Cabrinha Drifter Apex 2027 Kite

Fast and stable wave kite with excellent drift from Cabrinha

The Drifter has been a well-known kite among wave riders for years. The Cabrinha Drifter Apex 2027 is specifically designed for wave riding, where good drift, quick steering, and control are more important than massive lift or hangtime. This Apex version features a lightweight Ultra HT frame, responsive handling, and an updated bridle system. This makes the Drifter Apex an excellent choice for wave riders who love down-the-line surfing, as well as for strapless freestyle and recreational kitefoiling.

The most important feature of the Cabrinha Drifter Apex is, of course, its drift. When riding down a wave and surfing towards your kite, the tension on your lines decreases. Thanks to its hybrid design with a medium aspect ratio and specially designed truncated wingtips, the Drifter remains stable in the air, even when your lines temporarily go slack. This means you can focus less on controlling your kite and more on surfing the wave. You'll particularly notice the difference during down-the-line surfing. The Drifter flies less far forward in the wind window than a kite that isn't specifically designed for wave riding, making it easier to park in one position. The single sliding pulley in the bridle system also provides smooth steering response and a comfortable bar feel. Even in onshore winds and messy waves, the Drifter remains easy to control.

In addition to wave riding, the Cabrinha Drifter Apex 2027 is also suitable for strapless freestyle. Compared to the Moto Apex, the Drifter delivers less aggressive vertical pull. This makes it easier to keep your surfboard under your feet during strapless tricks and gives you more control over your jumps. Thanks to its excellent drift, you can also use the Drifter for recreational kitefoiling, especially if you enjoy riding downwind. Its predictable steering also makes the Drifter accessible to kiters taking their first steps into wave riding, while advanced wave riders benefit from plenty of speed and control for technical surfing manoeuvres.

For 2027, Cabrinha has equipped the Drifter Apex with a Vert-X bridle. This bridle system is compatible with both Unify High-Y and Low-V line configurations. This allows you to adjust the kite to match your bar setup and personal preferences. The single sliding pulley remains part of the bridle system, helping the kite respond smoothly to your steering input. The TPU bumpers on the leading edge have also been updated. Thanks to an improved production process, they are now more wear-resistant, providing better protection for the leading edge when your kite is lying on the beach.

The construction of the Drifter Apex focuses on achieving an excellent balance between low weight, stiffness, and durability. Cabrinha uses Ultra HT dacron for the frame, a strong and dimensionally stable material used exclusively in the Apex series. Thanks to its increased stiffness, the kite maintains its profile better under load and responds directly to steering input. The three HT140 struts are lightweight and aerodynamically designed to reduce overall weight and drag. The canopy is made from Teijin D2 ripstop fabric, offering a great balance between weight, shape retention, and durability. In addition, Pure Form Panels ensure a precisely shaped kite profile, while EVA battens reinforce the trailing edge. The Airframe Inflation System makes inflating the kite quick and easy.

In short, the Cabrinha Drifter Apex 2027 is an excellent choice if you mainly ride with a surfboard. The combination of excellent drift, direct steering, and lightweight Apex construction makes this kite suitable for a wide range of wave conditions. Are you looking for a dedicated wave kite that also allows you to practise strapless tricks or enjoy the occasional foil session? Then the Drifter Apex is definitely worth considering.

Cabrinha Drifter Apex 2027 Kite Specifications

• Performance Surf | Strapless Freestyle
• For beginner to advanced wave riders
• 3-strut hybrid design
• Medium aspect ratio
• Truncated surf wingtips for improved drift
• Excellent slack-line drift
• New Vert-X bridle
• Compatible with Unify High-Y and Low-V
• Single sliding pulley
• Ultra HT dacron frame
• Lightweight HT140 struts
• Teijin D2 ripstop canopy
• Pure Form Panels
• EVA battens on the trailing edge
• Updated TPU leading edge bumpers
• Airframe Inflation System
• Sizes: 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 11m