Airush and AK Durable Supply..same company?

[j_dog]

Just watching a few videos from this years 2023 AWSI in Hood River.

What's the deal with Airush and AK, are they they same company? does one own the other? I am seeing a lot of newer Airush kit being named AK (especially in the Wing/Foil gear) is it similar to the probable rebranding like Doutone and North Kiteboarding in 2019?

[j_dog]

As I understood, they are separate companies but have the same owner.

[SENDIT!]

Just watching a few videos from this years 2023 AWSI in Hood River.

What's the deal with Airush and AK, are they they same company? does one own the other? I am seeing a lot of newer Airush kit being named AK (especially in the Wing/Foil gear) is it similar to the probable rebranding like Doutone and North Kiteboarding in 2019?

Much the same as Cabrinha/Dakine, Fone/Manera, North/Mystic, Slingshot/Ride Engine, Duotone/Ion, etc…

It enables the kite brand to have a separate “soft goods” brand that opens up more options to people that are loyal to one kite brand (say…Slingshot), but happen to like the fit/feel of a Mystic harness, wetsuit, etc…

[Mikkelza]

Just watching a few videos from this years 2023 AWSI in Hood River.

What's the deal with Airush and AK, are they they same company? does one own the other? I am seeing a lot of newer Airush kit being named AK (especially in the Wing/Foil gear) is it similar to the probable rebranding like Doutone and North Kiteboarding in 2019?

The North/Duotone situation was very special; something about the now Duotone was no longer allowed to use the North name, but owned kite designs etc, and therefore changed name to Duotone. Consequently, previous North kites and current Duotones are therefore 'alike'. While the owner of the name North (being North Sails) re-launched the name North, but with different kites. **IF I REMEMBER CORRECT**

There is obviosly strong connections between Airush and AK durable design. Airush is actually named Airush Kiteboard, and I presume the name AK comes from this. The same designers are behind/involved in both Airush and AK. I don't know anything about ownerships etc.

[Da Yoda]

I was told the AK is the abbreviation for "Airush Kites". The relationship is identical to what Sendit! and Mikkelza stated. I only wish they had kept it simple like AK Durables or AK Supply.

[Da Yoda]

As I understood, they are separate companies but have the same owner.

That makes some sense. It does seem fitting that the "AK" would have been derived from the Airush Kites name, since the majority of AKDSC's products are kite and foil related.
AKDSC also has several team riders that are flying and gliding on Airush products.

[Toby]

I thought so too

But once I put up a news I received and posted under Airush...I was then informed that AK is its own company, and they want to keep it separate, but they do belong together.