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Fanatic have celebrated their 40th anniversary with visual designs in some of their 2021 range inspired by a blend of iconic graphics from their history. Their Ultra Grip Mosquito Edition wave board for example celebrates the famous graphics of the Ultra Mosquito from 30 years ago. But how would an older shape like the Ultra Mosquito stack up against Fanatic’s latest wave board designs, the Grip and Mamba? It was an interesting question and nobody better qualified to find out than the UK’s most successful professional windsurfer, Nik Baker. John Carter headed down to visit Nik at his stomping ground of Shoreham to capture the action.  

Words Nik Baker // Photos John Carter

This feature was originally published in our 2020 November / December issue.

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NIK BAKER 

ULTRA MOSQUITO 

I bought the Ultra Mosquito on eBay. I knew it was our 40th anniversary so I thought it would be quite a nice board to take to our demos. I thought it would be fun to let punters try it. The old Mosquito compared to the new one felt about six feet longer, although somehow it has about 20 litres less volume! It was quite hilarious to sail. The mast track is right up the front end of the board, nothing like the boards of today.

I set the deck plate at the back to try, so it was not so far forwards, and even then, it felt it was like ten inches too far towards the front. Trying to find the footstraps was a challenge. I could work my foot into the front strap, but then struggled to find the back strap. Normally your foot is not far enough back to get in the back footstrap, but with the Mosquito, my foot was about ten inches too far back and I had to bring it forward. It felt like my feet were right together. The designs over the years have radically changed. I put my boom up virtually to the top of the cut-out, and even then, it was not high enough. The mast track was so much more forward and the sail was so much more raked back in those days. We were not closing the gap like we do now. I had to put a touring SUP fin in the board just to have a big enough fin. I knew with the mast track so far forwards that I would be standing near the back of the board, I needed a fin with a big area on it to stop me going sideways.  

It was an interesting experience sailing it. It was nowhere near as difficult as I thought it would be. It got planing reasonably well. I was on a 5.3m and it was quite windy. Because it has a long waterline, it started moving forwards fairly easily. The board was a lot less stable because it is so narrow; the volume is over the whole length, rather than in modern boards where it is all in a more concentrated area where the mastfoot and footstraps are. We are using the volume a lot more efficiently nowadays. To be fair, it did get moving ok. It was reasonably fast, but that is just one aspect of a board. The rest of it was where the problems started. I did manage to ride some waves. I landed a back loop on it and I even tried some head dips for a bit of old school fun and games. With that board you just don’t have the same control.  

Obviously, it did not turn anywhere near as tight as the new boards. It did not drive through the turn and you could not change direction through the turn. It was the same with the jumps. You were headed towards the ramps and you could not suddenly change your mind or direction. You set your aim and you don’t have a lot of choice after that, you become a passenger! I think the Mosquito must date back to the late eighties. I seem to remember it coming out a year or two after I started racing at the age of 15! It must have been 1987 or 1988 that the Mosquito first came out and then the Ultra Mosquito was first released in 1990. 

It was amazing to sail the Ultra Mosquito. It brought me back to my childhood in a way; just walking down the beach with it put a smile on my face. I could barely see the mastfoot it was so far away from the front footstraps. I was a bit nervous those old footstraps would rip off in the air while I was sailing, but it actually stayed together. The board was built to be almost bulletproof, but they are quite heavy compared to the new boards. I was surprised how quickly it got going. The footstrap placement did feel strange when sailing, it felt like my feet were only shoulder width apart. Nowadays the boards have the straps an extra 3-4 inches apart between front and back. It was weird having my feet so close together as I was flying out to do jumps. I had no control compared to what I can do on the newer gear. The board was just dead! It ploughed across the water as opposed to skipping across the water like the new boards. You wiggle a new board a little bit and once the front part of the board breaks the water surface it lifts, and off you go. The old board is a bit like a steam engine. It slowly winds itself up and then it finally gets under way. As for gybes, surprisingly it gybed ok! It was a bit dead and there was not a lot of change in direction, but it plodded through the turn. Considering that board was made thirty odd years ago it must have been quite an amazing board in its time. I actually had a few fun rides on it. You had to aim it and hope for the best that the wave would do what you envisaged. You drop through your turn, push as hard as you can to get it to go and keep the power in the rig to keep the drive through the turn. I was quite happy with a few of the turns considering my feet were so close together and my mast track was so far forwards. This summer there have been lots of guys out on the water who have been dragging all their old gear out of the closet. I have seen all sorts on the water! We had quite a lot of wind since lockdown so why not I suppose! 

MAMBA 94 

The Mamba 94 is a new board to our lineup this year. The Mamba has three fins, while the Grip is a quad. The new boards are quite different in themselves to be honest with you. The Mamba is a bit more free feeling and a little bit faster to get going and it is quite smooth running over the water. It is quite a free feeling board through the turn. I can change direction quite easily and pivot off the tail easier than I can on the quad.

The reason I use the Mamba quite a lot here in Shoreham is that you can change direction easily and pivot off the tail and snap off the top. Sailing at Shoreham I like to snap off the back foot quite a lot. If I had better waves I would probably just sail the Grip, but in side–on and softer waves where I live, the Mamba comes into its own, with that pivot off the back foot style of sailing. It is halfway between our old Stubby and the Grip. The Stubby pivoted off the back foot incredibly well. It accelerated very quickly. The new Mamba is not quite as snappy off the back foot but it drives more through the turns. You can snap off the top but it will follow a line better than the Stubby. With the Stubby you would snap and stop. Then you would have to accelerate for the next turn. The Mamba will snap and keep on driving, not as much as the grip, but you get a bit of spray from the snap and it also drives into your next turn. That feels quite nice. For consumers, I think this will be an amazing board. You can bump and jump it, wave ride it and snap off the tail. The new boards are so much more responsive than that old Mosquito, they change direction and do what you expect them to do. When you get on a wave with the Mamba you can wait, wait, wait, and as you see the wave jacking up you can start your bottom turn. Then you can decide where you want to be. Go to the right, fade off before hitting the lip or whatever you wanted. On the old Mosquito there wasn’t any of that.  

MOSQUITO GRIP 92 

I sailed the Grip Ultra Mosquito edition, which was a 92 litre. The grip has four fins and is a very fast board and incredibly controllable. When the wave is reasonable, anything from shoulder high upwards, the board has incredible grip through the turns, funnily enough! It cuts through the chop really well and is a much more ‘drivey’ board. You can change direction on it, but not as easily as the Mamba. As you are going through the turns from frontside to cut back, when you start carving off the top, it feels like somebody is hanging onto the rail and the board just drives through that turn. You are really using the entire rail and all the fins. You don’t necessarily create so much spray, but it is more ‘drivey’ through the turn and when you get it right it feels amazing.

The guys at Fanatic have done an incredible job in making this board work for real world sailors. The 2021 Mosquito Grip has 92 litres of volume, while the old one was a mere 73 litres. In this day and age that is tiny. I don’t think I have sailed a 73 litre board for ten years. A 77 litre board is the smallest I generally sail and that is in 3.7 weather. I was on a 5.3m, the old style board is so long at 252 cm that it just about gets away with its low volume due to its big long waterline.

In some ways that really helps and got me going on such a low volume board. Unfortunately, in every other way compared to the new models, it radically lacked. I could still get planing quicker on my 92 litre Grip. The length in the old board is all largely wasted. The volume is all around the mast track, which is about four foot too far forwards! You look at the new style boards and they are much shorter, much more compact and wider, with thicker, fuller rails. That puts all of the volume under the weight of the rig, the mast track and your footstraps. Basically, when you gybe and stop start on a modern board the volume is all there where you want it to be. The new boards are much thicker and more domed in the deck, which gives you a nice feeling in the footstraps as well. It is quite radical how boards have developed from back in the day. The gap between the footstraps was insane, that was one of the big things I struggled with. Your feet are so close together on the old Mosquito it was hilarious.  

DESIGN MATTERS 

The new designs of wave boards are relatively short. The tricky thing with these modern shapes is to get those very short in length boards turning tightly. This takes a certain amount of rocker. You have rocker through the centre line and rocker through the rails, which are both different. To turn a board with rocker which is that short is actually not difficult to do. But to get a board of that short a length that turns well and planes easily too, that is another matter.

There are three parts to a rocker line – the tail rocker, the nose entry and the flatter section in the middle of the board. The nose entry needs to be high enough so it doesn’t catch, and high enough so that when you are on the rail, that is still turning when the whole front of the board is in the water, so the board still follows the arc of the turn. If there is too much nose rocker though then you will never get planing. On a longer board like the old style Mosquito I was on, that curve is spread out over a much longer length. The downside is turning a board like that, I had to really line it up without much choice to change direction.

I saw one picture where the front of the board was out of the water because I was really trying to pull it through the turn. If I didn’t line it up I could not change direction or do anything. I managed to get a few decent snaps considering! It was a laugh that was for sure. I will take these boards to some demos so clients can try it for themselves. It is nice to see people have a go on the old stuff. There are always things you can take from the old gear that you can learn from. Look at the construction, it was heavy, but the board is still here all these years later!     

VITAL STATS 

FANATIC ULTRA MOSQUITO 

VOLUME: 73.1 litres 

WIDTH: 57 cm 

LENGTH: 252cm 

FANATIC MAMBA TE 94 

VOLUME: 94 litres 

WIDTH: 59 cm 

LENGTH: 220 cm 

FANATIC ULTRA GRIP MOSQUITO EDITION 92 

VOLUME: 92 litres 

WIDTH: 59 cm 

LENGTH: 226 cm 

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VERDICT:

Smooth power and ultimate control, the Blade is an incredibly easy to use high performance package for those looking for a 5 batten wave sail.

THE

LOWDOWN:

The Blade continues in Severne’s lineup as their 5 batten wave sail offering with Severne claiming, “The 021 Blade is the sail to choose for all-round high performance.” It sits alongside its 4 batten stablemate the S-1.

The Blade has seen some evolutions for the 2021 season with a lighter feel produced by a focus on reducing swing weight but also using their new eM4 material in high load areas such as the foot. Based on the eM3 material that has been consistently used in areas to reduce weight in Severne’s range, the eM4 material features twice the amount of X-Ply fibre and increased film thickness to increase durability. Thus allowing weight reduction while still maintaining puncture resistance and tear strength.

The clew has been strengthened but not at the expense of swing weight by continued use of Severne technologies such as their Spiderfibre load system. You also see this continued focus on reducing swing weight in the head where rather than moulded head reinforcement; the luff material is simply doubled up. Despite being a 5 batten sail, the Blade came out as one of the lightest on test.

Even though there is a push on weight reduction, there is a clear eye on durability too, for example the entire sail is X-ply and is entirely double seamed to maximise strength.

The Blade is available in an impressive number of sizes from 3.0 all the way through to 6.7. The smaller sizes up to 3.7 have adjustable headcaps and all sizes maintain the 5-batten layout. Severne also offer two membrane Sails the Blade Pro and S-1 Pro.

BRAND CLAIM: “When you need dependable performance across a wide wind range you simply can’t beat the stability and control that 5 battens provide. Based on this fundamental we built the Blade to be the ultimate all-rounder wave sail.”

PERFORMANCE:

Rigged on the Severne RDM Blue mast, it’s worth noting that when using the aligned Severne extension that the sail rigs with the luff on the left to give you a taste of its West Australian roots, where port tack wave sailing is predominant. It downhauls easily with a bar through the tack block keeping the downhaul neatly in the pully system, and the bar can be removed if using a loop and go system.

There is positive rotation in the bottom of the sail and the Dacron along the luff panel offers an increased amount of stretch. On the water the Blade is incredibly smooth in it’s power delivery. It powers up easily, but in control, making use of gusts rather than letting you get caught out by them. The Dacron luff panel gives it a smooth rather than soft feel as the centre of effort drives low and forward. This locks the board down to the water and certainly gives an overriding feeling of control that is highlighted throughout the Blade’s use.

This controlled power delivery and ability to drive the board means the Blade felt one of the fastest sails, and certainly allows you to attack ramps or waves with as much speed as you dare. It has a good natural range with little more than outhaul adjustment really needed as the wind increases. On the wave the control continues with the Blade able to go light in the hands easily when needed, and remains light in the hands through transitions.

www.severnesails.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff:  415 cm.

Boom: 164 cm.

Battens: 5

Ideal mast: Severne 400 Wave RDM.

Sizes: 3.0, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 6.2, 6.7.

PRICE: £765.00

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

Back to test overview:

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PRESS RELEASE

PLAS MENAI IMPLEMENTS RAFT OF NEW PROCEDURES AHEAD OF WELCOMING BACK UNDER 18s FROM APRIL 2

The National Outdoor Centre for Wales will welcome back under-18s living in Wales in the first stage of its reopening. A team of 15 Plas Menai instructors have devoted an entire month to implementing new procedures to ensure the safety of visitors when they return from April 2. In order to comply with all recommendations set out by the Welsh government, preparations have seen the world-class training staff undertake an extensive training programme. Instructors have also practised updated rescue scenarios factoring in the requirements of social distancing and have taken part in refresher sessions to ensure their skills are entirely up to date. The acclaimed centre in Caernarfon, North Wales, is opening first to young people to acknowledge the sacrifice they have made over lockdown. It plans to welcome guests aged 18 and under from the rest of the UK on April 12 when travel restrictions are set to lift.

Alison Yates, Operations and Programme Manager at Plas Menai, said: “The past year has been really difficult for young people and they’ve been selfless in staying at home, away from school and friends, in order to protect people who are likely to be more vulnerable than themselves. So giving young people this opportunity to try new activities and experience the great outdoors along North Wales’s spectacular coastline is our way of saying thank you.We’ve been in talks with the Welsh Government to understand the restrictions and all our instructors have been working hard to ensure our programmes and activities follow the guidelines and keep everyone safe. The biggest challenge for us this year has been waiting for confirmation on when restrictions will lift. However, we have greatly benefited from the work we did last year to implement changes to the centre, and we know which activities we can run with social distancing.We are fully prepared to reopen for everyone from April 24, so everyone can benefit from the activities we can offer. However, we understand this is wholly dependent on the Welsh Government’s future decisions and are offering full flexibility and refund guarantees if restrictions affect operations or bookings.”

The re-opening will see visitors offered two-hour taster sessions on Good Friday and weekends, and half-day sessions during the week. Activities available include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), windsurfing, kayaking, mountain biking, den build and bushcraft, and Challenge Yourself, in which youngsters can take part in a range of team games. A responsible adult is required to remain on site while activities take place. They will be able to take advantage of grab-and-go catering which will serve hot and cold snacks and refreshments.

From April 24, the globally renowned centre intends to offer a full programme of activities and courses – including its indoor pool – for young people, families and adults, subject to the Welsh Government’s plans to lift restrictions.

It also plans to stage preparation days for instructor courses, so those looking to gain professional qualifications can take part in activities – such as sailing or wind sailing – without the pressure of being on a formal course.

The centre will continue to follow all advice as set out by the Welsh government, which includes sticking to a two-metre social distancing rule at all times, accepting pre-bookings only, introducing a one-way system around the centre, and adding additional hand washing points and sanitisers.

To pre-book, find out more and to keep up to date with activities at Plas Menai visit www.plasmenai.co.uk.

-ENDS-

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Japanese young gun, Takuma Sugi has been hard at work training in a wide variety of conditions at home in Japan! Check out this action packed clip filmed from water, land and drone in anything from zero to fifty knots!

The post L.E.V.E.L: TAKUMA SUGI appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

FoamLife release the world’s first flip flop designed specifically for goofy footers!

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Say hello to the ‘Flip Flip’.

Due to launch in mid-April, FoamLife are a new flip flop brand taking the industry by storm with their comfort, style, and raw innovation…

Goofy footers have always stood in the shadows and represented a humble minority compared to their regular footed siblings. With the introduction of this ground-breaking new product, FoamLife are seizing the opportunity to develop flip flops specifically for those who choose to put their right foot forward.

“As a new brand we wanted to start off on the right foot so to speak and for too long regular footers have dominated the footwear market while us goofy footers have suffered in silence. It’s time to set things right.”

 Tony Foot I Head of Protoetype Development FoamLife

“This historic announcement had come as welcome news to the often-neglected goofy footed community. A real step in the right direction”.

Prof: Fillippe Flope I Head Podiatrist at University of Veruka

Available at: www.thefoamlife.com and all leading retailers.

Contact details: info@thefoamlife.com

Aout FoamLife

FoamLife was created by a collective of likeminded friends, creatives, thinkers, makers, and doers. Our story is an unconventional one from the outset…

FoamLife was born in March 2020 under deepest darkest Covid lockdown – a time of unprecedented change when everyone’s lives and normal routines were put on pause.

They say that all change brings opportunity and that pause proved to be just the catalyst of change required for us to collectively envision a fresh and disruptive new footwear brand based on a simple shared idea;

‘We believe that a life lived in flip flops is a life better lived’.

As athletes, artists, and musicians who’ve grown up living a ‘beach lifestyle’, we believe that a flip flop is more than just something that you put on your feet. Whether you’re finishing a long day at work or you’re just chilling with friends, slipping into a pair of flip flops just flicks that mental ‘feel good’ factor in us all.

As sports and fashion industry lifers, we are as passionate about creating great products as we are about creating great brands. With sustainability at our core; our aim is to create simple, stylish, and sublimely comfortable products that don’t cost the earth.  At the end of the day, FoamLife is the simple manifestation of our collective imaginations, belief systems and often times counter intuitive approaches to life.

Live less ordinary.

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Conditioning the Body Specifically for the Sport of Windsurfing

World Champion Windsurfer and Certified Personal Trainer, Sarah Hauser has provided us with details of her new digital fitness program which is designed specifically for windsurfers.

Photos: Courtesy of Sarah Hauser

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SARAH HAUSER

“A slalom sailor has different goals and priorities than a wave sail0r or a freestyle sailor. The best way to condition your body for the sport of windsurfing really depends on your goals, your current level of fitness and your discipline. But overall there are

three fundamental pillars to consider when conditioning anybody for windsurfing https://www.nc6training.com/programs:

1. Cardiovascular training. Fast walking, running, biking, swimming, rowing, dancing… whatever it is, make sure to incorporate interval training in your cardio session instead of keeping the same pace all the time. In the real world we swim after our equipment when it gets pushed by waves or we pump to catch a wave or to come out of a jibe. For our heart it’s the equivalent of doing little sprints throughout the session. Cardio interval training will not only increase the ability to pump hard and catch that wave but once you’re on it you’ll have the juice to perform and take full advantage of the ride instead of recovering from the pumping.

2. Strength training, in a broad sense. To me that encompasses: (A) balance, agility and proprioception (perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body) which can be practiced by creating instability in workouts with tools such as a bosu or an indo board, incorporating obstacles such as hurdles and adding a stimulus like someone throwing you a ball. (B) strength, muscle endurance and power. These three crucial modalities are achieved by playing with variables of a resistance workout such as load, number of repetitions, order of the exercises and rest. Whichever part of the body you’re training, you’re looking for

   strength to accomplish the movements of windsurfing, muscle

   endurance to last through long and intense sessions and (depending on your level and goals)

   power to jump, smack the lip of the wave or do freestyle tricks.

The human body was not designed to pull on a boom for hours on end, to hold our pelvis tilted, to keep our feet in foot straps and our toes up… all this is unnatural and when we do it extensively our joints become irritated. Those joints in turn exacerbate the postural issues of being hunched over, at a computer for example. Mobility exercises are not only key to help counter the effect of that overuse but they will enhance gains in all other aspects of training.

Mobility is vital

Mobility training https://www.nc6training.com/programs aims to increase the range of motion of your joints through dynamic stretching techniques. Where flexibility only focuses on increasing amplitude, mobility training allows you to control your movements throughout that gained amplitude, making you able to precisely produce and absorb force in all parts of the range of motion.

Mobility training also corrects muscle imbalances, decreases muscle soreness, relieves joint stress, improves muscle extensibility and maintains the functional length of all muscles. These factors increase neuromuscular efficiency and enhance overall function.

My shoulder story. From so much sitting to so much moving.

As a professional athlete I had an unconventional path. At 23 years old, after having spent 5 years studying to become a computer science Engineer, I embarked on a radically different journey. I moved to Maui, Hawaii to become a professional windsurfer. I went from sitting most of the day to surfing or stand up paddling in the morning and windsurfing for hours in the afternoons.

After a year at this intense rhythm, my shoulder was on fire with pain and everyone was unanimously telling me I had ‘shoulder tendinitis’. Luckily at that time I had decided to invest in high quality fitness training classes where I discovered shoulder mobility exercises.

After 2 weeks of mobility practice, the shoulder pain had reduced and after a month it had disappeared. Turns out I did not have tendinitis, I just needed to correct my shoulder joint and keep it happy under stress.

Throughout the years I continued to develop my own routines, taking inspiration from professional trainers and athletes in a variety of sports.

Nowadays I split my time between at the desk and on the water. I have identified the movements that help me and my personal training clients stay pain free while maintaining the ability to push our limits when we decide to. Some of these techniques are inspired by functional training, yoga, rotator cuff rehabilitation, surf training, rock climbing stretches and even Gyrotonic. All of these techniques combined to form my new digital fitness program for upper body mobility.

Designed specifically for windsurfers and wing foilers, Solid Shoulders https://www.nc6training.com/programs is a unique upper body mobility program built on 8 years of experience as a professional ocean athlete and certified fitness trainer.  It is comprised of:

– 3 workout videos

– 1 foam rolling video

– 1 guided hypnosis for mindset training

The program can be downloaded for just $35 (no subscription required) at https://www.nc6training.com/programs

This is a great way to stay in shape and prepare for your next windsurfing vacation or clinic! You too can have healthy and strong shoulders without having to go through expensive and complicated procedures.”

About Sarah https://www.hauserlifestyle.com/copy-of-b-i-o

Sarah Hauser is a professional windsurfer, brand value ambassador, motivational speaker, and personal trainer recognized worldwide for her performance and innovation in big wave windsurfing.

Based on Maui, Hawaii, Sarah is a 3x overall winner of the International Windsurfing Tour, 2x Winner of windsurfing’s most prestigious contest the Aloha Classic, and recognized worldwide as one of the top big wave riders in the history of the sport.  Her accomplishments have earned her the attention of a following who not only supports her athletic conquests but also her advocacy of eco-friendly and gender-balanced policies, projects, and products worldwide.

Sarah constantly pursues mental and physical training techniques to fully prepare herself for any situation big waves or life may throw at her.  After receiving her personal training certification, she has helped the world’s best windsurfers as well as those vacationing to Maui with workout programs to keep them on the water longer, performing at their best, and feeling great.  With the recent changes in times and as part of her relationship as a value ambassador for SAP, Sarah has expanded her training to virtual fitness classes to stimulate the body and mind through a long day on the grind. https://www.nc6training.com/programs

Athlete reel:

The post CONDITIONING THE BODY FOR WINDSURFING: SARAH HAUSER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

From our 2021 January / February edition of Windsurf Magazine our test team looked at the latest crop of 5.0 all-round wave sails on offer.

Testers: Sam Ross, Leo McCallin, Tris Best, Maurin Rotterwater, Iain Hunter, Imogen Sills, Islay Watson, Emily Hall, Andy Gratwick.

Locations: Southbourne, Weymouth Bandstand, Overcombe and Avon Beach.

Photos: Gemma Soloman, Alice Callow and Sam Ross.

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In the latest test we look at the new crop of 5.0 wave sail offerings. We had the usual test team, but were also joined by some of the women from the British Sailing Team’s windsurfing squad, which gave us even more input into the test and also allowed us to use a broader range of riders from the low 60 kg mark all the way up to almost 90 kg. Sail testing took place at a variety of spots including Southbourne, Avon, Kimmeridge, Weymouth Bandstand and Overcombe, in everything from bolt onshore to cross-shore.

Testing these sails really made us question some of the strongly held beliefs around 4 and 5 batten wave sails, and this is reflected in how the brand’s offerings have changed over the last few seasons. A few seasons ago we would have seen a predominance of 5 batten wave sails in test, with the 4 batten sails being the more niche ‘new school’ option. But in this test the tables have really turned, with only the Severne Blade and Point-7 SPY representing the 5 batten sails in this group. But it’s not just what is on our test, this is an indicative reflection of the brands lineups this season. Many brands only have 4 batten options in their wave range. Duotone, Goya, RRD and GA have no 5 batten offerings in their 2021 lineups, but still offer a range of 4 or even 3 batten sails. Whereas Severne, Point-7, Loftsails, Naish and Ezzy still have what you might consider the more ‘traditional’ sail range with both 5 batten ‘Power Wave’ and more ‘manoeuvre orientated’ 4 batten sails.

So, the overall balance is still tipped towards brands offering 5 and 4 batten, but this test really did highlight the inaccuracies of the long standing hangups around 4 batten designs, where lightness and soft handling was often felt to be a trade off against stability and top end wind range. In a 4 batten quiver the change downs would often need to be a bit sooner and you needed every size of sail to have a manageable quiver.

However, when reading these tests, you’ll see that top end was rarely an issue in the 4 batten sails and there were some similarities and a few unique examples of how brands achieved this. Panel layout was a key feature in some, where the main panel had been maximised to increase softness, but also give more stability to the top of the leech. Radial load lines emanating out from clews are seen on almost all sails, again to help stabilise the load across the rig. Single and double clew eyelets are featured by about half the brands, with some significant differences in placing. Mini battens are prevalent too, in all shapes and sizes, notably Naish running two in the top panel and the Ezzy mini battens of a much larger size than most brands.

The question is, does anything make the 5 battens standout anymore as an advantage over the 4 battens? The biggest thing would still be speed. Whilst the foils of the 4 batten sails are getting more and more stable, the locked draft and flatter sail shapes of the 5 batten sails still gives them that blasting and speed edge. They have also transferred some of the 4 batten attributes with more use of Dacron in luff sleeves to soften them up a little.

So much like the wave boards last month where compact merged with classic, we see the 4 and 5 batten sails start to share each other’s attributes – the 5 batten designs are getting lighter, and the 4 batten designs are becoming more stable. So, when coming to choose, you still need to think of what board will you use it on, where will you use it and what’s your priority.

SUMMARY

All the sails stood out with key attributes in handling, feel and range. The

Goya Guru had an impressive tuning range through the use of the twin eyelets, going from low end powerful brute, all the way through to precision instrument. This was also seen in the

Duotone Super Hero, which showed a good bottom end and an ability to tune all the way through to a solid top end range, with the addition of an easy soft feel. The

Ezzy Wave’s all-round range and compact feel made it a real standout on the wave face. The

Naish also excelled on the wave with a full neutral mode whilst riding. By contrast the

GA Manic offered a sharper feel with more direct feedback, but coupled this with an exceptional wind range. As expected from a sail developed in Tarifa, the

Loftsails Wavescape gave both incredible top end control and also neutral handling on the wave. Onto the 5 batten sails on test and the

Severne Blade’s natural range made it a fast all-rounder that worked well in all environments. The

Point-7 Spy showed a great range of use, with enough pull to get heavy riders up on the plane and good overall speed to work in bump and jump mode as well. As a concept the

RRD Compact Vogue has been extremely well executed, offering a sail like no other, that can be easily transported, but still offers a great range of performance use.

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THE LINE UP:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

The post 2021 5.0 ALL-ROUND WAVE SAIL TEST appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

Smooth power delivery across the wind range. The Super Hero’s centred and controlled pull allows you to focus your attention fully on riding the wave through every wind angle with super easy handling.

THE LOWDOWN:

The Super Hero sees a continued progression as Duotone’s 2021 any condition wave sail. The key features that made it a popular model for 2020 and the go-to sail for Victor Fernandez continuing for 2021. The BATTEN-FREE CENTRE continues for 2021, with significant space between batten three and the bottom batten. Most of the development work has gone into the 5.0, 5.3 and 5.7 sizes, with an optimising of the luff curve to improve twist for an increased wind range. Batten one has also been shortened and the profile raised slightly in the sail. Both of these features helping push the board down onto the water less and so encourage earlier planing. The tweaks in the 2021 version are there to further enhance wind range, whilst delivering a sail with a centred draft and neutral feel, which can deliver from float and ride through to fully overpowered.

On test is the standard Super Hero, but there is also an HD version, which is monofilm free, and also available is the ultra light weight Super Hero M.Plus, which continues as their full membrane version, reducing weight by up to half a kilo.

The traditional Duotone features continue with a durable tri-ply laminate in the foot panel and IBUMPER 2.0, which is a moulded mast protector, as well as durable epoxy battens and the IROCKET2.0 batten tensioners.

BRAND CLAIM: Look no further – the wave sail for any condition and rider weight. The centered draft position makes the Super Hero the most neutral wave sail out there.

PERFORMANCE:

The Super Hero easily rigs on the platinum 400 mast and visual downhaul indicators make getting the settings an easy process. In the lighter breezes the sail has plenty of draft through the middle panel and whilst developing lots of low-end power, its delivery is soft and easy to handle.

Through bottom to top turn the sail pulls you through with plenty of control, even staying well behaved whilst holding clew first. Whether onshore or more down-the-line, the controlled feel of the sail allows you to focus on driving the board through the turn, rather than controlling the rig.

As it starts to get more powered, there is a break that starts to appear across the large main panel. But with an increase in downhaul and outhaul tweaking, this crease disappears to let the leech twist away. Once fully tuned, the sail remains neutral, soft and easily controlled whilst maintaining to an impressive top end.

www.duotonesports.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff: 414 cm

Boom: 166 cm

Battens: 4

Ideal mast: Duotone Platinum/Gold/Silver 400 RDM

Available sizes: 3.0 , 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7.

PRICE: £689 

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview:

The post DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

GOYA GURU X PRO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

The Guru X pro has a soft and steady power delivery that will work across a range of conditions and board types. When well tuned it can go from full power, low-end brute, all the way through to highly controllable, easy to handle, multi-function wave sail, all in a bombproof package.

THE LOWDOWN:

The Guru is now Goya’s longest running wave sail in its range. They remain one of the few brands that don’t have a 5 batten wave sail in their range, instead the Guru X Pro sits alongside the 4 batten Banzai and 3 batten Fringe.

All the sails are focussed on wave sailing, with the Guru X Pro positioned as their control wave sail. Much of this control status is delivered through a use of materials that allow Goya to give the Guru a softer power delivery than its other sails within the range. Much of its development has been on making the Guru as controllable and easy to use as possible, especially in high winds, with increased testing in locations like Pozo and the Gorge. Notably, Francisco Goya claims it as his favourite sail in the range!

The Guru features a softer more flexible vinyl window, rather than the more common monofilm, with Goya claiming the vinyl is also ‘practically indestructible’. Elsewhere is a combination of high-end materials, such as, hybrid Dacron and scrim luff panels and X-ply film reinforced with Spectra yarns, which Goya say, “is incredibly tear resistant, the perfect body panel material for people looking for maximum durability.” Further attention to detail and build quality is noted, with a fully moulded tack fairing and the clew to the luff is layered with distinct carbon load lines emanating out from the twin titanium clew rings, which, in keeping with all the sail’s fittings, are well reinforced.

BRAND CLAIM: “Wave performance and also high wind comfort, confidence and control in any water condition. It creates a very smooth and comfortable power delivery, as well as the most durable sail in our lineup.”

PERFORMANCE:

Once rigged on the 400 pro 100 mast, the Guru X Pro really stands out on the beach in the fuchsia and neon yellow, and if you’re looking to turn heads on the water, this sail will certainly help. With a boom length in the mid 160s, this sail sat in the mid-range of sails on test for boom length, but had one of the longest overall luff lengths. With a high cut foot, there is visibly a lot of sail above the boom and towards the head.

In lighter breezes and set on the top hole of the clew eyelets, there was plenty of power. The delivery of power was soft, and it’s easy to under tune the sail on the beach as the extra stretch in the rig continues to pull and offer plenty of grunt with the centre of effort remaining high in the rig. When set on the minimum settings and starting to power up, the sail maintains overall shape well, not breaking or creasing, but neither twisting away and becoming a real handful.

Dropping down the bottom clew hole and increasing the downhaul changes the feel of the rig beyond recognition. The pull in the sail comes much lower with the leech visibly twisting off and the designed ease of use in the Guru X Pro becoming fully apparent, with the sail offering soft but stable power delivery, and also a huge amount of flex and forgiveness over choppy water states, without upsetting the ride

www.goyawindsurfing.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff:  417 cm.

Boom: 163-166 cm.

Battens: 4

Ideal mast: Goya 400 RDM

Sizes: 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3.

Price: £719.00

GOYA GURU X PRO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview:

The post GOYA GURU X PRO 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Cesare Cantagalli

” I have experienced firsthand, first as an athlete, creator of maneuvers and explorer of unknown spots then as an entrepreneur, all the continuous evolutions of the windsurfing world.

The post THE EVOLUTION OF TIMES: CESARE CANTAGALLI I-99 SAILS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

POINT-7 SPY 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

A well put together all-rounder that would work well on a wide range of boards from freestyle wave to dedicated wave board. Plenty of power and speed for heavier riders with a great top end for when conditions get more challenging.

THE LOWDOWN:

The SPY is released as Point-7’s 5 batten offering, but also is described in their range as a freestyle wave sail, sitting alongside the 4 batten fully wave orientated Salt.

The sail is released in two colourways, but these are also slightly different in construction. The 832_Black Code is finished with the top part of the sail in a 2.5 mil X-ply, whilst the 7548_Yellow Code has 4 mil X-ply in the top panels. The thinner X-ply is designed to give a lighter more forgiving feel, whereas the thicker X-ply is meant to have a more reactive and crisp feeling.

The Spy has been developed as a non-technical wave sail to give ease of use to the maximum number of sailors. Point-7 point out that it is not just a 5 batten Salt, but an entirely different sail altogether. Coming in 8 sizes, all have 5 battens and are designed around an RDM mast, although the larger two sizes, 5.9 and 6.4, are SDM compatible.

The Spy features two well-spaced clew eyelets, the bottom focussed on a wave sailing position, and the top for more power and bump and jump. Both versions of the sail use a variety of materials to give the rig maximum durability and shape; the foot panel features 5 mil anti-UV X-ply for maximum strength. The clear central 5 mil X-ply window is then surrounded by anti-UV X-ply to offer increased durability, but without obstructing the vision of the sailor.

BRAND CLAIM: If you’re looking for power, but power which can plane in the lightest conditions and at the same time challenge even the toughest situations, this sail is for you.

PERFORMANCE:

Once rigged on the Point-7 K97 mast, there is a fair amount of positive rotation in the bottom 2 battens, and even some in the batten above the boom. The leech falls away and we found that you could dramatically increase the leach looseness through downhaul tuning without losing much of the depth of draft or rotation in the bottom of the sail. The foot is cut high, as is the clew, with a marked difference in the position of the two clew eyelets.

On the water the pull of the SPY is high and forward pulling you easily onto the plane. The power delivery is smooth rather than soft, with the profile of the sail changing little through gusts and delivering continued dependable power. This steady drive and quite ‘locked’ feel mean it is easy to build up good speed on the SPY and you can see how it would make a great sail on bump and jump as well as wavey days.

In transitions and on the wave the shape of the SPY is always maintained. With the positive rotation in the sail and the relatively fixed draft the sail never really goes neutral in the hands. Instead, continuingly drawing you through turns and transitions with continuous drive. Its stable nature however means that this does little to upset the sailor and certainly helps when making turns in less than perfect conditions. When fully downhauled the SPY has an impressive top end maintaining position of pull and shape throughout its wind range. A sail that gives you confidence through the gusts as it helps keep the board settled on the water.

point-7.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff:  413 cm.

Boom: 166 cm

Battens: 5

Ideal mast: Point-7 K97/K87 400 RDM.

Sizes: 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.9, 6.4.

PRICE: €559 EUROS

POINT-7 SPY 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview:

The post POINT-7 SPY 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

EZZY WAVE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

A precision piece of engineering with good range, the Wave is highly controllable and light in the hands, as well as having a bombproof construction. A wave sail that won’t limit any area of performance.

THE LOWDOWN:

The Ezzy Wave was first introduced to replace the Elite as their four-batten wave sail and this edition on test is an all-new design following on from the original Ezzy Wave we reviewed last year. Of their new ‘Wave’ design, Graham Ezzy says that, “The new Ezzy Wave is a lot less locked-in than Ezzy sails of previous years, providing a neutral feeling while going through the wind.”
The focus for Ezzy when releasing the Wave was to reduce the physical weight of the sail without compromising the brand’s reputation for exceptional strength and build quality. And as with last year’s sail, you don’t see the vinyl window found in most Ezzy sails, but Spectra reinforced X-ply across the entire sail. You can’t help being impressed by the build quality and attention to detail on the Ezzy sails. Many established features are also on the Wave, like integrated battens, as well as a tack roller that is functional and industrial and the roller is extended and easy to access through the tack fairing. At the luff top, there is a large plastic head piece for easy location and there is tape in the top panel to help with rolling. There is no getting away from the fact this is a quality made product. As with all 4 batten sails on test, the Ezzy features mini battens, however the Ezzy battens were amongst the largest, progressing well into the sail’s main profile. The attention to detail continues when you rig the Wave, with a cunningly designed tuning system on the tack of the sail, allowing you to line up your downhaul amount with what setting you want the sail on. It is worth noting that all Ezzy sails are checked and rigged before leaving their Sri Lankan loft.

BRAND CLAIM: “Refined with a flatter profile above the boom, and noticeably lighter in the hands, the new Ezzy Wave offers better high-end control and jumping performance, while retaining the stability and wave manoeuvrability for which the Ezzy Wave is known.”

Ezzy Wave: an Introduction from Ezzy Sails on Vimeo.

PERFORMANCE:

We rigged the Wave on the Ezzy Ho’okipa 400 mast, and it was the easiest sail to downhaul with very little luff curve. Looking at the Wave, almost all the shape comes from the seams cut into the sail, rather than being set by the mast, and so once rigged, it’s very easy to see what the shape of the rig will look like on the water. The intuitive rigging aids make it hard to tune incorrectly before hitting the water.

The sail feels incredibly compact on the water with very little pressure in the back hand and a short boom. The drive of the Ezzy is high and forwards, and whilst the Wave sets with a deep draft, this shape changes very little in gusts, giving an incredible feeling of control.

On the way out the compact feel and stable nature of the Wave make it great for jumps and rotations. Feeling light enough in the hands that’s it’s easy to throw across the body, it feels smaller than its quoted size. On the wave this compact feel and consistent drive make it a joy in the bottom turn and the clew is very easy to control, even in the most onshore conditions. As you transition into the top turn, the light handling nature of the sail and feeling of control give you plenty of confidence to throw yourself into any section, and the power on tap allows you to recover from positions where you have overcooked it.

The Ezzy Wave’s power never goes completely dead, but the sail’s precision of pull and handling more than make up for this. Whilst there is plenty of tuning range through adjustment of the downhaul, it was easy to tweak the Wave afloat with ample tuning available through the outhaul for those quick fixes.

www.ezzy.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff: 409 – 413 cm.

Boom: 157 – 167 cm.

Battens: 4

Ideal mast: Ezzy 400 RDM

Sizes: 3.0, 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8, 6.3.

PRICE: £685

EZZY WAVE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview:

The post EZZY WAVE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

WINDSURF MAGAZINE #403 MAY 2021

Plane Sailing – Matteo Iachino talks speed, Marcilio Browne profile, Tested: 2021 7.0 No-Cam Freerace Sails and Freeride Foils, Greek travel guide, Introducing Lennart Neubauer, Portland foil cruising, Cornish relocation, Harty on big freewaves, Jem Hall’s hip tips, Easterly UK sessions.

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Subscribe and receive your copy in either premium 

Print or 

Digital format.
(Prices include delivery anywhere globally 10 times a year.) Digital edition is available now, print edition in shops and with subscribers soon.

Cover  Sebastian Kornum foiling at the Harry Nass Centre, Baby Bay, Dahab, Egypt.  

Photo  Philip Mackenbrock.

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MARCILIO BROWNE
Marcilio Browne is a former PWA wave and freestyle world champion and one of the world’s best windsurfers; he tells us about his winning ways.

SPEED SWITCH
Matteo Iachino has been switching between his slalom board and speed needle recently. He tells us more about his foray into the world of speed sailing.

FEAST FROM THE EAST
February 2021 saw a rare combination of freezing east winds and a monster south coast swell; Ross Williams and Timo Mullen report on their sessions.

CRUISING WITH FOILS
Ross Williams and Tom Squires foiled out to the cruise liners taking shelter in Weymouth Bay, JC reports back on a successful day of ‘ship spotting.

SOUTHWEST MOVEMENT
Lockdown has made many people in the UK consider a move to Cornwall. John Carter hears from three windsurfers that have already made the move. 

INTRODUCING LENNART
With 2 x world titles to his name already, Greek freestyle sensation Lennart Neubauer is widely tipped as a name to watch. He tells us more about his windsurfing life.

GEAR SHED

2021 7.0 NO-CAM FREERACE SAIL TEST 
The test team put a selection of 7.0 blasters through their paces. These include:

DUOTONE E_PACE 7.3,
GA SAILS MATRIX 7.2,
GOYA NEXUS PRO 6.9,
GUNSAILS ZOOM 7.2,
LOFTSAILS OXYGEN 7.0,
NEIL PRYDE SPEEDSTER 7.2,
POINT-7 AC-X 7.0,
RRD COMPACT FIRE 6.8,
SEVERNE NCX 7.0.

2021 FREERIDE FOIL TEST
The latest freeride foil designs are reviewed and flown by our test team. These include:

FANATIC FLOW FOIL 1000,
GA SAILS HYBRID 1200,
SEVERNE REDWING,
STARBOARD FREERIDE PLUS.

TEKKERS

PETER HART MASTERCLASS – BIG FREEWAVES
Ever bigger Freewave boards are bringing manoeuvre-oriented sailing into the range of bigger performers in lighter winds. Harty suggests how and with what to make the transition.

JEM HALL – ALL IN THE HIPS 
Jem Hall explains how the position of your hips can help improve your windsurfing.

BOARDSHORTS

LATEST & GREATEST
We make news about the news right here; the latest and greatest in windsurfing press releases brought to life.

GREEK TRAVEL GUIDE
With Greek windsurfing centers raring to go for summer, we take a look at some of the best spots to help you plan your Hellenic getaway.

SITTIN’ ON THE DUNNY

EDITORIAL – PLANE SAILING
The editor looks at windsurfing’s relationship with its sister sport of sailing.

AFFAIRS OF THE HART – BRILLIANT AND JUST A LITTLE BIT DULL
The recent America’s Cup in NZ has both inspired and offered a warning about the future of windsurf racing, says Peter Hart. He explains why.

Get your 

Print

The post #403 MAY 2021 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Make sure you watch this awesome action packed 2021 JP Magic Wave video edited by Robby Swift. Clips were filmed all around Maui in Hawaii featuring Swifty and Morgan Noireaux scoring some epic riding and monster jump action and also in Cold Hawaii where Leon Jamaer braves the cold in Denmark for some big hits and rocket airs!

Cinematography: Jace Panebianco, Matty Schweitzer, Paul Karaolides, Stefan Lehman

Producers & Editors & Special Effects: Robby Swift, Jace Panebianco

The post JP MAGIC WAVE 2021 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT 
A smooth operator, easy handling and a neutral feel that helps you make the best out of every wave. A light handling sail rather than a powerful brute, that continues its controlled character even in the most challenging conditions.

THE LOWDOWN

The Wavescape has seen a redesign for 2021 and is positioned in their range as the 4 batten “manoeuvre wave” sail, alongside the predominantly 5 batten Purelip “hardcore wave” sail. The aspect ratio of the sail has been changed towards a more high aspect shape, with a reduction in boom length of around 4 cm. To build on this move and to make the sail feel more compact, the head width has also been reduced compared to the 2020 version. The Wavescape features a Dacron luff panel to soften up the feel of the sail, and also aid a lighter handling feel. It comes in a full X-ply construction and the clear X-ply window continues above batten three, almost up to the second batten for maximum visibility of the lip in turns. The Wavescape’s window is dissected by two radials emanating from the clew across the window to the Dacron luff panel and upper body X-ply. In terms of features and construction, Loftsails have done away with the head plug finish, instead going for a closed sleeve top, except on the 4.0 and down that maintain a vario top. Foot, leech and luff areas are triple reinforced, and there is a fully opening tack fairing to allow full access to the extension when rigging. The Wavescape is almost unique in the fact that is compatible with both RDM and SDM masts across all sizes. There are two colourways, Fuchsia and Green, with sizes from 3.7 up to 6.2 all maintaining 4 battens.

BRAND CLAIM

“The Wavescape 2021 is the ultimate Loftsails design for wave mobility and expression. For the wave rider, this specialized design is freedom.”

PERFORMANCE

Rigged on the Loftsails team edition 400 mast, the Wavescape sets with positive rotation on the bottom two battens and relatively flat profile until the Dacron luff panel starts to be engaged. Whilst tweaking the tuning of the Wavescape does enhance its lower end, this is by no means a powerful brute, but much more a precise handling tool. The power delivery is smooth and feels incredibly light in the hands, maintaining shape through lulls but is incredibly well behaved in gusts. It has a very neutral feel, never becoming back handed. In jumps and rotations, it’s very easy to handle the rig and pull the power on when needed, rather than getting flung uncontrollably into moves. On the wave it gives you everything you need to drive through the turn, giving one of the best surf style feelings, staying neutral and light in the hands, allowing you to get on with the task of driving the board. The light and compact handling make the transition from bottom to top turn easy and as long as you were powered enough, it worked well through the range of conditions from onshore through to side-shore. We used both clew eyelets and whilst the sail felt controlled on both, the bottom eyelet certainly gave this sail a top end that few others possessed, allowing you not just to hang on, but to continue to enjoy your session when many others would have headed in.

www.loftsails.com

Vital stats 

Size: 5.0

Luff: 408 cm.

Boom: 166 cm.

Battens: 4

Ideal mast: Loftsails Team Edition 400 RDM/SDM. 

Sizes: 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.7, 6.2.

Price: £669

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview page:

The post LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

The feeling of windsurfing: A great clip from the movie ‘Children of the Wind’ Lots of awesome characters explain why they love windsurfing.

The post THE FEELING OF WINDSURFING: CHILDREN OF THE WIND appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

As a package the Compact Vogue is an incredibly well designed and thought-out piece of kit, combining convenience with ease of use. For anyone who is short of space or needs something to travel with, this is a great setup that won’t let you down when you’re trying to enjoy your time on the water.

THE

LOWDOWN:

RRD continue to blaze the trail with their compact rig offering and have made some tweaks in their Y26 lineup. The Compact Vogue making up the wave section of the full compact range of sails and is based on the 4 batten Vogue HD, which is RRD’s control wave sail.

Sizes have been modified and the 5.0 on test is an all-new size. The smaller sizes have also been reworked to help fit into existing quivers and whilst the rig can come supplied with the RRD compact mast and boom, work has also been done to improve performance on standard masts as well. The sail comes supplied in an extending sail bag, meaning once the split battens are connected, or you’ve reached your destination, you can leave the sailed rolled up in the bag as you normally would. The rig package, including compact narrow diameter carbon boom and mast all fit into a iSUP style backpack which has room to fit up to 3 sails inside.

The split battens connect through a quick release system that doesn’t need any tools and the connection happens across a reinforced Dacron strip in the sail, allowing the sail to fold easily but also offer plenty of strength underneath the batten connection.

BRAND CLAIM: The Compact Vogue takes everything you love about the Vogue, our flagship wave sail, and makes it compact. Control and incredible handling, but in a sail that fits in a backpack.

PERFORMANCE:

To fully review the Compact Vogue, we almost need to look at it as the functionality of the compact side of the sail and then its performance on the water. We were initially worried about the extra time it might take to rig the compact sail, as we needed to connect the battens and also adjust them. However, this added almost no time to the overall rigging process. No tools are needed, all parts are already connected, and the connections are both user-friendly and seem really robust.

Likewise, the boom and mast sections clip together easily and go together seamlessly. Once rigged the first thing you notice is the amount of luff curve in the sail. The mast has a huge amount of shape to it and creates almost all of the sail’s profile, with very little being through seam shape. It was well worth checking the batten tension just to make sure the sail had good shape.

On the water the sail is very balanced with the pull in a very neutral position, almost at boom height, so is very easy to control. The Compact Vogue didn’t have the most powerful bottom end, but as it powered up, offered smooth controlled power. The top end of the sail was really impressive, and at no point did you give any thought to the fact that it folded in half. There was no sign of the sail creasing or deforming as it gave easy to use neutral drive and stayed easy to manoeuvre in the hands.

The supplied compact carbon boom gave no clues of where its split point for connecting together was, and its reduced diameter only added to the overall controlled feel of the kit. The natural top end of the sail was good, and you could increase this further through downhaul tuning. Whilst moving to the higher clew eyelet did help increase the bottom end performance.

www.robertoriccidesigns.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff:  423 cm.

Boom: 165 – 170 cm.

Battens: 4

Mast: RRD RDM 400 / RRD Compact RDM 340 + 60.

Sizes: 3.7, 4.1, 4.6, 5.0, 5.3.

PRICE: £789

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

NAISH FORCE 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview page:

The post RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

GA MANIC 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT 

For those looking for constant power, the Manic has plenty of direct feedback, along with a strong bottom end and impressive tuning ability. A great sail for those looking a sharper feeling 4 batten sail.

THE LOWDOWN

The Manic is billed as their “hardcore” wave sail by GA, “powerful and controllable in all conditions”, sitting alongside the IQ model, which they describe as their “new school” and “smooth neutral wave riding” sail. The construction is aimed around keeping the sail light but stable, with the use of GA’s 2-ply scrim in the upper panels to reduce swing weight. This year sees 4 battens in all sizes, with extra focus given to the bottom end of the larger sizes to make these better in onshore conditions. The clew layout has been redesigned to include clew patches to protect the stitching and stabilise the clew. This is alongside a new radial panel layout with carbon radial tapes out of all three corners of the sail to improve overall stability, especially in windier conditions. The Manic is packed with nice features, including an integrated batten system. silicon patch to open the mast sleeve, a cleaner redesigned tack fairing and abrasion strips in all key load areas. The Manic also comes in an HD edition, which uses x-ply scrims across the entire sail.

BRAND CLAIM

“The right choice for riders that need a sail offering the perfect blend of power, stability and handling in different kinds of conditions – the Manic is equipped with inimitable versatility.”

PERFORMANCE

Once rigged on the GA C100 RDM, the Manic was one of the lower aspect sails on test with both the shortest luff length and also longest boom length. There is plenty of shape in the profile and whilst Dacron along the luff gives the sail some stretch, there is already plenty of profile before this happens. Unsurprisingly there was plenty of bottom end power on the Manic, and it had a direct feel to it, with plenty of grunt. The centre of effort is relatively high and back, drawing you easily onto the plane. This power helped give the Manic a great top end speed, powering not only into turns, but also into jumps on the way out. It also responded best to positive rider input to make the most of the power and drive through turns. Whilst there was plenty of bottom end grunt, if you tweaked the controls there is also plenty of top end control and the stability of the Manic is maintained throughout its impressive wind range. As you pull on the downhaul the pull stays relatively high and slightly back, meaning there is always a constant pull to the Manic, rather than a neutral feel, the drive always feeling locked rather than moving around in the sail’s profile.

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NAISH FORCE 4 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

VERDICT:

Light and easy in the hands, the Naish is compact and has plenty of control. Those looking for more speed and drive may prefer Naish’s Force 5, but for those that want great handling in a compact no fuss package, the Force 4 delivers well.

THE

LOWDOWN:

There has been a big push in development from Naish over the last 12 months with new riders such as Ricardo Campello and Justyna Sniady joining their ranks and for 2021 Naish have presented a full redeveloped sail lineup. The Force 4 is their 4 batten “performance wave” sail, sitting alongside their more traditional 5 batten offering the Force 5.

The draft-forward shape and moderate aspect ratio give, Naish claim, “the perfect balance of power and responsiveness and provide an ‘in-between-the-hands’ feel that makes it exceptional for both wave riding and freestyle.

As with almost all the sails on test, the Force 4 makes good use of mini battens but is unique in the fact that two of these sit between batten 1 and 2. The Force 4 also features integrated or ‘equilibrium’ batten pockets. Naish focus on keeping weight down by using their lightest but most durable film, X-166. However, this is doubled up in the luff panel to help maintain more leading edge shape.

The Force 4 is available in sizes 3.4 through to 5.7 in two colourways, teal/black and white /black. All sizes maintain the 4 batten geometry and set on RDM masts. Unlike most brands, all sizes come with vario heads.

BRAND CLAIM: “The Force 4 builds on the legacy of Naish four batten wave sails. Naish’s purest wave sail delivers stellar performance in a wide range of conditions – onshore, side shore and offshore – but is at its best in down-the-line.”

PERFORMANCE:

Once rigged on the Naish 90% RDM mast, the Force 4 stands out as having a high cut foot with much more sail area above the boom than some. With a single eyelet there are no decisions to make and downhaul and outhaul are easy to apply.

On the water the Force 4 powers up smoothly with a relatively crisp feel to its draw. The pull is relatively high and forward, leaving a very compact feel in the hands. There is good, yet not exceptional bottom end and the power delivery remains smooth through gusts and lulls, but you won’t find yourself rocketing out towards ramps.

Through jumps and rotations, the Force 4 stays very controlled and feels compact in your hands, naturally pulling you into an upright stance, helping encourage you into trying things on the way out, even on a 5.0 metre sail. On the wave this controllable and compact feel continues, it’s easy to get your back hand down the boom and make the sail go neutral, and just as easy to hold the rig clew first in onshore conditions all the way through to the top turn. Little tuning is needed to maintain the sail through its wind range, with a good overall natural range and tweaks of the outhaul were enough of a fix when the conditions get a little fruitier.

naishsails.com

VITAL STATS:

Size: 5.0

Luff:  410 cm.

Boom: 164 cm.

Battens: 4

Ideal mast: Naish 400 RDM

Sizes: 3.4, 3.7, 4.1, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7.

PRICE:

£749.00

NAISH FORCE 4 5.0 2021 TEST REVIEW

Other sails in this test:

DUOTONE SUPER HERO 5.0

GOYA GURU 5.0

POINT 7 SPY 5.0

EZZY WAVE 5.0

LOFTSAILS WAVESCAPE 5.0

RRD COMPACT VOGUE 5.0

GA MANIC 5.0

SEVERNE BLADE 5.0

Back to test overview page:

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