manufacturer but a testament to Bernie’s commitment to quality and performance.
Situated on the picturesque German Baltic Island of Fehmarn, the company was surrounded by the very element it sought to conquer – the wind. Fehmarn provided the perfect testing ground for Bernie’s creations with its pristine beaches and consistent winds. The first kiteboards, infused with Bernie’s passion and expertise, came to life here.
Innovations, and the Rise of CORE Kiteboarding
As Carved Customs began to make waves in the kiteboarding community, another significant development was on the horizon. In 2005, Carved Customs introduced their first kite named “Carved Unit”. For the following two years, Bernie Hiss worked on developing kites for everyone, resulting in all-round kites that did not fit the products of Carved Custom. Therefore, a new brand was created: CORE Kiteboarding. Bernie and his team made CORE rich in ideas, expertise, and vision and participated in building the kiteboarding future that we know today.
The newly formed CORE quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the kiteboarding industry. Known for its high-performance kites, boards, and accessories, CORE became synonymous with quality and innovation.
Meanwhile CORE Kiteboarding invented their own material mix named Exo Tex making the kite stronger and more durable.
Embracing Challenges and Innovations
The journey of CORE is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation. The kiteboarding industry was evolving rapidly, with new players and customers demanding better, more advanced equipment.
With its foundation in research and development, CORE embraced these challenges head-on. The use of carbon fibre was just the beginning. The company invested heavily in R&D, ensuring every product released was a step ahead of its competitors.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond Kiteboards
While kiteboards were the initial focus, Bernie Hiss recognized the need to offer a holistic kiteboarding experience. With that, the development of high-performance kites and accessories came to life. Each kite designed by CORE was a masterpiece, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and performance.
The company’s dedication to innovation was evident in its approach to design. Instead of following industry trends, CORE often set them. Every aspect was meticulously researched and tested, from the aerodynamics of the kite to the materials used. This attention to detail ensured that CORE kites were functional and aesthetically pleasing. An example of breaking industry trends would be that Core Kites operates on a two-year cycle for releasing new kites, ensuring each product is of impeccable quality and undergoes thorough testing.
Building a Community
But CORE’s journey wasn’t just about products. It was about building a community. The brand actively engaged with kiteboarders, seeking feedback and understanding their needs. This close connection with the community allowed CORE to tailor its products to the evolving needs of kiteboarders.
Events, workshops, and kiteboarding expeditions became a hallmark of the CORE experience. These events, often held in picturesque locations like Fehmarn, provided kiteboarders with an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and, most importantly, kite the seas with the best equipment in the industry.
A Global Footprint
From its humble beginnings on the German Baltic Island, CORE expanded its footprint globally. Today, CORE products are available in multiple countries, and the brand enjoys a loyal customer base worldwide. This global expansion was not just a business strategy but a reflection of CORE’s mission to make kiteboarding accessible and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere.
A Change in Leadership
Then, in 2019, it happened. A change in leadership for Core Kiteboarding. With founder Bernie Hiss passing the leadership torch after an incredible 18-year journey. He also wrote a heartfelt message, expressing his gratitude to the dedicated fans and customers who have been the wind beneath the company’s wings. His dream, fueled by a love for wind and water, has seen CORE overcome challenges and ride the waves of success in kiteboarding.
Bernie’s acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work that built the company shines through, and he’s radiating confidence in the brand’s bright future.
The new captains steering the ship, Philip Schinnagel and Jochen Czwalina, are set to continue Bernie’s legacy of passion for the sport.
Nestled in beautiful Fehmarn, every CORE crew member continues to share a love for kitesurfing, creating a thriving environment integral to the brand. With the change in leadership, the focus remains sharp on crafting specialized products and embracing the vibrant community that has made CORE and Carved Customs successful today. At Salty Lemon, we’re excited to see where the winds will take them next!
A Vision for the Future
As we look ahead, the future of CORE is not just about products or technologies; it’s about a vision. A vision where kiteboarding is more than a sport – a lifestyle, a community, and a testament to human passion and innovation.
CORE’s journey from the shores of Fehmarn to global waters is a beacon for all who dare to dream. And as the brand charts its future course, one thing is sure– the expedition of CORE is far from over.
