- Gear

2013 Crossover & Power Wave Sails Tested

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:10:00 -0400

All the hype these days in wavesails seems to be revolving around the latest hardcore sails with four battens. They are helping pros push their sailing to new heights and get the most out of their quad-fin waveboards. But for most of us, sailing in less than ideal waves or, more likely, single-fin boards in bump-and-jump conditions, these sails may not help us out. Of course, that goes without mentioning anything about the difference in skill between a pro and the average sailor. For the majority of people, a little bit of power from the sail is needed not just to get planing easily but also to balance against when we’ve popped up from a waterstart, for support coming in and out of jibes, and certainly when we get into the waves for the first time and are doing our best to carve the perfect bottom turn. The perfect highwind sail is what has become known as a power wavesail.

As the name suggests, these sails have more power than the specialized wavesails designed purely for down-the-line waveriding. That’s not to say they are so much more powerful that you can rig a smaller size sail and still get planing; it’s that their power is more accessible. Most of the hardcore wavesails have a flat profile while they lay on the beach and take a decent amount of wind to expand them before they take shape and start generating power. A power wavesail will often have some seam-shaping sewn in so there is a noticeable draft to it while it sits on the beach, or at least have some elasticity to its feel and a longer boom. All of these design traits help to generate power quickly so that a rider immediately has something to balance against, as well as some power to make things happen when they’re planing.

Head-to-head:

The Aerotech Phantom 5.0 is a six-batten power wavesail. The extra batten makes it by far the most stable and locked-in feeling sail of the bunch, but that's not to say it’s just a bump-and-jump sail. A short boom and forward draft give it a light feel that makes it more maneuverable than one would expect. The Sailworks Revoluton 5.2 and Naish Force 5.3 also use a short boom length to increase maneuverability. Both of these sails balance best on single-fin boards that prefer the rail to carve turns, instead of a multitude of fins. The Force is a bit softer, giving you great control of its power at any moment. The Revo powers up more quickly, and its stiffness helps make it a great choice for powered-up bump-and-jump sailing, as well. The Goya Eclipse 5.3 is another sail that has some seam shape sewn in for low-end power, and like the Force, uses softness to keep the power in check and allow the sail to be turned on or off. The longer boom gives you an immediate sense of power from the sail, and it’s amazing how this power can be so well-controlled on the wave, where a slight oversheet gets it to de-power like a much flatter sail. The sail with the most noticeable seam shaping is the new four-batten Ezzy Panther Elite 5.3. Its power is constant yet never overbearing, and it lets you charge both waves and bump-and-jump conditions as hard as you can.

Moving on, the sails get a bit flatter in their on-the-beach look, but through other features they still find ways to get all the power you need into your hands. The Severne Gator 5.3 and MauiSails Global 5.0 don’t use any one power-gaining element to an extreme, but as a result end up simply being great all-around sails. They’re not the absolute lightest, most stable or quickest to power up or de-power, but they can enter the conversation for being near the top for all of these traits. The Global has a slightly more maneuverable feel, with its higher foot making it a better wavesail, while the stiffness of the Gator gives it a better top end for bump-and-jump (but we’re really splitting hairs here to make a distinction). We’d call the Hot Sails Maui FireLight 5.3 a great all-around sail, as well, except for the fact that its extreme lightweight stands out even more. The Firelight makes your board feel more lively and ready to get up onto a plane. Then, at speed it gives you the confidence to ride aggressively or try new moves, as keeping the rig upright doesn’t seem like nearly as much of a chore. The NeilPryde Combat 5.0 has a flatter profile then the other test sails, and provides all-around performance that’s hard to argue with. It takes more sail-handling experience to get the most out of it, and the payoff is a well-balanced sail with impeccable handling and efficiency. The four-batten North Idol 5.0 is so light, like the firelight, that it makes your board so much more efficient you’re likely to get planing earlier. It may have a less powerful feel than the other test sails, but it will perform whether you want to ride waves, bump-and-jump or freestyle conditions.

Links to Individual Test Write-ups (just CLICK and READ):

2013 Severne Gator 5.3

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:03:00 -0400

Luff: 428
Boom: 172

No one-sail line covers the many facets of windsurfing as well as the Gator. It ranges from 3.7 all the way to 8.0, and each size is “designed to echo the demands of the aggressive freerider.” The larger sails have six battens, a pronounced clew cutaway and shaping intended more for straight-line speed, while the smaller sizes, like the 5.3 in the test, have five battens and a higher foot to emphasize handling and maneuverability. The result is a sail that does not at all feel out of place in the waves, while still having plenty of crossover appeal for bump-and-jump sailing, as well. Its draft height is easily tuned through a large downhaul range that even the less detail-oriented riggers will be able to discern differences in.

With less tension providing a tighter leech, the sail has plenty of rail driving grip in bottom turns, as well as the low-end power that bigger riders might be looking for. More tension lowers the draft and opens up the head, maximizing the top-end stability and lightening the feel in your hands. What’s amazing about the Gator is regardless of the amount of downhaul you choose, there is still a slippery and efficient feel that requires very little rider input. Freestylers might notice that the slightly lower foot is a bit harder to duck, but for everyone else, the Gator has enough maneuverability to sail aggressive in the waves and make the most of any ramps that present themselves.

While the Gator may be designed as something of a freeride sail, the construction is not. This is a full X-ply sail with fancy laminates to spruce it a bit and small details like doublestitched seams in the body to keep it in good shape for a long time.
severnesails.com

2013 Sailworks Revolution

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:57:00 -0400

Luff: 430
Boom: 170

After a complete makeover in 2011, Sailworks’ Revolution (aka Revo) has been receiving incremental adjustments to keep refining the construction and performance of this revered Gorge-designed sail. The most noticeable change to the previous models was a shortened boom length. Partly the result of a small clew cutaway, this shorter boom length goes a long way to lightening the feel of the Revo and makes it one of the easiest sails in the test to sheet-in. Often this can translate to a sail that feels twitchy, but with a fair amount of seam shaping locking in a solid forward draft, the Revo conducts itself in a civilized manner even in big gusts.

Like all Sailworks sails, the Revo has a large tuning range, allowing you to set the draft high with less downhaul for aggressive waveriding and big air, or lower with more downhaul for a lighter, more efficient feel that puts control at the forefront. This makes it a great sail for those sharing their quiver, or those who need a sail to go from powered bump-and-jump sailing to wavesailing and even into flatwater freestyle.

In the waves, the slightly taller profile seems to prefer single-fin boards, and will help stubborn turning freestyle waves hold their rail in bumpy bottom turns. Off the top, the seam shaping gets power back into yours hands quickly, which, if you know it’s coming, can be a godsend to keep balance through whitewater. Since the Revo is so easy to oversheet and de-power in the bottom turn, this can come as a bit of a surprise at first, but after a wave or two you get it all figured out. Sailworks always pays attention to the details, and here you’ll find a sail that’s dependably built and will last for years.
sailworks.com

2013 North Idol

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:51:00 -0400

Luff: 422
Boom: 169

When North decided they needed a sail to fill the growing freestyle market, all they had to do was ask five-time PWA freestyle champion Gollito Estredo what he wanted in a sail. What sets the Idol apart from the rest is its light four-batten build that’s a little stiffer than most of the wave-oriented four-batten sails. While this certainly makes for an amazing freestyle sail, the reality is it also makes the Idol an easy-handling rig for any type of sailor. The stiffness is most noticeable in the head of the sail, so when you sheet-in you feel the
sail quickly generate power. Being so light, your board immediately reacts, and while we would not say the Idol is overly powerful, it’s efficiency makes it one of the earliest-planing sails in the test. At speed, the sail is well-balanced and more stable than some of its five-batten competitors. There is a small trade-off that once overpowered it loses control rather quickly, but the wind range is large enough you’ll only be re-rigging when conditions have drastically changed.

As good as the Idol feels in a straight line, it only gets better when you want to turn around. For jibes, the sail de-powers progressively, taking the power into the turn just far enough to keep up your speed without being a
nuisance when it comes time to move the feet or flip the sail. In anything from a simple tack on up to a complex kabikuchi, the lightweight and progressive de-power makes the Idol one of the most manageable sails we’ve ever used. So, what’s the downside? a lack of reinforcements means you need to look after your Idol;
however, there is no lack of attention to detail in the build—just a super light feel.
north-windsurfing.com

2013 NeilPryde Combat 5.0

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:44:00 -0400

Luff: 413
Boom: 164

The Combat is now the longest-standing model of the NeilPryde wave line, yet for 2013, it sees a relatively major update. In sizes below 5.0, the removal of a batten is obvious, but in the larger five-batten sizes, there have been refinements to the stiffness of the sail that are more noticed on the water. Some of the older versions had a softness that could take away from the efficiency and top-end control. These complaints are no more, as the Combat has to be considered one of the most stable and slippery-feeling five-batten sails in the test. The people at NeilPryde have done this without taking away any of the Combat’s well-loved balance, de-power and smooth acceleration.

The Combat sets up as a flat profile sail that will take a bit of wind to expand and start generating power, but it expands quickly and gets you planing with incredible efficiency. Once at speed, the sail feels nice and light and rarely calls attention to itself. It makes for a bump-and-jump sail with impeccable control no matter how chaotic the water gets. In more sedate conditions, it then soars off chop and remains well-mannered through sail-handling tricks or aerial freestyle. In the waves, the Combat is a sail that never feels like it gets in the way. On bottom turns, it drives the rail hard but can always be de-powered by the time you hit the lip, and never throws you off balance no matter how hard the redirection.

NeilPryde has always taken pride in using the most intricate engineering and attention to detail. On the Combat, it’s hard to not be impressed by the forceline kevlar tack and clew reinforcements and ArmourWeb Dyneema, which are both attractive and incredibly functional.
neilpryde.com

2013 Naish Force 5.3

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:38:00 -0400

Luff: 435
Boom: 168

Over the last few years, Naish has been at the forefront of lightening sails without sacrificing durability. Their X-166 scrim made an immediate difference when it was first introduced, and now Naish follows this up with a complete re-engineering of the sail’s construction, once again raising the bar. The Force is the tallest sail in the test, while also sporting one of the shortest boom lengths. This creates a rare combination of traits in that it has a higher draft while still feeling easy to sheet-in with a sensitive feel in the hands. On a wave, the result is a sail that loves to be thrown forward into a traditional oversheeted and laid-down bottom turn. The higher pull gets you forward with little effort, and with the short boom being easy to oversheet, you’re fully de-powered as you hit the lip. For traditional waveboards or the more reluctant turning freestyle waves in our test, it gets the most out of them by driving the full rail into the water, letting the rocker line carve smooth, clean arcs. With other sails, these same boards would feel bouncy and forced during the same turn.

The new panel layout of the Force helps to stiffen the X-166 material so it gains some upper wind range over the older version. Once you’re way over-powered, it still takes a fair amount of rider input to keep things under control, but up to that point the sail feels efficient, with the X-166’s weight savings giving you a light feel in your hands. This balanced, efficient feel also makes the Force a great bump-and-jump sail, where the higher draft will help put aggression into your jibes and add some height to every jump.
naishsails.com

2013 MauiSails Global 5.0

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:31:00 -0400

Luff: 416
Boom: 171

With the incredibly light Ghost XT and trendsetting Mutant in the range, one could assume MauiSails may not be focusing as much time on their long-standing Global power wave. Rest assured, it has not been forgotten, as it sees at least as many advancements as any other sail in the line. With subtle changes to the boom
length, construction and stiffness, what once seemed to be a sail geared towards only the burliest of sailors is transformed into a wellmannered ride that any size or level of rider will love. It still has an impressive amount of power, but with a lighter build and shorter boom there’s a greater sense of efficiency added. As you accelerate, the power is still very solid, but once up to speed that grunt disappears, giving you great control in even the gustiest conditions.

All this performance adds up to a sail that will easily do double duty in the waves or in bump-and-jump conditions. On the wave, it will readily de-power, although it does take a little more effort than sails with a shorter boom length. For this reason, we feel it’s best for stronger riders in the waves. But it’s this longer boom length that makes it such a great bump-and-jump sail, as it never feels twitchy in any way. The quick acceleration and slightly higher draft also made it a favorite for jumping, as we knew we’d always get max air time.

MauiSails has jumped into the high-tech material race with both feet. On the Global we loved how the new SYLF (small yarn/light film) laminate is used to perfection, losing weight in the most noticeable part of the sail without any loss of top-end control.
mauisails.com

2013 Hot Sails Maui FireLight

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:21:00 -0400

Luff: 414
Boom: 173

The names of ODl09 technora and C1295 laminates may not sound too intriguing, but it’s with the use of these high-tech materials that Hot Sails Maui can make the claim that their Firelight is the lightest sail on the market. We didn’t pull out the scale to fact-check, but we must say this Firelight 5.3 is impressively svelte, as it is one of the biggest sails in the test and constantly got mention for its super-light feel and handling. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this sail, though, is how it changes your board. With less weight on the nose,
it suddenly becomes livelier and planes up sooner than ever before. You can use this advantage either to get away with less volume than you’d normally ride, or enjoy the fact that your board is planing in so little wind.

Without the need to be extraordinarily powerful, Hot Sails Maui puts the draft at a moderate position that, at speed, feels efficient and wellbalanced. There’s a bit of softness to the Firelight that becomes more noticeable as it goes from powered to overpowered, but while it’s within its wind range the ride is stable and effortless. On the wave, it had great de-power, and the light weight makes you feel confident to ride the board on the wave without having to worry about the sail. On flatwater, we loved how the sail did its best to disappear in our hands both in a straight line, as well as transitions.

As with most lightweight things, one can’t help but wonder about durability. In the case of the Firelight, the high-tech materials are durable enough that Hot Sails Maui fully expects it to be ridden hard in the most extreme conditions. And a close look sees plenty of reinforcement on all of the most exposed parts of the sail, so fear not.
hotsailsmaui.com

2013 Goya Eclipse 5.3

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:16:00 -0400

Luff: 427
Boom: 175

With goya’s four-batten Banzai grabbing so much attention over the past year, we were stoked to see the five-batten Eclipse, a past test favorite, arrive this year. The Eclipse is labeled as a power wave, and as soon as you sheet-in you get a sense of that power. A fair amount of seam shaping along with a softer feel means it takes little wind to expand the sail, and the high back draft gives you immediate feedback from even the smallest puff. To keep things in check, the Stretch Control System (SCS) keeps the head softer than the body of the sail and does a great job of tempering the pull. Despite the serious grunt, acceleration is easily controlled, and we found the Eclipse still felt good as we hit the higher end of its wind range.

Unlike some sails with high-tech scrim cloths that we’ve tried, the Eclipse progressively goes from powered to overpowered instead of hitting a breaking point where things go bad quickly. It’s still an elastic sail that gives you plenty of back-hand feedback and requires some rider input even in a straight line. The payoff for the elasticity is that for a sail that has so much power, it goes neutral relatively quickly and rotates as well as any of the flattest rigging sails in the test. On the wave, this gives you supreme control, as you can easily keep your speed in check and go to the lip fearlessly.

We love the simple on-sail tuning guide, and while rigging you’ll notice the attention to durability, lots of double-stitched seams, and an intricate panel layout. Goya builds its sails to take some serious punishment.
goyawindsurfing.com

2013 Ezzy Panther Elite 5.3

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:40:00 -0400

Luff: 425
Boom: 175

Ezzy Sails have become known for steady evolution rather than making drastic changes just for the sake of change. That all changes for 2013: the Panther underwent a complete overhaul into a four-batten sail that has been tested and developed over the past few years. Now called the Panther Elite, we still find a sail with locked-in forward seam shaping and plenty of pre-twist in the head. There is a softer and more elastic feel in the lower part of the sail, but more noticeably, this is by far the lightest Ezzy ever.

Like previous Panthers there is enough stability and speed for the Panther Elite to excel in bump-and-jump conditions. There is a bit more movement in the sail, but the locked-in shape gets power into your hands quickly while the twisting head does all the work of bleeding big gusts. On a wave, the constant power of the Panther takes you through your carves with plenty of speed and drives you off-the-lip like no other. It takes a slightly different approach to getting things dialed, but once you adjust, it guarantees you’ll ride with a more powerful style. It’s also a style that works in sideshore and side-onshore conditions, making the Panther elite a one-sail wonder.

The on-sail downhaul guides are replaced by a new system that lines up with the bottom of your mast on the extension to ensure you get the proper tension right out of the bag. It makes rigging easier than ever, and on its own is reason enough to buy an ezzy. Of course, as we point out every year, ezzy sails have also proven to be amongst the most durable you’ll find, and that can be an attractive selling point, as well.
ezzy.com

2013 Aerotech Phantom 5.0

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:53:00 -0400

Luff: 409
Boom: 162

Standing out from the crowd, the Phantom is the only six-batten wavesail on the market. Not surprisingly, the extra batten makes itself felt, with the Phantom being by far the most stable sail in the test. Add to the stability an efficient feel and you’ll find this is a sail that can cross over into bump-and-jump conditions with a speedier ride than most. One would expect the extra batten would make for a heavier feel and detract from its maneuverability, but with a forward draft position and the shortest boom length in the test, its weight feels on par with most of the other test sails. It’s easy to both sheet-in while accelerating and to oversheet in a bottom turn. The stability does make itself noticeable in rotation, as it moves from side to side with a bit more of a tug than the softer sails. While waveriding this doesn’t mean too much, as the sail rarely backwinds, and we had no problem riding it aggressively. For those looking for a sail to work on anything from a carving 360 to a flaka, here the rotation is just enough of a distraction to keep it from being a top choice.

Like all aerotechs, the Phantom is made from a number of differently spaced X-ply’s to intelligently balance weight versus durability. The other common aerotech trait the Phantom shares is a leech that seems to twist lower with downhaul tension than most other brands. We found it liked a firm yank on the downhaul, and watching the batten above the boom move towards the back of the mast became a good visual to confirm subtle changes in the leech.
aerotechsails.com

2013 Ultimate Gear Guide

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:26:00 -0500

Need to compare the specifications between a few different brand new board models or sail designes? The 2013 Windsport Magazine Gear Guide is the only resourse out there where you can do this quick all on one web page. This is the best place to start when looking for new gear. Below is a list of the categories we've included so click on the ones that best suit your need.

WAVE BOARDS	WAVE SAILS
CROSSOVER & FREESTYLE BOARDS	CROSSOVER & FREESTYLE SAILS
FREERACE BOARDS	FREERIDE CAM-SAILS
FREERIDE BOARDS	FREERIDE NO-CAM SAILS
ENTRY & WIND SUP BOARDS	ENTRY & WIND SUP SAILS

2013 Crossover and Freestyle Boards

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:15:00 -0500

All the boards on this page do some much more then just help land tricks. If you are looking to maximize your range of conditions from waves/swell to flatwater then check out all the CROSSOVER boards. If you are looking for a more dedicated and possibly pro-level Freestyle design then scroll down to FREESTYLE.

Crossover: If terms like freestyle-wave and bump-and-jump sound like they describe what you are looking for then you are at the right place. Crossover boards are designed to cover a lot of conditions from waves to flatwater. Each board will approach this a little differently so read the marketing descriptions carfully. Also, beginner wavesailors often have the most fun on these shapes as they plane quicker then pure waveboards and make catching waves easier.

Freestyle: These early planing boards match perfectly with fairly small-ish size sails to allow you to get into new-school aerial freestyle with the greatest of ease. Also, some of these shapes make for great control-oriented freeride boards as they ride comfortably with their center footstraps.

CROSSOVER:

Exocet Cross IV

The Cross IV boards have new shapes and new graphics, and are offered in two constructions, STD, and Bamboo wood deck for the pro model version.

We have developed these boards based upon results from the production of the X-Wave line, and as such, the new Cross IV boards really excel in waves, while also suiting bump & jump free-ride conditions perfectly.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction

exocet-original.com

Fanatic Freewave

Shaper Sebastian Wenzel’s perfected a range of smooth-sailing compact styles, now upgraded with thruster fin setups for extra wave performance! The optimum blend of speed and carving, slashing and sliding make these our most versatile shapes. Tucked rails, rounded noses, and an ingenious CAD-created rocker line unlock the secrets of early-planing, control and top end.

For 2013 we’re offering 3 constructions. The Custom Wood Sandwich Light version, still in classic single fin mode, remains the benchmark in durability and all-round FreeWave fun. And a switch from Kevlar to lighter, stiffer, more UV-resistant Innegra Carbon Light for the Team Edition (TE) gives extra value and strength. The leading ultra-light, stunning carbon graphic Oxeon models are also enhanced with Innegra Carbon decks for the ultimate finish, weight reduction, stiffness and impact resistance.

Starting in 75 litre and also in 85, 95, 105 and 115 sizes the smaller models excel in surf and high winds, while the larger styles focus more on low-end, freestyle and blasting performance, yet are versatile enough for waveriding too. The TE and TeXtreme® versions are truly convertible shapes supplied with 2 SlotBoxes and one Powerbox for easy adaption to suit the conditions - all with exclusive Maui Fin Company G10 thruster fins. (SlotBox covers are also supplied for efficient singlefin cruising). The TE also comes in singlefin Powerbox model in 115. All sizes are available in Custom Wood Sandwich light in Powerbox singlefin only with US box singlefin on 75l version.

KEY FEATURES:
- Tri-Fin convertible setups on TE/TeXtreme® sizes for extra wave performance (115 single fin)
- Modern short round-nosed shapes for balance, acceleration and easy riding
- Wide point forward of centre to 70° pintail
- High entry rocker, short flat section and optimum tail kick for control and speed
- Enhanced TE and TeXtreme® constructions with superior Innegra Weave replacing Kevlar layups
- Original Maui Fin Company G10 Thruster fins for ultimate quality

FANATIC'S CAD MASTER SHAPER SEBASTIAN WENZEL:
“These are the most adaptable, fast and easy-to-turn shapes I’ve ever produced... We’ve picked-up so many test wins from this proven CAD-formed scoop rocker line and straight V combination. This year we tweaked the box placements and added sidefins for pure Thruster convertible fun, the best of both worlds in performance Wavesailing or flat water pleasure. The smooth nose and entry kick helps riding and carving and the flat spot between the straps and tuned tail release makes them easy to control in freeride, freestyle or waveriding modes – it’s hard to think of how more versatile they can get!”

fanatic.com

Goya One

If you are looking for one board that can do it all, look no further. The One is fast, turny, easy to ride, for all styles and all conditions. Welcome to a real one board concept. Just pick your volume and go windsurfing. Done. The ONE combines the best features of all board lines we have yet been producing, and merges them into what is now becoming an instant favorite among riders and testers.

The One PRO 72 and 78 liter models feature generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

AS IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, THE 72, 78 AND 86 MODELS NOW COME AS THRUSTERS, GIVING YOU MORE CONTROL IN SURFING TURNS WHILE MAINTAINING THE FORWARD DRIVE OF A SINGLE FIN DESIGN. THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

The One 72 has a concave into double concave shape for added control and grip. The One 78 offers more lift and power and therefore transitions from a V into a double Concave. All succeeding boards carry a V bottom with double concaves through the stance. V bottoms are the fastests bottoms, and the double concave accentuate the centerline, softening the ride and making it more comfortable while adding crispy grip and drive to the turns.

The smaller sizes 72, 78 and 86 feature a center US Box compatible with all wave fin designs and the larger sizes 94, 104, 116, 130 and 144 feature a Power Box for increased speed, strength and compatibility with larger fins.

The One is available in PRO Construction as well as in ECO Construction in the sizes 86, 94, 104, 116, 130 and 144. LEARN MORE

PRO is our most advanced built, combining light weight, a crisp feel and excellent durability all into one lay-up. Driven by the worldwide, year round research and passion of our team and customers, The Pro Construction evolves and improves constantly. The result is the best weight s with the least warranty issues in the industry. All Pro boards come in distinct colors and a lightly sanded finish.

Range Of Use: All Riders Welcome. The One caters to all levels of experience and all types of conditions. Within the One Range you will find the right board for all windsurfing situations.

Accessories

The One comes with an MFC™ 211 fin. Learn more
The MFC™ straps are extremely comfortable, with a thick and high quality neoprene and a soft inner sole. Learn more
The 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for the big landings. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

JP-Australia Freestyle Wave

TECHNOLOGY:

PRO – Pro Edition in Carbon Innegra Technology – 77, 84, 92, 101, 111 (only the 3 small PRO boards come with Thruster boxes, covers and fins)
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology – 84, 92, 101, 111

UNCOMPROMISED ALL IN ONE:

JP originated this board class. The others followed. Some brands even also call their boards Freestyle Wave. If you want the original you don’t need to look anywhere else. With the thruster setup for the smaller PRO Edition sizes (77, 84, 92), we are a step ahead again.

Fast and fun boards to blast around. Easy to control in the air, but it’s during maneuvers where they really stand out. They carve superbly whether you crank them hard or carve them smooth.

SHAPE: Shorter and compact with the center of gravity and the widest section close together. This guarantees balance and stability, whether planing or not. Slightly increased tail thickness to create a rounder constant dome, producing good grip and a very comfortable stance no matter if your foot is close to the rail or more towards the center line. The rail radius is kept thin and sharp to offer great grip in the turns.

The outline is more drawn out around the tail and straighter between the straps, adding planing surface for better low end performance and additional pop. Consequently it creates a longer rail line offering more control in high speed runs and surfing ocean swells.

The footstraps are slightly further back, allowing to use the fuller outline radius for snappy turns by pushing on the back foot. It also creates additional speed in more drawn out turns when applying more pressure on the front foot.

The bottom is equipped with a constant Vee and double concaves running through. The flat curve in the concaves between the straps delivers great early planing and speed while lots of bottom curve in the rail line provides good maneuverability. The double concaves under the mast base cushion the ride over chop.

SUMMARY: Great all-rounders with a ridiculously wide range of use. Deliver a perfect balance of wave, seriously fast bump & jump and freestyle performance. The three small Pro Editions additionally handle any kind of wave conditions (from side-on to side-off) because of their Thruster set-up. Their range of use is as wide open as your ambition and mind.

jp-australia.com

Mistral Joker Wave

Considered a “freestyle wave” combo, the Joker Wave

Puts all the variation a rider wants into a single package. All the variation a rider wants into a single package: wave riding, jumping, fast maneuvering, freestyle, and fun sailing. Developed and designed to offer breathtaking acceleration and planing, trimmed to perfection ... just hook up, ride, and enjoy.

Shape Features:

Both out lines and rocker lines are trimmed to perfection, giving this board a huge dynamic range with the added advantage of permitting full-pressure back-foot carves. The rails are designed with a soft “tuck under” edge running from tip to front straps, making freestyle slides a piece of cake while still maintaining planing in the comfort zone. A short, flat board mix produces greater feeling underfoot and high reactivity in fast turns.

mistral-boards.com

Joker Wave: 85:

Volume (l): 85
Lenght (cm): 232
Width (cm): 59

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,0 sqm
Fin: 24 cm

Joker Wave 95:

Volume (l): 95
Lenght (cm): 234
Width (cm): 61

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,5 sqm
Fin: 26 cm

Volume (l): 85
Lenght (cm): 232
Width (cm): 59

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,0 sqm
Fin: 24 cm

Wave	_______
Freestyle	________
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	_____
Race	__

Volume (l): 95
Lenght (cm): 234
Width (cm): 61

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,5 sqm
Fin: 26 cm

Wave	_______
Freestyle	________
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	_____
Race	__

Joker Wave 105:

Volume (l): 105
Lenght (cm): 231
Width (cm): 63

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 30 cm

Naish Koncept

Bump-and-jump/freemove/universal wave boards for sailors wanting all-around wave, freeride and freestyle versatility in one board.

Designed with soft rails in the front, classic wave rails in the tail and a compact outline and rocker, the Koncept is fast, loose, early planing, easy jibing and user-friendly. These boards provide ideal versatility for everything from onshore waves to flatwater, maneuver-oriented sailing. The 90 and 100 include two (2) fins, allowing the rider to fine-tune the board to different styles and conditions

Key Features:

New PVC wood sandwich construction
Dual density EVA deck
The 90 and 100 include two (2) fin options
Eco Boardbag

naishsails.com

Quatro Freestylewave

The all new Freestylewave line is the perfect choice for sailors looking for top performance in freestyle, wave and freeride conditions. The Freestylewave line is equipped with the very latest shape concepts, making the boards faster and more fun to ride. A perfect blend of early planing, speed and maneuverability, these new boards can be adapted to a wide variety of conditions.

They offer a smooth and comfortable ride that can feel like autopilot for cruising, but still respond to rider input with lightning speed.

The Quatro Production Construction concept offers the ultimate in light weight, impact resistance and lively feel. Tried tested and true by the worldwide Quatro Pro team and customers, these boards are designed and built to provide the ultimate performance windsurfing experience. The Premium Construction is the best of the best.

Accessories:

FINS The Freestylewave comes with the latest Maui Fin Company™ Quad fin set. LEARN MORE
STRAPS All Quatro windsurfing boards come with Maui Fin Company™ straps that are extremely comfortable and feature thick high quality neoprene as well as a soft inner sole. LEARN MORE
PADS 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for big landings. LEARN MORE

quatrointernational.com

Starboard Kode Freestyle Wave

The Kode Freestyle Waves are Starboard's wave freestyle boards.

The Kode Freestyle Wave is agressive, fast and maneuverable, with a balanced blend between wave, freestyle and freeride.

The Kode Freestyle Waves are exclusively single fin boards.

Kode Freestyle Wave (86, 94, 103): the balanced blend between wave, freestyle and freeride. The 86 maintains a strong wave emphasis while the 94 and 103 are the best freestylers and high-wind freeriders.

1) To generate the aggressive bite, rails are shaped thin between the front strap and the nose.

2) The decks are ergonomically domed and fitted with Starboard's Sponge Pads.

3) For comfort and general handling, the rails are thicker and voluminous under your back foot.

star-board.com

FREESTYLE:

Fanatic Skate

The thoroughbred Skate Team Edition (TE) line’s proven itself with 4 World Titles and dozens of global test wins. Born for the PWA Big Moves format these 3 short shapes are perfect for double, triple and even more rotations with early-planing power to boost you up-to-speed between tricks.

For 2013 Innegra replaces Kevlar as a lighter, stiffer and more UV resistant laminate in the 89, 99, 109 sizes. The reverse length concept delivers the shortest board in the largest size and all styles boast an ultra-slide Power V bottom. The full-railed rounded nose grips smoothly for an even progression between air and sliding movements and thin mid-stance rails keep the points coming for carving and speed with flair. Progressive Freestyle also demands extra comfort and the CAD-formed double-curved tail deck give perfect arch control and grip for serious riders.

This season we also re-launched two familiar favourites - the test-winning 100 and 110 models. Now available in Biax Glass Sandwich construction they’re slightly longer and forgiving for freestyle fun at any level - perfect for newcomers, classic and carving moves and even small wave use.

KEY FEATURES:
- Easy-riding, early-planing compact shape Round Noses for soft reception and smoother rotation
- Thin Mid Rail carving section
- Deck Contours for foot-arch comfort and grip
- Nose-to-Tail Power V and Slide Bottom for combo-trick flow and style
- 100/110 BGS versions slightly longer with more domed deck for smoother carving manoeuvres

GOLLITO ESTREDO (V-10), 4 TIMES PWA FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPION (2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010):
“If you’ve got an aggressive, competitive style you need early-planing, low swing-weight shapes and smooth front-to-back flow to blend tricks from air through to sliding phases. The Skate’s rails do this perfectly with amazing pads and deck shape to cushion the ride.”

fanatic.com

Goya Air

This airborne Freestyle board, is exclusively designed for the generation of freestyle moves that we now see on the water and aspire ourselves. These boards are not just tested but used and abused daily by professional Freestyle riders on Maui and around the globe.

The all new short shape combines extreme power and pop for air moves while keeping full rail carving capabilities. The rocker with a longer flat section is only surpassed by our Freerace line, focussing on early planning and top end speed. The gradual nose rocker has been reduced for control and ease when switching from tail to nose glides.

The Air PRO features generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

Further design features include an increased tail volume and bevel for reverse sliding tricks as well as Freestyle insert positions with double screws on the back strap.

Features: Gradual curved deck under the foot strap area and customized Freestyle insert positions with double screws on the back strap.

The Air is available in PRO Construction: PRO is our most advanced built, combining light weight, a crisp feel and excellent durability all into one lay-up. Driven by the worldwide, year round research and passion of our team and customers, The Pro Construction evolves and improves constantly. The result is the best weight s with the least warranty issues in the industry. All Pro boards come in distinct colors and a lightly sanded finish.

Range Of Use: Professional Freestyle riders as well as those aspiring to get there.

Accessories

The Air comes with the top of the line MFC™ Freestyle Pro UL Fin. Learn more
The MFC™ straps are extremely comfortable, with a thick and high quality neoprene and a soft inner sole. Learn more
The 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for the big landings. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

JP-Australia Freestyle

TECHNOLOGY: PRO Pro Edition in Carbon Innegra Technology

STEVEN STYLE

We have signed the best freestyler on this planet to develop the very best freestyle board on earth. We think we got it.

Before Steven came on board he obviously tried our 2012 boards and was positively surprised how well they worked.
It was immediately clear that Werner did not need to reinvent the wheel for the 2013 line but just needed to further develop the existing concept and refine it to keep up with the progression of the new freestyle power moves.

Today there are a lot of double power moves and combinations such as the double burner, culo into the spock, spock into kono, forward loop into flaka, double culo or even switch kono into burner. Steven basically comes up with something new every week. All of these moves require a fast and direct board with lots of explosive pop and the ability to pop a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th time in succession. Obviously it also needs to rotate super fast that’s why we kept them short!

SHAPE:By increasing the tail thickness and width, we created a platform that provides instant pop making the double and triple moves much more possible. For all the new combination moves extra speed and a more loose feeling was needed.

We tuned up the trim and moved the mast track and the fin slightly back which loosens up the ride and makes the boards sit higher on the water resulting in more speed for the power moves!!!

In order to keep the speed up whilst switch stance, extra volume was added underneath the feet resulting in a more upright sailing position with a solid platform under the feet. This way he can directly transfer as much pressure as possible onto the tail for instant, explosive pop when going for the switch stance power moves and and double jump rotations. The volume and thickness changed, resulting in a very even and smooth deck radius. The kink in the tail outline is still there allowing the rider to do moves more radically by pushing hard on the back foot.

From the tail to just behind the mastbase the tucked-under edges have been sharpened for additional grip, acceleration and speed.

Known features like the bevel on the bottom from the mast base forward and the full deck/rail radius are still there to guarantee maintaining speed during sliding and combination moves.

The boards come with a modern rather short “new School” freestyle fin. The narrow and upright design develops lots of lift and responds quickly for radical moves.

In addition to all these new features we also developed a new freestyle footstrap with double screws: The straps feel more solid, give you a direct feel and accommodate all sizes of feet. They even work great for people with large feet wearing booties. Special care was taken to make the inside edges more comfortable even when going switch stance.

SUMMARY:Nobody knows what Steven and the other freestyle guys will come up with next. In a few months from now we will see stuff we thought impossible. Our new boards are ready for it. Nothing is holding your creativity back and stops you from learning new moves anymore!

jp-australia.com

Mistral Joker Freestyle

Our Joker line is designed for freestyle competitors

And general free-stylers alike. It’s a compact package of early planing, easy sliding maneuvers, great speed and acceleration, with fantastic control in all conditions.

Shape features:

Ease of sliding is achieved by the rocker line and the board shape. The tuck in the rail with the tail shape makes it a very forgiving board so it’s easier for you to complete your moves.

An unusual rocker line, developed for this board, helps give the board that light feeling under your feet as well as its great range.

The only limit... your creativity!

mistral-boards.com

Joker Freestyle 98:

Volume (l): 98
Lenght (cm): 233
Width (cm): 63

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 20 cm

Joker Freestyle 108:

Volume (l): 108
Lenght (cm): 236
Width (cm): 66,5

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 22 cm

Naish Freestyle

Modern freestyle shapes for riders wanting the ultimate trickster board for freestyle competition and flatwater maneuvers.

Designed with a unique outline to decrease tail area, the Freestyle features early planing, incredible acceleration and a deck geometry that is ideal for modern skate-style maneuvers.

Key Features:

Extremely light weight for incredible acceleration
Double concave deck for upright/centered freestyle stance
Freestyle winger tail for top end control
New carbon Inegra deck construction
Carbon sandwich bottom construction
Eco Boardbag

naishsails.com

Starboard Flare

The Flares are Starboard's competition grade freestyle boards. An uncompromised design backed by the world's best freestyle team.

The Flares are very quick to accelerate and feel compact in both aerial- and sliding maneuvers, they pop easily, carve and respond quickly to a riders input.

They are very light yet remain extremely strong. They are perfectly balanced and agressive enough to invite their riders to go for bigger, faster and combination tricks with confidence while being forgiving enough to help them stick every move.

The Flares also come in more sizes than any other freestyle board range, catering for riders of all ages.

What's new:

All Flares are fitted with the ultra-light 70g Slot Box. All Flares include a Choco Starfish freestyle specialist fin. All Carbon Flares are finished raw, without paint on the deck and rails.

The Flare 91, 101 and the 111 are all new shapes. These are the three models that benefit from the new extra-compact outlines, the thicker tails and the squared-off sharp rails in the tail. The ProKids models and the 116 keep their shapes.

Key features:

New raw-finish without paint reduces weight (Carbon models only)
New extra-compact outlines increases rotational speed, im- proves responsiveness and control
Exaggerated deck dome and heel gutters improve rider comfort, grip and control over the board
New extra-thick tail improves float and forgiveness during moves
New squared-off tails create a sharper release edge for cleaner, quicker acceleration with every pump

star-board.com

2013 Freeride Boards

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:10:00 -0500

FREERIDE pretty much means easy. If you are looking to maximize your fun on the water then often the best place to find it is on a board that is easy. However there are essentially two sub-groups of boards within the group:

Early planing freeride: These are higher volume boards that will get you planing in lighter wind and help you learn all those tricky windsurfing skills from getting into the footstraps to planing jibes.

Highwind freeride: Due to their lower volumes these boards require more wind to plane on but considering their size they are fairly easy to sail. One of these shapes may be the perfect choice for anyone living in a windier location.

FREERIDE BOARDS:

Bic Sport Core

Sizes: 160, 205-liters

Core 293D: Big volume, super stable and fitted with a daggerboard, the Core 293 D is the perfect combination for bigger sized beginner riders looking to learn and progress fast and easily. In light winds, its impressive length gives it excellent glide, perfect for cruising the coastline. And when the wind fills in it transforms into an easy-riding funboard, ideal for learning your planing and jibing skills, and riding in the foot straps. Made from Thermoformed Glass Composite, it's got great stiffness and even better resistance to knocks. The fittings have likewise been selected for their excellent value for money. A great board for the whole family

Core 160D: Great fun, very quick up to planing and fast in light winds, the Core 160D is the perfect board to sail in light to medium wind. It's aimed at lighter weight beginner windsurfers looking to learn and progress fast. It's also ideal for bigger sized riders looking for a board that's got good volume and is fast up to planing, riders looking to progress towards a more physical riding style. Fitted with a retractable daggerboard for upwind sailing. Made from Thermoformed Glass Composite, it's got great stiffness and even better resistance to knocks. The fittings have likewise been selected for their excellent value for money.. An amazingly versatile board.

The Core series is aimed at windsurfers looking for good value at a good price. They come with a fun guarantee, backed up by years of windsurf experience. These boards have proven their worth in all sorts of conditions and their versatility has been well noted in all the magazine tests. Made from Thermoformed Glass Composite, they've got great stiffness and even better resistance to knocks. The fittings have likewise been selected for their excellent value for money.

Fittings
Footstraps: Ergoform x 4 positions: 2 + 1 centre rear on 3 position inserts
Footpads: 4 piece, 4 mm thickness

bicsportwindsurf.com

Bic Sport Techno

Sizes: 133, 148, 160, 205-liters

Techno 133: On a Techno 133 you can go fast, very fast, very easily. In all kinds of conditions and always with great sensations. At the same time, you can enjoy funboard riding in medium to strong winds. So versatile that it could easily become the only freeride board in your quiver.

Techno 148: A great board for lighter weight beginners, the Techno 148 is a great weapon in light to moderate winds, with the kind of acceleration, straight line speed and lively handling that make it one of the best in its category.

Techno 160: Great fun, specially fast up to planing and strong in light winds, the Techno 160 is the ideal board for any size and level of windsurfer looking to progress to a more sporting level.

Techno 293 OD DTT: What helped the Techno 293 OD become such a successful Class Racing board was its general performance and easy control. With a high volume and moderate outline, the Techno 293 OD provides a stable platform for learning to windsurf. A daggerboard provides directional stability and makes sailing upwind a breeze. In light winds, the near 3 m length helps the board really glide through the water, making windsurfing an exciting option in sub-planing conditions. Once the wind gets up, the concave hull helps boost the board onto the plane making for great funboard sailing. Its lightweight and solid construction ensure that the performance and durability remain even after intensive use. Competition aside, the Techno 293 OD is ideal for learning and leisure funboarding. This versatility enables clubs to reduce their overheads and equipment costs by having just one board model from learning right through to racing. With high quality fittings it really is a reliable, high performance board, comfortable in all water conditions.

This legendary range is part of the history of funboarding, boards that are easy to ride, fast and versatile. The Techno 283 was the first of the new generation of wide boards. Since then, the Techno series has shown its supremacy in all types of water conditions and won much public appreciation : from the most demanding of racers (Techno 293OD) to lovers of long distance racing and cruising (Hi Ho)… not forgetting funboard clubs the world over and the most hardcore of funboard riders, they’ve all loved the boards’ performance, strength, stiffness and light weight, matched by the quality of the fittings. The whole Techno series is now accepted as the benchmark in their individual categories.

Fittings:

Footstraps: Ergoform x 4 positions: 2 + 1 centre rear on 3 position inserts

Pads: 5 pieces, 5mm thickness

bicsportwindsurf.com

Exocet Nano

Sister of the LINK 75, the NANO 175 is a higher performance and stiffer version for sailors looking at a compromise hull between displacements and planing board. The dagger will allow great options in any wind with astonishing performance in heavier conditions

Features

Thin rails for ultimate maneuverability.
Super comfortable footstraps.
Doom deck shape for planning efficiency.
ASA construction : Max durability at minimum cost.

exocet-original.com

Exocet Twixx

The TWIXX is a truly exciting board to ride, as the twin ﬁns add considerably more fun and freedom to this freeride program.

The concept has increased its manoeuvrability and has also opened up access to the shallowest waters possible for a board of this size. Yet the performance offered is superior to any similar specification single ﬁn boards, as you will experience a totally different ride from a conventional board. The TWIXX line is equipped with two short Freeride ﬁns, positioned slightly forward to optimize speed and gybing performance.

Features

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction
2 Freeride Side Fins

exocet-original.com

Exocet X-cross

The new X-cross range will set up a new trend in the freeride world, not only are they fast boards but they turn amazingly, rails are extremely thin for a board of that width making it a perfect platform for all weather and wind condition.

The fairly deep VE under the mast base will make you forget how thin these boards are but then in manoeuvre the beast will reveal itself....outstanding boards for sure!!!

Features

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction
D.S: Double Sandwich construction including new generation biaxial fiber glass
New Footstraps, super comfortable and easy to adjust

exocet-original.com

Fanatic Gecko

Fanatic’s redefining the modern Funboard with a range of extra wide and thin-railed manoeuvre-friendly compact shapes. Supportive wide points - comparable to boards 15 litres larger - and flat decks into thinned-out edges produce a hull capable of extreme, tight-carving performance. Similar to Freestyle boards, the extra width means you don’t need a larger sail to get going quickly. All three models (105, 120 & 135 litre) feature a proven rocker line and tuned tail kick release that deliver the ultimate quick-to-plane, responsive Freemove board. Ideal for screeching turns and even your first Freestyle moves – a true Freeride revolution has begun. Available in super-durable Bamboo Sandwich Light construction with GFK Power Box fin.

KEY FEATURES:
- Extra-Wide compact outline for early planing and stability
- Efficient low volume profile
- 75° Pintail for reduced drag and control
- Proven fast performance scoop-rocker line with added tail kick
- Flat deck with thin rails for ultimate carving sensation
- Flat Panel Power V bottom shape

SHAPER SEBASTIAN WENZEL ON HIS LATEST CAD-FORMED CREATION:
“To say this board is cutting-edge is an understatement – the ultra-thin rail edges let you dig as deep as you want in turns and extra width will save you from buying a bigger sail. If you’re looking for a board that planes early, with a balanced, compact outline to jump, slide and carve like never before all with way less volume – then the Gecko’s your perfect playmate.“

fanatic.com

Fanatic Shark

Perfect for progression and forgiving to intermediates, the Sharks lack no bite in hard-carving super-tight turns. From smooth, graceful cruising to lightning speed runs they’re the perfect platform for fast learners and a lifetime of Freeride pleasure. The proven CAD-shaped scoop rocker, comfy domed decks and compact outline are easy to use and push to the limits. 5 hard-wearing high value shapes come in High Resistance Skin (HRS) with Power Box fins, and the most popular 135 and 150 LTD sizes are also available in eco-friendly, impact resistant and super light and stiff Innegra Carbon / Basalt Cork Sandwich Light Finish construction.

KEY FEATURES:
‣ Easy-to-use compact outline and efficient volume flow and feel
‣ 80° pintail for drag reduction, jibing and top-end control
‣ Smooth and forgiving ride from full front rails blending into thinner tail for grip and tight turns
‣ Double concave cuts through the chop at high speed
‣ Responsive foot-steering feel from deluxe deck doming

fanatic.com

Goya One

The ONE combines the best features of all board lines we have yet been producing, and merges them into what is now becoming an instant favorite among riders and testers.

The ONE 86-104 carry a V bottom with double concaves through the stance. The reason for that is that V bottoms are the fastests bottoms still, all raceboards carry them and the double concave accentuate the centerline, softening the ride/ more comfortable while adding grip and drive to the turns.

The 86 features a US Box compatible with all wave fin designs and the larger sizes 94, 104, 116, 130 and 144 feature a Power Box for increase speed, strength and compatibility with larger fins.

The One is available in PRO Construction as well as in ECO Construction in the sizes 86, 94, 104, 116, 130 and 144. LEARN MORE

ECO uses a combination of wood double sandwich, our number one renewable resource, and biaxial glass, where stability dictates it. This construction incorporates our latest performance research to create a strong, light and very smooth feeling board at a competitive price.

Range Of Use: All Riders Welcome. The One caters to all levels of experience and all types of conditions. Within the One Range you will find the right board for all windsurfing situations.

Accessories:

The One comes with an MFC™ 211 fin. Learn more
The MFC™ straps are extremely comfortable, with a thick and high quality neoprene and a soft inner sole. Learn more
The 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for the big landings. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

JP-Australia All Ride

TECHNOLOGY:

PRO – PRO Edition Technology
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology
ES – Epoxy Sandwich Technology

The “Multi Purpose” concept between Freestyle Wave, Freestyle and Super Sport. They are easy planing, super comfortable to ride and get really fast. Probably the easiest and most forgiving medium wind jibing boards available today. Simple plug and play windsurfing – jump on and have fun.

SHAPE

The 116 uses a performance oriented rocker line from the Super Sport range. The 96 uses one which is close to the Freestyle Waves. The 106 is a combination of the two.

A unique bottom shape, consisting of Vee in the mid section of the board combined with double concaves, makes it easy to initiate maneuvers and adjust the radius and carving angle of the jibe.

A big advantage is the comfortable ride. The Vee in combination with the double concaves just swallow any chop and provide a super comfortable ride.

Our trademark channel concept provides great performance (early planing, high speed) and excellent maneuverability since the rail line has more bottom curve than the inside area of the channel. The channel edge also creates extra lift and grip for maneuvers.

The rather straight outline between the foot straps makes the board very stable in straight line sailing and provides even pressure on the front and back foot resulting in a very comfortable stance. The deck has a constant radius in the standing area, you always feel connected to the board since it perfectly fits the arch of your foot.

The wide tail makes jibing effortless. The board remains controlled and predictable as you enter the jibe. At the middle of the turn a great gliding sensation kicks in. The board remains stable and calm as you go into the foot change. After the rig flip the power comes on smooth and you accelerate rapidly back to top speed. It almost jibes itself. You only need to initiate the turn and it holds that carving edge – it’s so easy!

SUMMARY

Easy early planing, super comfortable, seriously fast.

Super easy and very forgiving jibers. Work great in rolling waves like you find them in Greece and Egypt… If you plan to ride real breaking waves consider the Freestyle Waves which require a slightly more advanced rider. As the All Ride name says you can ride anything with them: flatwater, bumpy conditions and rolling waves. You got it all.

jp-australia.com

JP-Australia X-cite Ride

TECHNOLOGY:

PRO – PRO Edition Technology – 122, 134, 146
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology – 122, 134, 146, 158
FAMILY – Full Wood Sandwich Technology with EVA deck – 146
ES – Epoxy Sandwich Technology – 122, 134, 146, 158
ES + EVA – Epoxy Sandwich Technology with EVA deck – 134, 146

SHAPE

The rather straight outline curve between the straps makes them react quickly to initiating maneuvers. As the magazine describes they are great jibing boards for all level of sailors.

The straight outline curve gives you a body position rather parallel to the centerline. This provides great comfort and even pressure on both feet. Keeping the sail sheeted in is easy. You will experience long high speed runs in total comfort.

A parallel stance also creates even pressure on both feet. Long runs become effortless and you will experience high speed in total comfort.

The scoop rocker line makes the board feel light and ride high on the water to fly over the chop.

The double concave Vee in the front and mid section of the boards gives you the feeling that the chop does not even exist. Towards the tail we use our trademark channel concept combining performance and maneuverability.

NEW

Now also available in Epoxy Sandwich Technology.

The 134 and 146 ES are additionally available with full EVA decks.

On top of that the 146 is available in a special Family version which comes in the light Full Wood Sandwich Technology, with EVA deck, centerfin and many additional footstrap options which cover everything from beginner kids to advanced dads.

SUMMARY

Incredibly early planing freeride boards which offer a unique riding sensation as they go so fast, so comfortably. They will never get out of control. Feel very crisp and light under foot as well as very responsive to foot steering. When jibing, they really feel like on autopilot.

Fun jibers – for the advanced who will enjoy carving jibes, as well as for short board beginners, who want to have fun and improve.

jp-australia.com

Mistral Explosion

The name says is all, The Explosion is a fun free ride board that will bring you further in your windsurfing. Soft rails and a longer outline makes for a great ride with easy control.

The boards are built using a wood sandwich and have a great strength to weight ratio.

The 160L comes with a dagger board for those who sail in gusty conditions and like to also sail in non-plaining conditions.

mistral-boards.com

Explosion 127:

Volume (l): 127
Lenght (cm): 250
Width (cm): 66

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 42 cm

Volume (l): 127
Lenght (cm): 250
Width (cm): 66

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 42 cm

Wave
Freestyle
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	_____
Race	_____

Explosion 147:

Volume (l): 147
Lenght (cm): 255
Width (cm): 75

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,8 sqm
Fin: 45 cm

Volume (l): 127
Lenght (cm): 250
Width (cm): 66

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 42 cm

Wave
Freestyle
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	_____
Race	_____

Volume (l): 147
Lenght (cm): 255
Width (cm): 75

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,8 sqm
Fin: 45 cm

Wave
Freestyle
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	_____
Race	_____

Explosion 160:

Volume (l): 160
Lenght (cm): 260
Width (cm): 85

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 8,5 sqm
Fin: 45 cm

Mistral Syncro

The Syncro line is featuring a very nice shape and deck flow, a slightly wider nose, and fuller rails,the board really performs great.

It has a similar rocker line to the older versions and the improvements offers more of the do-it all performance the Syncro line stands for: Fun ride, full control in the jibe, fast for better jumping, and with a rocker that is flat enough to handle any chop you will have to deal with.

The board can be set up with either a 3-foot straps setting or an outboard 4-foot straps setting.

The 3-foot straps setting is for more maneuver ability and improved performance for jumping and moving around on the water.

The 4-foot straps setting makes it easier to have full pressure on the rail, giving you a faster board.

mistral-boards.com

Syncro 104:

Volume (l): 104
Lenght (cm): 240
Width (cm): 62,5

Construction: Fiberglass/carbon
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 34 cm

Syncro 117:

Volume (l): 117
Lenght (cm): 241
Width (cm): 67

Construction: Fiberglass/carbon

Rec.sail size: 5,5 - 7,8 sqm
Fin: 38 cm

Volume (l): 104
Lenght (cm): 240
Width (cm): 62,5

Construction: Fiberglass/carbon
Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm
Fin: 34 cm

Wave	__
Freestyle	___
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	__
Race	_______

Volume (l): 117
Lenght (cm): 241
Width (cm): 67

Construction: Fiberglass/carbon

Rec.sail size: 5,5 - 7,8 sqm
Fin: 38 cm

Wave	__
Freestyle	___
Freemove	__________
(Re)entry	__
Race	_______

Syncro 130:

Volume (l): 130
Lenght (cm): 244
Width (cm): 73,5

Construction: Fiberglass/carbon
Rec.sail size: 6,0 - 8,5 sqm
Fin: 46 cm

Naish GT

Lightweight and versatile freeride boards for riders wanting quick planning, amazing speed and easy jibing.

Designed with a new rocker line, the GT has increased length for dual axis stability and early planing performance. The GT accelerates quickly onto a plane, and maintains control and smooth jibing at high speeds.

Key Features:

New rockerline for incredible early planing performance
Light weight carbon wood sandwich construction
Slightly increased length for dual axis stability
Eco Boardbag

naishsails.com

Naish GT Sport

Durable and versatile freeride boards for riders wanting quick planing, amazing speed and easy jibing.

Key Features:

New rockerline for incredible early planing performance
Wood sandwich reinforcement in stance area
Slightly increased length for dual axis stability
GT design and performance at a great value.

naishsails.com

Starboard Carve

The Carve is Starboard’s freeride board

Freeride boards are designed to be fast, exciting and fun, while delivering their best performance regardless of rider skill:

We call it Plug and Play. Wind-range and jibing performance are critical when freeriding. The new Carves, with their slimmer shapes and extra wide widths, are the class-leaders in wind range and they jibe beautifully in all manner of styles: from wide-arc power turns to pivotal back foot carves. With its stability, they even help you progress in your carve jibing skill and make uphauling a breeze.

8% slimmer design

The Starboard Carves join the evolution towards slimmer shapes: 8% slimmer on average in the midsection, the new slim Carves are extra stable and cover an extra wide wind range. They plane earlier, carry bigger sails and ultimately reach faster speeds than before – more often and more effortlessly.

Design and performance

Wide outlines coupled with a thinner profile forms the basis for each new Carve design.

The slim concept was applied to the Carve 121, 131, 141 when we transitioned from the 2011 model to 2012 model. The slim concept then followed on the 151 and 161 as we transition now from the 2012 model to the 2013 model.

So for 2013, all the Carves now follow the new Slim Concept: wider and thinner for a more efficiency. By making the outlines wider, the boards will have better low-speed stability: this is important when uphauling or completing your jibes for example.

By making the profiles thinner, these wider boards don’t feel big – on the contrary, the lower center of gravity makes the board more responsive to foot- steering, quicker to carve and bite sharper into jibes.

The combination of width and thinness also increases wind range: on one hand, the extra width allows the rider to fit a deeper fin and a larger sail, giving it more light wind power. On the other hand, the low volume from the thin profile allows the board to be more controllable in high winds, using a smaller sail and a smaller fin.

Unlike the Futuras or iSonics, the boards remain generously long by modern standards. This allows for easier passive planing: the boards will glide on to the plane more easily and more gradually.

The tail area of the deck remains heavily domed so that the board remains comfortable underfoot, in any strap position and even outside of the straps. The Carves are very accessible and comfortable to ride.

In conclusion, the Carves are designed to offer an incredible range of performance but in one simple easy package

What's new
2013 compared to 2012:
New 151 and 161 shapes. These two sizes now join the 111, 121, 131 and 141 in the ‘Slim Concept’. The thickness difference is -7% in the mid-section on average. The difference is 0% in the tail section (the tail needs to remain domed for comfort in all strap positions).

The new shapes also benefit from the new cut-aways that provide more top speed and a quicker acceleration.

2012 compared to 2011:
121, 131, 141: benefited from the Slim Concept: 9% slimmer in their midsection and new cut-away designs for improved speed/acceleration.

151/161: wider outlines for low speed stability, large sail and large fin carrying capability
151/161: 7% thinner profiles compared to 2012 model, for improved control, maneuverability and a sharper ride
Domed decks and multiple insert positions
New Sponge Pad design on all sizes
Multiple insert positions include inboard and outboard options
151/161: new cut-away shapes that improve top speed and acceleration

Construction: Available in Tufskin AST, Wood and Carbon

star-board.com

Starboard Go

The GO are Starboard’s iconic range of progressive freeriders

They are the original, comfortable, stable and easy all-round designs that have transformed modern windsurfing by making it easy to progress from early-learner to advanced rider.

What’s progressive freeriding? It’s about getting planing, hooking in to the harness, learning to waterstart, learning to windsurf with speed and power and mastering the carve jibe.

The all-new 2013 GOs share the same ultra-modern slim shapes as the new 2013 Carve range. Wider and slimmer than ever, they enjoy a wider wind range than before. With the extra width comes more stability and earlier planing, and the ability to use bigger sails and deeper fins. With reduced thickness comes a sharper, more race-like sensation and improved control in higher winds.

The new 8% slimmer GO boards: slim and fast.

8% slimmer design

The GO boards are designed around three key principles: make planing easy, make the ride fast and exciting, and make the handling fun and responsive. Sharing the same shape as the latest slimmer Carves, these new shapes have proven to score almost perfectly in freeride tests

Design and performance

Wide outlines coupled with a thinner profile forms for more efficiency.

By making the outlines wider, the boards will have better low-speed stability: this is important when uphauling or completing your jibes for example.

By making the profiles thinner, these wider boards don’t feel big – on the contrary, the lower center of gravity makes the board more responsive to foot- steering, quicker to carve and bite sharper into jibes.

The combination of width and thinness also increases wind range: on one hand, the extra width allows the rider to fit a deeper fin and a larger sail, giving it more light wind power. On the other hand, the low volume from the thin profile allows the board to be more controllable in high winds, using a smaller sail and a smaller fin.

The tail area of the deck remains heavily domed so that the board remains comfortable underfoot, in any strap position and even outside of the straps. The GOs are very accessible and comfortable to ride.

The Go Windsurfer:

Essentially a GO 171 with an added daggerboard, this blend gives a unique freeride board that has plenty of width, plenty of volume, an exciting free ride and the ability to glide upwind in lightwinds.

The Clipperbox Daggerboard system also minimizes the disadvantage of having a daggerboard in a freeride shape: the daggerboard can be clipped out in an instant and the one-way rubber lips system prevents water from gushing through the daggerboard case at high speeds: the board remains light, crisp and free as it skims over the water.

In the GO range the GO Windsurfer keeps the same shape as before. Why has it not been upgraded to the slimmer concept along with the others?

The answer is simple: we tested the slimmer, wider shapes with a daggerboard and the loss of smooth gliding and the reduced length made the new shape inadequate for the Windsurfer concept.

If you compare the length and width of the GO Windsurfer 171 against the GO 161, you will see that the GO Windsurfer is longer and narrower. This gives it the better blend of non-planing glide and planing performance. It feels just right.

What's new

121, 131, 141: 9% slimmer in their midsection and new cut-away designs for improved speed/acceleration.

151 and 161: the thickness difference is -7% in the mid-section on average. The difference is 0% in the tail section (the tail needs to remain domed for comfort in all strap positions).

All the new shapes also benefit from the new cut-away designs that provide more top speed and a quicker acceleration.

Wider outlines for low speed stability, large sail and large fin carrying capability
8% thinner profiles compared to 2012 model, for improved control, maneuverability and a sharper ride
Carry handles in the centre makes carrying the board easier under-arm
Full soft EVA deck: comfortable for your feet, knees and elbows. You get lots of grip without the cuts or rashes. The EVA deck is raised high above the edges of the board to allow the water to flow freely around the board and carve jibe smoothly without interruption.
Footstrap positions for every level of sailing: beginner, intermediates and advanced.
Carry handles in the nose: makes carrying the board by two people more convenient
The GO 151 and 161 include a centre fin-box: Perfect for fitting an extra centre fin that makes a beginner’s first steps even easier
The 151 and 161 models are delivered with two fins – a shallow fin that makes handling easier for beginners, including the first steps in shallower water, and a deeper, high performance fin that unlocks the full performance potential of the GO
New cut-away shapes that improve top speed and acceleration (not in the Go Windsurfer

Construction: Both the GO and the GO Windsurfer are available in Tufskin EVA construction

star-board.com

Starboard Kode Freemove

The Kode Freemoves are maneuverable, aggressive freeriders available in 113 and 123 liter

Their new 2013 shapes have faster rails that come from the Flares. These new rails have less tuck under for harder edges: you get more acceleration and quicker planing. With reduced volume above the apex, they bite hard and feel very aggressive, giving the rider a very sharp, precise and exciting sensation when maneuvering the board.

The volume behind the back foot has also been increased following the influence of the Flares: this gives the board more float when accelerating on to the plane and coming out of jibes. Both models have been shortened down to make them yet more maneuverable, more responsive and feel lighter. New 5mm sponge pads for perfect comfort and slightly longer cut-aways for extra speed complete the upgrade.

The new Kode Freemove, the aggressive and maneuverable freeriders that love to carve hard, catch air and surf the swell.

Short compact outlines for maximum maneuverability and responsiveness. For 2013, they are shorter yet again.
New pads include a 5mm sponge layer for improved comfort and control.
New rails come from the Free- style Flares: fast, hard rails for quick planing and acceleration. The reduced thickness above the apex accentuate the bite and grip when carving
New increased tail thickness adds to the tails ability to float out of turns and help to pop the board on to the plane.
New cut aways are slightly longer for improved fin tracking and increased top end speed

star-board.com

2013 Entry and WindSUP Boards

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:25:00 -0500

There is no better time then the present to get into windsurfing. Today you have an easy choice to make right from the start if you are buying an ENTRY-LEVEL board:

ENTRY WINDSURFING BOARD: Generally wider then most SUP board, these make windsurfing the easiest possible. If you know your direction is pure windsurfing then look here. These boards are also great for learning lightwind freestyle on...so really you'll never out grow it.

WIND SUP BOARD: These multi-purpose shapes will allow you to paddle in no wind and then shift to windsurfing when just the slightest breeze appears. These are great family boards that will have everyone stoked on the water.

ENTRY WINDSURFING BOARDS:

Bic Sport Beach

Sizes: 160 ,205-liters

Easy riding boards, super strong and a superb price

The right balance : stable and fun

The Beach 175D is a more compact board, and is suited to lighter-weight beginners. It glides well in light winds while maintaining good manoeuvrability. It is fitted with a retractable daggerboard and with carry handles at the front, side and rear, which help to carry the board in and out of the water and are very useful for handling it in the water during the learning sessions. It is a very solid board, and with its particular volume and its EVA-foam pad covered deck, it is particularly apt for both sailing schools and windsurf-enthusiast families on their holidays.

The Beach 225D has the most volume, making it specially ideal for heavier riders looking for a very stable board to learn on. It is fitted with a retractable daggerboard and with carry handles at the front, side and rear, which help to carry the board in and out of the water and are very useful for handling it in the water during the learning sessions. It is a very solid board, and with its particular volume and its EVA-foam pad covered deck, it is particularly apt for both sailing schools and windsurf-enthusiast families on their holidays.

Beginner level windsurf boards have made considerable progress as regards their stability, and that for some time now, but are nevertheless frequently a bit fragile for the kind of intensive use they get. Responding to the needs of windsurf clubs, BIC Windsurf is launching a brand new range called the «Beach».
It's the result of an innovative mix of technologies already to be found on BIC surf boards and kayaks. The outer skin of polyethylene is the same as that used on BIC Sport kayaks with their proven strength. The internal construction borrows from the BIC ACS surf board with its massive knock-resistance. The shapes have been developed with maximum stability for beginners in mind but are still very manoeuvrable to help learn some progression moves.
Beach boards will therefore be very useful for windsurf schools looking for good, solid, modern and easy to learn on boards. The two models come with a retractable dagger board system that is very simple to tune.

bicsportwindsurf.com

Bic Sport Nova

Sizes: 160, 205-liters

Learn to windsurf with a taste of funboard action!

Stable and easy to ride, fitted with a daggerboard, the NOVA 160 D was designed for learning and progressing. Its short shape makes it simple to carve and jibe, even in light winds. When it gets properly up to planing, its short length and reduced weight make it an exciting funboard ride.

The NOVA 205D is geared towards heavier-weight riders or for schools who want stable, big volume boards, fitted with a retractable daggerboard. This board is also great for progressing, thanks to its relatively moderate length, its reduced weight and forward footstrap positions. There's no better board for learning how to windsurf!

These boards have been designed specifically for learning to windsurf and progress towards funboarding in the best of conditions. With their comfortable volume and wide deck area, these are great boards for making your first runs and starting to have fun from day 1. They are made using the thermoformed composite technology and are as a result much lighter than those of the competition. The deck is covered in EVA foam for extra grip and comfort.
Nova boards have a retractable daggerboard to help return back to shore safely. The multiple footstrap positions placed quite forward on the board make it easy for all levels of rider to learn funboarding and jibes easily. Their short length means they're highly manoeuvrable and still have great speed when the wind fills in and they start planning, giving you the excitement of full-on funboarding!

bicsportwindsurf.com

Exocet Link

The LINK line is unchanged with respect to the shapes, however we have dropped the smaller sizes while increasing the options with the addition of STD versions across the line.

The LINK STD comes with a simplified EVA deck and does not have the wheel, in order to position the line more competitively in the market place.

Features

Full EVA deck
Allgaier daggerboard (75 and 85)
Integrated wheel for easy transportation
(Optional on STD and Tandem)
34 cm school fin (75 and 85)

exocet-original.com

Fanatic Viper

With a huge network of schools and Fanatic center rental staff to consult, we’ve built the perfect board for progression based on expert knowledge. This is no wide-style board that’s redundant once you’ve mastered the basics, but the perfect platform for family fun from first steps to beyond your first planing revelations. The compact retractable daggerboard and GFK Power Box fin allow light wind glide and more advanced Funboard use in one package. A forgiving softdeck pad and nose handle make transport and balance a breeze and the large range of deckplate positions expand tuning scope to match your progress. Delivered in 4 sizes, all with High Resistance Skin (HRS) durability, each model can suit a range of age and abilities with 70, 75, 80 and 85cm wide options to choose from. Now also available as school version with plain white softdeck.

KEY FEATURES:
- CAD-engineered power rocker line for optimum waterline and sub-planing pointing
- Removable dagger board for light air tracking and sealable slot for high wind use
- Multiple beating and blasting footstrap positions for freeride and cruising use
- Thinner outline for control and mastering footsteering

fanatic.com

Goya Surf

The focus of this board is to get anyone a fast entry into the windsurfing feeling and allowing every rider to keep improving on the same board. Learning to get in the straps, jibe, trim upwind or race downwind. A balanced board for beginners that can also be turned into one of the most used boards in the quiver of advanced riders. Not to forget the Stand Up Paddle qualities of this wonderful platform.

A wide & short fin helps first time water starts in shallow sections while still maintaining enough fin area once you are planing. Additionaly, the all new fully retractable Allgaier® dagger board brings the best of both worlds. You can choose to either have it hidden away, tucked inside the board while riding around, or have it down for first time riders or for trimming upwind on the lighter wind days. Having the daggeboard down maximizes stability while learning to uphaul.

The board features a full EVA deck. Added foam thickness in the nose area keeps the board safe from potential boom front and mast hits. A harder and denser EVA around the whole perimeter of the board helps keeping the rails looking like new after a full season.

The Surf is available in ECO Construction: ECO uses a combination of wood double sandwich, our number one renewable resource, and biaxial glass, where stability dictates it. This construction incorporates our latest performance research to create a strong, light and very smooth feeling board at a competitive price.

Range Of Use: All Riders Welcome. Make this your number one family board and you can be sure that all weekend long everyone will have their best time trying new things and enjoying the essence of our sport.

Accessories:

The One comes with an MFC™ 211 fin. Learn more
The MFC™ straps are extremely comfortable, with a thick and high quality neoprene and a soft inner sole. Learn more
The 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for the big landings. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

JP-Australia Explorer

TECHNOLOGY

ASA Sandwich Technology: ASA bottom and full EVA deck and integrated carrying handle

SPORTIER THE MORE YOU IMPROVE

Windsurfing made easy with a board that grows with you! This new concept combines the stability a beginner needs with the sporty planing feel an advanced rider is looking for. Opposite to wide body beginner boards like the Funster, the Explorers feature narrow and long hulls.

Once you advance and master the basics the Explorer shape lifts up to a glide in light winds offering that ‘Funboard feeling’ instantly. On the plane it is and feels much faster, more sportive and lively than wide body beginner boards. Touring, exploring and enjoying the coastline from the water makes riding this board a new experience.

SHAPE

The hulls are designed to deliver outstanding performance, considering it’s a beginner board under your feet. When planing, they almost feel as sporty as an X-Cite Ride, lifting on their tail and powering off their fins: A totally new sensation in JP’s daggerboard class.

They are sporty and lively! Carving a planing arc through the water makes jibing great fun. The daggerboard of wide body boards basically only reduced the sideway drift. Whereas on the narrow hulls of the Explorers, the power of the daggerboards can lift the windward rail, providing a feeling similar feel known from the early days windsurf boards.
Thus, it is more fun to ride in light winds using the daggerboard and also more efficient to go upwind.

The Explorers come with multiple foot strap options for every rider level, starting from the absolute foot strap beginner to the advanced rider who is already able to use the straps and push the board to accelerate. Due to the retractable daggerboard and all the various foot strap options every rider will find the perfect set-up for his individual trim. The volume distribution is evenly spread-out and gives plenty of stability for first time windsurfers. The built-in nose handle in combination with the strap handle at the tail make carrying the board on the beach and in/out of the water really easy. The soft EVA deck features an ideal “playground” for every member of the family.

SUMMARY

It fulfills its duties as beginner board and shines with its enormous range of use, steadily unleashing more and more of its sporty potential the better you get!
Play, learn, cruise, glide and have fun in all conditions. This board covers it all – a true new daggerboard allround funboard.

jp-australia.com

JP-Australia Funster

TECHNOLOGY: ASA Sandwich Technology: ASA bottom and full EVA deck and nose protector

START NOW AND JOIN THE FUN

The Funsters combine the performance of a freerider with the easy handling of a beginner board. They are excellent beginner and family boards. Advanced riders will also have fun on them.

All the Funsters have comfortable EVA decks and many footstrap plug options. This allows you to slowly move from an easy cruising setup, to a blasting stance out on the boards’ rail. They all come with indestructible, detachable glasfiber nose protectors.

The 205 and 180 are perfect beginner boards. Within only a few hours anyone will be sailing back and forth, and will quickly reach the thrill of planing.

The 130, 145 and 160 have a wide range of use: From beginner boards for kids and light-weights to sporty cruisers for more advanced riders.

SHAPE

Short and wide, not just in the middle but also in the nose and tail, along with an even volume distribution makes them stable along the length and width axis. This gives the rider confidence and helps to improve quickly.
Flat bottom curve gives a long water line for good non-planing speed and upwind performance.
Simple and proven daggerboard system for stability and easy going upwind.
The mast track is centered and very close to the daggerboard, making the board react quickly to rig and foot steering.

SUMMARY

For beginners to advanced freeriders
Fun from the moment you step on
Planing in very light winds
So easy
Very stable
Easy tracking in non-planing conditions
Effortless rig and foot steering
Easy to learn footstrap technique
Perfect to experience the real fun in windsurfing -planing- as fast as possible
Great family boards

jp-australia.com

Kona One

Versatile, friendly and fun to sail. It has grown to be a serious One-Design race class in record time. The characteristic subtle shape combines stability, maneuverability, control and excellent sub-planing performance all in one package. Cruising and racing in all conditions becomes a thrill and performing classic tricks becomes a breeze. The Kona One's natural wave ability in not only a bonus, but the most appreciated aspect among many sailors world wide. It is as demanding for advanced sailors as it is easy for "newbies" because of its versatile design which incorporates a gently curved outline with soft rails and a flat rocker. This board allows you to ride soft, long waves in marginal conditions. Additionally, the planing threshold has been dramatically reduced by implementing the 'step tail' which shortens the waterline when powered up and boosts the board onto a plane much earlier than conventional longboards.

Features:

65cm daggerboard
46cm fin
4 footstraps
full soft EVA deck for maximum comfort

Construction: ASA/EVA

konaone.com

Mistral Evolution

Fun riding boards, full wood construction with full EVA decks. Great for learners or riders looking for a fun ride for the whole family. Unlike other learner boards the Evolution is a very modern shape and will allow you to grow with the board. From just learning to sail to get into your full planning jibes Evolution will do it all.

mistral-boards.com

Evolution 160:

Volume (l): 160

Lenght (cm): 260

Width (cm): 85

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails and full EVA deck

Rec.sail size: 2,5 - 8,5 sqm

Fin: 45 cm

Evolution 180:

Volume (l): 180

Lenght (cm): 260

Width (cm): 83

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails and full EVA deck

Rec.sail size: 2,5 - 8,5 sqm

Fin: 45 cm

Evolution 210:

Volume (l): 210

Lenght (cm): 270

Width (cm): 90

Construction: full wood sandwich

with tough skin rails and full EVA deck

Rec.sail size: 2,5 - 8,5 sqm

Fin: 45 cm

Naish Kailua

Novice windsurfers of all weights and sizes who want the stability to learn the basics, progress to planing and learn to jibe with ease.

Designed to make it easy to learn the basics of windsurfing in both planing and non-planing conditions, the Kailua boards are world renowned for stability and ease. They jibe and plane with ease, making any day on the water with the Kailua, a great day.

Key Features:

AST construction on the 140 and 160
ASA construction on the 180 and XR
Retractable daggerboard on Kailua 160, 180 and XR
Full EVA deck traction
Grooved EVA in the stance area
Integrated nose bumper

Naish Kailua SE: The same Kailua design and entry-level performance, but with a non-skid deck surface for long-lasting durability and easy repair. The Kailua SE maintains the wide, stable and easy-to-use performance of the world-renowned Kailua, but includes a new, non-skid (non-EVA) deck surface. This feature makes it the ideal board for easy repair and long-lasting durability needed by schools and windsurfing rental/test centers around the world.

naishsails.com

Starboard Rio

The Rios are Starboard’s entry-level all-round boards

These are the boards that cover learning, progressing and planing for the first time. They are considered all-rounders because they are equally good at providing stability for beginners to learn and providing power for progressing windsurfers to get planing smoothly. Once planing, the Rios feel responsive and fun. The Rios advanced shape and fittings make them by far the most thoroughly designed entry-level board on the market today.

Product details:

Nose carry handle for convenience.
Integrated nose protector.
Longer nose with a longer, lower rocker – for more longitudinal stability and more glide.
Soft EVA deck, regular deck finish or Armour Tech options available.
Integrated nose protector.
Centre carry handle.
Multiple insert positions offer tuning options for entry level/ intermediate/ advanced riders.
Extra-wide tails offer easier and earlier planing.
Contour deck makes it easier than ever to get into the footstraps.
Allgaier daggerboard system
Side-cuts improve fin drive and release
Tail cutaways improve speed and acceleratio

The Rio XL is a special board in the Rio family. It is developed for schools that prefer long, narrow shapes that give the most glide and longitudinal traction. It is a school-only board, available only in Armour Tech and is finished all-white to make repairs and maintenance easy. The deck is finished in conventional non-slip.

star-board.com

Starboard Start

The Starts are Starboard's super-stable beginner boards. Feature-packed with smart ideas and offering the widest shape in the entry-level segment, the Starts make learning to windsurf and planing in the straps easier than ever.

What's new?

Starboard's super stable entry-level boards
Extra stable for beginners, easy and smooth to get planing for intermediates

The 2012 Start M and L have been lengthened to 285cm to hugely improve the boards' glide in light winds. With the longer length, the profile of the board can flattened, which also allows the board to gradually transition into planing mode - smoothly and easily, without the need to overcome a power surge.

The Start's tail design is also wider than any other entry-level board. This allows the Start to get planing earlier, at lower speeds. Again, this helps beginners to plane smoothly and easily.

star-board.com

WIND SUP BOARDS:

Bic Sport Wind SUP

Sizes: 11'6, 10'6

Particularly long and specifically shaped for multi-purpose navigation, the BIC SUP Wind boards offer the advantage of being able to double-up as windsurf boards in light wind conditions. Their large volume and width make them also suitable for beginners. The 11'6 and 10'6 BIC SUP Wind boards offer therefore the extra appeal of a dual-program.

11'6 WIND SUP: Featuring a mast foot track for attaching a windsurf rig as well as a retractable daggerboard, the 11'6 WIND is a highly versatile and adaptable SUP/ windsurfer for both windy and calm conditions. Its substantial volume and width offer excellent lateral stability without compromising performance.
Volume is evenly spread throughout the board and its finely balanced rocker and longboardstyle outline make it easy to handle in flatwater conditions without reducing agility in the surf zone. The 11'6'' is also a great choice for families looking to bring along the kids or pets. Shaped for novice riders up to 260lbs/120kg and will float more advanced paddlers up to 300lbs. New ERGO-GRIP carry handle = Easier Transport + Less Fatigue! A cover is delivered with the board to cover the daggerboard hole during SUP use.

10'6 WIND SUP: The 10'6'' ACE-TEC Wind is a stable, dependable and highly versatile SUP which features a mastfoot box for mounting a windsurf rig. Designed as an allround performer for novice riders up to 180lbs/80kg the 10'6 Wind also works great as a performance surf-SUP for riders up to 220lbs/100kg. Featuring even volume distribution, confidence-inspiring width, a refined rocker profile for surf performance as well as flatwater glide. An excellent windsurf board for beginners on flatwater as well as more advanced windsurfers in waves. New ERGO-GRIP carry handle = Easier Transport + Less Fatigue!

bicsportwindsurf.com

Exocet Wind SUP

WIND SUP 11'8: Enjoy your 220 litres of volume but still feel the exhilarating ride of a short board. The step tail design is not just another fashion gadget, but a technical feature adding obvious advantages due the extended water line in displacement mode, as well as the reduced wet surface as soon as on the plane. The natural standing position is in the centre of the board,and due to the step tail it remains the same even when you catch a wave and accelerate. A unique quality making it way easier to learn paddling in the waves.

WIND SUP 10': Down sized from the 11’8 the 10’ is the ideal board on which to learn windsurf or SUP. The step tail (an Exocet trademark) is integrated into the swallow tail. This feature allows the board to take off and turn perfectly in SUP mode while still giving you the choice of windsurfing mode. The dagger option will give plenty of options in any wind conditions. We have added several inserts on the nose deck in order to attach a net for gear or life jacket storage.

exocet-original.com

Fanatic Fly

FLY ALLROUND

FLY 10’0”
For lighter and middleweight riders, the Fly 10’0” is perfect for first waves through to charging big surf. A classic pintail shape guarantees performance and speed, while the lower entry rocker line means you’ll never miss a wave. With a speedy flat spot in front of plenty of V in the tail, this 10-footer feels like a shortboard with vertical control and power. A Tri-Fin cluster gives further options for drive and tracking in almost any water state. Comes in exclusive and light Wood Editions or High Resistance Skin (HRS) with deluxe Deck Pad.

FLY 10’6”
A board for a lifetime of surfing. Heavier riders or those who want a board for all conditions will fall in love with this timeless thruster shape. Soft rails up front and sharper edges in the tail give the grip and feel of a smaller board with all the grace and glide of the ancient Hawaiians. Thanks to a flatter nose rocker and more pronounced curve in the tail, you gain easy paddling and turning ability for effortlessly catching rides. A flat deck and volume out wide mean there’s balance and stability galore. What greater way to share the joy of riding waves with family, friends and beginners? Comes in Exclusive Wood Edition, or High Resistance Skin (HRS) with deluxe Deck Pad, HRS with lightweight GripDeck, or in SoftTop with Foam-Moulded Deck and Rail protection with High Density Slick PE bottom.

FLY 11’0”
This compact, balanced design suits either lightweights or heavier beginners with a genuine surfing rocker line and flat deck with volume out on the rail for stability. The low entry gets you into waves early for true surfing sensations off the tail. The rails are soft up front and sharp in the tail for smooth and powerful riding helped by pronounced V and a pintail for back-foot carving. Comes in lightweight High Resistance Skin (HRS) with deluxe Deck Pad, or with GripDeck, or in SoftTop with Foam Moulded Deck and Rail protection with High Density Slick PE bottom.

FLY 11’6”
Open the doors to the worlds of both Windsurfing and SUP for beginners starting the journey of a lifetime. Easy from the get-go, whatever your bodyshape, glassy or breezy days bring adventure in a super durable package. Our CAD system’s computed a genuine surfing rocker line that catches waves easily and gives balance and stability for any use. Available as either Windsurfing / SUP combo with sealable centre fin for upwind ability in High Resistance Skin (HRS), or as a standalone SUP shape.

KEY FEATURES:
- CAD-sculpted balance flow curves
- True surfing rocker lines with flat v into full-V bottom for riding off-the-tail
- Low nose entry for wave-catching and glide
- Flat deck with volume wide on rails for stability
- Soft rails up front and sharp tail edges for smooth power riding
- Pintail for maximum top turn release
- 4 constructions for maximum value and performance choice
- Wood / HRS / GripDeck versions all with Windsurfing mastfoot insert

SEBASTIAN WENZEL, Fanatic shaper: "Classic and easy-to-ride all-rounders available in 4 high value quality options. Choose from stunning Wood Sandwich, High Resistance Skin (HRS), super-value SoftTop or GripDeck!"

fanatic-sup.com

JP-Australia Windsurf SUP

TECHNOLOGY

SD – Soft Deck Technology with Center and Side fins
WS – Wood Sandwich Technology with matt finish, centerfin or daggerboard

WINDSURF SUP

All JP SUPs can additionally be used for Windsurfing (with the exception of the Race boards).

The Windsurf SUPs have been especially developed to equally work for both sports and offer an incredible range of fun. They all come either with a centerfin or a daggerboard for additional stability when windsurfing and to avoid drifting sideways during these very first hours of your windsurfing career. These boards get you on the water at any time – for fun, adventure or for a workout – or all together.

Young Gun Windsurf SUP 8’10″x30″: The ultimate plaything for Young Guns who like to have fun in the water. Kids will learn how to paddle around in 2 minutes and will sail in and out in two days. You could call this the missing link of windsurfing and SUPing. It is so great to see kids, who have never been on an SUP or Windsurf board before, play with them and have fun from the moment they get on. The dimensions (width, length, volume) and the softdeck technology (no hard edges) combined with the centerfin make it a perfect windsurf beginner board for kids up to 40kg. At the same time it is an ultimate all-round kids SUP for flatwater and waves. Get your young ones on this board and they will forget those electronic toys as well as the internet.

Windsurf SUP 9’9″x32″: This board comes with the same shape as the Wide Body 9’9″ x 32″ but additionally has a centerfin. This makes it a great windsurf and SUP beginner and family board. Its width provides enough stability for everybody. It’s also easy to paddle in rough conditions or through the white water. The special outline and its relative shortness make it very easy to maneuver and turn. It is so easy to paddle into waves with this one. A great all-round windsurf and SUP board for the beginner and advanced. Available in Softdeck and Wood Sandwich technology.

Windsurf SUP 10’9″x32″: The ideal family toy! A great SUP and windsurf beginner board as well as a fun board for the advanced SUPer and windsurfer. Plenty of length and volume offers extra stability. It comes with a daggerboard which provides lots of stability and makes it effortless to sail upwind. The daggerboard is fully retractable and folds back into the hull allowing you to experience planing sensation when the wind picks up. While this board is perfect for flatwater paddling or a first windsurf session on flat water, it also performs admirably in the waves in both disciplines. If you want a board for the whole family to enjoy, or simply want something big – you really can’t go wrong with this one.

jp-australia.com

Naish Nalu SUP

Nalu 11'6 GT: Full body longboard design with added stability for everything from entry level paddling, flatwater cruising, and fun surfing. The 11’6″ is 5 1/2″ thick with full rounded rails and a timeless longboard rocker line. This design provides amazing stability for a phenomenally wide range of use. The 11’6″ performance characteristics makes it the perfect one-board choice for the whole family. Ideal for riders up to 250 lb (114 kg)

Nalu 11'4 GT: All-around design for classic longboard surfing performance and flatwater paddling versatility. The 11’4″ is a well-known favorite for both waves and flatwater riding. It has a thinner outline and a more progressive rocker than the 11’6″. It is a superb well-rounded board for most riders and delivers versatility they will never outgrow. Ideal for riders up to 215 lb (97.5 kg)

Nalu 10'10 GT: All-around, extra stable, do-anything design for touring, carrying gear, tandem paddling and small surf. The 10’10” features a radical multi-concave bottom shape that channels the water from nose to tail. The multi-channel bottom combined with the low rocker makes it glide incredibly straight for a wide board of its length. The wide outline and slightly recessed deck in the standing area provide unmatched stability. The forward deck has eight insert holes for a bungee accessory to carry coolers and gear. Ideal for riders up to 240 lbs (109 kg)

Nalu 10'6.5 GT: A one-board solution for riders wanting versatility, stability and wave riding qualities. The 10’6.5″ features a new, wider Nalu outline, recessed deck and fuller rails for increased stability and wider range of use. The single-concave nose flows into a double-concave mid-section and V tail, making it adaptable to everything from flatwater cruising, to ankle slapper waves, to double overhead surf. Ideal for riders up to 200 lbs (91 kg)

naishsurfing.com

Starboard WindSUP

The SUPer are Starboard's crossover boards between light-wind summer windsurfing and stand-up-paddle boarding.

As windsurf boards, they bring back the essence of relaxed, summer windsurfing: sharing windsurfing with your friends and family, gliding along the coast powered by a gentle breeze and catching some waves. As stand-up-paddle boards, they open up the door to the wonderful world of an entirely new sport: paddle boarding. Stand up, enjoy the view and paddle out to sea, explore the coast line and surf the waves. The SUPer range offers a variety of models, going from a fast glider, an ultra-stable model to a dedicated surfing model.

Starboard's crossover stand-up and windsurfing boards: our windSUP boards.
suitable for paddle boarding, paddle-surfing and windsurfing

SUPer 12'6 -the longest and most slender board It'll glide beautifully whether windsurfing or paddling and includes a fully retractable daggerboard.

SUPer 12 -the most stable board. It's a solid platform for even the heaviest of riders. Great for riding with a paddle or a rig. Includes a fully retractable daggerboard.

SUPer 10 -the favourite all-rounder. A great paddle board which performs very well in the waves and at the same time doubles as a cool entry level Windsurfer. The Silver includes a thruster fin set up and a retractable daggerboard. The Slick model sports a Thruster fin set up and a Tuttle box Drake Shallow 410 center fin.

SUPer 9 -the most compact model, ideal for younger sailors. Available in Slick only and supplied with a set of thruster fins, a set of sidebiter fins and a tail centre fin

star-board.com

Starboard WindSUP Inflatable

Starboard’s new WindSUP Inflatables - reinventing the inflatable concept for windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Available in four sizes, you can choose between the centre fin version and the daggerboard version. The Daggerboard version is available in Silver or bright Orange.

The WindSUP Inflatables are toolless: using Starboard’s proprietary FAST box and Clipperbox systems, you simply inflate the boards halfway, insert the boxes into place and pump the boards to the full pressure of 17psi. The FAST box fits US box fins and regular windsurfing mast bases.

These boards are seriously fun toys for the windsurfing/paddleboarding family, for schools and for clubs. They glide nicely, they’re safe because you can’t bump your head against them and they can be treated with minimal care. Drop them on the ground and they simply bounce.

For boat owners, this is the hassle-free board to have onboard. They won’t damage your boat and deflated, they roll up into a compact bag.

Design and Performance

Starboard’s WindSUP Inflatables are built in super tough and durable 6” drop-stitched fabric and covered in a full EVA deck. The 6” thick drop-stitched fabric gives the boards a lot of stiffness, making them feel rigid and firm under your feet. Windsurfing on these boards feels more comfortable and fun than any hard board.

Starboard’s proprietary FAST box is used as both the fin box and the mast box. It fits in the board without any tools.

The daggerboard system uses the Clipperbox system, a durable and bulletproof design that uses clips to hold the daggerboard up or down.

star-board.com

2013 Freeride Cam Sails

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:49:00 -0500

Who wants a cam sail? Camber-inducers are small plastic cups in a sail's luff-sleeve that butt up against the mast forcing the foil shape into the sail. Benefits to this locked-in foil are generally greater stability and low-end power. Anyone sailing in light and gusty conditions (on sails above 6.0-meter) could benefit from a FREERIDE CAM SAIL. Don't believe the haters that call them "hard to rig" or "heavy". With just a little practice you'll be rigged on the water and flying past them as they're stalled out in the lulls!

FREERIDE CAM SAILS:

Aerotech Rapid Fire

Concept: Freeride
The Rapid Fire has been updated for 2009. This was the first slalom sail to offer 100% grid construction and that tradition continues. This twin cam slalom series features one cam below the boom and one above. For 2009 the Rapid Fire is all about power. Its new double vertical luff panel as well as slightly wider sleeve improves power and gives this sail a 'race sail' feel.

Construction:This model features 100% grid construction
for the ultimate in durability and UV resistance. Other features include; micro roller cams, a new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, and insignia tape reinforcing. A mixture of rod and tubular battens are used in this sail.

The UDL04 Technora limited edition version features the ultra light, ultra strong UDLO4 material. This cloth is substantially lighter and allows the sail to be 10% to 15% lighter than standard models.
Designed for those who deserve the best.

aerotechsails.com

Bic Sports One Design

Sizes: 5.8, 6.8, 7.8, 8.5

Powerful acceleration, light in the hands, and a huge wind range!

In order to support the growth and development of the Techno 293 OD class, BIC Windsurf developed the One Design Rig package for use specifically by youth sailors on OD boards. This rig package has been designed to be raced in the widest wind range possible, representing the best possible compromise between light wind pumping performance and high wind planing performance.

The key features of these rigs include:

A huge wind range: from 6 to 30 knots. By tuning the downhaul and outhaul, the sail can be rigged either very full with a tight leech, or very flat with an open leech.
A draft placement at approx. 40% from the front of the sail (freeride sails = 30% / sub-planing sails = 50%), offering the best compromise between lightwind performance and high wind control.
6 batten / 2 cam configuration for the best compromise between weight and performance.
A very stable profile for ease of use and control in the high winds.
A tack strap tensioner for maximum tuning range and power in light winds.
X-Ply reinforcements in critical areas, durable luff pocket material and webbing batten tensioners for ease of use and practicality in a club and racing environment. Though you may not win every race in all wind conditions, the goal of the One Design sails is to make sure that you have the tools to win the regatta!

Delivered in a very practical sail bag that includes additional pockets for storing the mast and the mast base, and the possiblity to attach the boom so that it can be carried "all in one".

The rig package includes the items mentioned under the heading "Related products" on the left-hand side of this page.

bicsportwindsurf.com

Ezzy Lion

Inspired by 8-time world champion Kevin Pritchard, the Lion is the new king of cambered freeride sails.
It’s a predator that is bred to hunt down other sailors and devour them.

The Lion is fast flying over the water, and fast to get on the water–easy to rig with Ezzy cams.

The Lion is also easy to waterstart and uphaul with a narrow mast sleeve that doesn’t hold excessive heavy water. With a wide wind range, you need fewer sails, meaning less time deciding what to rig.

The Ezzy Lion is light, making jibes snappier and more consistent. Unparalleled Ezzy build standards guarantee the Lion is strong, using the latest high-tech fabrics (like Technora, Spectra, and Color-Fusion Trilite). Without a single speck of monofilm, the Lion has the same Ezzy construction developed to survive years of use and abuse.

And of course, like every Ezzy, each Lion is rigged and tuned in the factory so that it is ready for you right out of the bag.

Sail longer, stronger, faster, and more competitively with the new Ezzy Lion.

Unmatched customer service.
We take our customers as seriously as we do our sails.
Email us (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

ezzy.com

Hot Sails Maui GP2

The GP2 sets the standard for the new breed of freerace sails.

Powerful, fast and easy to sail, the GP2 fits perfectly between the recreational no-cam SpeedDemon and the maximum performance GPS. It has more power and performance than the SpeedDemon but remains easy to use and rig. It has a deep draft with lots of twist to balance power and control.

The sail is supplied with two sets of cams for either RDM or SDM masts. The sleeve is as narrow as we could make it so it does not become a sea anchor when dropped in the water!

GP2 Sails Features:

7 battens with 5 tube battens
2 camber Inducers
Minimized Sleeve Width
Fully compatible with most SDM & RDM masts
Advanced 3-d seam shaping
Lightweight and easy handling
Cam-flex sleeve patches for smooth rotation and easy transitions

hotsailsmaui.com

Loftsails Switchblade

Accessible Freerace defined.

The 2013 Loftsails Switchblade design is slalom/freeride performance optimization, throughout its huge windrange.  The Switchblade 2013 is light: our exclusive Mega X upper body panels reduce weight while adding damage resistance. With 3 Tekcams and the cross-batten concept, The Switchblade design is progressive & easy, fast and light. Its performance profile & exceptional balance results in an enormous wind range.

Switchblade high luff-elasticity results in an effective downhaul trim of over 5cm will morph the Switchblade from a light wind powerhouse to high-wind/race winning performance.

The 2013 Switchblade designs are targeted at slalom/freeride performance in lighter winds, upwind, wide boards & raceboards (with centerboard). The exclusive Blade mast pocket construction creates a clean, fully loaded mast pocket- with equalized loading & ease of rotation.

The result is an easy-balanced, light feeling. Exclusive Loftsails Tekcams lets the Switchblade fit all masts types- rdm & sdm-  For rdm masts- 3 Reduced Tekcams are packed into the sailbag… simply remove the Large Tekcams, and place Reduced Tekcams. Switch! Simple!

Features

Blade mast pocket construction: mast panel AND pocket sides (3 elements) tensioned directly
Firm, clean, easy-rotating leading edge
Sensitip head batten system
Alternate side batten pocket applications with xply pockets (centered battens)
Metallic cam interfaces
Tekcams (x3). Simple, functional, light, adjustable, durable.
Rdm recommended, ndm compatible.

loftsails.com

MauiSails Blaze

EASY and COMFORTABLE SPEED

The Blaze for 2013 is our successful two and three cam narrow sleeve design range. The conservative clew cutaway and shape/tension relationships developed in synch with our successful TR-8 racing program are blended with the minimal conical sleeve that was requested. Smooth feathering rotation and racing performance are excellent for Formula Experience and simply going fast. The smooth twist character requires only moderate downhaul to achieve the correct setting and this makes for a soft feel and easy maneuvering.

The use of X-Ply adds to the performance value and a graphic look easily recognized from far offshore. Four light weight tube/rod battens support general shape stability and tensioning system keeps the trailing edge tension correct, tack to tack.

The conical sleeve never holds water and makes recovery and waterstarts easy. Lightweight and durable, the tough anti-chafe material protects the sleeve and tack area from damage. Attaching the boom is simple using the deep cutout, especially when using the MauiSails custom boom head design. The lightweight loop-on clew fitting is a low friction solution to outhaul adjustment that makes The Blaze full race capable and easy to use.

The 2013 Blaze is going to be the favorite go-to sail for anyone wanting the combo of lighter weight, 75% SRS Carbon mast compatibility, and minimal sleeve dimension slalom performance. After driving through a couple of sweet easy jibes with RAF style rotation, the Blaze will certainly keep the fire lit.

The bits and pieces:

Generous use of highest quality U.S. made Xply material.
Low profile batten tension system with stainless steel adjustment screws.
Tube/rod battens have tapered batten pockets to keep tips straight.
Anti chafe polyurethane head bumper.
Fixed head webbing for easy insertion of mast without fussy head plug alignment.
Increased boom cutout depth aids boom attachment.
Full framework of Kevlar unidirectional reinforcement
Race level clew cutaway.
Lightweight clew fitting with easy rigging loop feature.
Seam and foot beads for chafe protection.
Tough tack and sleeve anti-chafe material
Roller wheel cams with asymmetric shape.
Welded stainless steel and bronze triple wheel tack pulley.

mauisails.com

MauiSails Titan GS

Titan is king.

The 2013 Titan-GS takes after its big brother, the TR-9. Based on the successful aspect ratio alterations and subsequent shaping adjustments of the TR program, Titan-GS is evolving to be the most perfect sail for fast free riding and Formula Experience racing. The lower aspect ratio and slightly wider sleeve with more lightweight XPly ensures the best application of extra cam pressure to stabilize draft. The continued use of flexible materials also makes the rotation soft and easy.

The desirable handling character and fluid maneuvering is a design trait from MauiSails that is already well known. Formula Experience racers find the new slightly flatter profile aloft matches perfectly with the deeper sections around the boom for acceleration and top speed control. Refined adjustments to leech seams respond to the moderate downhaul that results in the correct setting of the twist.

The increased use of X-Ply materials, including our custom gradient 3mil, creates a color shifting palette for a most attractive appearance. Tensioning the battens via our custom end fittings smoothes the trailing edge on both tacks evenly and the four tube/rod battens guarantee shape stability and light weight.

The sleeve design always drains water quickly. Recovery and water-starts after falls is simple because of the minimal sleeve. It is only as large as necessary to rig with cams off. The greatest effort has gone into having rotation to jibe like an RAF, so we are almost forgetting there are cams.

Sleeve and tack area are protected from damage by a lightweight covering and the deep cutout is perfect for easily attaching the boom, especially when using the MauiSails custom carbon front end design. We recommend the use of an adjustable outhaul and include an integrated lightweight loop-on clew pulley as the low friction solution for full race capability.

The 2013 Titan-GS is the ideal sail for easy Freerace sailing, with manageable power and competition speed.

The bits and pieces:

Generous use of highest quality U.S. made Xply material.
Low profile batten tension system with stainless steel adjustment screws.
Tube/rod battens have tapered batten pockets to keep tips straight.
Anti chafe polyurethane head bumper.
Fixed head webbing for easy insertion of mast without fussy head plug alignment.
Increased boom cutout depth aids boom attachment.
Zippered neoprene cutout closure.
Full framework of Kevlar unidirectional reinforcement
Race level clew cutaway.
Lightweight clew fitting with easy rigging loop feature.
Seam and foot beads for chafe protection.
Tough tack and sleeve anti-chafe material
Roller wheel cams with asymmetric shape.
Welded stainless steel and bronze triple wheel tack pulley.

mauisails.com

Naish Indy

A lightweight, compact 2-cam slalom sail for sailors wanting early planing, outstanding top speed and user-friendly handling.

Designed with unique internal shaping, a low aspect ratio geometry, a moderate width sleeve, and 6 battens/2 cams, the Indy delivers incredible low-end acceleration, early planing and excellent top speed. The compact boom and short luff length ensures featherlight, user-friendly handling.

Key Features:

Ultralight radial slalom construction
Early planing, great power, easy handling
Single luff panel, medium sleeve, 6 battens/3 tubes/2 cams

naishsails.com

NeilPryde H2

H2 Racing combines high performance, handling and pure speed exhilaration. The ‘club’ version of the legendary RS:Racing, it is fast with incredible low-end acceleration and top-end speed.

KEY FEATURES

Pronounced Dynamic Compact Clew making the twist progressive for optimum draft control and stability.
Low-end Power: Deep profile in the boom area ensuring high lift and early planing performance.
Race Inspired Luff Curve: High body tension coupled with progressive twist for high reflex, speed and top-end acceleration.
Component battens: Seven tubular batten configuration reducing weight while giving optimum profile shape and stability. One rod bottom batten for deep foot profile and durability.

WHAT'S NEW?

Modular sleeve construction featuring a low friction material in the cam area combined with ultra-light stretch resistant Kevlar™ laminated upper sleeve. This construction ensures a soft cam rotation while reducing the weight and stabilising the profile leading edge.

neilpryde.com

NeilPryde Hornet

If you’re looking for easy planing, handling and light feel then the Hornet is your sail of choice. With a six batten layout and two IntegraCams, the Hornet gets planing with no effort. The cams keep the profile set, so every gust will be converted instantly into forward motion.

KEY FEATURES

Light and Forgiving: IntegraCams support the profile and allow a six batten layout, keeping the Hornet light with smooth power delivery.
Narrow Sleeve for easy handling and effortless water starts.
Early Planing through camber induced moderate-deep profile.
Instant Rotation thanks to the nature of the IntegraCam that places the leading edge tension just behind the mast as it would be on a no-cam sail.

WHAT'S NEW?

"Development of the new IntegraCam allowed me to use one batten less than on the Hellcat, reducing the weight and increasing power. The two IntegraCams induce the profile making this sail excellent in passive planing."—Robert Stroj, designer

neilpryde.com

North RAM F13

Maximum performance just below World Cup level with a balanced handling - these are the cornerstones for the development of the RAM F13. So the starting point this time could be again just the current World Cup WARP. To make its unbeatable performance easier to manage, first we removed one camber plus the mast sleeve width was reduced. Then all the components, design features and details were exactly matched to the range of use in order to obtain the simplest possible handling without any performance compromises. As a result the RAM F13 is, and remains a relentlessly fast Slalom sail, with again improved acceleration power and top speed over the whole wind range through a steeper angle of the top batten.

7 battens, a narrower mast sleeve and the reduced weight make the RAM F13 far less physical to handle than the WARP F2012.

The INDEPENDENT.SHAPING.CONCEPT supports this concept decisively. Instead of just using one kind of shaping for the complete sail (sail body and mast sleeve), Kai worked with 2 separate 3-D profiles for the sail body and mast sleeve. The wind range has improved drastically by an impressive 25%.

Additionally the TWIN.TRIM.CLEW lends further positive range of use. The secret of the TWIN.TRIM.CLEW lies with horizontally placed clew eyelets. The outer clew position provides more power and direct feeling, while the inner position lends superior control and a softer sensation.

The TT.TOP, super stiff BOX.BATTEN and the wide and conical AERO.SLEEVE mast sleeve design features, lead the new RAM F13 to breathtaking top end speeds for both GPS and competition pilots. A missile of this caliber has never been so easy to use and is the secret to it’s success.

KEY FEATURES

01 New: Steeper top batten for more power and better twist, greater acceleration and wider wind range
02 New: MODERATE.CUTAWAY.CLEW - less flex and opening of the CROSS.BATTEN for more power and more direct acceleration
03 iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective moulded mast protector
04 Increased power through increased preshaping in the boom and foot area
05 Lower aspect ratio makes for increased acceleration after start and jibing
06 INDEPENDENT.SHAPING.CONCEPT improves rotation, control and acceleration
07 TWIN.TRIM.CLEW allows for individual tuning increasing the range of use
08 HYPER.CAM - the first hard camber that rotates like a soft cam

2 Year Warranty. Get additional 3 year Warranty

north-windsurf.com

North S_type

With the new S_TYPE the incredible story of our most successful sail continues! International magazines have repeatedly declared the predecessors as test winner, which made the S_TYPE the benchmark in its class. To maintain this, for 2013 Kai Hopf developed new features and an optimized profile which increase the outstanding performance yet again.

For example a small but essential detail is the steeper top batten, which provides a better connection to the top of the sail, which gives a more active twist. This leads to quicker acceleration and an expanded wind range. Following the extremely successful WARP F2012 the compact shape got taken over, but with a slightly longer CROSS.BATTEN. This results in greater comfort and control during acceleration and in overpowered conditions, because the longer CROSS.BATTEN flexes more. These and many other details secure that the S_TYPE combines planing with impressive performance and incredible speed. Better than any other sail - without any disadvantages in control or handling! The medium wide luff sleeve supports this, CONICAL.AERO.SLEEVE.DESIGN that offers the best combination of optimum propulsion and great for water starting.

Another reason for the huge range of use is the medium-size CONICAL.AERO.SLEEVE. DESIGN mast pocket. This represents the ideal compromise between optimum propulsion and comfortable waterstart behaviour. Regardless whether at high speed or simply cruising and jibing, the S_TYPE has many faces - the perfect universal performer.

As to its durability: Apart from legendary features such as DOUBLE.SEAM and DURATECH.FOOT, we gave the CROSS.BATTEN additional seam protection to prevent chafing. Simply ingenious: All S_TYPE sizes work with one mast length!

KEY FEATURES

01 NEW: Steeper top batten for more power and better twist, greater acceleration and wider wind range
02 iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective moulded mast protector
03 Lower aspect ratio makes for increased acceleration after start and jibing
04 MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT: one mast (460-25) fits all sizes
05 HYPER.CAM - the first hard camber that rotates like a soft cam
06 SWITCH.CAM.OPTION 3/2: 3 cams for max. performance - 2 cams for improved handling

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 years warranty

north-windsurf.com

Severne Turbo

THE TURBO IS THE MOST USER-FRIENDLY CAM SAIL. IT COMBINES LOW END POWER WITH LIGHT HANDLING AND BLISTERING TOP SPEED WITH CONTROL.

It is based on our race sail platform with higher skin tension and pre tensioned leeches, increasing the low end power and top end control. The 2 cams stabilize the foil and provide pre set shaping for power and drive through gusts and lulls. By maintaining the drive forward in the sail, the TURBO promotes an upright stance which translates into a rig that is easier to sail faster.

The TURBO is designed to be the fastest and most comfortable Twin Cam sail ever. It uses our homogenous batten concept. The smaller sizes (6.0 – 7.0) feature 6 battens keeping the handling light and the swing weight low. The larger sizes (7.5 - 9.2) feature 7 battens for foil stability with the increased size.

TWIN CAM FREERIDE

POWERFUL, LOCKED-IN FEEL WITH POSITIVE ROTATION

LIGHTWEIGHT AND ALIVE = FAST

severnesails.com

2013 Wave Sails

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:41:00 -0500

Don't be scared off by the word 'wave' in wavesails. These are multipurpose highwind sails that cover a lot of ground, but each to a different degree. Some work well for freestyle but pure freestylers should look to the more specific freestyle category. The biggest trend in wave sails is the sheer number of four-batten models this year. Losing a batten means for a lighter feeling sail but also often a loss in stability.

Four Batten wavesails:

Compact Geometry: These low-profile shaped sails (short and fat) get planing incredibly early and their compact shape aid in the landing of difficult wave maneuvers like Wave 360s and Goiters.
Normal Geometry: With a more comparable luff and boom length to 5-batten wavesails these models are for more sailors looking for great all-round performace in a light feeling rig.

Five Batten wavesails:

Down-the-Line: Generally these are flatter foiled sails that go neutral whenever you want them to on the wave to give you incredible surf performance. Inexperience riders will find them difficult to power-up but experienced/efficienct sailors will know how to find the subtulties to get them planing as soon as any other sails.
Power Wave: All-round sails that will work in hardcore waves, onshore waves or any highwind conditions. The power is easy to find so most riders will have fun on them from day one on.

FOUR BATTEN:

Ezzy Panther Elite

Ezzy Elite – our 4 batten, no-compromise wave sail. The Elite is the lightest and most stable wave sail we’ve ever developed.

Our Precision Calibrated Downhaul System takes all of the guess work out of rigging, allowing you to get the downhaul setting perfect every time.

The Elite is designed for our most demanding high-performance customers. This sailor is seeking the ultimate sailing experience Ezzy Sails can deliver.

Note on Ezzy Masts and the Pather Elite: We recommend using the 1st choice Ezzy Masts top and bottom with all Elite sails whenever possible for uncompromised performance.

ezzy.com

Goya Banzai

The current Banzai comes with a massively improved range. A low, locked center of effort delivers incredible light wind performance as well as effortless high wind control. The Banzai drives through turns on the water and flight paths in the air with powerful, positive and predicable control.

The new 3 mil Kevlar scrim in the tack and perimeter panels resists puncture and tears and maintains a smooth surface in the active leech section of the sail. The current Banzai comes in two new signature color combinations, two new standard combinations with blended color accents and a new white combination for understatement. Updated sizing offers dream quiver choices.

The Banzai concept is all about generating as much lift as possible in a smaller sail size. Because of the tight leech and central draft profile, the Banzai provides extremely quick planing, plus quick and responsive handling in maneuvers. Super quick rake and sheet angle adjustments are effortless on this sail.

The huge monofilm window provides incredible visibility through the sail allowing you to anticipate your path through the water ahead.

PRO Construction
This sail comes in PRO Construction. Our most advanced sail construction combines light weight and excellent durability by blending the latest in scrim film technology and durable X-Ply. These premium sails are equipped with Carbon Stretch Control™ tendons, the Poly Clew™ angled outhaul system and Kevlar® Real Frame™ panels.

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations:

GREEN MARCILIO BROWN EDITION
RED LEVI SIVER EDITION
BLUE
ORANGE
WHITE

Scrim
This sail uses unique Goya Scrim, a super light alternative to regular materials, in extensive areas of the sails surface.

Kevlar®
The perimeter of this sail is reinforced with Kevlar X-Ply, creating a real frame, not just the visual of such a thing.

Reduced Head
This sail features the Goya trademark reduced head leech outline. The Reduced Head works as if you were adding 5mm of tail rocker to your board, making it easier to go around tight corners. Further it reduces head “wag” and makes the sail much quieter in the hands, which increases your comfort and control, meaning more time for you on the water.

Mast
Get the best performance of this sail with a Goya RDM Direct Drive Mast featurning Diagonal Flex™ technology.

goyawindsurfing.com

Hot Sails Maui Qu4d

The QU4D is our new super compact 4 batten wave sail designed for radical and aggressive riders for use in a variety of wave conditions. Whether you enjoy the light and compact feel as you crank your bottom turn or rotate quicker in the air thanks to the shorter luff we are confident that you will ride harder, faster and more radical than ever before.

The QU4D incorporates our super light C1295 laminate and ODL09 Technora which is combined with our new SlamLam® reinforced window making this a super strong wave sail which will take a pounding while remaining very light.

Designed to rig on short masts the overall rig weight is reduced further. You will only need a 370 to rig 5.2 through 4.3 and a 340 for the smallest sizes.

QU4D Sail Features:

4 battens
Super Compact Shaping (SCS)
Super light C1295 laminate and ODL09 Technora
SlamLam® reinforced window
Hybrid Sleeve combining the reduced weight mast sleeve and Ox Webbing
Lightweight Crumple Zone

hotsailsmaui.com

Loft Wavescape

Wave/freestyle defined.

The 2013 Wavescape: a new, progressive multi-discipline design. Wave, freestyle, freemove, freeride- the Wavescape makes your session an unforgettable experience.

The Wavescape is extremely light & powerful- the result of its four batten configuration,, weight-conscious construction including SUPERX upper body panels, and profile curve schedules refined over years of testing/development.

The Loft’s exclusive Integrated Panel Concept drives longevity into the Wavescape. Exclusive Loftsails batten sections & taper schedules extend the Wavescape upper end. The combination is refreshing- a light, stable feeling!

Features

State-of-the-art first-quality triaxial and bi-axial laminates
The Loft’s integrated panel concept
Stepped x-ply application; tri-ax reinforced laminate foot, bi-axial laminate mid & upper sections, monofilm interior
New batten taper schedules with extensive application of The Loft’s standing (stiff rear) batten
Standing battens- The Loft’s exclusive stiff batten systems compatible with exposure to waves.

loftsails.com

MauiSails Mutant

The Mutant is our newest and most progressive wave sail. It stretches any conventional thinking with an ultra-low aspect ratio and wind range unheard of in four-batten sails of any kind. The Mutant combines soft, light handling and playful maneuverability with balanced power and stability. The shaping and body tension of the sail have been conceived to match the short outline which keeps the sail composed in a huge range of conditions. The Mutant planes on a size smaller than normal, while remaining light and in control on the top end. The reduced rotational inertia of the ultra-compact outline and the ability to use a smaller size drives the insane maneuverability and facilitates looping and modern wave maneuvers. Sizes from 3.8 to 5.1 fit on a 370 mast or alternately the 3.8 and 4.2 also perform on a 340. The largest 5.6 size requires a 400.

The Mutant’s layout and construction is based on using the best materials for light weight and durability. Generous use of ultra-light and strong Technora™ scrim in the upper sail body, bomber 5-mil X-Ply™ along the leech and foot, and an oversize optical X-Ply™ window in two custom thicknesses all add to the durability and value. The name and graphics of the Mutant are inspired by the idea the sail should feel so light and natural it is like an evolved wing that is actually part of you.

The bits and pieces:

Low profile batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
ODL04 Technora™
Ultr-light batten pockets
Extra-wide Mark cloth window perimeter reinforcement
Durable but lightweight padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Molded PVC seam and foot protection

mauisails.com

Naish Boxer

A compact wave/freestyle sail for progressive wave sailors seeking real-world versatility.

Designed with a radically low aspect ratio outline and unique internal shaping, the Boxer delivers reduced swing weight for incredibly easy handling and balanced power. Due to its extremely short luff length, the Boxer is the ultimate sail for today’s extreme aerial maneuvers.

Key Features:

Ultralight surf construction with a radial Kevlar airframe
Medium power, draft back
Single scrim luff panel, compact outline, 4 battens

naishsails.com

Naish Chopper

Ultra compact wave sail that makes surfing and landing rotation moves easier than ever before.

The Chopper is a completely new, ultra compact design that will cover all wave sailing conditions with one 370 mast. Based on the power and drive of the Force, the Chopper packs more power per square meter than any other sail on the market.

Available in just 4 sizes: S, M, L, and XL.

Key Features:

All sizes fit a 370 mast, which means less mast breakage
Ultra compact outline makes surfing and rotational moves easier
Larger trim range with balanced power means huge wind range and fewer sails needed
Lower rig weight with less reactive twist means reduced swing weight feel
High tech construction: radial panel layout, 100% scrim and Kevlar load strips

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Combat

With versatility and performance as its main design objectives, the Combat shines in all conditions. A totally new design including a 4-batten layout in small sizes has resulted in an even lighter and more responsive Combat. You’ll give up long before it does.

KEY FEATURES:

Versatile: Moderate and progressive luff curve for optimum maneuverability, speed and power in both onshore and side-shore conditions.
Central Moderate Profile for optimum balance between upwind power and stability. With a lot of aerial control it’s ideal for big jumps.
Wide Wind Range: kA large tuning range, thanks to a stable profile, allows the rider to trim the sail for all conditions.
Construction: ArmourWeb Dyneema® sail body combined with Forceline panels.

WHAT'S NEW?

Four batten layout in 4.7 and smaller sizes, providing soft and forgiving feel. Five battens used on larger sizes for profile stability and wider wind range. The new layout allows the sail to flex more progressively and twist more naturally. Now available in two constructions: HD or clear window.

neilpryde.com

NeilPryde The Fly

With neutral feel and quick response, The Fly is at home in clean, hollow waves. The softness, in combination with low, forward oriented center of effort, will always keep you in control in the most critical section of the wave, even when exceeding your personal limits.

KEY FEATURES

Compact / extra light feelingThe improved twist together with the compact low center of effort makes this four batten sail light to handle and very stable in the upper end.
Controlled power: The low and forward centre of effort locks the draft and provides consistent stability through strong gusts.
Maneuverability: With battens shifted low we reduced the weight in the top and brought a more progressive flex, making the sail neutral and forgiving.
Construction:ArmourWeb Dyneema® sail body combined with Forceline panels.

WHAT'S NEW?

By shifting the batten position lower on the sail body we gained stability while allowing the head to breathe better. With twist and profile stability working in harmony, the sail becomes effortless to handle all the time. Now available in two constructions: HD or clear window.

neilpryde.com

North Hero

4 Batten Wave

By 2012 it became clear that the HERO will spark a revolution. A year later, and many international tests this is certain: with this 4-batten miracle, designer Kai Hopf achieved a touch down. No matter who got his hands on the HERO no one wanted to give it back. For 2013 it has now been refined again and progressed to become the irreplaceable favorite sail of super hero Victor Fernandez. He does not want to sail with any other sail anymore - it just fits perfectly to his sailing style and the new multi-fin wave boards!

The new Hero is the logical development of the former, ultra modern 4 batten wave sail, which is repleted with the finest components and technical know-how. Regardless of under- or properly powered up, too much pressure or too little, this sail always generates power without becoming unstable. Despite a further draft back position it doesn’t become back handy, even when overpowered. This let’s you imagine, how much the wind range has improved compared to previous 4 batten sails!

The low weight makes for incredible handling. While rigging you can already imagine how light and soft the sail feels. The rotation is as smooth as silk, even with minimal outhaul tension.

On the water it immediately appears that your back hand is the throttle. Just sheet in and the HERO immediately builds up power, speeds up, and gets you going. On the wave it becomes a discreet engine always ready to accelerate when needed. The top is working very effective supporting the power. Therefore, you can safely choose a sail size smaller than with many other wave sails. This applies to almost any rider, regardless of weight.

Kai Hopf developed the BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH, a precisely balanced ratio of luff length to boom length. As short as possible for most radical throw-ability and as long as necessary to generate sufficient stability for maximum wind range.
Design, processing, shape and features as the new iBUMPER mast protector make the radical HERO a perfect package that can measure up to the future in the competition must.

IMPORTANT: the HERO is exclusively designed for RDM masts due to its narrow sleeve and elastic characteristics. The smaller mast diameter perfectly matches this softer feeling sail and shorter luff.

KEY FEATURES

01 NEW: PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY at the clew, luff and the batten pocket ends make for 50% weight savings compared to regular patches
02 iBUMPER, the most modern and most effective protector of a piece mast
03 BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH as short as possible for most radical throw-ability and as long as necessary for maximum wind range
04 Exclusively designed for RDM masts

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 year Warranty

north-windsurf.com

Sailworks Gyro

Information still to come...

sailworks.com

Severne S-1

MORE TECH. LESS WEIGHT.

On the cutting edge of sail design, the S-I is light and manoeuvrable.

Tighter skin tension and instant response allows the rider to perform new school wave tricks with precision accuracy. All sizes are 3kgs or less, a considerable advantage over the competition.

The original S-1 was conceived as a compact, manoeuvre-oriented wave sail. Back in the day, compact meant all sails fitting on a 400 mast. Times have moved on and the latest evolution of the S-1 is a lot more compact, with most sizes fitting on a 370 mast. By using a shorter, lighter mast overall rig weight is reduced, in keeping with the S-1 philosophy.

The most visible change on the 013 S-1 is the 4-batten layout. The S-1 has used 4 battens in the smaller sizes a few times during its evolution when we were looking at softening the feel. But this time it’s every size that uses 4 battens for a new, softer, more manageable feel in every size.

Durability updates include the introduction of SpiderFibre, upgraded Aramid Torsion Frame, less seams and elimination of all aesthetic mark cloth.

MANOEUVRE ORIENTED DESIGN

TECHNICAL + ULTRA LIGHT

COMPACT

severnesails.com

Severne Swat

Light, manoeuvrable and compact four batten wave sail.

The SWAT is designed with a softer, more forward pulling feel and remains lightweight, whilst built from standard X-ply materials. The compact geometry creates a light, manoeuvrable and forgiving sail with added down force.

For riders who want simplicity, durability, features and performance in a price point package.

4 BATTEN WAVE SAIL

VALUE ORIENTED

100% X-PLY

severnesails.com

FIVE BATTEN

Aerotech Charge

Concept: Side shore wave
The Charge is Aerotech's down-the-line wave sail. This model has the ability to hold good power when needed but remains neutral for transitions or wave riding. The Charge features a 'drop-clew' design which allows for shorter boom lengths and improved handling. Aerotech was the first to offer a 100% grid sail and the Charge continues that tradition. Lots of color gives this sail a real “look at me” appeal. It is one of the most durable wave sails ever produced using triple throw stitch seam construction.

Other features include; an anti-chafe bumper in the head, new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, thermo-formed base pad and interactive rigging guide. All battens are rods.

For 2013, sizes 5.0 and larger have an upper panel made of UDL04/ technora. This lightens up the weight in these larger sizes.

aerotechsails.com

Aerotech Phantom

(actually a 6-batten)

Concept: On-Shore Wave
2013 Phantom. With its leech cutout just above the boom this sail offers great handling due to the shorter boom length. This sail is a wave sail first, but due to its stability and power it crosses over to freeride and bump-and-jump use quite well. The Phantom's ultra durable 100% grid construction and huge range make this sail one of Aerotech's most popular models.

Construction: This model features a 100% grid construction for the ultimate in durability and UV resistance.

Other features include; an anti-chafe bumper in the head, new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, a thermo-formed base pad and interactive rigging guide. Durable rod battens are used in this model. For 2013, sizes 5.0 and larger have an upper panel made of UDL04 / technora. This lightens up the weight in these larger sizes.

aerotechsails.com

Ezzy Tiger

A refinement of last years 5 batten design. We’ve upgraded the Tiger with colorfilm, a beautiful new graphic layout, and both our Calibrated Downhaul System and traditional downhaul head gauges.

The Tiger is designed for our more traditional customer looking for the classic power, stability, and durability that sets Ezzy apart from all other sail brands.

Every Ezzy Tiger is rigged and fine tuned in our factory before shipping.

At Ezzy we offer unmatched customer service.
Email us at (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

ezzy.com

Goya Eclipse

POWER WAVE: The Eclipse is our world-wide power wave and maneuver sail. Juicy light wind power supply with direct delivery and great high wind control. The Eclipse comes in all x-ply and scrim construction and will last through whatever you take it into.

New for the current version are a much lighter construction weight, resulting in a stronger and lighter feeling on the water, as well as a stronger, more elaborated built. On top the Eclipse now comes with more forward power delivery with improved high end control.

Jason Diffin: “The 2012 ECLIPSE PRO provides the ultimate in worldwide power wave performance. Inspired by the progressive and technical riding of Levi Siver, the sail is designed to deliver quick and stable power and easy handling in a huge variety of wave and freestyle conditions. Major advancements in materials and components truly make the 2012 ECLIPSE a wave sail without limits.”

PRO Construction
This sail comes in PRO Construction. Our most advanced sail construction combines light weight and excellent durability by blending the latest in scrim film technology and durable X-Ply. These premium sails are equipped with Carbon Stretch Control™ tendons, the Poly Clew™ angled outhaul system and Kevlar® Real Frame™ panels.

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations: BLUE, GREEN, ORANGE, WHITE

Scrim
This sail uses the new Goya unique Scrim, a super light alternative to regular materials, in extensive areas of the sails surface. Areas prone to more wear are featured in X-Ply.

Kevlar®
The perimeter of this sail is reinforced with Kevlar yarns, creating a real frame, not just the visual of such a thing.

Everclear Flex Window
A fully meshed body panel construction and the Everclear Flex Window are the recipe for a perfect hardcore wave sail. Modified sizing and positioning of the window make the 2012 sails lighter and improve visibility even further.

Reduced Head
This sail features the Goya trademark reduced head leech outline. The Reduced Head works as if you were adding 5mm of tail rocker to your board, making it easier to go around tight corners. Further it reduces head “wag” and makes the sail much quieter in the hands, which increases your comfort and control, meaning more time for you on the water.

Mast
Get the best performance of this sail with a Goya RDM Direct Drive Mast featurning Diagonal Flex™ technology. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

Goya Guru

CONTROL WAVE: The Guru offers unbeatable high wind comfort and control, flexible feeling and smooth, forward driving power delivery. Finger tip handling and and easily neutralized in transitions.

It comes with an Ever Clear window and all scrim and x-ply construction, resulting in incredible strength and light weight, great power and unbeatable high wind control.

New for the current model is a much lighter construction weight, due to a scrim panel coverage of about 70%, resulting in a stronger and lighter feeling on the water.

Jason Diffin: “The GURU is the ultimate wave and high wind performance sail. Major advancements in materials and component technology create a new GURU model that has better low end, is lighter, and is more tunable than ever. The sail is easy incredibly easy to handle and depower even in the most radical conditions, and the GURU still offers the trademark flexible and comfortable feeling it has become famous for.”

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations: BLUE, GREEN, ORANGE, WHITE

Scrim
This sail uses the new Goya unique Scrim, a super light alternative to regular materials, in extensive areas of the sails surface. Areas prone to more wear are featured in X-Ply.

Kevlar®
The perimeter of this sail is reinforced with Kevlar yarns, creating a real frame, not just the visual of such a thing.

Mast
Get the best performance of this sail with a Goya RDM Direct Drive Mast featurning Diagonal Flex™ technology. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

Hot Sails Maui FireLight

The revolutionary Firelight will transform the way you think about windsurfing.

The first thing you notice about the Firelight is its weight; at only 2.9kg for a 5.3m this is the lightest production 5 batten wave sail on the market today. Once on the water this is transferred into a light and direct feel in the hands, which redefines possibilities in your wave sailing. Whether you sail in onshore bump and jump or mast high Ho'okipa you will complete more moves, build confidence and develop skills faster.

The range was designed to rig on shorter masts compared to other sails in our lineup with the 6.0m perfectly suited to a 400cm and the 4.7m on a 370cm mast; this further reduces overall rig weight.

The key materials used are the ODL09 Technora and the super light C1295 laminate supplied by USA based market leader Dimension-Polyant. These exotic materials enable us to deliver a super light and responsive sail, which is built to survive the toughest of conditions.

FireLight Sails Features:

5 battens
Compact shaping with reduced mast length
ODL09 Technora and C1295 super light laminates
Reduced mast sleeve weight
Lightweight Crumple Zone
Option of Reef Edition (Ox Webbing above boom / reduced sleeve below)

hotsailsmaui.com

Hot Sails Maui Smack

When tasked with improving our highly successful Smack our goal was to make the new sail lighter and give it a more direct feel in the hands.

To enhance the feel we utilized a subtle change in the shaping, new materials and a smaller PVC reinforced window.

To reduce weight we replaced the Dacron leech from the earlier models with our C1295 Super Light Laminate and reduced the number of seams in the upper portion of the sail.

The graduated construction starts with super strong Dacron in the Crumple Zone with transitions from from 7 mil, to 5 mil, 4 mil and finally the 1.5 mil C1295 scrim laminate.

The weight of the New SMACK was further decreased due to the smaller window and the use of ODL09 Technora in the completely redesigned Radial Fan Patches (RFP). The thickness of the RFP reduces as the fan spreads hence there are no hard edges.

To further improve handling we incorporated our Symmetrical Batten System (SBS) which ensures the sail presents the correct shape on both tacks without bias.

The result is a bomb proof, direct and lighter sail which is build to handle the toughest of situations.

Smack Sail Features:

5 battens
4 different grades of x-ply utilized in the body of the sail for optimal strength to weight ratio
Reduced area 0.55mm PVC window
ODL09 Technora and C1295 Super Light Scrim Laminate
Reinforced Crumple Zone
Radial Fan Patches (RFP)
Symmetrical Batten System (SBS)
OX Webbing Sleeve

hotsailsmaui.com

Hot Sails Maui SuperFreak Maui Edition

The SuperFreak Maui Edition is Jeffrey Henderson's new personal design wave sail. He took everything he loves about the SuperFreak, (and that is nearly everything) and combined it with all the most contemporary pure wave sail features.

The result is a sail with a much more loose leech, extreme maneuverability, and is very lightweight yet tough. It is designed for wave riding and also for freestyle as there is more room for your body to move in extreme moves.

Landing jumps like a back loop is easier with the looser leech, and any underwater recovery is a snap. Power is strong; with better pull out of low wind situations due to the increased shape below the boom.

Check out our SuperFreak Maui Edition Features:

The Superfreak Maui Edition is super tough. The Maui Edition adds a heavier foot panel, and lower stretch panels in the upper part of the sail to allow for higher down haul loads. The construction is second to none, and the durability of the materials is legendary. All the edges of woven cloths are folded and hemmed under, all seams are glued and triple stitched. The mast sleeve can withstand having the mast break in two and splinter without damage to the sail. These are not normal features on ANY other brand of sail. So take this sail for a trip over any reef and punish them all you want, you will not be disappointed.

hotsailsmaui.com

Loftsails PureLip

True hard-core wave design.

The Pure Lip rips in both onshore and sideshore conditions- extreme trim-reactivity is key… Loftsails are consistently credited with the broadest of wind ranges in magazine tests.

Our Pure Lip 2013 design evolved from our double-test-winning Pure Lip 2012. The Pure Lip 2013 is HARD CORE- no other wave designs are built like it! The Loft’s exclusive Integrated Panel Concept: dual 3-layer clew radials extend from under the clew eyelets into the total x-ply Pure Lip body, creating resistance against white water & shore break that other designs cannot match.

Pure Lip triple layer foot construction with kevlar foot panels, kevlar leech perimeter panels and dual luff panel 2plys maximize Pure Lip longevity. For 2013 the Pure Lip enjoys further weight reduction- feel the result as the Pure Lip 2013 adapts to your riding style and your windsurfing conditions.

Features

State-of-the-art first-quality triaxial and bi-axial laminates
The Loft’s integrated panel concept, 100% monofilm-free
Full Kevlar-Xgrid foot and leech panels- no frills; only hard-core resistance
Stepped x-ply application; Kevlar-reinforced perimeter, bi-axial laminate mid & upper sections, bi-axial laminate interior
New batten taper schedules with extensive application of The Loft’s standing (stiff rear) batten
Standing battens- The Loft’s exclusive stiff batten systems compatible with exposure to waves.

loftsails.com

MauiSails Ghost XT

Our highly successful, ultra-light GhostXT returns for a fourth season, lighter than ever. Increased use of Technora™, strategic trimming of patches, reduction in the number of seams, and attention to small details of finish all reduced the weight. Durability has been 100% maintained with ODL04 Technora™ now proving its worth through seasons of use. The GhostXT is leaner and meaner than ever. After many requests we also added a 4.2 design to the GhostXT range.

Fine tuned on a parallel path to the Legend but adapted to the ultra-light laminate scrim materials, the Ghosts incredible “barely there” handling, perfect balance and stability are the ultimate in wave performance.

The bits and pieces:

Low profile batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
ODL04 Technora™
Ultra-light batten pockets
Extra-wide Mark cloth window perimeter reinforcement
Minimized for function padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Molded PVC seam and foot protection.

What is Technora™? Technora™ is a very strong and light para-aramid fiber. Its tensile strength to weight ratio is 3x greater than that of fiberglass, polyester or nylon yarns which are other common fibres used in laminate sail cloth. Technora™ also has excellent fatigue resistance which means that it holds up very well to repeated loading, flexing, abrasion and UV. The Technora™ laminate cloth used in the GHOSTXT provides the ultimate in light weight and stability with good durability.

mauisails.com

MauiSails Global

The Global is all about maximum power with shape and skin tension optimized for onshore and side-onshore conditions. The Global’s solid stability and powerful acceleration help to make the most of whatever conditions your local spot throws at you, helping you to stay upwind and punch out through rough whitewater. We maintained full power and improved the handling by reducing boom length slightly and moderately raising the foot, making it an even more versatile performer. This year, the Global also features extensive use of our new Small Yarn Light Film color gradient x-ply and a third color in the expressive graphic.

The bits and pieces:

Custom lightweight Gradient X-ply (SmallYarn/Light Film) laminate SYLF … an imaginary being inhabiting the air
Low profile batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
Extra-wide Mark cloth window perimeter reinforcement
Durable but lightweight padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Molded PVC seam and foot protection

mauisails.com

MauiSails Legend

The Legend remains our flagship sides-shore wave sail. After lowering the aspect ratio last year, a full season of daily testing focused on size-by-size fine tuning of the Legend designs. The result is a perfectly balanced, meticulously refined machine. The moderately forward oriented draft eases transitions perfectly from driving bottom turns to correctly neutral when coming off the top. The excellent combination of balanced power and incredible high end control optimizes the smooth, light handling even in the most gnarly, gusty, offshore conditions. The Legend’s great control expands its popularity from side shore wave conditions to super high wind areas like the Gorge or Pozo, where overpowered handling is key.

New for 2013, is the extensive use of exclusive MauiSails™ light weight gradient X-Ply™ in the upper sail body. This custom material has excellent strength to weight properties and produces an original gradient effect that ties in with new bright colors to make the Legend stand out on the water like never before. This material is the result of several years of development and long term testing of our special Small Yarn Light Film laminate type. Two custom weights of Visual X-Ply in the window area match their loads for perfect tension.

The bits and pieces:

Custom lightweight Gradient x-ply (SmallYarn/Light Film) laminate SYLF … an imaginary being inhabiting the air
Low profile polycarbonate batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
Extra-wide Mark cloth window perimeter reinforcement
Durable but lightweight padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Molded PVC seam and foot protection

mauisails.com

Naish Force

A power wave sail for onshore, offshore sideshore surf performance.

Designed with a moderate aspect ratio and a powerful shape defined by twin scrim luff panels and 5 battens, the Force delivers exceptional acceleration, a wide range, and even pressure to both hands. It works equally well in both offshore and onshore conditions. The Force is Robby Naish’s wave sail of choice.

Key Features:

Ultralight surf construction with a radial Kevlar airframe
Power, draft back, solid feel
Twin scrim luff panels, moderate aspect ratio, 5 battens

naishsails.com

Naish Session

A light-feeling, all-around wave sail for sideshore surf conditions and lighter riders.

Designed with a moderate aspect ratio and a draft-forward shape defined by a single Dacron luff panel and 5 battens, the Session delivers a soft feel, excellent control and balanced front hand pressure. It has plenty of power, yet can go instantly “neutral” thanks to the soft leading edge.

Key Features:

Ultralight surf construction with a radial Kevlar airframe
Draft forward, soft leech, light feel
Single Dacron luff panel, moderate aspect ratio, 5 battens ((3.0 and 3.4 have 4 battens)

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Atlas

Atlas gives power and stability with constant drive, allowing it to be used in a large wind range and variety of conditions. It gets planing quickly and has the best drive a wave sail can offer. Atlas is perfect for going upwind, pushing through breaking waves, lift for high jumps and accelerating quickly.

KEY FEATURES:

Higher Draft Distribution combined with a deep profile, generates power and maximum upwind performance in onshore conditions.
Higher Leech tension allowing the sail to power up quickly in minimal wind conditions by holding some power in the head.
Progressive twist for optimum response and constant drive, while being able to release any excessive pressure.
Rider focused centre of effort: Perfectly balanced power to ensure profile stability and control.

WHAT'S NEW?

By concentrating the battens even lower down, we were able to keep the power and drive that characterise the Atlas while making the sail feel significantly lighter.

neilpryde.com

NeilPryde Combat

KEY FEATURES:

WHAT'S NEW?

neilpryde.com

North ID

Ultralight Freestyle - Wave

Absolutely radical and effortless with the greatest addictiveness, the ID ultralight has hit the market like a bomb last year. No wonder as the signature model combines the best of both worlds Wave and Freestyle in a super lightweight sail range, which uses the futuristic high-tech laminate “ODL” from yacht sails instead of traditional X.PLY. This material is 50% lighter than conventional sail cloth and pushes the weight to incredibly low values. To clarify: The weight of the ID ultralight corresponds to a 1.5 smaller DUKE/ICE (e.g. 5.0 compares to 3.5)!

Instantly the ID ultralight is the talk on the beach. From the first second you ride on the ID ultralight you will have a broad grin on your face. It feels absolutely neutral, does not show any unwanted life of its own and is a feather in your hands so that you nearly forget about the sail during moves and manoeuvres. This is one of the most important aspects especially of freestyle! It spins incredibly fast through all tricks even during the most difficult duck moves and feels as if you rotate without sail. With the ID ultralight the success rate of difficult manoeuvres and the fun increases straight away making you automatically go for even more radical moves!

Designer Kai Hopf has compiled the ID ultralight without any compromise. Compared to ICE and DUKE the ID feels a bit softer and adapts to any rotation almost automatically. Not only that maneuvers are becoming much easier but also get performed with more speed. This is due to the sophisticated profile distribution. And all of this over a wide wind range as the ID ultralight has a surprisingly large trimming range.

Two important points:
1. All ID ultralight are designed for RDM masts, yet fully compatible with our SDM masts.
2. Even if other brands do not speak about it, we tell the truth: ultra light-weight can only be achieved through the reduction of material thickness. Since the film thickness of the ODL laminate is reduced to the absolute minimum, the UV stability is limited. Therefore, this sail is excluded from the usual NorthSails 5.year.warranty!

CARACTERISTIQUES:

01 NEW: PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY at the clew, luff and the batten pocket ends make for 50% weight savings compared to regular patches
02 Ultra-light for maximum handling thanks to the trend setting high tech yachting laminate “ODL”
03 iROCKET, NorthSails lightest batten tensioner of all time
04 NorthSails quality proof: only ultralight Wave-Freestyle sail still featuring a full X.PLY frame
05 Ideal on RDM masts - still fully compatible on our SDM masts

north-windsurf.com

North Volt

WAVE - FREESTYLE

The kings are dead, long live the king! After many successful years, the multiple award-winning sails ICE and DUKE with the longest development history. The best of the both areas is not being taken over by its worthy successor named the VOLT! Maximum energy and electrifying handling: In the smaller sizes the brand new VOLT is oriented towards the requirements of the wave riders, in the larger sizes towards the freestylers. The result is a sail line that can confidently be called the ultimate all-in-one freestyle wave range.

No other NorthSails sail adapts to the conditions so brilliantly and sailors are so enthusiastic about the huge range of use. No wonder since the whole team was involved into the testing. There was a huge list of desires and Kai Hopf had to dip deep into his bag of tricks in order to meet everyone’s wishes to make the VOLT a top performer in any of condition. Therefore countless innovations are hidden in every detail. Thanks to a short luff the new VOLT feels extremely compact and neutral making for incredible handling characteristics. In combination with the unique foot geometry, a low draft position, a modified leech tension plus the iMODULAR.DESIGN the VOLT remains extremely neutral on the wave and during difficult maneuvers. The sail immediately reacts to even the smallest impulse.

The sophisticated luff curve and the modified profile distribution ensure that despite the insane handling the low end power and the impressive performance make it the ideal choice for any spot on the planet. And all of this over an extremely wide wind range, as there is no other wave sail that covers such a wider range, especially when overpowered! Although all sizes are designed for RDM masts they still will work equally great on SDM masts. That's the reason why the new VOLT feels softer, super easy to control and can be pumped easily. The VOLT series works best on single fin boards, which are driven over the rail.

VOLT HD
Ultimate durability for brutal conditions: The new LDO is also available as a monofilm-free hardcore X.PLY version!

KEY FEATURES

01 NEW: PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY at the clew, luff and the batten pocket ends make for 50% weight savings compared to regular patches
02 iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective moulded mast protector
03 TWIN.TRIM.CLEW allows for individual tuning increasing the range of use
04 Designed to work best on RDM masts but still fully compatible with our SDM masts
05 MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT: one mast (400-19) fits all sizes

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 year Warranty

north-windsurf.com

Sailworks Revolution

The Revolution wave sails come with classic Sailworks stability and elasticity, they deliver squirty acceleration in a light, forward pull. Power on, to hit your move .... power off, to keep it flowing. Tune it full and tight for maximum blast around juice, or flat and twisted for intense stability and control.

Ready for rough and tumble riding with an optimized composite construction of three x-ply weights in bi-axial, tri-axial and scrim laminates to save weight where loads are low, while ensuring durability where stress is high and impacts are likely. All high tensile stress areas are Kevlar reinforced for managed load dispersion, and all internal and external rub points are chafe protected for long term durability.

The Revolution is an adaptable, maneuver oriented, all-purpose wave and freestyle sail.

sailworks.com

Severne Blade

FULL X-PLY WAVE SAIL DESIGNED TO CREATE THE PERFECT BLEND BETWEEN POWER AND CONTROL.

This sail drives power down through the board for increased drive, full rail turns and maximum control. The BLADE features a function driven panel layout and is engineered from technical laminates to increase strength and reduce the weight.

2013 updates to further increase the strength and reduce the weight include; the elimination of all aesthetic mark cloth, less seams and reduced patching due to the introduction of SpiderFibre.

Increased manoeuvrability and reduced weight may tempt the most hardcore of S-I riders to consider the BLADE as their 5 batten wave sail.

I00% X-PLY

Double Seams. Everywhere.

Time tested durability and performance

severnesails.com

2013 Wave Boards

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:02:00 -0500

Today, most waveboards are not just designed for use in the waves; however, all these boards will work incredibly for shredding up their intended wave conditions along with a wider range of use. These boards are made to be turned. If maneuverability is your thing then one of these boards is definitely for you.

Check these board out if you:

are at all experienced in wavesailing and get to do it at least a few times a year
love to slash or carve a tight turn... that is your thing
need a highwind board

Quad-fin Wave Boards: Generally speaking these are the most hardcore down-the-line waveboards on the market today. However, some work better then others in more all-round conditions. Usually if a brand offers both a quad-fin board and a tri-fin board in their lineup then look for the quad to offer the top pure wave performance.

Single/Thruster Wave Boards: There has probably been more growth in this category of board for 2013 then in any other. These boards give you the option of riding in the three-fin thruster setup for more grip on the wave for better slashing performance or you can ride them as a single fin for more speed and jumping ability.

Twin-fin Wave Boards: Twin fin boards offer a good balance between slashing on the waves and jumping on the way out. They are generally though of a "new-school" waveboards that are perfect for all the cool new wave tricks seen on the AWT and PWA today.

QUADS:

Fanatic Quad

The 2nd incarnation of our dedicated Quad range will boost your Wavesailing to a different zone. 6 stylish pintail shapes suit any level of wavesailor in either steep or sloppy surf. The wide compact profiles plane-up early with rapid-release tail rocker and double concave volume flow for a faster, tight-turning in-the-pocket ride.

The extra nose kick and entry curve, shorter outline and fin toe-in cope easily with extra turning forces on hollower walls and glide through slacker, mushier sections with ease. Light and streamlined SlotBoxes and an all-new 101 shape widen the spectrum of wavesailing like never before. Pick from 69, 75, 81, 87, 94 and 101 models in awesome Innegra Carbon Light Team Editions (TE) with light-weight Matt Finish bottoms and specialist G10 foils developed with Choco Fins.

KEY FEATURES:
- New 101 size increases range of use further
- Low-Drag and lightweight SlotBox System
- Innegra Weave replaces Kevlar for lighter, stiffer more UV resistant laminate
- Smart CAD-engineered volume flow for ultimate balance, early planning and power turns
- Short outline and rounded pintails guarantee smooth turns at any speed
- Flat speed spot between straps, low tail rocker for speed and acceleration and nose-kick entry for easy recovery in fast, steep surf

VICTOR FERNANDEZ (E-42), PWA WAVESAILING WORLD CHAMPION 2010:
“I think the Quads are perfect for any level of wavesailor. They’re as forgiving to riders making their first turns in the surf as they are to our team pushing-it in the wildest conditions. That extra control and wind range makes them suitable to most riders in most conditions - that’s why they’re our wave team’s primary board over the entire PWA and freesailing season.”

Goya Custom Quad

The new Custom Quads bring dedicated surfing experience into wavesailing, with a wider wind range, more drive, added upwind and all around faster riding. From hard core down the line conditions to onshore chop, these boards are built to go beyond what you though it was possible.

The Goya Quad concept allows you to increase the volume of the board about 5 liters above what you would normally ride, with absolutely no loss of control in the high end. The result is a board with a massively expanded wind range- that extra volume will keep you moving through lulls that a lower volume board might slow down in.

The Custom PRO features generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

The most recent range of the Custom is seriously extended in both directions small and large, by adding a 68 liter high wind board that will suit smaller riders like a magic glove, and by a whopping 104 liter model that redefines how we will approach light wind days. Imagine taking all of it’s agility and volume into one of those days where waves are beyond mast high, but winds used to only allow you to reach for non-bottom-turnable Freerides, Freestyles or even SUPs in the past. Now your epic Quad light wind match is here. Go for it.

The Custom is available in PRO Construction:

Range Of Use:

Intermediate to professional riders. The Custom Quad is the board we use and recommend for all your wavesailing needs.

Accessories:

The Custom comes with an MFC™ Quad fin set. Learn more >

The MFC™ straps are extremely comfortable, with a thick and high quality neoprene and a soft inner sole. Learn more>

The 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for the big landings. Learn more >

JP-Australia Twinser Quad

PRO Edition in Carbon Innegra Technology with PVC-stringers in the bottom

TWINSERS AND QUADS RULE!

The performance advantages are significant. No one questions this fact in side shore conditions anymore. All well-known riders have switched to this set-up.

Kauli, who initiated the Twinser and Quad area made these boards popular with his unique style. He has put a lot of effort into the development of the new range wanting a line of Quads that he can use around the world in all events and all different conditions, not just pure down-the-line.
To cover this all was not an easy task.

This range also shines in areas where Quads previously did not feel at home: Early planing, great speed and upwind performance.

SHAPE: During the development process we tried all different bottom concepts. The concept Kauli liked the most and which he chose for his quiver to compete around the world combines double concaves in the mid section running into a flat V towards the tail. This feature allows using a rather flat bottom curve making it easy to get going, accelerate and reach high speed. The V increasing towards the tail gives the board a very curvy rail line. Something everyone is looking for when going down-the-line. A thin rail shape throughout the board in combination with a soft tuck line makes the boards slice through the wave face providing the grip and forgiveness the rider is looking for. Adjusting the radius at any time and lining up for big aerials becomes natural, followed by big moves.

Some volume shifted back creating more buoyancy behind the mast base and around the foostrap area. This makes the board more stable when not planing and easier to push the board onto the plane.

Another advantage going hand in hand with this change is that we could move the footstrap position slightly further back. This again helps to cut radical short turns into small waves.

SUMMARY: You still can use them as Twinsers or as Quads. As Quads they have more bite and control. As Twinsers the boards are slightly more loose (we recommend 2cm longer fins in similar conditions). The new Quad line stands out with a huge range of use and radical performance in all wave conditions.

Mistral Quad

The Mistral Quad does it all. More Rocker, a more harmonious outline, slightly wider in the nose and then gunning out the tail together with soft rails makes it hold at any speed in the bottom turn.

The bottom shape ensures early planning while still keeping the ease to roll the board rail to rail. With again a wider stance it is a great feeling of control once you get yourself into the bottom turn and with the added rocker the board is super easy to redirect in the turns as well as unwind in the cut back so to be able to hit the wave later and harder.

For the 2013 line up this is your weapon of choice if you are looking for modern design wave riding board. It will handle side onshore to onshore conditions well but will truly excel in the surf.

Set the board up in its 2 fin set up and the board is super loose.

In the quad set up you will find more drive and grip through the turns.

Quad 74:

Volume (l): 74
Lenght (cm): 230
Width (cm): 55,7

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,0 sqm
Fin: Quad

Quad 82:

Volume (l): 82
Lenght (cm): 232
Width (cm): 57

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich

Rec.sail size: 3,7 - 5,7 sqm
Fin: Quad

Quad 90:

Volume (l): 90
Lenght (cm): 234
Width (cm): 59

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich

Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 5,7 sqm
Fin: Quad

Quatro Quad LS

The evolution of Levi Siver’s signature quad wave board. Judged as today’s best wave board by both Windsurfing USA magazine and Boardseeker UK magazine.

The Quad LS represents Levi’s dream of an ideal wave board for all conditions. Levi wanted a board that would plane very quickly and turn super tight with immense amounts of speed, control and grip.

Considering the broad range of conditions he sails, Levi also wanted a board with excellent upwind capabilities. The Quad ls is the result of Levi’s incredible drive and passion for performance and innovation in windsurfing.

Premium Construction:

The Quatro Premium Construction, applied to the LS line, offers a wonderful blend of superbly light weight, very high impact resistance and that famous lively Quatro feel. Tested daily by Levi himself as well as the worldwide Quatro Team, these boards are both shaped and built to take performance windsurfing one step further.

Accessories:

FINS The Quad LS comes with the latest Maui Fin Company™ Quad fin set. SEE SPECS FOR DETAILS

STRAPS All Quatro windsurfing boards come with Maui Fin Company™ straps that are extremely comfortable and feature thick high quality neoprene as well as a soft inner sole. LEARN MORE

PADS 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for big landings. LEARN MORE

Quatro Quad KT

Keith Teboul’s signature Quad wave board. Hard core wave sailing has transformed, and the designs of Keith Teboul are a leading revolution. The Quad KT represents Keith’s personal preferences about what a true hardcore wave board should be. What has been a rarity is now the new standard.

The all new Quad KT board designs move through the water like modern high performance surf boards with fast, full rail and tight radius turns. This positive rail set allows you to finish your turns completely and with speed in the most critical sections, resulting in fluid and fast lines through areas of the wave rarely visited before.

The speed and confidence you feel riding the Quad KT will have you driving through turns on the way to hitting sections you wouldn’t have considered before. This is modern performance wave sailing at its leading edge.

Construction:

Accessories:

FINS The Quad KT comes with the latest Maui Fin Company™ Quad fin set. LEARN MORE

STRAPS All Quatro windsurfing boards come with Maui Fin Company™ straps that are extremely comfortable and feature thick high quality neoprene as well as a soft inner sole. LEARN MORE

PADS 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for big landings. LEARN MORE

Starboard Quad

The Quads are Starboard's wave boards. They generate maximum speed and drive, bringing an awesome flow and power to your sailing
With the new 2013 shapes, Quads perform in all wave & wind conditions.

Stable and direct in feel, the Quads are most rewarding when driven off the rails for power turns. They like to turn on a full rail. With their four-fin grip, they give a very connected sensation yet they still give the ability to lose the tail when extended through the lip for a rotational (whipped) move.

All-new 2013 shapes provide new levels of drive and control in a wider range of conditions along with a lively, controlled, straight line planing sensation.

What's new:

New performance levels: Completely new shapes for 2013 across the entire range provide new levels of drive, control and release in all conditions along with a lively, controlled straight-line planing sensation.

Onshore conditions: In onshore conditions, the new Quad produces unparalleled speed out of turns. Initiate the rail into a turn and the board instantly produces speed, all the way around through the arc of a turn for maximum impact when hitting the lip. This is achieved with the new mono-concave bottom shape for speed and lift whilst the wider squash-tail outline keeps the tail more buoyant, projecting more for a better release.

Lightwind conditions: In lightwind conditions it becomes increasingly noticeable that it’s the board producing the drive and not the power of the sail, which sets this board apart from anything else on the market.

Epic, sideshore and big wave conditions: The remarkable thing is that the same board will handle mast high conditions with equal ease. The Quads draw smooth clean lines, with the ability to shoot vertically at any time, all with a sense of absolute control.

Quad performance for all conditions: With their new shapes, the new Quads are the “go to” board for all conditions.

New fins:
new Clear Blue Flex fins are supplied with the new Quads. These more flexible fins allow the board to have a more natural flow while remaining connected and in control at all times. A set of plugs are supplied with the board if the rider wishes to plug the front fin boxes for twin-fin mode.

SINGLE/THRUSTERS:

Exocet Curve

The Curve line has evolved from our established longboard line, and for 2012 we have simplified the line up with common graphic styling, and offered in Bamboo deck construction adding visually to the surf orientated concept of this line, along with all boards being equipped with Tri fin.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction

CONSTRUCTION: BAMBOO WOOD

Exocet U-surf Core

In addition to the U-Surf 3 Tri Fin line, we have been developing some intermediate boards, including the U-Surf CORE models, offered in 70, 80 or 90 litres sizes, pintail shape, which will suit side shore conditions.

These will have different graphics to the U-Surf 3 line, however they will also be equipped with Tri fins and offered in a high end construction.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
Equipped with 3 fins

CONSTRUCTION: Custom Made Biax Carbon + Biax Glass

Model	U-Surf CORE 70	U-Surf CORE 80	U-Surf CORE 90
Volume	70 litres	80 litres	90 litres
Length	225 cm	227 cm	230 cm
Width	54 cm	56 cm	59 cm
Weight	6.2 kg (+/-6%)	6.4 kg (+/-6%)	6.7 kg (+/-6%)
Fin	1 x Exocet 14.5 cm US + 2 x Exocet Twin 11 cm Mini Tuttle + Mini Tuttle box cover	1 x Exocet 14.5 cm US + 2 x Exocet Twin 11 cm Mini Tuttle + Mini Tuttle box cover	1 x Exocet 16.5 cm US + 2 x Exocet Twin 11 cm Mini Tuttle + Mini Tuttle box cover
Sail size	3.3 – 5.3 m²	3.7 – 5.7 m²	4.0 – 6.2 m²

Exocet X-wave

The generations of X-wave are built in exclusive high technology incorporating extensive use of Carbon & wood technology. All boards come with CNC fins especially developed for fast wave boards. With a straighter leading edge these fins provide top control in high speed turns.
New this year 2 new sizes with the X-wave 101 and 111 liter for sailors looking at sailing in any type of condition from big waves to onshore or bump and jump conditions. The X-wave will get any sailor of any weight instantly on a plane.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction
D.S: Double Sandwich construction including new generation biaxial fiber glass
New Footstraps, super comfortable and easy to adjust

CONSTRUCTION: Custom Made Biax Carbon + Biax Glass

Model	XWave 71	XWave 81	XWave 91	XWave 101	XWave 111
Volume	71 litres	81 litres	91 litres	101 litres	111 litres
Length	230 cm	230 cm	230 cm	235 cm	235 cm
Width	53 cm	56 cm	59 cm	62 cm	65 cm
Weight	6.4 kg (+/-6%)	6.8 kg (+/-6%)	7.1 kg (+/-6%)	7.2 kg (+/-6%)	7.3 kg (+/-6%)
Fin	Exocet XWave 19 cm US + 2 x Exocet 11 cm Mini Tuttle	Exocet XWave 21 cm US + 2 x Exocet 11 cm Mini Tuttle	Exocet XWave 23 cm US + 2 x Exocet 11 cm Mini Tuttle	Exocet XWave 25 cm Power + 2 x Exocet 11 cm Mini Tuttle	Exocet XWave 26 cm Power + 2 x Exocet 11 cm Mini Tuttle
Sail size	3.3 – 5.3 m²	3.7 – 5.7 m²	4.0 – 6.2 m²	4.2 – 6.8 m²	4.7 – 7.2 m²

Fanatic TriWave

Our newest addition came with massive challenge for the R&D team – better the proven twin and single fin ranges for a board to work at any spot in the world. Starting with our renowned fast-planing rocker line we gained the pace and pointing of single fin yet discovered the grip, drive and tighter turn radius of a multifin. A medium length pintail outline delivers enough rail for classic, drawn-out turns and is compact enough to snap tight turns in the pocket too. The result of the magic is masterful. Speedy, smooth carving rails bite perfectly for maximum control.

The double concave bottom and optimum tail release leave a crisp, direct-feeling board perfect for either slashy or full-railed riding and excellent jumping lift and release. Choose either a 3 fin cluster developed exclusively by world-renowned Maui Fin Company or fit the SlotBox cover supplied to ride in singlefin mode. Available in 72, 79, 86 and 93 litre sizes in super-stiff, light and impact resistant Innegra Carbon Light Team Edition (TE) construction with Carbon Innegra deck and PVC sandwich bottom.

KEY FEATURES:
- Pure waveriding Thruster performance with versatile convertible option to single fin
- Proven CAD-designed rocker line perfect combination of planing performance and surfing capability
- Medium length outline for stability in any water state
- Mono concave tail into smooth double concave bottom shape for high speed control/turns
- Balanced tail width for release and early-planing
- Fine-tuned side bite fin placement for minimum drag and optimal water flow
- Original Maui Fin Company signature line thruster fins
- Center US Box for Thruster/2+1 and Singlefin modes

KLAAS VOGET (G-4), FANATIC R&D AND TOP PWA RIDER:
“The TriWave has blown us away. I can snap tight turns in the pocket like a twin fin – but with the speed and control of a single fin in sketchier situations. What’s so insane about them is the quad-like grip and drive you get when they’re pushed a little bit harder. I think they’ll open the eyes of a lot of classic style sailors to a wider variety of riding angles and turns”

Goya One

The One PRO 72 and 78 liter models feature generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

The smaller sizes 72, 78 and 86 feature a center US Box compatible with all wave fin designs.

JP-Australia Single Thruster

PRO – Pro Edition in Carbon Innegra Technology with PVC-stringers in the bottom – 74, 82, 92, 99, 106
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology with stringers in the bottom – 74, 82

THE ALLROUND WAVE BOARDS: Developed between Werner Gnigler, Robby Swift and Ricardo Campello. Versatile designs which feel at home in all conditions – from bump & jump to side shore wave sailing. The trim/fin options give you the opportunity to achieve that perfect set-up for the day ahead. The three fin set-up, transforms the performance oriented shapes into loose, responsive wave boards with lots of control. Use them with 2cm bigger single fins (without sidefins) and feel the transition into super fast wave rockets – ideal for onshore and bump & jump conditions.

SHAPE: Early planing and very fast designs. They come with compact dimensions to also deliver radical wave action. Their shortness and the fact that the widest point is at the center of gravity results in very stable and balanced boards in none planing conditions and when crossing the white water. Their overall width and rather wide tails make them accelerate fast, drive well upwind and shred tight turns in smaller waves. When approaching the lip you can easily tighten the turn with back foot pressure. The further back rear strap creates a wider stance, allowing more radical turns without losing speed. For great performance in down-the-line conditions, up to around three meter faces, we kept the outline relatively straight around the front straps, generating more speed in longer bottom turns. This straight outline cruises through the chop with max control. The ergonomic deck shape provides a comfortable stance and responsive rail changing. The double concave bottom between the foot straps allows a rather flat bottom curve within the concaves while we still have a lot of bottom curve in the rails. This delivers instant acceleration, high speed and incredible maneuverability.

SUMMARY: Probably the most versatile wave boards available. The fin set-ups (single fin or thruster) allow you to adjust their range of use from fast bump & jump single fin sailing where you can push the board to max speed in a traditional sailing style to unbelievable waveriding in all kind of wave conditions. Those who still enjoy the feel of a single fin wave board will enjoy them as well.

Mistral Shock Wave

This board will handle any conditions you get yourself into - from onshore waves to offshore wave sailing - and will excel in all of them. The new Shock Wave has a more rounded nose, so that more of the rail gets into the water, making it much easier to position the board in the bottom turn and hold it through even the toughest chop.

The board also has a faster rocker line, which in combination with the tail kick really improves performance in both onshore and offshore conditions. The bottom shape promotes easy foot steering and the transition from rail to rail. Your stance is wider, making it easier to move your body weight back and forth over the board. In turns, this really helps you to bury the nose in the bottom turn and then unleash in the top turns.

It will be an easy early planning burn off the beach type wave board in the one fin set up. In case you like to have a more surf type board the 3 fin set up will be for you. Faster and shorter bottom turns with more grip in the top turn.

Shock Wave 70:

Volume (l): 70
Lenght (cm): 229
Width (cm): 53,5

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 6,0 sqm
Fin: Thruster

Shock Wave 78:

Volume (l): 78
Lenght (cm): 230
Width (cm): 55,5

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 3,7 - 5,7 sqm
Fin: Thruster

Shock Wave 86:

Volume (l): 86
Lenght (cm): 231
Width (cm): 57,5

Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich
Rec.sail size: 4,0 - 5,7 sqm
Fin: Thruster

Naish Classic Wave

“Modern classic” all-around wave boards for any surf spot in the world.

The Classic Wave series puts thirty years of design heritage into the modern all-around wave board. Designed with timeless flowing lines, bold graphics, thinned out rails, wing-pin tails and a nose that leads the way with purpose, these four boards are well-balanced and easy to ride. With a thruster fin setup, fast rocker and accelerated vee from center to tail, the Classic Waves carve from rail to rail with ease. Each of the four boards is designed with the same flow and shape details, with wingers at 13” from the tail on the 75, 12” from the tail on the 80, 11” on the 85, and 10” on the 95 to fit perfectly with each board’s width and flotation.

In onshore conditions, the added nose length really helps to get you going, pops you over white water, and dramatically improves flotation balance compared to a snub-nosed style wave board. In sideshore conditions, their carvability is second to none with even the 90 liter able to lay down bottom turns like its smallest sibling. From Sylt, Germany to Ho’okipa, Maui, the Classic Wave Series will have you feeling like a pro and making the most out of every session.

Sizes: 75, 80, 85, 95

Key Features:

New carbon Inegra and bamboo deck construction
Double sandwich carbon bottom construction
Thruster fin setup
Eco Boardbag

Naish Wave

New school wave boards in a compact design for surf addicts seeking the ultimate in wave riding performance.

Designed with a single-concave bottom that flows into a v-shape in the tail, and smooth rails that flow into pinched rails in the tail, the Wave delivers amazing carving performance on the wave. The thruster fin set-up provides
outstanding trim range for precision board control in big or small surf.

Sizes: 65, 74

Key Features:

Incredible lightweight
New carbon Inegra deck construction
Double sandwich carbon bottom construction
Thruster fin set-up
Eco Boardbag

Quatro Thruster LS

The all new Thruster LS takes the amazing ingredients of the Quad LS and mixes them with an approach towards more drive and speed down the line.

Levi wanted to be able to project the entirety of his bottom turn speed into moves off the wave, making them big and bold, while not losing the traction and control he had gotten used to with the Quad LS.

Don’t be mistaken though, this line of boards is not just designed for down the line, it will excel in any type of wave condition you may encounter around the globe, which is just where Levi takes these, time and again.

Premium Construction: The Quatro Premium Construction, applied to the LS line, offers a wonderful blend of superbly light weight, very high impact resistance and that famous lively Quatro feel. Tested daily by Levi himself as well as the worldwide Quatro Team, these boards are both shaped and built to take performance windsurfing one step further.

Accessories:

FINS The Thruster LS comes with the latest Maui Fin Company™ Tri Fin set. SEE SPECS FOR DETAILS

STRAPS All Quatro windsurfing boards come with Maui Fin Company™ straps that are extremely comfortable and feature thick high quality neoprene as well as a soft inner sole. LEARN MORE

PADS 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for big landings. LEARN MORE

TWIN:

Quatro Twin

According to Boardseeker’s Wave board test, the Twin Fin is the best board for a mix of jumping, riding and tricks in cross on conditions.

Ideal for all around wave sailing, the Twin again offers the perfect balance between early planing, speed, stability and the incredibly loose feeling that twin fin boards are all about.

The Twin is designed to give you a quick and lively feel and also great low end performance in any type of wave conditions you may encounter around the globe.

Construction: The Quatro Production Construction concept offers the ultimate in light weight, impact resistance and lively feel. Tried tested and true by the worldwide Quatro Pro team and customers, these boards are designed and built to provide the ultimate performance windsurfing experience. The Premium Construction is the best of the best.

Accessories:

FINS The Twin comes with the latest Maui Fin Company™ Quad fin set. LEARN MORE

STRAPS All Quatro windsurfing boards come with Maui Fin Company™ straps that are extremely comfortable and feature thick high quality neoprene as well as a soft inner sole. LEARN MORE

PADS 10mm Dual Density Deck pads combine better traction and padding for big landings. LEARN MORE

Starboard NuEvo

The NuEvo is a high-performance surfboard style wave board. It excels in sideshore to side-onshore conditions, from knee to logo high waves. Its specialties are tight rail turns with excellent rail-to-rail transitions and extra-tight top turns. The NuEvos still have good capabilities in larger side-offshore wave conditions.

Jumping and aerials are helped by the hyper-compact outline, which reduces swing weight and the wider tail helps boosting off ramps.

The NuEvos are comfortable boards for general sailing with forward Vee and soft rails that dampen the effects of chop.

History of the NuEvo

James Hooper, NuEvo shaper and designer:

“The idea of the Nuevo (previously known as the Chopper) came about 4 years ago. There were a few ideas I felt were missing in the current crop of production boards.

I started building some longer boards with wider tails and twin fins set close to the rails. These boards were working relatively well but still felt like they were missing something. I started thinking about what the extra length in the nose and tail was doing and I ended up cutting off the nose and tails and reshaping a board that I already had (hence the name Chopper).

It ended up being a funny looking board but when I tested it, it was really good. It still had plenty of drive and felt looser and even more responsive to foot movement than before. I thought it was good so I gave it to Ben Severne to try out at Margaret River and he came back being stoked about how well the board went. I decided to make a few more and refined the shapes to fit the shorter lengths.

These boards were working really well now. We sailed the boards all over the place from Gnaraloo to Geraldton and even Indonesia. I started to give the boards to others to try and got some really good feedback.

Through this feedback we made changes. We’ve done a lot of testing and made a lot of alterations since then. Some of the changes we kept and some of them we changed back to where we started. A few hundred boards down the track I’m really happy with how the boards have evolved and how the boards are feeling now.

I’ve built the NuEvos/Chopper style boards in sizes from 60 to 120 litres, and I’ve been really lucky to have people of all abilities and sizes to test these boards and give me feedback. Now I’m looking forward to developing them even further and seeing where the evolution takes them.”

Design and Performance

Rocker:
Medium rocker is a comfortable balance between drive and release. Suits the largest range of conditions and riders. The entry rocker is high enough for reliable re-entry into steep sections or small, tight waves.

Wave size:
Best performance in waves from 1 – 5 foot. (knee to logo high) and cross-onshore to sideshore winds.

Fin type: Twin. Wide spaced fins emphasise the twin fin feel of the board and makes sure a fin is engaged even in the most on-rail turns. A slight toe in of the fins makes the board more responsive to rider input and gives the board a real surfboard feel.

Bottom shape: Flat through the nose section into V accelerating towards the tail. Double concaves from just in front of the mast position, finishing just in front of the fins.

Rails: The Nuevo has a flat deck shape with progressive rails. The flat deck gives the feel of a thinner board while retaining the float of a thicker board. Rails forward of the mast track are a full rounded section to prevent tripping in chop.

Tuck is maintained through the mid-section to provide grip through rail turns. There is a small amount of tuck through the tail section with a sharp edge for release. The Nuevo’s surfboard style rails give the board a lively and responsive feel.

Starboard Kode Wave

The Kode Waves are Philip Koster’s fast, aerial style ‘next- generation’ signature wave boards. The Kode Waves are for riders who like to blend aerials and takas with powerful wave- carving. Their straight-line speed and acceleration also make them the most ideal for big airs and double combination loops.

The Kode Waves are twin fin boards with a single fin option. These vertical, squarer twin fins were developed by MB fins specifically for the Kode, generating a compact power delivery that give you an eager release and additional control of the tail off the top.

10mm, single layer pads without bumpers provide a direct, responsive feel while still giving enough cushioning effect from big jumps.
Square tail shape adds some extra tail area to maintain buoyancy and increases the board's versatility in softer waves. It also improves the board's performance in reverse moves. Note that the flatter tail section on the rocker creates a more efficient planing area, making sure you accelerate quicker and achieve higher top speeds.
Forward Vee provides a quicker, more responsive feel when engaging the rail into a turn.
Single fin option is available. Fit a larger single wave fin and plug the twin fin boxes to get more straight line traction and classic riding characteristics. A flatter tail section keeps the planing area more efficient, for quicker acceleration and faster top speeds.

2013 Freerace Boards

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0500

If you love blasting past your buddies more then anything else then FREERACE is your category. But why do some brands have two boards in this single group? It all comes down to balancing speed and ease-of-use. All of these boards are easier to sail then any slalom shapes and will allow you to set your fastest GPS times as you'll feel more comfortable. Just some are that much easier to handle then others.

FREERACE BOARDS:

Exocet S-cross

Another all new shape for 2012, offered in two constructions, the S-CROSS line replaces the STING. The S-CROSS line offers a very different ride to that of the Sting, due to it's narrower tail and nose design. This new shape gives the boards a smooth ride while also enabling them to turn effortlessly in any conditions. Top speed and early planing is also excellent with the reduced rockerline of the board, making it easier for freerider's of all levels.

The Pro-model board is offered with an exclusive Bamboo deck and is extremely light for a board in this class.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction

exocet-original.com

Exocet SL Sport

The SL SPORT line will give you access to top performance at a reasonable budget. Based on the proven shapes and designs of the former Warp SL, the SL Sport is the ideal board for fast free ride as well as high speed blazing in total control.

The tucked under rails and built in shock absorbers makes the board extremely forgiving and comfortable in all conditions. Explore and enjoy the instant taste of high performance, on a board that can truly be referred to as a FREERACE board.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride

exocet-original.com

Fanatic Hawk

This pedigree predator’s redefined the Freeride category and wowed testers worldwide. With all new 97, 111, and 125 sizes for 2013, the Hawks are derived from our best Freestyle and Slalom shapes, for a unique blend of jibing heaven, early planing, top-end speed and sporting style. Refined fast rocker lines with tuned tail release – most noticeably on the 97 – on wider compact shapes with thin, tucked-under edges make for perfect allrounders that will never catch rails in any carving or sliding moves. This season we have also moved the fin boxes forward for extra control and turning ability. The super comfy deck doming in the tail and strap areas and recessed deck guarantee you are always in control in flat water, swell or chop. Select 97, 111, 125 or 135 sizes (all Power Box) in either eco-friendly and durable Bamboo Sandwich Light or ultra-stiff, lightweight and impact-resistant Carbon Innegra/Basalt Sandwich Light LTD construction.

KEY FEATURES:
‣ One-length concept compact shapes with wide center points
and round noses for balance, early-planing and smooth carves (Hawk Bamboo and LTD 111,125,135)
‣ Innegra replaces Kevlar for ultra-stiff, impact resistant and light layup using less wetted resin for ecological sensitivity
‣ Thin, tucked rails for ultimate carving pleasure
‣ Double concave nose entry section runs to Power V bottom, tuned tail kick and 75° pintail for comfort and control in chop and turns

fanatic.com

Fanatic Ray

The Biax Glass Sandwich Ray offers an affordable route to ride the ultimate PWA Slalom Racing shapes. Identical to the lighter and stiffer Falcons, the Rays bring comfort and elite level speed together in one smoking package. The Compact Design Concept (CDC) outline’s slight double concaves flow into light V in the tail for a neutral, easy-to-sail feeling when the going gets rough and give excellent early-planing power. A balanced volume flow with straight rear outline between the straps delivers extra control, added low-end support and a more comfortable stance over longer and more intense reaches. The mast base recess guarantees rig stability and thin CAD-engineered rails in the font section work with nose V to cut through chop and enhance jibing ability. Available in 102, 112 and 122 sizes in identical dimensions to the 2013 Falcon Range there’s never been a better chance to ride race-proven shapes with such great value. All models with Tuttle head fins.

KEY FEATURES:
‣ Tail cut-outs and drawn pintail for full release, drag reduction and easy jibing
‣ Straighter outlines and volume distribution for comfort and control
‣ New scoop rocker line with shorter flat section and higher entry point
‣ Release kick slight tail rocker for extra efficiency and speed
‣ Comfort heel rail tucked-under edges for easy use underfoot

fanatic.com

JP-Australia Super Lightwind

TECHNOLOGY:

GOLD – Gold Edition in ultra light Textreme Technology featuring a new “race deck” and a carbon mast track – 90V154,92V165
PRO – PRO Edition Technology featuring the “race deck” – 90V154,92V165
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology featuring the “race deck” – 92V165

ENJOY THOSE LIGHTWIND DAYS

Planing is what makes windsurfing so fascinating. We all have been sitting on the beach thinking – there is wind but it’s just not enough to get planing? Here is our solution.

The Super Lightwinds start planing as early as Formula boards – when there are no white caps in sight. Contrary to Formula boards it is much easier to get in and out the straps. Jibing the Super Lightwinds is also a pleasure compared to any Formula board.

The 90 is basically a bigger brother of the sporty Super Sports aiming at advanced riders. The 92 is the bigger sibling of the comfortable, but still performance oriented X-Cite Ride. It has additional, further inboard footstrap plugs and works also great for less advanced riders as it gets planing super early even with a passive sailing style. Both are made to have fun in really light winds.

SHAPE

To get the boards easily planing without the special technique of Formula sailors we made them substantially longer than Formula boards. This also makes the boards more stable in non-planing conditions.

The scoop rocker lines come from our big Slalom boards since they are also developed for high speed runs. As they are not quite as wide as a formula board (100 cm) we managed to achieve big handling advantages.

The rail shape in combination with the race deck allows the rider a very comfortable sailing stance. The strap positions come from the Super Sport (SLW90) respectively from the X-Cite Ride (SLW 92) boards.

They jibe easy and stay on the plane through the turn. We achieved this rather unusual characteristic for such wide boards by using a new Vee flow concept. More V in the mid section of the board where it is wide, makes it easier to rail the board up and initiate the turn.

Towards the tail we reduced the Vee to guarantee maximum control on high speed runs. We also used big tail cut-outs for better release and a looser feel of the boards. The board shapes in combination with the 56cm molded Carbon fin make them real pleasure boards for reaching.

SUMMARY

They will get you planing in minimal winds and deliver an unknown combination of totally relaxed blasting and an electric sensation of speed. Those sitting on the beach will be jealous. Sheet in and go.

jp-australia.com

JP-Australia Super Sport

TECHNOLOGY:

GOLD – Gold Edition in ultra light Textreme Technology featuring a new “race deck” – 124
PRO – PRO Edition Technology featuring a new “race deck” – 100,112,124,136
FWS – Full Wood Sandwich Technology featuring a new “race deck” – 100,112,124,136

EASY SLALOM POWER

The Super Sport boards always delivered Slalom-like performance but they were much easier to ride. That’s why they received great feedback and won lots of tests over the last few years.

The new line consists of 4 new shapes combining shape features from the X-Cite Ride and Slalom board ranges to obtain the best of both worlds:
To make them really fast, shaper Werner Gnigler used his detailed knowledge and experience from the latest slalom board development while the influence of his X-Cite Ride shapes grants that the power of the new Super Sports is accessible not only for World Cup professionals.

SHAPE

The overall length was reduced giving the boards a livelier feel.
The boards still feature a very balanced volume distribution – an all essential feature to plane early and effortless.

Werner designed a new generation of race deck. The key factor of this feature is the raised deck in the foot strap area.
The previous version worked great when riding in the straps but when moving on the board and in some jibing situations the uneven deck was not always ideal.
The new version features this raised area but now has a rounder and constant deck curve in the strap area: The stance is comfortable and you’ll stay connected to the board at all times.
The bottom is equipped with a double concave V in the front flowing into a flat V towards the tail, ending with slightly bigger cut-outs than on the boards from last season.

The concaves work like suspension when the board hits chop. The flat V supported by the tail cut-outs have the best and most efficient water release resulting in top speed on every course.
Additionally, the cut-outs take some pressure off the tail and support the rider by keeping the board flat on the water in the strongest gusts.
No need to strive for control – it is there!

The outline is kept rather parallel especially at the rear of the board resulting in a powerful stance with even pressure on both feet.
Towards the front, the full rail radius creates buoyancy when not planing and balanced lift during carving maneuvers in which the board guides through the jibe on its rail.

SUMMARY

The new Super Sports are faster than their predecessors.

It is easier to exploit their full performance potential. Standing relaxed on board, you can transfer all the sail power into the hull to accelerate more and more. It’s simple to stay in control when blasting back and forth as well as in the high speed carving jibes.
Boards that are real fun and real fast.

jp-australia.com

Mistral Energy

The energy board is designed to plane early, be fast on the water and have great stability in the jibes. We achieved this with a fairly parallel outline and a straight rocker line that follows the lines from the slalom boards. The V is accelerated towards the tail to make the board lively off the back foot and also help accelerate in the gusts. The rails have plenty of tuck under to ensure a soft ride in the water and also help you come out of jibes planing. The boards have a high-end construction featuring a glass-carbon-reinforced PVC sandwich. Delivered with Maui Ultra Fins “ride” fin.

mistral-boards.com

Energy 132:

Volume (l): 132
Lenght (cm): 244
Width (cm): 75

Construction: Carbon/glass reinforced
Rec.sail size: 5,5 - 8,0 sqm
Fin: 40 cm

Energy 147:

Volume (l): 147
Lenght (cm): 248
Width (cm): 80

Construction: Carbon/glass reinforced
Rec.sail size: 6,0 - 9,0 sqm
Fin: 45 cm

Mistral Screamer

Our ultimate fun ride for you who are looking for fast flat water free ride boards.

The Screamer is a glass-carbon-reinforced PVC sandwich and has the foot strap positions set a bit more inboard, to make it easier to get into them after the jibe. It is a fantastic free-ride/free move board for going fast, with control. The jibe with the Screamer is unreal due to the mix of tuck-under rails, parallel outlines and rocker lines.

It is the perfect choice for those who sail in flat to choppy conditions and want to have an easy fun day on the water and don’t need to go all the way to a slalom board to enjoy a great day.

mistral-boards.com

Screamer 78: Volume (l): 78 Lenght (cm): 238 Width (cm): 54 Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich Rec.sail size: 4,5 - 6,5 sqm Fin: no fin	Screamer 95: Volume (l): 95 Lenght (cm): 238 Width (cm): 54 Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich Rec.sail size: 5,0 - 7,0 sqm Fin: no fin	Screamer 110: Volume (l): 110 Lenght (cm): 240 Width (cm): 67 Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich Rec.sail size: 5,5 - 7,8 sqm Fin: no fin
Screamer 123: Volume (l): 123 Lenght (cm): 238 Width (cm): 75 Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich Rec.sail size: 6,0 - 8,5 sqm Fin: no fin	Screamer 140: Volume (l): 140 Lenght (cm): 238 Width (cm): 85 Construction: Carbon/glass sandwich Rec.sail size: 6,4 - 10,0 sqm Fin: no fin

Starboard Futura

The Futuras are Starboard's freerace boards. Freerace boards are designed to go extremely fast, like slalom boards, but with more user-friendliness and more comfort. They are the sports cars of windsurfing

When it was first introduced in 2008, Starboard's Futuras revolutionary design redefined the freerace category.

2013 offers six sizes and two technology options, all of them with the new cut-away shapes designed to release more top-end speed and squeeze even more acceleration from a gust.

What's new

The all new 2013 Futuras again feature strong iSonic DNA ; in each 2013 Futura the ride, top end speed and control have all been improved by the new tail cutaway design taken directly from iSonic development. A more open cutaway ensures cleaner wake turbulence and lower drag; more top end speed. The enhanced trim results in a more free riding design with reduced chop impact underfoot; real world performance updates.

New WOOD X construction : New and exclusive for Futura and Carve in 2013; an improved construction offering lighter weight and crisper ride through increased use of PVC foam sandwich construction, delivering a more exciting, responsive ride while retaining compelling product value.

In 2012 we introduced the radically thin Futura range; in 2013 we improved the impossible with new Freerace benchmarks of high speed comfort and control.

Key Features

Wider outlines for low speed stability
15% thinner profiles compared to conventional boards
Very deep deck-concaves improve control and lower the boards’ CG further
Multiple insert positions include inboard and outboard options
Domed decks and multiple insert positions allow Futuras to be tuned for accessibility or maximum performance
Short wide noses improve aerodynamic efficiency, reduces swing weight
Short wide noses improve aerodynamic efficiency, reduces swing weight
New cut-away tail shapes

Additional Information

To make the most out of the Futuras, we strongly recommend each Futura to be used with three fins: one for larger sails, one for medium-sized sails and one for maxed-out conditions. The supplied fin is the ideal middle fin, so the other two fins should be 2-3cm larger and smaller than the supplied fin. Tapping into this extra wide wind range will be a revelation for its owner since most windsurfers don’t realize just how wide the wind range can be thanks to this little tuning tip.

With its deep deck concave, we also recommend the rider’s boom to be placed 2cm higher than usual.

star-board.com

Starboard Ultrasonic

The UltraSonic is Starboard's lightwind specialist

In the iSonic family, it is designed to bring high levels of light-wind performance to the masses. It’s easy, it’s fast and it’s really fun.

The 2013 UltraSonic is a new design, featuring the latest iSonic technology: new cutaway designs, heel extensions and a new, improved rockerline.

Ultra planing:

With a width that stretches beyond the PWA’s official limit, the UltraSonic is more efficient at creating planing lift, releasing itself from the water in the lightest of breezes to become the world’s earliest-planing and easiest slalom board.

Unlike Formula boards that are designed to go upwind and downwind, the UltraSonic is comfortable reaching in and out at maximum speeds. The UltraSonic design starts from the iSonic base and adds some extra width and loses more thickness.

The nose of the UltraSonic is then lengthened to make the board smoother to get planing. Tacking, jibing and getting going becomes easier, more stable and more accessible.

The rail shapes under the footstraps are more comfortable and less boxy than the iSonics. This makes the board more comfortable, the straps are easier to get into and there is less burning-power in your back-thigh when fully powered.

Harder rail edges in the tail increases top speed, enables quicker acceleration in gusts, improves earlier planing and improves the board’s ability to maintain top speed in lulls.

Very Deep Deck Concaves maximizes control by having the pivot point between sail and board kept low. The centre of gravity of the board is also lowered further to minimize undesired swing weight. The very deep deck concave also break the aerodynamic suction effect that often lifts the nose out of control in high winds.

Last but not least, the gap between the sail and deck is eliminated and the mast track can be moved back to improve top end speed without compromising control.

What's new

New cutaway shapes combined with ‘side’ cut outs and heel extension. This new planing surface shape has reduced wetted area for the same lift, which makes it more efficient. The fin gains more traction and the rider will feel like the board locks more on to its fin.

Most importantly, the width of the tail at the ‘one-foot-off’ remains the same: the board will maintain its ability to provide power, anti-roll stability through chop and acceleration out of a jibe.

Heel extensions allow the back foot to apply a positive pressure on the rail. Without the heel extension, the new side cut away shapes would have created a slippery angle of the rail and your back foot would fail to provide constant power.

New rockerline: due to the changes to the wetted surface area, the rockerline has been adjusted to match.

All in all, the new UltraSonic feels sharper, accelerates quicker and flies faster than ever.

Extra long nose makes the board easier to get on to the plane, easier to tack, jibe and uphaul.
Very deep deck concave increases high-wind control
Extra-wide design makes the board very stable at low speeds and plane extremely early.
Heavily curved tail outline reduces tail width to create maximum reaching speed without the burning-thighs syndrome.
New side cut away with heel extensions
New rockerline
Ultra efficient planing hull design directly drawn from the iSonics
New cut away shapes for even more efficiency

Construction: Available in Wood and Carbon construction

star-board.com

2013 Entry and Wind SUP Sails

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:35:00 -0500

If you are looking to purchase a first sail this is a great place to start. Many come as part of a "rig package" that will make getting all the parts that much easier and save you money. However there is a huge degree of difference in level of performance between the two groups outlined below...so read carefully.

ENTRY WINDSURFING SAILS: Whether you buy one of these sails as part of a rig package or on its own these designs can take you right from your first day on the water up to planing in the footstraps and jibing in higher wind. As the wind picks up their performance will lessen but there is plenty here to get you hooked on the adrenaline rush of highwind windsurfing.

WIND SUP AND TRAINER SAILS: These sails are designed to work better then any other type of sail in light air. Their "baggy" design will catch the slightest breeze and have you cruising at a comfy pace across the water like no other. They are a perfect match of WIND SUP cruising as most of these boards are not made to plane. It's a match made in heaven and will get your entire family stoked on windsurfing.

ENTRY WINDSURFING SAILS:

Bic Sport Core

Sizes: 5.5, 6.0, 6.5

Easy handling, all-rounder, steady smooth power

Really performs in light to moderate winds.

Its modern design gives it a wide wind range despite the absence of cambers. With plenty of sail area down low, it's got plenty of power to get you up and planning easily, with a smooth and steady pull allowing you to get into the harness and footstraps comfortably.
With no cams it is easy to manoeuvre during gybes, tacks and tricks. With its soft response it is easy to control and simply fun to ride. Ideal for all our freeride boards and for making your first runs.

Delivered in a very practical sail bag that includes additional pockets for storing the mast and the mast base, and the possibility to attach the boom so that it can be carried «all in one». These articles are to be found under "related products" on the rig package page.

bicsportwindsurf.com

Chinook Free Ride

Designed for a broad range of sailing conditions. Early planning, neutrally balanced, and stable when powered up. Dacron material provides extra protection and longevity against UV rays and physical abuse. Includes screw-adjusting batten tensioners. A durable recreational sail for resort, camp, or lakehouse use. 4.1, 4.7, 5.5, 6.3

chinooksailing.com

Chinook Power Glide

Performance, durability, and light-weight built into one sail. Majority of X-ply material combined with Dacron is very light yet extremely durable. Endo-batten seam shaping helps to create a powerful sail that is tunable with screw-adjusting batten tensioners. Designed for demanding recreational sailors. RBS Battens. Current available color pattern is Red/Black/White. 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.7, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5

chinooksailing.com

MauiSails Aloha

Aloha is the introduction, the beginning, and will continue to serve you as long as you use it well. The 2013 Aloha invites easy sailing and a wonderful way of life because we considered every factor of performance, and the value of function. Five battens in the sizes above 5.5 and four below, keep the sails light and reactive.

Evolved into a well tested and highly developed RAF by Art Szpunar's continuous updates, we also find his freedom to decorate the clear surface has brought the fun out. The three color scheme jumps out at you, and more XPly emphasizes the colors and provides extra durability.

Low Tension Settings make rigging and tuning easy and simple, perfect for beginner to intermediates. Properly set you will have the shaping to handle anything. The 2013 Aloha delivers what you need to comfortably transition to the next level of higher performance.

The bits and pieces:

Generous use of highest quality U.S. made Xply material.
Low profile batten tension system with stainless steel adjustment screws.
Anti chafe polyurethane head bumper.
Increased boom cutout depth aids boom attachment.
Full framework of Kevlar unidirectional reinforcement.
Super strong Inox clew fitting.
Seam and foot beads for chafe protection.
Tough tack and sleeve anti-chafe material
Welded stainless steel and bronze triple wheel tack pulley for low corrosion.

mauisails.com

Naish Rally

An easy handling no-cam sail for freeride/freemove sailors of any age, size and skill level.

From the 7.9 down to the 4.0, the Rally is a world-renowned freeride sail that delivers incredible handling, early planing and superb freeride control. The 4.6 down to the 2.6 are optimized for lighter weights for beginners and smaller riders. The 2.0 and 1.4 are perfect trainer sails for small children.

Key Features:

Bump-and-jump to freeride in one range
Early planing, easy handling and fast!
Single scrim luff panel, narrow sleeve, size-optimized batten geometry

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Solar

Solar is our most user-friendly sail. Optimised for classic flat-water freeriding, the Solar offers great lowend power and stability. It is light, easy to handle and rig. ArmourWeb reinforced construction in the foot, luff and clew area ensures durability.

KEY FEATURES

Four battens up to 5.7. Keeps the sail weight to a minimum for optimum performance.
Balanced Draft creating good lift without causing more backhand pressure when overpowered.
Light feeling Monofilm main body construction keeps the sail lightweight and responsive.
ArmourWeb Reinforced panels in the foot, luff and clew area.
Intermediate Foot Size for optimum balance between easy maneuvers and performance.

Pro Tip:

"The Solar is great for learning how to water start, jibe or just have a good blast around. The number one sail for freeride fun on the water."—Robby Swift

neilpryde.com

North Curve

Crossover - Entry

You are hooked by the windsurfing bug? You can’t wait to get back on the board to have fun and improve your skills? Especially for ambitious surfers Kai Hopf has developed the brand new featherweight CURVE. Looking at this Crossover sail one can imagine how easy it is to control during manoeuvres and light it feels in your hands.

The all new VTS.PLUS trim indicators (FAST.RIGGING.INDICATION) which makes all CURVE with fix-top even easier and faster to rig. Thanks to precise specifications of the mast- and boom lengths the down-and outhaul are simply pulled as far as it goes, done! Of course, the traditional VTS trimming dots are also available to allow all specialists more flexibility for maximum performance.

The secret is the extremely weight-optimised and clean construction that focuses on the essentials, without compromising the durability. The result is an unparalleled handling, which immediately makes especially intermediates jump up one class.

The balanced shape and very low weight are specially tailored to the group of novices and intermediates. The new CURVE accelerated the move to the next skill level and ideally supports learning new manoeuvres.

KEY FEATURES

01 Maximum weight reduction through iMODULAR.DESIGN
02 VTS and HTS: NorthSails patented visual trim indications make rigging a piece of cake
03 One mast (430-21) fits for all sail sizes

2 Year Warranty. Get additional 3 year Warranty

north-windsurf.com

Severne Convert

The CONVERT is built for maximum durability at an entry-level price.

This sail will push your windsurfing ability without the punishment for error, withstanding the toughest impacts time after time. This is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a fun sail, allowing them to progress with ease and durability without breaking the bank.

This I00% X-ply sail is packed with features such as the Dropped Clew for shorter, more manageable booms lengths, durable seamless head and foot construction and dual clew positions for shorter and taller riders. The shaping and geometry are set up for a balanced, stable feel and a forward pulling drive for a relaxed, easy stance.

BOMBPROOF DURABILITY
HIGH VALUE
FUN
EASY TO RIG AND SAIL

severnesails.com

Severne Synergy

Sizes: 7.3, 6.7, 6.0, 5.4, 4.8, 4.3, 3.6, 2.6, 3.1

The Synergy line is aimed at first time windsurfers/families. What inspired this range? Is there anything else like it out there?

Ben Severne, designer: "The reason I wanted to design the Synergy is that windsurfing is just too complicated. It's become a very high performance sport and the recreational windsurfer has been forgotten. If someone wants to take up windsurfing they need to understand a load of technical info just to buy some gear to start sailing. Everything is sold as separate components, so you need to understand what sail goes with what mast, etc. Too hard. Top end mountain bikes or skateboards are sold in component form, but all the entry-level stuff comes ready to go. But with windsurfing it's ALL component based."

What is the exact thinking behind the Synergy?

Ben Severne: "The concept is that you don't have to know a lot about windsurfing to be able to firstly buy gear that all works together, and secondly to be able to set it up. All the tuning and setting of the sail is simplified, so it's just about matching all the colours on the components and pulling the ropes to the end. If you have the red sail, you set the boom to the red setting and the mast extension to the red setting and then tension the sail. All the relevant info is printed on each part of the sail, so it pretty much tells you what to do.

CLICK HERE to read the entire interview about the Severne Synergy with Ben Severne that was conducted by Miles Masterson.

severnesails.com

WIND SUP AND TRAINER SAILS:

Aerotech WindSUP

The windSUP is all about bringing windsurfing back to a simpler time with a few modern touches. The sail can go from the roof of your car to the water in under a minute. Just pull the mast bag off, fold the boom down and roll the sail out. Attach the outhual and you're ready to go! With its vertical battens, this sail offers the convenience of keeping the sail on the mast but still maintains a modern outline with a fat head and increased area below the boom. Pop this on an SUP or any longboard and remember how fun windsurfing can be in 5 to 10 knots of wind.

Construction: Durable dacron with vinyl window

aerotechsails.com

Bic Sport Nova

Sizes: 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, SUP 6.0

The Nova sail is the ideal choice for “leisure” sailing on relatively flat water. It has been designed with pure simplicity and durability in mind, and is ideally suited to our Nova range of boards.

The sail is made from tough Dacron, is well reinforced and super hard wearing, great for intensive use.

Delivered in a very practical sail bag that includes additional pockets for storing the mast and the mast base, and the possiblity to attach the boom so that it can be carried «all in one». These articles are to be found under "related products" on the rig package page.

bicsportwindsurf.com

Goya Surf

The Surf is the sail of choice for all instructors, windsurf schools and self-taught adventurers. With it’s full dacron panels, reinforced perimeter, integrated mast pad, and indestructible Ever Clear window, it is a sail that will last for years. Lightweight and durable.

A full head batten and a short leech batten provide stability in both light and strong winds. Adjustable head webbing allows compatibility with any RDM mast. A large viewing window provides clear and durable sight through the sail. Bright colors make it safe and easy to spot on the water, and fun to look at.

It’s the sail we’ve designed to teach our own children. The Surf is the perfect choice for learning to up haul and for learning the basic principals of sailing.

Bright colors are used so you can spot your little sailor on the water.

Jason Diffin, designer: “The Surf is the classic Dacron trainer sail for beginning windsurfers. The Surf is the perfect choice for learning to up haul and for learning the basic principals of sailing.”

ECO Concept
Goya ECO sails make use of factory stocked Goya foils and cloth, hence not creating the need and impact of producing new materials. What that translates into is an economical advantage for you and an ecological advantage for nature.

ECO Construction
These sails are a win win for both you and mother nature. They are at the same time economical and ecological by making use of factory overstocked genuine Goya foils and cloth. Hence the need and impact of producing new materials is reduced considerably, saving energy, raw materials and waste.

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations: NEON YELLOW, NEON ORANGE

goyawindsurfing.com

MauiSails Inspire

The Inspire is for easy sailing to enhance the developing skills of the beginner and first time Sailors. The blend of softness and sufficient skin tension makes the sail calm and easy to handle. The Inspire is designed to be used within its personality, not over-powered, and is the ideal choice for Schools attracting people who are ready to learn windsurfing and grow their skill sets.

Windsurfing School Master Instructor, Tinho Dornellas, co-designed this full range of instruction oriented sails for teaching and introducing the sport to beginners.

The idea behind the Inspire is to build a soft power that is more communicative of the rig pressure to help the aspiring sailor to progress sail handling skills.

Rigging is easy with simple, durable features that increase the performance to price ratio for School owners.

mauisails.com

Naish Scout SE

Adurable, easy handling sail for beginning windsurfers and schools.

Designed to make entry-level sailing easy and fun, the Scout has a responsive shape that works well for riders of all shapes and sizes. The sail features high
quality, long-lasting construction using traditional Dacron and PVC. It also has a pocket to store the batten and a clew strap, so that the sail can be rolled around the mast when not in use.

Key Features:

100% Dacron with PVC window
Easy handling with excellent low-end in sub-planing conditions
Classic outline design with 2 long battens and 1 short batten

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Experience

Experience is easy and fun to use for all ages and levels. It is light, easy to handle and highly durable. All Experience sizes are perfect for schools and learning with the larger sizes specifically designed for SUP sailing.

KEY FEATURES:

SIZE-SPECIFIC BATTEN LAYOUT: 2.5 battens on the 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 and 3.5 battens on 5.5 and 6.5.
HEAVY DUTY DACRON CONSTRUCTION: Full Dacron construction in the top for softness, durability and ease of use. Perfect for learning and schools.
Heavy duty ArmourWeb construction making the sail more responsive and ideal for SUP sailing.
No foot-batten allowing the sail to smoothly transition from tack to tack without any rotation.
Optimum visibility: Front of the window is completely clear for optimum visibility and a soft profile. ClearWeb used for draft stability.

SUP Rig Pack: SUP size sails are also available in a pack with a NeilPryde X1 Boom, X35 RDM 430 mast and a UXT RDM extension.

neilpryde.com

Starboard WindSUP

The WindSUP Sail Package
The simple, lightwind windsurfing rig. It is light, powerful and easy to assemble. The concept behind the package is to make windsurfing simple again.

New windsurfers and stand-up paddlers will find assembling the rig very easy, requiring the minimum number of steps and no technical knowledge to rig it right.

Once on the water, the sailor will find the sail light yet powerful.

And because we know you don't like to carry around so much gear, we designed a convenient bag that fits the entire sail.

star-board.com

2013 No-Cam Freeride Sails

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:18:00 -0500

Who needs a NO-CAM FREERIDE SAIL sail? If you are looking for and easy to use sail for blasting around on that requires the least amount of hassle to use then this is your group. Some models are faster and more performance oriented then others but you should be able to figure out exactly what fits your need from the writeups.

NO-CAM FREERIDE:

Aerotech Freespeed

Concept: Free ride
The FreeSpeed is a no cam slalom sail designed for fast freeriding. It’s built tough and has a very powerful shape. With a combination of vertical and horizontal seam shaping, this sail allows maximum performance in a no-cam design. It is designed for those who want to go fast with a ‘no hassle’ high-performance feel.

Construction: This model features 100% grid construction for the ultimate in durability and UV resistance. Other features include a raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, and insignia tape reinforcing. Rod battens are used in this sail.

The UDL04 Technora limited edition version features the ultra light, ultra strong UDLO4 material. This cloth is substantially lighter and allows the sail to be 10% to 15% lighter than standard models.
Designed for those who deserve the best.

aerotechsails.com

Bic Sport Core

Sizes: 5.5, 6.0, 6.5

Easy handling, all-rounder, steady smooth power

Really performs in light to moderate winds.

bicsportwindsurf.com

Chinook Power Glide

chinooksailing.com

Ezzy Cheetah

The Ezzy Cheetah - an enhanced version of last years collection as well. We’ve upgraded the Cheetah with colorfilm, a beautiful new graphic layout, and both our Calibrated Downhaul System and traditional downhaul head gauges.

The Cheetah is a ripping camless Freeride model that balances excellent performance and speed with the absolute best construction of any sail in its class.

Every Ezzy Cheetah is rigged and fine tuned in our factory before shipping.

At Ezzy we offer unmatched customer service.
Email us at (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

ezzy.com

Goya Nexus

The Nexus is a No-Cam Freeride & Freerace sail that supplies the maximum of power, speed and control in the Goya Sail range. The Nexus is pure performance.

While cut for power, speed and control in all sizes, the focus is on maneuverability in sizes 4.3 to 6.9 and lift and control in sizes 7.5 to 9.0. Forward and focused drive and crisp, easy handling make Nexus the “go to” sail for maximum performance in bump and jump and flat water conditions.

Sizes 4.3 to 6.9 come as a six batten deisgn, while sizes 7.5 to 9.0 come with seven battens, offering maximum drive while sharing the same built and features.

Jason Diffin: “The Nexus is pure freeride and freerace performance. While cut for power, speed and control in all sizes, the focus is on maneuverability in 4.3-6.9 and lift and control in sizes 7.5, 8.2 and 9.0. Forward and focused drive and crisp, easy handling make Nexus the “go to” sail for maximum performance in bump and jump and flat water conditions.”

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations: TURQUOISE, RASPBERRY

Mast
Get the best performance of this sail with a Goya RDM Direct Drive Mast featurning Diagonal Flex™ technology. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

Hot Sails Maui SpeedFreek

The SpeedFreak is a sail which was developed by Jeffrey Henderson in conjunction with our forum participants. The idea was to make a SuperFreak for light wind flat-water sailing in the same style as our Dacron® SuperFreak and we are thrilled with the result.

The SpeedFreak is an amazingly smooth riding sail. It is much easier to sail than a comparable monofilm freeride sail as the Dacron® absorbs the gusts, and the sail can be pumped onto a plane in very little wind. The ride is completely quiet and jibing is so smooth you would never guess you on a speed type sail. The sail is not critical of your sailing style either. If your harness lines are a little out of balance, or your outhaul is slightly to tight or too loose, this sail can work with you. It turns lighter wind sailing into a completely low stress pleasure. It is no slouch for top end speed either, having its outline and shaping based on our universally loved Speed Demon sail.

SpeedFreak Sail Features

The main body of the sail is made of 3 different weight Dacrons with the high-tension downhaul supported with 125 micron Polyant/Dimension X-Ply®. The sail is available with or without a PVC window.
7 battens total (no cambers)
4 Epoxy tube race sail battens
Ox-Webbing luff sleeve
Durable Dacron®, X-Ply® & PVC construction
Easy rigging and de-rigging
Extremely crease and wrinkle resistant
Smooth, and quiet power delivery
Colorful
Lightweight

Options: The SpeedFreak is available in custom colors, please let us know how you would like your new sail to look, alternatively you can choose one of the production colors.

hotsailsmaui.com

Hot Sails Maui SuperFreak UL

The UL (Ultra light) version of the SuperFreak Classic utilizes a fabric that is 50% lighter than our normal lightweight Dacron on 50% of the sail results in shocking performance.

Though the physical weight of the sail is nearly the same, the "feel" is dramatically lighter. Increased, gust absorption, lighter handling, and reduced momentum all result in the feeling of a sail .5m smaller.

The SuperFreak Classic UL can be rigged with much less tension than the SuperFreak Classic in standard Dacron. This gives great low-end range and inexplicable perfect stability in gusty winds making it a premium Freeride sail.

Superfreak Classic UL Features:

The Superfreak Classic UL is one of the lightest sails in the world. The construction is second to none, and the quality of the construction is amazing.

The Ultralight panels are sewn with smaller needles and thinner thread to keep them smooth and prevent seam damage. All the edges of woven cloths are folded and hemmed under, all seams are glued and triple stitched. The mast sleeve can withstand having the mast break in two and splinter without damage to the sail. These are not normal features on ANY other brand of sail.

hotsailsmaui.com

MauiSails Aloha

The bits and pieces:

Generous use of highest quality U.S. made Xply material.
Low profile batten tension system with stainless steel adjustment screws.
Anti chafe polyurethane head bumper.
Increased boom cutout depth aids boom attachment.
Full framework of Kevlar unidirectional reinforcement.
Super strong Inox clew fitting.
Seam and foot beads for chafe protection.
Tough tack and sleeve anti-chafe material
Welded stainless steel and bronze triple wheel tack pulley for low corrosion.

mauisails.com

MauiSails Pursuit

NoCam Slalom at its best.

Catching and passing your buddy or boyfriend (go faster ladies!) is an ever present pastime at most friendly beaches. When you have the Pursuit in your hands, naturally you want to catch the other person, or go faster. This highly refined RAF slalom outline has the shaping and tension to keep it at the level of fastest in its class. Well designed shape distribution produces a smooth transition from the fullness of the lower sections to the flatter upper sections and this makes the transitions and handling especially soft and easy.

The 2013 Pursuit is for fun slalom and easy sailing with current slalom boards. The sails handle a broad variety of conditions and the light weight makes it easier to spend more time sailing. Our exclusive lightweight color shift material with Small Yarn Light Film, and functional XPly materials define the graphic look that makes the Pursuit experience colorful and satisfying.

The bits and pieces:

Generous use of unique color gradient lightweight U.S. made Xply material.
Low profile batten tension system with stainless steel adjustment screws.
Tube/rod battens have tapered batten pockets to keep tips straight.
Anti chafe polyurethane head bumper.
Fixed head webbing for easy insertion of mast without fussy head plug alignment.
Seam and foot beads for chafe protection
Increased boom cutout depth aids boom attachment.
Full framework of Kevlar unidirectional reinforcement.
New moderate clew cutaway for enhanced handling.
Lightweight clew fitting with easy rigging loop feature.
Welded stainless steel and bronze triple wheel tack pulley

mauisails.com

Loftsails Oxygen

Freeride/slalom defined.

The feeling on the water is what sets the Oxygen apart from the rest. Shaped for cam-free speed & power, the Loftsails O2/Oxygen design has enjoyed a decade of superlative magazine test results.

The Oxygen 2013 is light: our exclusive Mega X upper body panels reduce weight while adding damage resistance.  The Oxygen batten layout works harmonically with its forward oriented profile to produce responsive low-end planing power.

The Oxygen is sensitive to pumping… alive, breathing.  Trim the Oxygen for the upper end, the result is speed rivaling specialized cam designs.  Trim the Oxygen soft, and your light-wind windsurfing is transformed to 4X4.  Firm trim sets the Oxygen slim and responsive for the upper end.  Oxygen sizes up to 8.4: 6 battens (4 tubed) and the Sensitip head batten system.  Oxygen sizes 9.6: 7 battens (5 tubed) and the Sensitip head batten system.

Features

The Loft’s integrated panel concept
State-of-the-art first-quality triaxial and bi-axial laminates
Stepped x-ply application; tri-ax reinforced laminate foot, bi-axial laminate mid & upper sections, monofilm interior
Sensitip head batten system

loftsails.com

Naish Rally

An easy handling no-cam sail for freeride/freemove sailors of any age, size and skill level.

Key Features:

Bump-and-jump to freeride in one range
Early planing, easy handling and fast!
Single scrim luff panel, narrow sleeve, size-optimized batten geometry

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Hellcat

Hellcat is a fast, powerful freerace sail without cams. It delivers an exhilarating combination of speed and acceleration in a lightweight, easy-to-rig package that planes effortlessly – minimum effort for maximum return. With its roots in the Racing Program, Hellcat gets going swiftly and moves rapidly.

KEY FEATURES

Luff-Curve: Race-inspired ensuring high skin tension and fast reflex for maximum acceleration and top-end speed.
Pronounced Dynamic Compact Clew: Helping the twist to be progressive for optimum draft control and stability.
Component battens: Six tubular batten configuration reducing weight while giving optimum profile shape and stability. One rod bottom batten for deep foot profile and durability.
Light feeling: The progressive luff curve and low center of effort make the sail feel light and responsive.

WHAT'S NEW?

A narrower sleeve combined with a pronounced Dynamic Compact Clew lock the draft and centre of effort at the leading edge improving maneuverability and handling.

neilpryde.com

NeilPryde Solar

KEY FEATURES

Four battens up to 5.7. Keeps the sail weight to a minimum for optimum performance.
Balanced Draft creating good lift without causing more backhand pressure when overpowered.
Light feeling Monofilm main body construction keeps the sail lightweight and responsive.
ArmourWeb Reinforced panels in the foot, luff and clew area.
Intermediate Foot Size for optimum balance between easy maneuvers and performance.

Pro Tip:

"The Solar is great for learning how to water start, jibe or just have a good blast around. The number one sail for freeride fun on the water."—Robby Swift

neilpryde.com

North Natural

Windsurfing at its best! He who does not want to deal with technical trimming but just wants to enjoy windsurfing in the most relaxed manner has found exactly the right sail with the new NATURAL. Great handling and balanced performance! The NATURAL accelerates without pumping, offers a surprisingly high speed potential and inspires with its high draft stability.

The current NATURAL with CROSS.BATTEN.CONSTRUCTION CUTAWAY.CLEW makes the problem of choosing the right sail for many riders obsolete and brings windsurfing back to what it should be: pure fun! This is ensured by the all new VTS.PLUS trim indicators (FAST.RIGGING.INDICATION) which makes all NATURAL with fix-top even easier and faster to rig. Thanks to precise specifications of the mast- and boom lengths the down-and outhaul are simply pulled as far as it goes, done! Of course, the traditional VTS trimming dots are also available to allow all specialists more flexibility for maximum performance.

The secret of the perfectly balanced range of the NATURAL is the PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION. As a result, the focus for sizes up to 5.8 is still on handling and draft stability, which explains why only 5 battens are in place. At 6.2 and above, the design focuses on performance while Kai Hopf once again concentrated on simple rig control and handling characteristics. Both versions offer excellent control, a high level of comfort, and plenty of planing ability - the perfect synthesis of speed, acceleration, and handling.

The new NATURAL with CROSS.BATTEN.CONSTRUCTION and CUTAWAY.CLEW will make windsurfing much less complicated, and we believe that for many sailors the problem of choosing the right equipment is almost obsolete.
VTS.PLUS fast-rigging indicators for even easier trimming
VTS and HTS: NorthSails exclusive visual trim indications make rigging a piece of cake
2 MASTS FIT ALL: with only 2 masts you cover all sizes
DURA.LUFF.PATCH avoids damage to the luff panel from rigging

KEY FEATURES

01 NEW: Steeper top batten for more power and better twist, greater acceleration and wider wind range
02 NEW: VTS.PLUS fast-rigging indicators for even easier trimming
03 VTS and HTS: NorthSails patented visual trim indications make rigging a piece of cake
04 TWO MASTS FIT ALL: with only 2 masts you cover all sizes
05 DURA.LUFF.PATCH avoids damage to the luff panel from rigging

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 years warranty

north-windsurf.com

North X_type

One who says that only sails with cambers are true performance engines has never been out on an X_TYPE. This extremely versatile sail combines convincing handling and rigging of a NoCam sail with a very tangy power delivery and top speed. Simply powerful thrust and speed AND the ease of a NoCam sail for relaxed maneuvers. The secret is the reduced aspect ratio that was taken over by the World Cup winning sail WARP F2012 plus the relatively high sail foil tension which guarantees maximum performance even without cambers.

The new X_TYPE fascinates not only with top end performance but also during acceleration and planing due to the deep profile below the boom and the TT.TOP with active twist. Thanks to a pronounced CUTAWAY.CLEW the boom length is kept nice and short!

The forward draft location facilitates rig control and steering, and significantly contributes to what is an unusually high draft stability profile for a NoCam sail. Thanks to the PROGRESSIVE.BATTEN.CONFIGURATION, all X_TYPE models feature batten numbers relevant to size and application, with Kai Hopf managing to perfect the 6.0 and 5.4 sizes with just 6 battens. This helps reduce weight and improves handling. What’s more all X_TYPE sizes can be used with a single 460 mast - one mast fits all!

KEY FEATURES

01 NEW: Steeper top batten for more power and better twist, greater acceleration and wider wind range
02 iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective moulded mast protector
03 Lower aspect ratio makes for increased acceleration after start and jibing
04 Increased durability through solid X.PLY foot construction
05 MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT: one mast (460-25) fits all sizes

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 years warranty

north-windsurf.com

Sailworks Hucker

Muscle-car windsurfing is here in a high-octane design that is optimized for speed blasting and floaty hang time. Are you a bigger, taller more aggressive rider? The Hucker is a power rider's dream - with its firmer leech tension, and higher center of effort, its purpose-built for goin' fast and jumpin' high.

Taken to the air, the Hucker cheats gravity with its lofty hang time and long glide ratio. Wanna see a Hucker fly? Check this out!

sailworks.com

Sailworks Retro

For 15 years the Retro has set the benchmark for freeride sail performance. In 2011 we introduced the most significant overhaul to the Retro in 10 years: a new tri-radial panel layout; significant weight optimizing for a lighter, livelier feel; and more low end power. For 2012 we are consolidating those very successful improvements with a small collection of subtle refinements on targeted sizes.

The Retro sports a low center of effort, made possible by a smaller head, longer chord and deeper foot profile. Mitigating the longer chord length is a clew cutout for the boom, which reduces the actual boom length, lowers the swing weight of the rig and makes it possible to use a given boom on a larger size sail than was previously possible.

sailworks.com

Severne Convert

The CONVERT is built for maximum durability at an entry-level price.

BOMBPROOF DURABILITY
HIGH VALUE
FUN
EASY TO RIG AND SAIL

severnesails.com

Severne NCX

THE TEST WINNING NCX INCORPORATES BLISTERING HIGH SPEED, STABILITY, IMMEDIATE RESPONSE AND UNRIVALLED ACCELERATION TOTALLY UNCHARACTERISTIC FOR A NO CAM SAIL.

Built on the SEVERNE race sail platform with reduced aspect ratios, a more connected leech and higher skin tension, the NCX delivers accessible race sail performance without cams. The design emphasis is on an extremely balanced sail, with built in shock-absorbing properties, allowing the rider to maintain a comfortable stance through gusts and chop, and provide a huge wind range.

Race sail features such as the Stabilizor Panel, dropped clew and shaping to connect the head and leech of the sail define the ultimate performance. The fastest and most fun no cam sail today.

The NCX Pro is an upgrade version built on the same NCX platform, allowing freeride customers access to race sail features such as the REFLEX System and eM³ material technology.

RACE SAIL PERFORMANCE WITHOUT CAMS
MONOFILM CONSTRUCTION
STABLE WITH A HUGE WIND RANGE

severnesails.com

2013 Crossover and Freestyle Sails

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:56:00 -0500

This is a tricky little group of sails that offer a lot of different characteristics...so read below and you'll be sure to find what you like.

Crossover: These sails blend differing levels of traits from freeride, wave and freestyle disciplines. Some are more wave-freestyle for tricksters while others are more wave-freeride for blasters who like to rip carving turns. Read carefully when you are comparing what each brand is doing.

Freestyle: These are incredibly light feeling and ultra-maneuverable pro level freestyle sails. Simply amazing.

CROSSOVER SAILS:

Aerotech Air X

The 2013 Air X. It is a compact sail with shorter luff and boom lengths. This gives the sail a lighter feel and allows the full range to work with as few as two masts. This sail bridges the gap between freestyle and freeride and power wave sailing. It offers a lot of range on outhaul adjustment so you can tune it for your preferred feel. This sail continues to be the best value in a 100% grid model. The sail has the soft feel of the Charge, but lots of power like the Phantom.

Construction: This model features 100% grid construction, a new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, and insignia tape reinforcing. All sizes have adjustable heads. Rod battens are used for this range. These are some of the lightest weight hassle-free sails available.

aerotechsails.com

Ezzy Legacy

The Legacy Series – an all new “stripped down” collection from Ezzy.

At the heart of the Legacy is the bare elements of David’s design philosophy. The Legacy Sails deliver all the power, range and stability you have come to expect from Ezzy but with a twist. We keep a utilitarian philosophy with the Legacy by removing all the extra features present on our premiere sails.

A high performance wave and freeride collection that delivers awesome performance for your more budget-minded customers.

Every Ezzy Legacy is rigged and fine tuned in our factory before shipping.

At Ezzy we offer unmatched customer service.
Email us at (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

ezzy.com

Goya Freesurf

The Freesurf offers an entry into high performance wave style sailing at an attractive price. Incorporating key features of the premium models, the Freesurf is powerful, light, and easy to handle in a wide variety of conditions.

First jibe, first jump, or just blasting along, the Freesurf is pure and simple windsurfing fun. Light X-Ply and Monofilm panel construction. X-Ply perimeter reinforcement.

Jason Diffin: “The Freesurf offers an entry in to high performance wave style sailing at an attractive price. Incorporating key features of the premium models, the Freesurf is powerful, light, and easy to handle in a wide variety of conditions. First jibe, first jump, or just blasting along, the Freesurf is pure and simple windsurfing fun.”

Colors
This sail is available in the following color combinations: TURQUOISE, ORANGE

Mast
Get the best performance of this sail with a Goya RDM Direct Drive Mast featurning Diagonal Flex™ technology. Learn more

goyawindsurfing.com

Hot Sails Maui SuperFreak

The Superfreak Classic has influenced the global return of vibrant color back into windsurfing sails and now leads in material development.

The SuperFreak Classic is arguably the most forgiving, easiest handling, widest wind range sail ever created.
The 9th generation Superfreak has a new panel layout that provides the cleanest SuperFreak thus far.
The feel of the SuperFreak Classic is very soft. There is delayed response as the Dacron panels stretch to absorb strong wind gusts providing a super smooth ride that is easily controlled.
The manageability of the SuperFreak Classic allows sailors the possibility of pushing their limits with a positive outcome. The large PVC window will not haze and it can always be kept crystal clear using any glass cleaner type product. Since the introduction of the first SuperFreak to Maui waters in the summer of 2002 this sail model has now evolved with a totally redesigned Dacron panel layout as well as a proven Kevlar 15000 denier ""skeleton"" usage resulting in a snappier feel and more consistent performing sail.

The SuperFreak Classic is all about self-expression. On Maui as well as around the globe, we have an ever-growing core group of windsurfers who swear by the magic feel of this sail. The SuperFreak Classic is an absolutely unique sailing experience.

The 2 battens directly above the boom are both 90% in length, stopping just short of the mast sleeve. This batten design provides a super controllable, luffable sail that can be powered or de-powered in an instant. The SuperFreak Classic is the best tool for self-expression and FUN no matter what your age or ability!

Superfreak Classic Features: The Superfreak Classic is one of the best built sails in the world. The construction is second to none, and the durability of the materials is legendary. All the edges of woven cloths are folded and hemmed under, all seams are glued and triple stitched. The mast sleeve can withstand having the mast break in two and splinter without damage to the sail. These are not normal features on ANY other brand of sail. So take our sails and punish them all you want, you will not be disappointed.

hotsailsmaui.com

MauiSails Switch

What do you want to do? As long as it doesn’t involve waves or shore-break, the Switch is the most ideal for a dose of everything. Like to go fast? The Switch was race bred for speed and power in PWA Super-X. Want to do some tricks? No worries… Switch loves to Spock and loop and spin around. And jumping? Look out you’ve gone too high!

An interesting combination of shaping factors define the form as good for speed while the relatively short boom makes the handling in manoeuvres cruisey and smooth. Small yarn light film laminates and and generous use of X-Ply™ build in the durability and function. Tube/Rod battens through the power sections hold the draft solid and give the boost to get to top speed and stay in charge for blasting fun.

The bits and pieces:

Custom lightweight Gradient X-ply(SmallYarn/Light Film) laminate SYLF … an imaginary being inhabiting the air
Low profile batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
Durable but lightweight padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Molded PVC seam and foot protection

mauisails.com

Naish Moto

A freeride/freestyle/light wind wave sail with a light feel for those looking for all-around performance and extreme versatility.

Designed with a moderate aspect ratio and a medium draft-forward shape defined by a single scrim luff panel and 5 battens, the Moto delivers solid power, early planing and jumping performance.

Key Features:

All-around performance and extreme versatility
Solid power and speed
Light feeling surf construction with radial Kevlar airframe

naishsails.com

NeilPryde Fusion

All-rounder: lakes, oceans, waves, flatwater, cruising, blasting or bump and jump. The Fusion is easy to use and fun to sail. You can learn maneuvers, throw it around for simple freestyle moves, do basic jumps or lock it down and chase your friends. Fusion is forgiving, feels light and holds up well – a great sail for anyone who wants to enjoy all kinds of windsurfing.

KEY FEATURES:

Light and Forgiving through moderate skin tension and rider-focused centre of effort.
Progressive aspect ratio: High aspect ratio for maneuver-oriented small/ medium sizes. Lower aspect ratio for freeride-oriented larger sizes.
Size-specific foot angle: Low in big sizes. High in small sizes.
One mast and boom fit all sizes

WHAT'S NEW?

Improved high-end control and stability by positioning the draft lower down in the sail.

neilpryde.com

North ID

Ultralight Freestyle - Wave

CARACTERISTIQUES:

01 NEW: PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY at the clew, luff and the batten pocket ends make for 50% weight savings compared to regular patches
02 Ultra-light for maximum handling thanks to the trend setting high tech yachting laminate “ODL”
03 iROCKET, NorthSails lightest batten tensioner of all time
04 NorthSails quality proof: only ultralight Wave-Freestyle sail still featuring a full X.PLY frame
05 Ideal on RDM masts - still fully compatible on our SDM masts

north-windsurf.com

Sailworks Revolution

The Revolution is an adaptable, maneuver oriented, all-purpose wave and freestyle sail.

sailworks.com

Severne Gator

THE GATOR SAIL RANGE COVERS EVERY TYPE OF WINDSURFING CONDITIONS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. THE CORE PRINCIPLES ARE DURABILITY, MANOEUVRABILITY AND A CONSISTENT FEEL ACROSS ALL SIZES.

Every size is designed to echo the demand of the aggressive freeride rider no matter what the wind conditions. The perfect sail for plug and play rigging simplicity combined with lifelong durability.

Progressive Geometry: The smaller sizes feature a higher cut foot and geometry biased towards wave and high wind bump and jump. Larger sizes have a lower cut foot to generate more drive in lighter winds but still maintain the light, throw about feel.

The most durable GATOR ever. KS Optic X-ply window panel with 20% more strength combined with an HD Dyneema foot panel and a reinforced upper leech create our strongest GATOR to date.

NO CAM, CROSSOVER SAIL
100% X-PLY FOR MAXIMUM DURABILITY IN ALL SIZES
PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY – A COHESIVE FEEL BETWEEN SIZES
MANOEUVRE ORIENTED

severnesails.com

FREESTYLE SAILS:

Hot Sails Maui Freestyle Pro

Freestyle is the youngest discipline in windsurfing and continues to develop at an astonishing rate. The Freestyle Pro has been developed in conjunction with our successful pro freestyle team of Bjorn Saragoza, Julien Mas and Paul Zeper. Our team wanted a sail specifically designed to take their action to a new and higher level. This progressive and dedicated freestyle sail has been designed with new school freestyle moves such Culos, Konos and new moves currently being developed, in mind. Our no compromise design philosophy enabled us to concentrate on easier ducking and instant power to lift the rider higher while delivering drive and control needed for the second and third rotations.

"I have been using the new Freestyle Pro for 3 months now, I feel a real improvement compared with all the other sails that I have tried. Everything is easier; More control, faster ducking and lighter. The sail is for me the lightest freestyle sail ever! Even if the wind is light it is no problem, you need lees power to do the newschool moves. The sail is quick to duck and it allows me to keep the power." - Julien Mas, F7

"On the water the Freestyle Pro is like a feather; setting up for moves is so easy with this super light and direct sail. As soon as you start ducking the Freestyle Pro, the top of the sail flattens, making it super easy to control. The tight leech helps you to stay in control and then the real fun starts when you push out for a Skopu or Burner, immediate air is guaranteed as you get lifted HIGH! After landing your first rotation the sail helps you to keep speed and it is almost impossible NOT do a second rotation." - Paul Zeper, H115

Freestyle Pro features:

4 battens
Monofilm construction for lightweight and direct feel
Reduced mast sleeve weight
Lightweight Crumple Zone

hotsailsmaui.com

Loft Wavescape

Freestyle and wave defined.

The 2013 Wavescape: a new, progressive multi-discipline design. Wave, freestyle, freemove, freeride- the Wavescape makes your session an unforgettable experience.

Features

State-of-the-art first-quality triaxial and bi-axial laminates
The Loft’s integrated panel concept
Stepped x-ply application; tri-ax reinforced laminate foot, bi-axial laminate mid & upper sections, monofilm interior
New batten taper schedules with extensive application of The Loft’s standing (stiff rear) batten
Standing battens- The Loft’s exclusive stiff batten systems compatible with exposure to waves.

loftsails.com

MauiSails Loco

Working closely with Taty Frans on the Locos is a happy cooperation. We experiment based on his recommendations, and then depend on his feedback to keep the sails on the cutting edge of the rapidly evolving freestyle discipline. Only a Master Trickster can truly define the tools needed to do the wild and crazy stuff. Freestyle may be the greatest design challenge of them all because the demands on the sails to do more and more specific tricks are defining the outcome of project, but the result is worth the work.

We have tuned the shaping and luff curves to improve leech tension, making the sails even more responsive and further increasing the “pop” factor that the Loco is known for. The Locos instant acceleration, light handling and reactivity encourage you to try new stuff. Returning to the use of more film material in the upper sail body has been a request of the riders looking for the absolute in crisp, reactive rigs. Added colors fit with the radical performances and attract the spectator’s eye.

The bits and pieces:

Low profile batten tensioners with stainless steel screws
INOX clew rings
Finest U.S. manufactured laminates from Dimension Sailcloth
Durable but lightweight padded tack protection
Brass wheel triple pulley for easy rigging
Unidirectional Kevlar™ reinforcement structure on all edges, batten pocket seams for non-stretch stability
Square cut boom opening to maximize height range
Extra-wide Mark cloth window perimeter reinforcement
Molded PVC seam and foot protection

mauisails.com

NeilPryde Wizard

NeilPryde Design Centre and Freestyle World Champion, Steven Van Broeckhoven joined powers to dream up the Wizard – the ultimate sail for new school freestyle riding. More power, more pop, more air. Easy to handle, early planing and a lot of drive. You lead and it will follow. Works like magic.

KEY FEATURES:

Four battens up to 5.7. Keeps the sail weight to a minimum for optimum performance.
Tetoron luff-panel: combined with a narrow sleeve allows the sail to transition from neutral to maximum lift in the shortest time.
Even shaping throughout the sail body extending all the way to the top makes the Wizard extremely fast planing and gives it instant lift during moves.
Center-oriented profile makes for the best combination of low-end power and control.

WHAT'S NEW?

"The increased curve in the upper luff gives good power and sail body tension while keeping the leech relatively tight and stable. This provides a constant pull throughout the sail allowing the sail to float neutral during ducking maneuvers, having good leech tension during clew-first moves and transition instantly during combination moves."—Designer Quote, Robert Stroj

neilpryde.com

North Idol

Competition Freestyle - Wave

It was time to give the growing community of radical freestylers a new 100% competitive sail at hand that supports the creativity and experimentation of the tricksters even more then current sails. A sail, adapted to the latest trends and moves that are initiated out of the leeward position and need a lot of lift (eg, Culo, Kono). A sail that supports advanced and professionals to show there full performance. A signature model for the greatest freestyler of all time: Gollito Estredo!

Interestingly freestyle sails and power wave sail designs are very close to each other in many respects. This explains why Kai Hopf took the legendary Hero as the starting point for the development of the brand new IDOL and adapted it exactly to the requirements of the freestyle world record champion Gollito Estredo in a number of stages. The superiority of the 4 batten design is obtained (as well as on the HERO) primarily through the BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH that determines the precisely balanced ratio of luff- to boom length: As short as possible for radical throw-ability, as long as necessary to ensure sufficient stability for a maximum wind range. The draft being more forward oriented which produces a lot of lift to enable increased pop, thus providing more time and height for jumps out of the leeward position. In addition, the unique straight foot geometry supports all kinds of tricks and duck-maneuvers as it offers more "space". 4 battens, an optimized mix of materials. The use of lightweight materials and fittings as well as the new PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY all together enormously reduce the weight of the sail. Overall, the new IDOL is the ultimate competition freestyle sail that, because of its origin, even works remarkably well even in waves.

KEY FEATURES

01 New: PURE.PATCH.TECHNOLOGY at the clew, luff and the batten pocket ends make for 50% weight savings compared to regular patches
02 BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH luff short as possible for radical handling and as long as necessary for maximum wind range
03 STRAIGHT.FOOT.DESIGN and forward pressure point for much lift with Leeward maneuvers
04 iROCKET, the lightest of all time North Sails batten tension
05 Exclusively designed for RDM masts

2 Year Warranty. Get an additional 3 year Warranty

north-windsurf.com

Severne Freek

Dedicated Freestyle sail for explosive lift and incredible ducking stability. RETURN OF THE FREEK.

In 2012 the S-I was the world's lightest and most capable freestyle/wave sail. We took the best characteristics of the S-I and uncompromized the performance by creating a dedicated freestyle sail. The FREEK.

During the original FREEK freestyle era, it was all about planing early with deep, powerful profiles and high tensioned leeches. As freestyle evolved, riders started to perform in stronger winds and preferred the S-1 for freestyle due to its lightweight, instant response and manoeuvre orientated geometry. The latest evolution of freestyle has seen explosive, powerful moves where ducking stability and extreme lift are necessary sail characteristics. The need for a different freestyle sail is back. Return of the FREEK.

Dedicated freestylers will rig the sail with less downhaul for a tighter head resulting in maximum lift.

Freestyle wave riders may use more downhaul for more control in a wider range of conditions.

STABLE + BALANCED FOR DUCKING
PROGRESSIVE POWER DELIVERY WITH A SOFTER ROTATION
TUNABLE FOR FREESTYLE AND FREESTYLE WAVE

severnesails.com

2012 Buyers' Guide Freestyle Boards

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:22:00 -0500

For 2012 windsport.com will be posting individual Buyers' Guides for each category of board and sail to help you find the best board for you. We are putting each category together in one place that includes info from the manufacturers along with videos and advice to get you started. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to either 'post a comment' at the bottom of the article or e-mail it to us at info@windsport.com. —Pete DeKay, editor

Are you into throwing tricks? Well, these boards can do so much more... from helping intermediates get into the footstraps in windy places to landing Spocks and Kabikuchis.

FREESTYLE BOARDS:

EXOCET I-STYLE

Light and luxurious the I-Style III low end grunt and lightening fast rocker line get you ﬁred up and instantly into action. Featherweight control and response, and the unique rail bevels create loads of power. This pure freestyle concept takes the rough with the smooth.

Features:

Fast planning outline
DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
QC: Quality Construction
Unique rail featuring a new flat section tucked
Fast rocker line issued from our Slalom line

FANATIC SKATE

4 World Titles and countless won tests prove the pedigree of our Freestyle program. But as bigger moves are busted in the intense PWA Arena, the demands on a blockbuster board are off the scale. 3 all-new shorter outlines with wider round noses and thinner tails supply the vital easy handling needed to win. A reverse length concept sees the bigger sizes shorter than the smallest, with all models boosted by the power V form and ultra-slide bottom shape. For 2012 we’ve CAD-formed a double-curved tail deck design for super grip and arch comfort in both air and sliding maneuvers. The fuller nose rails catch less and smoothly blend air moves into sliding tricks for extra flow and style points. Sebastian and the team also thinned the rails between the feet for mid-stance carving control and sweated over a million minor details in the name of victory. The 99 and 109 models come in either Biax Glass Sandwich Light or ultimate Carbon Kevlar Light Team Edition (TE) and the Skate 89 weapon will be available in TE only.

Key Features:
- Reverse Length Concept – short shapes for easy ride and control
- Round Noses for soft reception and smoother sliding
- Thin Mid Rail carving section
- Smart Foot Arch Deck Contours for comfort and grip
- Power V and Slide Bottom for combo trick flow and style

Gollito Estredo (V-01), 4 times PWA Freestyle World Champion (2006, 2008, 2009 & 2010):
“The new Skate is a great progression forwards, I like a fast, early planing board for my aggressive style, the new shorter length and rail shapes are perfect for double moves and new tricks. I´m looking forward to defending my title on these shapes, as well as pushing the limits even further in Freestyle windsurfing!”

GOYA AIR

The Air PRO features generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

Further design features include an increased tail volume and bevel for reverse sliding tricks as well as Freestyle insert positions with double screws on the back strap.

Features: Gradual curved deck under the foot strap area and customized Freestyle insert positions with double screws on the back strap.

JP-AUSTRALIA FREESTYLE

The Freestyle range has received an overhaul to match the performance levels of today and tomorrow, after seeing an opportunity for progression with some new dimensions. To create the spectacular, the power and pop has to come from within. The new board now has the potential to blast its way into every possible angle of rotation, driving the discipline into the future.

SHAPE
We compressed the total length of the board (for example the FS99 to 225cm) and shifted the volume distribution slightly backwards, which pushed the centre of gravity slightly behind the widest point. The board remains stable and balanced with the bonus of being short. All this contributes to accelerating the rotation of the board for more radical stunts whilst sliding or in the air.

The short length combined with the added volume in the tail, gives the rider the opportunity to push himself and his equipment off the surface of the water instantly. When landing, the board does not sink, as the volume pushes back and keeps you afloat. Added volume allows us to keep the tail width at a narrow comfortable size, with an ergonomic dome deck under the back foot strap. This results in a comfortable stance for sailing regular or switch, with a body position for superior balance during sliding maneuvers.

The tail is rather narrow so the rider can get more radical in moves and push harder on the back foot. Around the front foot strap the rail became fuller to avoid tripping and to guarantee good lift for maximum acceleration. The ergo deck remains on board (only for the front strap positions) for ultimate comfort. From the mast base forward we use bevels and extra Vee just before the tuck line in order to prevent the rail from catching. The scoop rocker line is kept rather flat for a smooth and early transition from sub to max planing and a little tail kick to make the board fast and maneuverable.

SUMMARY: The new generation boards are radical Freestyle tools to mould dreams into reality. Contrary to many other competition Freestyle boards these toys are still fun to just sail around.

TECHNOLOGY: PRO = PRO EDITION in Carbon Kevlar Technology

NAISH FREESTYLE

Target: Freestylers wanting the ultimate trick board for competition and flatwater maneuvers.

Designed with a unique outline to decrease tail area, the Freestyle features early planing, incredible acceleration and a deck geometry that is ideal for modern skate-style maneuvers.

Construction: Carbon/Kevlar sandwich deck with carbon sandwich bottom

Accessories:

G-10 CNC fin
Eco boardbag to reduce packaging by 85%

RRD TWIN-TIP

As the level of freestyle performance is redefining the word “windsurfing”, our R&D custom factory as committed to redesigning two new progressive shapes that would represent this change. Modern, compact, lightweight, easy to plane and to be jumped out of the water with an eyeblink, the new TwinTips V2 are simply a new tool to express your desire to write a new page in freestyling.

Shorter outlines on both boards compared to the previous versions, the 90 features a much narrower width compared to 88 lts V1. This reduced lengths allows the boards to be easier to be jumped our of the water and to be thrown around for double manouvers. Much thicker in the tail, the new twintips V2 are easier to plane and reach top speeds, an essential key point for new school manouvers. The new deck shape with highly recessed area allows a better grip and control of the board while riding on choppy water.

Technology: Custom Made Herex 100 sandwich to and bottom with Carbon Kevlar® deck custom made lamination.

TWIN-TIP TWINZER: A new addition to an already explosive line of pure freestyle boards. The twin fin set up allows these freestyle boards to be even looser and improve the potential for multiple executions of manouvers.

We introduced a new hull design that has slightly more V throughout the all length, and little bit flatter rocker in the back, in order to increase the planing capacity. At the same time we have changed also the outline, which is slightly narrower in the tail as well as in the front, to have a more compact board with basically more volume in the tail and the nose area. We now have more middle point flatness in the deck to achieve better floatation and better volume distribution, since especially for double manouvers the board needs to pivot around the mast track area. The deck also features a new deep recess from the front foot towards the back foot, which allows the front foot to be little more in an angle so can press a little bit better on the rail of the board. TwinTip boards will feature US box in all the sizes, since we have felt that is very important for high performance racers to be able to move the fin back of forward in order to improve the planing capacity or to improve the grip and slow down the planing capacity, so the US box is the only systems that allows to do that properly.

MODEL (Volume)	LENGTH	WIDTH	FIN	SAIL RANGE
TwinTip Twinzer 109	233	67	2 x Twin Pro-FS 16 MFC	4.7-6.8
TwinTip 100	231	64	FS 20 MFC Prepreg POWER	4.5-6.3
TwinTip Twinzer 100	233	64	2 x Twin Pro-FS 15 MFC	4.5-6.3
TwinTip 90	230	60	FS 18 MFC Prepreg POWER	4.0-5.4
TwinTip Twinzer 88	233	62	2 x Twin Pro-FS 14 MFC	4.0-5.4

STARBOARD FLARE

The Flares are Starboard's dedicated pro-level freestyle boards, designed and backed by the world's best freestyle team.

Freestyle boards require an interesting blend of riding characteristics: they need to be very quick to accelerate and feel compact in both aerial and sliding maneuvers; they need to pop air easily and carve and respond quickly to the rider's moves. Of all boards, they need to be the lightest yet remain extremely strong. To finish off, a freestyle board needs to be perfectly balanced and aggressive enough to invite its riders to go bigger, faster and stronger with confidence while being forgiving enough to help him or her finish each move.

The Flares excel in each of these criteria. They also come in more sizes than any other freestyle board range, catering for riders of all ages and all sizes.

Dedicated freestyle boards
Most compact and quickest to accelerate
Designed to generate lots of pop off flat water and be highly responsive with a direct, aggressive feel
The small freestyle fin, the thick tail and centered straps require a good freestyle skill-level and a vertical riding style

Key features

Fast racing chassis: rockerlines and vee configuration come from Starboard's iSonics
Flare 91, 101, 111: new extra-compact outlines increases rotational speed, improves responsiveness and control
Flare 91, 101, 111: new extra-thick tail improves float and forgiveness during moves
Flare 91, 101, 111: new squared-off tails create a sharper release edge for cleaner, quicker acceleration with every pump
The 60, 72 ProKids models and the 116 keep their shapes.
New raw-finish without paint reduces weight (WoodCarbon models only)
Exaggerated deck dome and heel gutters improve rider comfort, grip and control over the board
New ultra-light 70g Slot Box fins
New Drake specialist freestyle fins

2012 Buyers' Guide: Down-the-Line Wave Sails

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:45:00 -0500

This category is made up of the most hardcore wavesails. They are designed to depower beautifully on the wave and standout particularly in side to side-offshore wind conditions. However, some brands are designing 4-batten sails for this exact purpose as well, so be sure to check out that category by clicking on the button below. To make it easy here are a few descriptions of riders looking for these types of sails:

Down-the-Line Wave Sailors: If you ride in side to side-off conditions
Smaller Statured Riders: Smaller sailors often enjoy the light and less powerful feel of these type of sails
Freestylers: Sails that depower easily are often the choice of new school aerial tricksters

Link to one of the other comparable wavesail Buyers' Guides for 2012 by clicking the image below:

DOWN-THE-LINE WAVE SAILS:

AEROTECH CHARGE

Concept: Side shore wave
The Charge is Aerotech's down-the-line wave sail. This model has the ability to hold good power when needed but remains neutral for transitions or wave riding. The Charge features a 'drop-clew' design which allows for shorter boom lengths and improved handling. Aerotech was the first to offer a 100% grid sail and the Charge continues that tradition. Lots of color gives this sail a real “look at me” appeal. It is one of the most durable wave sails ever produced
using triple throw stitch seam construction.

Other features include; an anti-chafe bumper in the head, new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, thermo-formed base pad and interactive rigging guide. All battens are rods.

The UDL04 Technora limited edition version features the ultra light, ultra strong UDLO4 material. This cloth is substantially lighter and allows the sail to be 10% to 15% lighter than standard models.
Designed for those who deserve the best.

EZZY PANTHER LIMITED

Introducing the Panther Limited series. Our new color fusion process makes every sail uniquely beautiful.

The “Panther Limited” is the lightest and most advanced sail David Ezzy has ever built.

Performance Highlights:

More power.
200 grams lighter.
Even easier handling.
Increased wind range.
Better balance and stability.
New designer sailcloth called “Color Fusion Tri-Lite” that makes every sail unique. No two sails are exactly the same…but each is gorgeous.
New head profile gives unparalleled control, even when grossly overpowered.
New innovative tack strap ruler, for insuring pinpoint accuracy for base extension settings.

The Panther Limited is built with our legendary quality and high-tech materials like Technora, Spectra X-film, Color Fusion X-Ply, and our removable stainless steel tack pulley.

Every Panther Limited is rigged and fine tuned in our factory before shipping.

At Ezzy we offer unmatched customer service.
Email us at (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

GOYA GURU

The 2012 GURU offers unbeatable high wind comfort and control, flexible feeling and smooth, forward driving power delivery. Finger tip handling and and easily neutralized in transitions.

It comes with an Ever Clear window and all scrim and x-ply construction, resulting in incredible strength and light weight, great power and unbeatable high wind control.

New for 2012 are a much lighter construction weight, due to a scrim panel coverage of about 70%, resulting in a stronger and lighter feeling on the water.

Jason Diffin: “The GURU is the ultimate wave and high wind performance sail. Major advancements in materials and component technology create a new GURU model that has better low end, is lighter, and is more tunable than ever. The sail is easy incredibly easy to handle and depower even in the most radical conditions, and the GURU still offers the trademark flexible and comfortable feeling it has become famous for.”

HOT SAILS MAUI FIRELIGHT

The revolutionary Firelight will transform the way you think about windsurfing.

The range was designed to rig on shorter masts compared to other sails in our lineup with the 6.0m perfectly suited to a 400cm and the 4.7m on a 370cm mast; this further reduces overall rig weight.

FireLight Sail Features:

5 battens
Compact shaping with reduced mast length
ODL09 Technora and C1295 super light laminates
Reduced mast sleeve weight
Lightweight Crumple Zone
Option of Reef Edition (Ox Webbing above boom / reduced sleeve below)

HOT SAILS MAUI FIRE

The new Fire is the ultimate wave riding sail with maximum control. The new Fire has been created to push the limits of wave sailing even further.

Lightened, but still very strong with more power the Fire becomes even more potent on the wave. The top section of the Fire incorporates our X166 super lightweight X-ply. This low stretch material reduces the weight in the top of the sail without sacrificing performance. The profile of the sail has been changed to increase the draught low in the sail and allow a wider range of sheeting angles. Also to improve power the sail outline has been changed to increase the area in the bottom half of the sail.
Overall the low end is improved yet the sail maintains the superb handling on the wave it is famous for. The revolutionary Fire continues to dominate as the ultimate wave riding sail.

New Fire sail features: X166 super lightweight x-ply in top of sail. Improved low-end power. Cleaner, ultra stable shape. Larger area of heavy duty Dacron in foot.

Features: Six battens still keep the Fire rock solid. We are often asked why we continue with this batten layout and our answer is always the same: It delivers the ultimate stability and smoothest performance in real wind.

We have kept a 175-micron window in the sail to ensure the ultimate visibility. When you're in critical conditions, you do not want to be looking through a bunch of lines in Xply.

Precision sail shape is a hallmark of the Fire. This sail can be rigged with extreme downhaul if needed and not loose any of the precise feeling that normal rigging delivers. Great when the wind is not your friend.

HOT SAILS MAUI SUPERFREAK MAUI EDITION

Features: The Superfreak Maui Edition is super tough. The Maui Edition adds a heavier foot panel, and lower stretch panels in the upper part of the sail to allow for higher down haul loads.

The construction is second to none, and the durability of the materials is legendary. All the edges of woven cloths are folded and hemmed under, all seams are glued and triple stitched. The mast sleeve can withstand having the mast break in two and splinter without damage to the sail. These are not normal features on ANY other brand of sail.

So take this sail for a trip over any reef and punish them all you want, you will not be disappointed.

LOFT PURELIP

The Purelip is Loft’s hard-core wave design that excels in both onshore and sideshore conditions.  Extreme trim-reactivity is key… Loftsails are consistently credited with the broadest of wind ranges in magazine tests.

Our Pure Lip 2012 evolved from our Lip Wave 2011. The new Pure Lip is HARD CORE- no other wave sails are built like it! The Loft’s exclusive Integrated Panel Concept: dual 3-layer clew radials extend from under the clew eyelets into the total x-ply Pure Lip body, creating resistance against white water & shore break that other designs cannot match. Pure Lip triple layer foot construction with total kevlar foot panels, kevlar leech perimeter panels and dual luff panel 2plys maximize Pure Lip longevity.

For 2012 the Pure Lip enjoys significant weight reduction and improved leech reactivity. You can feel the result: the Pure Lip 2012 adapts to your riding style and your windsurfing conditions. Express yourself with confidence with your Pure Lip.

MAUISAILS LEGEND

Wave sailing is a race, even more so when there is a competition. You only have so much time to enjoy a good swell and only so much energy. To be most upwind, first in the peak, to have power through the whitewater, and to have speed to jump, you need maximum efficiency, power, and pointing ability. There is no start-finish line, but the needs are the same.

The Legend design has experienced significant evolution for 2012, fueled by a combination of technical knowledge gained during race sail development and a passionate desire to exploit the most critical sections of the wave. The Legend reaps the full benefits of daily development and testing, both in the loft and on the water, in the worlds best wavesailing conditions. A modified, shorter luff and higher cut foot outline combined with softer shaping has resulted in a sail that fits perfectly into any wave and will put you wherever you want to be. Light feel and smooth, balanced power allow the Legend to perfectly transition from driving hard bottom turns to flawlessly releasing during radical cutbacks and maneuvers - said Artur Szpunar, co-sail designer.

The shortened luff length moves the forces down, and allows 10kg less tension on average for the softer luff curves. This translates into easy acceleration even on the most radical short wave boards, and unmatched ability to get upwind quickly. Catch more waves, in less time using less energy. A nearly straight foot makes all the aerial maneuvers and wave riding smooth and easy without interference.

The Legend is a full XPly™ wave sail made with the finest U.S. manufactured laminates, including for this year, a specialized Small Yarn/Light Film material used in the upper portions to keep the light feel and smooth handling necessary of tight turning down-the-line sailing. Adding a third color to Art’s bold graphic designs makes these new MauiSails most recognizable on the water, complimenting the amazing performance.

MAUISAILS GHOST XT

Even though this whisper soft, wonderfully efficient, pure wave sail feels barely there, it has the substance to create more demand as the word spreads about how well it performs. The original goal was to make super light larger sizes that would carry well in big surf and light wind. As more and more people tried and liked them, they also asked for smaller sizes, simply because of the feel and the durability of the 100% Technora™ laminate (ODL04).

Now in its third year, the revolutionary, ultra light Ghost XT benefits from a new shorter luff and higher foot outline similar to the Legend. This results in the most unbelievably light handling and agile wave sail available. Not only is the Ghost XT light but the Technora™ fibres used in the Ghost laminate X-Ply™ are three times stronger than polyester yarns used in other “light weight” materials. Over the past two winters Art has been abusing his Ghost XT on the northshore’s biggest days, and not once has there been a torn sail body pane - said Artur Szpunar, co-sail designer.

A complete unidirectional Kevlar™ frame and full XPly™ construction, including our custom 6mil window XPly™, guarantees shape stability and durability. And the new Legend style outlines make all aspects of surfing fluid and controllable. The Ghost… it feels like it’s hardly there. The lightness and response are so good the experience will haunt you in the best of ways.

In response to the Ghost XT’s immense popularity and customer demand for smaller sizes, we have also added an amazing new 4.5 to the range, designed and developed for the MauiSails SRS Wave 370 rdm mast.

What is Technora™: Technora™ is a very strong and light para-aramid fiber. Its tensile strength to weight ratio is 3x greater than that of fiberglass, polyester or nylon yarns which are other common fibres used in laminate sail cloth. Technora™ also has excellent fatigue resistance which means that it holds up very well to repeated loading, flexing, abrasion and UV. The Technora™ laminate cloth used in the GHOSTXT provides the ultimate in light weight and stability with good durability.

NAISH SESSION

Target: Sideshore surfers and lighter riders.

Designed with a moderate aspect ratio and a draft-forward shape defined by a single Dacron luff panel and 5 battens, the Session delivers a soft feel, excellent control and balanced front hand pressure. It has plenty of available power, yet can go “neutral” thanks to its soft leading edge.

Features:

Ultralight Surf construction with Radial Kevlar Airframe
Draft forward, soft leech, light feel
Single Dacron luff panel, moderate aspect ratio, 5 battens

NORTH ICE

On the brand new ICE Kai Hopf dug deep into his bag of tricks. At first glance, perhaps you just realise the new design and the more compact appearance - the 2012 edition of our World Cup wave sail has made a big step forward to get the maximum out of any situation and take the victory - even in the most critical conditions!

Numerous changes are hidden in detail. E.g. the shorter luff has a very positive effect. Everything feels more compact and at the same time more neutral making the ICE easier than ever to handle. The handling has improved significantly, without loosing any planing power of its predecessor thanks to a modified luff curve and optimised profile distribution. It is unbelievable how just a few centimetres can make such a change!
In addition, key success factors were obtained for the ICE. E.g. the unique base geometry, which will lower the center of gravity making the sail neutral. Or the impressive performance over a very wide wind range and the instantaneous reaction. This is the result of the iMODULAR.DESIGN.

Also: The sail weight is decreased by 10%! Working best on single-fin boards, the ICE was designed for all World Cup spots. It functions equally well from Ho’okipa to Sylt, to Gran Canaria or at your favourite spot. All ICE sizes were designed for RDM masts, but are still compatible with our SDM masts. That’s why the new ICE feels softer and can be easily controlled and pumped onto the plane. These abilities are also supported by the modified luff curve and the optimised leech tension.

ICE HD edition: Ultimate durability in the most brutal of conditions: The Ice is also available in monofilm-free, hardcore X.PLY version!

KEY FEATURES

New: reduced luff length and approx. 10% reduced sail weight makes the sail feel a lot lighter in your hands
New: iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective molded mast protector
TWIN.TRIM.CLEW allows for individual tuning increasing the range of use
Designed to work best on RDM masts but still fully compatible with our SDM masts
MINIMUM.MAST.CONCEPT: one mast (400-19) fits all sizes
5 Year Warranty

NORTH ID (4.2 to 5.0-meter)

Totally new, totally radical and built with the greatest addiction: ID ultralight - the signature model of Victor Fernandez Lopez, Wave World Champion 2010! As the name suggests the ID is a mix between ICE and Duke, which combines the best of both worlds (up to 5.0 based on the ICE design, 5.4 and bigger based on the DUKE design). The result is a super lightweight Freestyle Wave sailing range, which uses the futuristic high-tech laminate “ODL” from yacht sails instead of traditional XPly. This material is 50% lighter than conventional sail cloth and pushes the weight to incredibly low values. To clarify: The weight of the ID ultralight corresponds to a 1.5 smaller DUKE/ICE (e.g. 5.0 compares to 3.5)!

Instantly the ID ultralight is the talk on the beach. It feels absolutely neutral, does not show any unwanted life of its own and is a feather in your hands so that you nearly forget about the sail during moves and manoeuvres. This is one of the most important aspects especially of freestyle! It spins incredibly fast through all tricks even during the most difficult duck moves and feels as if you rotate without sail. With the ID ultralight the success rate of difficult manoeuvres and the fun increases straight away making you automatically go for even more radical moves!

Designer Kai Hopf has compiled the ID ultralight without any compromise. Compared to ICE and DUKE the ID feels a bit softer and adapts to any rotation almost automatically. Not only that maneuvers are becoming much easier but also get performed with more speed. This is due to the sophisticated profile distribution. And all of this over a wide wind range as the ID ultralight has a surprisingly large trimming range.

Two important points:
1. All ID ultralight are designed for RDM masts, yet fully compatible with our SDM masts.
2. Even if other brands do not speak about it, we tell the truth: ultra light-weight can only be achieved through the reduction of material thickness. Since the film thickness of the ODL laminate is reduced to the absolute minimum, the UV stability is limited. Therefore, this sail is excluded from the usual NorthSails 5.year.warranty!

KEY FEATURES

NEW: Ultra-light for maximum handling thanks to the trend setting high tech yachting laminate "ODL"
NEW: iROCKET, NorthSails lightest batten tensioner of all time
NEW: Super lightweight multi-layer sandwich clew patch
 Only two masts cover all sail sizes
Ideal on RDM masts - still fully compatible on our SDM masts

NEIL PRYDE COMBAT

Combat is an all-round wave sail. It performs equally in all conditions – from huge, white water onshore to perfect cross-offshore winds and peeling waves. It combines versatility with performance. Combat is built extra tough for aggressive, hard-riding wave sailors who are looking for durability.

Key Features:

FULL ARMOURWEB construction for optimum durability.
MODERATE LUFF CURVE and shaping making the sail extremely versatile.
LOW ASPECT RATIO keeps the power low down where it can be controlled easily.
PROGRESSIVE LUFF CURVE: makes the sail tuneable to accommodate its versatility. The sail will always have a reasonable draft in the bottom, under minimal and maximum downhaul settings.

What's new? A little more draft in the bottom of the sail allows the sail to be more versatile, giving power when needed and allowing the sail to be used with a lower outhaul setting. Increased yarn thickness in the window panel creates greater rip resistance.

"The Combat is extremely stable, allowing you to use it within a large range of conditions. Use less downhaul when you need power or tighten the outhaul and pull on more downhaul when you’d like the sail to be more neutral."--Robby Swift

COMBAT TOUR editon: Combat Tour will suit a rider looking for extreme durability and versatility, performing equally well in all conditions. The Tour’s clear window improves visibility for better positioning on the wave – or just to keep an eye on your competition.

Combat Tour has been designed for a perfect combination of durability and visibility. It features the bomb-proof ArmourWeb construction and a monofilm window for optimum visibility during competitions.

RRD VOGUE

Re-designed with the help of wave specialist John Skye, the new wave vogue has been refined in both outline, window designs and overall shape. The bullet proof construction of this heavy-duty surf sail is achieved through the use of 3 different type of top quality x-ply materials in different weights/strengts for different areas of the sail. No compromise with cost effective panel layouts, only pure performance and top notch design oriented choices.

Features: The all X-ply body panelling plus tri-ply window of the Wave Vogue creates a surf sail with a combination of a smooth feel with ultimate durability. This smooth feel, combined with Pump-ability, a Focused Power Point and “quickly neutral” handling, makes the Wave Vogue the sail of choice for riders looking for top performance at the highest level in gnarly surf conditions. The Wave Vogue is also an excellent choice for lighter/smaller sailors in any conditions due to its short boom length and soft, forgiving handling. The outline and twist characteristics of the Wave Vogue make it feel lighter and turn tighter in the waves, and therefore ideal to perform in those unforgettable wave sessions.

SIZE	BOOM	LUFF	RECOMMENDED MAST
5.6	178	447	430
5.3	174	438	430
5.0	168	429	400
4.7	161	418	400
4.5	156	407	400
4.2	154	393	370
4.0	147	392	370
3.7	144	375	370
3.3	140	346	370

SAILWORKS REVOLUTION

The Revolution is an adaptable, maneuver oriented, all-purpose wave and freestyle sail.

SEVERNE S-1

More tech, less weight -- Manoeuvre oriented wave and freestyle

The S-1 is light, manoeuvrable and technical redefining progressive performance and instant response. It is built using very latest Severne material technology and new school shaping. With a flatter profile, tighter skin tension and manoeuvre biased geometry, the S-1 responds at light speed. This allows for precision placement of the rig in any wave or freestyle manoeuvre. To promote weight loss, the S-1 is stripped back maintaining only the essential technology and materials creating the lightest Severne sail.

Product Ideology:
• Light and manoeuvrable.
• Flatter profile and tighter skin tension
• Biased towards manoeuvre orientated wave and freestyle

2012 Buyers' Guide: Power Wave Sails

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:44:00 -0500

The Power Wave category is probably the most important highwind sail category. These sails cover a ton of different uses. If you find one of the following descriptions fitting what you are looking for then chances are one of these sails are for you.

Onshore Wavesailing: Sailing in non-perfect wave spots where the wind is blowing the same direction as the waves
Bump-and-Jump Freeriding: You want power for jumping and a sail that will let you have fun in any highwind conditions from big swell to flatwater
Power Hungry down-the-line wavesailing: Heavy-weight sailors often prefer these sails for perfect peeling waves.
Don't Know what you Want: These sails general cover the largest wind range and are the least specialized so pretty much anyone can grab one and have a good time (especially with a little tuning).

Link to one of the other comparable wavesail Buyers' Guides for 2012 by clicking the image below:

POWER/ONSHORE WAVE SAILS:

AEROTECH PHANTOM

Concept: On-Shore Wave

For 2012 the Phantom remains unchanged from 2011. It builds on its power wave reputation. With the addition of a leech cutout just above the boom there is an improvement in handling due to the shorter boom length. This sail is a wave sail first, but due to its stability and power it crosses over to freeride and bump-and-jump use quite well. The Phantom's ultra durable 100% grid construction and huge rante make this sail one of
Aerotech's most popular models.

Construction: This model features a 100% grid construction for the ultimate in durability and UV resistance. Other features include; an anti-chafe bumper in the head, new raised stainless steel 6-1 pulley with oversized rollers, a thermo-formed base pad and interactive rigging guide

The UDL04 Technora limited edition version features the ultra light, ultra strong UDLO4 material. This cloth is substantially lighter and allows the sail to be 10% to 15% lighter than standard models.
Designed for those who deserve the best.

EZZY WAVE TIGER

A light-weight yet powerful beast, the Tiger evolved to dominate in all wave and water conditions.
Whether charging the biggest waves in the world or blasting around with friends on flat water, the Tiger survives and thrives.

Wave Tiger highlights:

The Wave Tiger is a less expensive alternative to the Panther Limited, using more cost-conscious materials.
Both the Tiger and Panther Limited handle equally well in stronger winds, while our testers feel the Tiger has slightly more light wind power.
Ezzy quality and construction standards—the highest in the world, bar none—insure bomb-proof durability.
The Tiger features Ezzy’s own clear Spectra X ply on the leech.

And, each Tiger, like every Ezzy produced, is rigged and de-clawed in the Ezzy Factory before being shipped to your local shop.

Every Ezzy Wave Tiger is rigged and fine tuned in our factory before shipping.

At Ezzy we offer unmatched customer service.
Email us at (info@ezzy.com) and you will get a personal response within 12 hours.

GOYA ECLIPSE

The 2012 ECLIPSE is our world-wide power wave and maneuver sail. Juicy light wind power supply with direct delivery and great high wind control. The Eclipse comes in all x-ply and scrim construction and will last through whatever you take it into.

New for 2012 are a much lighter construction weight, resulting in a stronger and lighter feeling on the water, as well as a stronger, more elaborated built. On top the Eclipse now comes with more forward power delivery with improved high end control.

Jason Diffin: “The 2011 ECLIPSE PRO provides the ultimate in worldwide power wave performance. Inspired by the progressive and technical riding of Levi Siver, the sail is designed to deliver quick and stable power and easy handling in a huge variety of wave and freestyle conditions. Major advancements in materials and components truly make the 2011 ECLIPSE a wave sail without limits.”

ECLIPSE MONO edition: More window. More oceanscape. Less weight. Less effort. For further reduced weight and an even more direct feeling, we produce a Monofilm version of the 2012 ECLIPSE, called the Eclipse Mono, replacing the main X-Ply window panel with 7 MIL Monofilm. It is available in the same sizes as the Eclipse. The clear window creates perfect visibility and a slightly crisper feel for those eager to squeeze the ultimate performance out of their gear. Like Levi Siver, who is using this very sail to make himself the Style Master we know him for.

The 2012 Eclipse Mono is also very desirable to use for Freestyle and Freestylewave applications, offering you even more lift than the original version, surpassing it’s juicy light wind power supply with direct delivery and great high wind control. New for 2012 are a much lighter construction weight, resulting in a stronger and lighter feeling on the water, as well as a stronger, more elaborated built. On top the Eclipse Mono now comes with more forward power delivery with improved high end control.

HOT SAILS MAUI FIRE POWER

The new FirePower is a power wave riding sail with great control. The new FirePower has been created to drive you through the waves and still have excellent wave riding control.

The top section of the FirePower incorporates our X166 super lightweight X-ply. This low stretch material reduces the weight in the top of the sail without sacrificing performance. The profile of the sail is perfect for heavier sailors with the draft higher in the sail and allow a wider range. Also to improve power the sail outline has been changed to increase the area in the bottom half of the sail.

Overall the low end is improved yet the sail maintains the superb handling on the wave it is famous for.

Features: Power. That is what this sail is about. You can compare the low-end power in this sail to a freeride sail, but do not confuse this for a simple freeride sail it is so much more. This sail is designed to take a beating and come back for more. It is not the lightest sail on the market, but it can take hits that big sailors will give it. So if you're a sailor who breaks things because you're underpowered in the surf.

HOT SAILS MAUI SUPERFREAK

The Superfreak has influenced the global return of vibrant color back into windsurfing sails and now leads in material development.

The SuperFreak is arguably the most forgiving, easiest handling, widest wind range sail ever created.
The 9th generation superfeak has a new panel layout that provides the cleanest SuperFreak thus far.
The feel of the Super Freak is very soft. There is delayed response as the Dacron panels stretch to absorb strong wind gusts providing a super smooth ride that is easily controlled.
The manageability of the Super Freak allows sailors the possibility of pushing their limits with a positive outcome. The large PVC window will not haze and it can always be kept crystal clear using any glass cleaner type product. Since the introduction of the first SuperFreak to Maui waters in the summer of 2002 this sail model has now evolved with a totally redesigned Dacron panel layout as well as a proven Kevlar 15000 denier ""skeleton"" usage resulting in a snappier feel and more consistent performing sail.

The SuperFreak is all about self-expression. On Maui as well as around the globe, we have an ever-growing core group of windsurfers who swear by the magic feel of this sail. The SuperFreak is an absolutely unique sailing experience.

The 2 battens directly above the boom are both 90% in length, stopping just short of the mast sleeve. This batten design provides a super controllable, luffable sail that can be powered or de-powered in an instant. The SuperFreak is the best tool for self-expression and FUN no matter what your age or ability!

Features: The Superfreak is one of the best built sails in the world. The construction is second to none, and the durability of the materials is legendary.

All the edges of woven cloths are folded and hemmed under, all seams are glued and triple stitched. The mast sleeve can withstand having the mast break in two and splinter without damage to the sail. These are not normal features on ANY other brand of sail.

So take our sails and punish them all you want, you will not be disappointed.

SUPERFREAK UL edition: The UL (Ultra light) version of the Super Freaks utilizes a fabric that is 50% lighter than our normal lightweight Dacron on 50% of the sail results in shocking performance. Though the physical weight of the sail is nearly the same, the "feel" is dramatically lighter. Increased, gust absorption, lighter handling, and reduced momentum all result in the feeling of a sail .5m smaller. The UL can be rigged with much less tension than the Super Freak. This gives great low-end range and inexplicable perfect stability in gusty winds making it a premium Freeride sail.

HOT SAILS MAUI SMACK

The new Smack is a highly versatile super duty power wave sail for all wave sailing conditions.
The successful and popular Smack continues with a lightening of the upper parts of the sail.

This power wave sail has proved its versatility in a wide variety of conditions from on-shore mush to side-off walls of monster surf. Unmatched for strength and durability this sail can take a beating and keep on going.
This powerful wave sail has an enormous tuning range that can handle wild and gusty conditions. The power is medium soft, and the sail is naturally quiet due to the lack of noisy monofilm.

The gradient construction focuses the strongest materials where they are needed in the lower portion of the sail and lighter materials in the top of the sail. In the bottom of the sail which receives the most abuse we have used the very strongest materials like 7-mil x-ply reinforced with Twaron® yarns and tough SuperWeave Dacron foot panel. In the upper portion of the sail we use 5-mil x-ply that transitions to ultra light X166 X-ply and then to very light Dynamic Dacron in the leech where weight matters most.

The optically clear PVC window is now larger and has a "window frame" re-enforcement.

Features: 5 battens still keep the Smack sailing smooth. The feel of the Smack is softer than most x-ply wave sails, yet firmly predictable in performance. The foot panel in heavy Dacron can be slammed against your legs with no damage to you or the sail.

We have kept a .55mm PVC window in the sail to ensure the ultimate visibility surrounded by translucent x-ply. So you always see what's headed your way. When you're in critical conditions, the PVC offer a crystal clear view, and that clearness will last the life of the sail.

Tunable sail shape is a strong feature of the Smack. This sail can be rigged with a lot of down haul if needed and not change the flutter free leech. When you don't want to re-rig, just add down haul for additional high wind control.

LOFT PURELIP

MAUISAILS GLOBAL

The 2012 Global remains the design for getting the most out of what the world brings in terms of conditions. When you have punishing on-shore wind and need tons of power to punch through nasty whitewater and have to generate the speed to catch the wave, Global will deliver. If you travel to many places with varied conditions, the softness and controllable power will still serve well in side-shore or for blasting bump-n-jump. Weight aloft is reduced by the use of our SmallYarn/Light Film laminate, and window areas of dual (5mil6mil) weight open pattern X-Ply™

Foot profiles are all slightly straighter, reflecting the use of the sails for smooth water freestyle, adding to the all-round versatility one would expect from top performing PowerWave sails. The Kevlar™ 1000 denier yarn skeleton structure adds ultimate strength to the attractive graphic design elements, are all considered to take the sailing loads and disperse them correctly.

NAISH FORCE

Target: Power junkies and heavier riders. The Force is Robby's personal ride.

Features:

Ultralight Surf construction with Radial Kevlar Airframe
Draft forward, soft leech, light feel
Single Dacron luff panel, moderate aspect ratio, 5 battens

NORTH DUKE

The fifth evolution of the DUKE. No other sail can cover such a broad range from Wave to flat-water Freestyle! No other sail adapts to all conditions and surprises with its versatility. To achieve this versatility far-reaching innovations and countless prototypes tested in different conditions were necessary. Therefore designer Kai Hopf has involved the whole team to guarantee that the DUKE works for any rider and any condition.

No wonder as the evolution from the 2011 DUKE never stopped. The main objective of the team was an even better handling to allow for even more radical freestyle tricks through a reduced swing weight. Kai Hopf has found ways to reduce the sail weight by approximately 10% without sacrificing strength and durability! In addition, he shortened the luff length, which leads to significantly simplified control. Also, Kai gave the brand new DUKE a more elastic feeling, which gives lots of confidence for even the most difficult manoeuvres. In summary this means: Significant lower weight and improved handling which makes the DUKE feel balanced in your hands and gives you maximum room for your own style. As a power wave/freestyle sail the DUKE works best on single-fin boards.

The requirements for a Power Wave sails and a Freestyle sail are very similar: great planing potential combined with maximum handling and good controllability. Up to 5.0, the DUKE therefore has been designed as a powerful Wave sail. Not only because of the effective TWIN.TRIM.CLEW it has the greatest trimming versatility of all our Wave sails and the DUKE can easily be controlled by medium-weight riders too. For sizes 5.4 and above, Kai Hopf improved the new DUKE strictly according to the specifications of our 4-times Freestyle World Champion Jose “Gollito” Perez. 5
battens, the HYPER.LEECH II and the unique foot geometry improve the handling especially during difficult Freestyle tricks.

All DUKE sizes were designed for RDM masts, but are still 100% compatible
with our SDM masts.

KEY FEATURES

New: reduced luff length and approx. 10% reduced sail weight makes the sail feel a lot lighter in your hands
New: iBUMPER, the most advanced and effective molded mast protector
TWIN.TRIM.CLEW allows for individual tuning increasing the range of use
TWO MASTS.FIT.ALL: with only 2 masts you cover all sizes
Designed to work best on RDM masts but still fully compatible with our SDM masts
5 Year Warranty

NORTH ID (5.4 to 6.4-meter)

KEY FEATURES

NEW: Ultra-light for maximum handling thanks to the trend setting high tech yachting laminate "ODL"
NEW: iROCKET, NorthSails lightest batten tensioner of all time
NEW: Super lightweight multi-layer sandwich clew patch
 Only two masts cover all sail sizes
Ideal on RDM masts - still fully compatible on our SDM masts

NEIL PRYDE ATLAS

Solid power with lightweight efficiency -- onshore wave sail.

Key Features:

DEEP PROFILE: extending higher up the sail body, generating power and upwind performance in onshore conditions.
SURFACE TENSION: highest body tension of all NeilPryde waves sails for optimum response and direct drive.
RIDER FOCUSED CENTRE OF EFFORT: perfectly balanced power to ensure stability, drive and the ability to depower when needed.
PROGRESSIVE TWIST: allowing the sail to power up quickly in minimal wind conditions by holding some power in the head of the sail, while spilling any excessive pressure.

What's new? High surface tension stabilises the profile making Atlas a very responsive sail with a large wind range. Progressive twist will hold some mid leech tension for upwind performance and drive, while still being able to twist off and spill the excessive power when needed.

"With Atlas I can really explore my limits. Due to its explosive power and lift this sail will allow me to speed up, launch and rotate like never before. Taming that power is also an option – add some out-haul and it’ll be gentle, too."--Ricardo Campello

"When I use the Atlas in onshore conditions I like to have a slightly tighter leech and looser outhaul to have the sail deliver power all the time."--Philip Koster

RRD SUPER STYLE

The new version of the Superstyle sail has arrived to the 4th generation. The ambition of this years’s version was to create a more stable profile with the addition of low end power on all sizes, keeping manouverability and control through a lighter weight. The result is a greater feel of power and lightweight, that helps imoproving your planning capability as well the potential of learning new manouvers.

Features: The new full X-ply body of the sail creates a great heavy-duty support to keep the shape in the right place on the whole sail, while the two new bigger lightweight monofilm windows, allow to save lots of weight in the less stressed areas . This also creates and very new distinctive look that will make any superstyle sail an easy –to-spot sail in the water. The full, powerful profile of SUPER STYLE will give you plenty of speed and control to get moving, carve hard, and jump high.

SIZE	BOOM	LUFF	RECOMMENDED MAST
6.2	185	457	460
5.7	178	438	430
5.2	170	420	400
5.0	167	415	400
4.7	163	410	400
4.5	159	402	370
4.2	158	385	370
4.0	tbc	tbc	tbc
3.7	tbc	tbc	tbc
3.3	tbc	tbc	tbc

SAILWORKS REVOLUTION

The Revolution is an adaptable, maneuver oriented, all-purpose wave and freestyle sail.

SEVERNE BLADE

Refined power and control -- Control Oriented Wave

The Blade is a performance wave sail designed to create the perfect blend between power and control. This sail drives power down into the board through every turn. Technical materials maintain lightweight handling and smooth power delivery.

Product Ideology:
• Control orientated wave sail
• Unsurpassed durability
• Power centred low in the sail for driving
the board through turns

SEVERNE GATOR (5.3 to 3.7-meter)

Manoeuvre oriented crossover - wave/freemove/freeride

From the lake to Hookipa, the Gator sail range covers all types of windsurfing conditions from around the globe. The core principles are manoeuvrability, durability, simplicity and performance. The same applied design fundamentals, adjusted to suit every sail size, enable riders to take the same approach to their windsurfing, whether it's in waves or on flat water.

The smaller sizes are orientated towards wave performance and the larger sizes towards flat water freeride. All sizes are biased towards manoeuvrability but with the smaller sizes delivering more control and the larger sizes more stability and early planing. The geometry and shaping provides a soft forgiving feel, balanced power distribution through rig and board, neutral leg pressure and a huge sweet spot.

The demands of Boujmaa Guilloul and his radical approach are reflected in the entire GATOR crossover range. The construction is 100% X-ply with HD Dyneema X-ply in the foot and clew panels, new KS optic X-ply with 20% extra strength in the window area and reduced film thickness X-ply in the upper panels for reduced swing weight promoting an extra throw about feel.

Product Ideology:
• Full X-ply, No Cam, Wave/Freemove/Freeride sail
• Progressive Ride Geometry - A cohesive feel between
sizes
• Manoeuvre oriented

2012 Buyers' Guide: 4-Batten Wave Sails

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:32:00 -0500

One of the biggest and most exciting trends going on today in sail design is a move towards 4-batten wave sails. Naish has been doing the Boxer for years and a few others joined them a couple years ago...but now, as you can see below, a ton of manufacturers are onboard. We decided to give these designs there own category because they are sure to make a mark on the windsurfing marketplace in 2012!

Why Four?

Light is right: Dropping a batten can save significant weight in the sail.

Quad Power: Some brands define their 4-batten design as their match to a Quad fin waveboard. This is the case for the ones with a draft further back, which helps to drive the four small fins.

Wave and Freestyle: Just like with the 5-batten wave sails, many of these 4-batten designs are being grabbed by freestylers to help maneuver through all the technical new aerial tricks.

Link to one of the other comparable wavesail Buyers' Guides for 2012 by clicking the image below:

FOUR BATTEN WAVE SAILS:

GOYA BANZAI

The biggest news however is of course the birth of the BANZAI, our first four batten wave model. The 2012 Banzai is a low-end focused, power wave and maneuver sail, with quick and constant power delivery. The reduced batten count and super light scrim materials throughout, make the construction utmost light. Stability is achieved through the unique Carbon Fiber Stretch Control System that supports the entire sail body, and the large monofilm window offers incredible visibility. Find out more about the Banzai on its product page.

The all new Four Batten BANZAI is a low-end focused, power wave and maneuver sail, with quick and constant power delivery. The reduced batten count and super light scrim materials throughout, make the construction utmost light.

Stability is achieved through the unique Carbon Fiber Stretch Control System that supports the entire sail body, and the large monofilm window offers incredible visibility.

The BANZAI’s low end range is massive because of it’s power profile, lightness and responsiveness. When paired with a modern high volume board, the BANZAI will allow you to use a smaller size sail than before. For example an average size guy on a Custom Quad 84 can use a 4.6 BANZAI when normally riding a 5.0 GURU or ECLIPSE.

The BANZAI concept is all about generating as much lift as possible in a smaller sail size. Because of the tight leech and central draft profile, the BANZAI provides extremely quick planing, plus quick and responsive handling in maneuvers. Super quick rake and sheet angle adjustments are effortless on this sail.

The huge monofilm window provides incredible visibility through the sail allowing you to anticipate your path through the water ahead.

HOT SAILS MAUI BOLT

The new Bolt is lighter and more control-lable yet still has it's explosive dynamic per-formance.

A new panel layout with a new shaping system delivers a steady and con-trollable sail that is very clean and wrinkle free. It re-arranges the materials to be more effective resulting in a sail that feels much lighter than the actual weight savings.

The all X-ply construction is very rugged and en-sures great durability. The shortened boom relieves tension from the leech and helps promote the very dynamic quality of this sail. The larger sizes see increased power and ac-celeration while the smaller sizes have in-creased control.

This sail has unlimited freedom to move.

Features:

This new Bolt has POP. Plenty of Pop. It will shoot you vertical when you backwind the sail into you next upwind maneuver. Get ready for some good action.

Our straight foot design not only allows extra room for throwing the sail around your body, but it is completely padded with our lightweight EVA skid pad. This is layered over the flexible Dacron edge panel, so when you wedge the foot of the sail against your raw skin, there will be no rashes, no cuts, and only more spring into your next wild move.

The new shape allows a smoother transition from side to side which makes for great fluidity, but also makes this an amazing wave sail. (Just don't tell anyone!)

CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD BOLT RIGGING AND TUNING GUIDE

HOT SAILS MAUI DD

The DD is a refined version of the immensely popular and groundbreaking Diva sail. The design concept has been tuned to even better suit lightweight sailors of all abilities.

Refinements in the shaping have produced a sail with even better control and handling. Weight is everything for the smaller sailor and the DD has been made as light as possible by utilizing four battens and lightweight materials.

Graduated construction ensures the sail is tough where it needs to be and extra light where it does not featuring X-ply and Heavy Duty Dacron in the foot area for extra strength and SX166 Ultra light X-ply and Dynamic Dacron in the leech for minimum weight.

The DD is optimized for smaller sailors with a lowered center of effort and boom cutout. A RDM mast is strongly recommended.

Features:

The DD is designed so the small sizes feel as balanced and comfortable as the "normal" sizes. This means that even the smallest sail is smooth and predictable in any wind condition.

The large center window is easy to see through, and is protected all the way around by strong materials. This ensures you see everything coming your way and helps you enter gybes with confidence. Rigging is very easy with our exclusive OX HIDE webbing sleeve. The mast slides up to the top of the sail without hitting bumps and can be inserted all the way to the top of the sail without "scrunching" the mast in place.

CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD BOLT RIGGING AND TUNING GUIDE

LOFT WAVESCAPE

The 2012 Wavescape is The Loft’s all-new 4-batten multi-discipline design. Freemove, freestyle & freeride- all under Wavescape attack.  The Wavescape sports an extremely light & powerful feeling- the result of its four batten design, weight-conscious construction and curve schedules refined over years of development.

The Loft’s exclusive integrated panel concept drives longevity into the Wavescape. Loft batten sections & taper schedules extend the Wavescape upper end.
Its simplicity makes the Wavescape highly suitable for beginners and intermediate windsurfers.    As a freemove design the Wavescape shines.

In the hands of a freestyler, the Wavescape is volatile- an explosion of freestyle expression!

Watch the Loft Wavescape in action in the first 1:14 of the following video...

NAISH BOXER

Target: Specialist wave sailors seeking real-world versatility and range. The sail of choice by new-school riders Kai Lenny and Julien Taboulet.

Designed with a radically low aspect-ratio outline and unique internal shaping, the Boxer delivers reduced swing weight for incredibly easy handling and balanced power. Due to its extremely short luff length, the Boxer is the ultimate sail for today's extreme aerial maneuvers.

NORTH HERO

Already the first tests had shown that we were at the beginning of a revolution. No matter who got the brand new HERO 4 batten wave sail in his hands, no one wanted to give it back. The HERO is adjusted towards Marcilio Browne who does not want to sail with any other sail anymore - it just fits perfectly to his sailing style and the new multi-fin wave boards!

Almost everything is different: The HERO is the impressive production of an ultra modern 4 batten wave sail, which is repleted with the finest components and technical know-how. Regardless of under- or properly powered up, too much pressure or too little, this sail always generates power without becoming unstable. Despite a further draft back position it doesn’t become back handy, even when overpowered. This let’s you imagine, how much the wind range has improved compared to previous 4 batten sails! The low weight makes for an increadible handling. While rigging you can already imagine how light and soft the sail feels. The rotation is smooth as silk, even with minimal outhaul tension.On the water it immediately appears that your back hand is the throttle. Just sheet in and the HERO immediately builds up power, speeds up, and gets you going. On the wave it becomes a discreet engine always ready to accelerate when needed. The top is working very effective supporting the power. Therefore, you can safely choose a sail size smaller than with many other wave sails. This applies to almost any rider, regardless of weight.Kai Hopf developed the BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH, a precisely balanced ratio of luff length to boom length. As short as possible for most radical throw-ability and as long as necessary to generate sufficient stability for maximum wind range.

Design, processing, shape and features as the new iBUMPER mast protector make the radical HERO a perfect package that can measure up to the future in the competition must.

IMPORTANT: the HERO is exclusively designed for RDM masts due to its narrow sleeve and elastic characteristics. The smaller mast diameter perfectly matches this softer feeling sail and shorter luff.

KEY FEATURES

 NEW: Radical 4 batten wave sail with lots of power and yet extremely wide wind range
NEW: iBUMPER, the most modern and most effective protector of a piece mast
 BALANCED.LUFF.LENGTH as short as possible for most radical throw-ability and as long as necessary for maximum wind range.
TWIN.TRIM.CLEW allows for individual tuning increasing the range of use
FIVE-Year Warranty

Brawzinho in action on the North HERO:

NEIL PRYDE FLY 2

The Fly2 is a light and soft wave sail perfectly suited to down-the-line wave sailors. With a compact outline and a four-batten layout it provides great drive and stability with no excessive pressure on the back hand, giving the rider smooth control during manoeuvres. The Fly2 is the ideal sail for multi-fin boards.

Key Features:

OUR BATTEN LAYOUT: for light weight and quick on/off power.
MODERATE TO FLAT PROFILE: allowing the sail to go to neutral easily when needed.
THE LOWEST ASPECT RATIO in the NeilPryde wave sail lineup: keeping the power low down in the sail where it can be controlled easily.
BOTTOM ORIENTED LUFF-CURVE: holding the draft forward and low in the sail for optimum control during manoeuvres.

What's New?

Sporting a redesigned luff curve, The Fly2 is more neutral and stable than in previous years. With the power forward and low down, the sail can be controlled and the power turned on and off easily depending on rider input. High outhaul tension in the sail through the bottom-oriented luff curve further helps to stabilise the profile of the sail.

"Down the line wave sailing in side shore conditions is the best thing to do on any day. The 2012 Fly2 allows me to push the limits in those conditions. They really go hand in hand."--Jason Polakow

"The changes in the 2012 Fly2 are very noticeable, it took me some time to benefit from them. Once I got dialed in my sailing level went up a notch, especially in the side shore conditions where the change is most noticeable. Never have I been able to come off the top of a wave with such control."--Kauli Seadi

RRD the FOUR

A completely new addition to our wave sails line. The need of a lighter, softer and more forgiving type of wave sails was clear, and we made it happen. In the beginning we were afraid of having a sail that would be hard to handle in overpowered conditions, but after extensive testing and various modifications on the shaping points we have been able to achieve an easy to trim sail that holds lots of wind and remains in balance.The advantages of having 4 battens are clear: a soft ersail that keeps a lower center of gravity and allows you make rotating jumps faster and in control. The longer boom of the Four will allow you to use your back hand on the boom as a throttle of your motorbike!

Features: The longer boom and shorter luff are the base features on this new wave sail. The whole x-ply body and a monofilm top and window with a transition of lighter x-ply make it possible to keep a great sail strength and have lots of savings on the weight. The heavy cutout leech over the boom allow to create a very constant, progressive twist , helping the whole shape of the sail to be kept in place during the most extreme gusts. Two minibattens placed over on the top panel allow to prevent fluttering and keeping head shape stability.

SEVERNE SWAT

Light, manoeuvrable and compact four batten wave sail. The SWAT has been redesigned with a softer more forward pulling feel and significant weight loss. This compact geometry creates a light, manoeuvrable and forgiving sail with added down force. For riders who want simplicity, durability, features and performance in a price point package.

Product Ideology:
• 4 batten wave sail - reduced weight and compact
geometry
• High Value
• Unsurpassed durability

'12 Single and Twin Fin Waveboard Buyers Guide

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:49:00 -0500

Who needs a Single, Twin or Thruster Wave Board?

Most of the buzz in the world of waveboards may be around the quads but that doesn't mean a board with less fins may be a better choice for you. Usually these boards will be a better option for crossing over between bump-and-jump and waves. In most cases you'll find better pop for jumping and plenty of looseness to have fun slashing in waves.

Below is a complete list of the boards we are checking out:

SINGLE FIN BOARDS	SINGLE FIN WITH THRUSTERS	TWIN FIN BOARDS
Exocet X-wave	Exocet U-surf Core	Fanatic Newwave Twin
Fanatic Newwave	Exocet U-surf 3	Quatro Twin
Goya One	JP Single Thruster
Quatro Single	Naish Wave
RRD Hard Core Wave Single	RRD Wave Thruster
RRD Wave Cult Single
Starboard Evo (also a twin-fin)

CLICK HERE to view the 2012 QUAD WAVEBOARD BUYERS' GUIDE

EXOCET U-SURF CORE

In addition to the U-Surf 3 Tri Fin line, we have been developing some intermediate boards, including the U-Surf CORE models, offered in 70, 80 or 90 litres sizes, pintail shape, which will suit side shore conditions. These will have different graphics to the U-Surf 3 line, however they will also be equipped with Tri fins and offered in a high end construction

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
Equipped with 3 fins

Construction: Custom Made Biax Carbon + Biax Glass

EXOCET U-SURF 3

Based on a proven shape, the new USURF Tri-fin is offering the very best in terms of comfort, speed and manoeuvrability. You will find a similarity in performance, but it will exceed your expectations in several departments. Tri-fin boards are excellent options for wave riding due to the centre fin giving a lot of drive through bottom turn. Still you will have the feeling of a single fin although you can squeeze the turns much more if needed. The top turns become sharper and looser than single fins but with better control than twizer's. The result is a lot of efficiency and precision in the waves. USURF Tri-fin is a true all rounder with excellent planning and upwind abilities.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride
Equipped with 3 fins

Construction: Custom Made Biax Carbon + Biax Glass

EXOCET X-WAVE

This new generation of the XWave is designed to match all kinds of European conditions where speed, quick planing and upwind ability are essential yet they remain pure wave boards for those willing to push them to their limits. The new XWave edition is shorter, measuring 230 cm and curving off with a subtle pintail for better control and grip. The XWave line remains fast boards, enjoying side shore conditions with instant planing even in marginal winds.

Features:

DDSA: Double Density Shock Absorber
E.U.R: Exocet Unique Ride

Construction: Custom Made Biax Carbon + Biax Glass

FANATIC NEWWAVE

A modern compact outline with the classic directional feeling. Our proven double concave, with full soft rails forward, and tucked rails on a fast, thin tail give the greatest single fin sensations with unbelievable grip for tighter turns. From the latest slashing style to drawn out flowing lines, the NewWaves CAD-formed volume distribution works in the wildest range of conditions, and is arguably our greatest jumping shape of all time. All 4 sizes (69, 76, 83 and 91) sport iconic polished rails with airbrushed metallic and visible carbon artwork, and are delivered in mega-stiff and light Carbon Kevlar deck and Carbon bottom Team Edition (TE) construction only.

Key Features:
- Modern short, wide planshape
- Floatation and flowing rails front of center
- Proven double concave bottom for full power turns
- Balanced tail rocker and tucked-under rails for tight, fast carving
- Smart CAD-engineered volume flow for maximum wind range

Klaas Voget (G-4) Fanatic R&D Manager and 7th overall PWA Wave Tour 2010:
“The latest board outlines have given single fins a new lease of life. Being wider front of center and shorter than traditional pintail shapes, they give the option of riding in a tighter aggressive way, or in the typical drawn-out high-speed style. The PWA tour has a massive range of wind and wave setups so all of our wave boards have to perform in every single location. I wouldn’t go anywhere without a single fin to turn to for either massive jumps or epic down-the-line rides.”

FANATIC NEWWAVE TWIN

The NewWave Twin shows unbelievable direct response and control in 72, 79, 86 & 93 litre sizes. Kept on the edge they’ve got the truest surfing feel in the range, but push on the fins and a world of sliding and slashing new-school moves awaits. Matching any type of wind and wave conditions, you’re guaranteed the tightest in-the-pocket turning experience around, and epic boost for high-wind jumps. Offered only in élite Team Edition (TE) for super-light performance with Carbon/Kevlar deck and ultra-stiff Carbon bottom lay-up. Unique metallic airbrushing and polished effects plus visible carbon detail reflect the ultimate quality shapes.

Key Features:
- Forward concave into smooth double concave for high-speed turn control
- Balanced tail width for optimum riding release and early planing
- True surf-style performance rocker line

Victor Fernandez (E-42), PWA Wave World Champion 2010:
“If you love a rail-to-rail riding style the NewWave Twins are still the best choice and easiest-to-sail boards for finishing impossibly-tight turns and massive air in either mush or hollow surf.”

GOYA ONE (72 & 78-litre models)

If you are looking for one board that can do it all, look no further. The ONE is fast, turny, easy to ride, for all styles and all conditions. Welcome to a real one board concept. Just pick your volume and go windsurfing. Done. The ONE combines the best features of all board lines we have yet been producing, and merges them into what is now becoming an instant favorite among riders and testers.

The One PRO 72 and 78 liter models feature generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas. The ONE72 has a concave/double concaves for added control and grip as usually when using a board that size it is medium to strong winds. The ONE78 I wanted more lift power and therefore change it to V with double Concave. On the Quad I extended the concave/double concave to the 78 as the guy looking at a Quad is more focus around wave performance.

The ONE 78-104 carry a V bottom with double concaves through the stance. The reason for that is that V bottoms are the fastests bottoms still, all raceboards carry them and the double concave accentuate the centerline, softening the ride/ more comfortable while adding grip and drive to the turns.

The smaller sizes 72, 78 and 86 feature a US Box compatible with all wave fin designs.

JP-AUSTRALIA SINGLE THRUSTER

The first generation of Single Thrusters proved its outstanding performance with JP riders using production boards in all side-on and onshore World Cup stops. Magazine testers worldwide have stamped their test winning seal of approval on them.

Now, Werner developed generation II with Robby Swift and Ricardo Campello. A versatile design to feel at home in almost all conditions. The trim/fin options give you the opportunity to achieve that perfect setup for the day ahead.

FINS FIRST
The three fin setup, transforms the performance oriented shape into a loose, responsive, wave slashing weapon with bags of control.
Use it with a 2cm bigger single fin (without sidefins) and feel the transition into a super fast wave rocket - ideal for onshore and bump and jump conditions.

SHAPE
An early planing and very fast design. To also deliver radical wave action it has compact dimensions. Its short length with the widest point almost exactly at the center of gravity results in a very stable and balanced board in non-planing conditions and when crossing the white water.

Because of its overall width and wide tail it accelerates fast, drives well upwind and shreds tight lines in smaller waves.
Approaching the lip you can tighten the arc of the turn easier with back foot pressure. The rear strap has been moved back - creating a wider stance, allowing more radical turns without the loss of speed.

To get great performance in down-the-line conditions, up to around three meter faces, we kept the outline relatively straight around the front straps, generating more speed in longer bottom turns through the front foot. This straight outline cruises through the chop with max control.

An ergonomic deck shape provides a comfortable stance and responsive rail changing.

The double concave bottom between the foot straps allows a rather flat bottom curve within the concaves while we still have a lot of bottom curve in the rails guaranteeing instant acceleration, high speed and incredible maneuverabilty.

SUMMARY
Probably the most versatile wave board available today. With the available fin setups (single fin or thruster) you can adjust its range of use from fast bump and jump sailing to unbelievable waveriding in all kind of wave conditions. Like a chameleon it changes to suit its surroundings.

TECHNOLOGY
PRO = PRO EDITION in Carbon Kevlar Technology with T-Stringers
FWS = FULL WOOD SANDWICH Technology with T-Stringers

NAISH WAVE

Target: Waveriders seeking the ultimate in surfing performance. The boards ridden by Robby Naish, Kai Lenny and Julien Taboulet.

Designed with a single-concave flowing into a v-tail section, softer rails in the nose and mid-area of the board and pinched rails at the tail, the Wave delivers stellar waveriding and carving performance.

The Wave is available in 5 sizes and is supplied with two fin sets – single center fin and our custom-designed thruster set, so the rider can fine tune the board for a specific riding style and the conditions of the day.

Features:

Carbon/Kevlar sandwich 3D deck with carbon sandwich bottom
G-10 CNC fins plus custom thruster set
Eco Boardbag

QUATRO SINGLE

The Quatro Single is the ideal choice for sailors looking for the classic smooth and stable feel, quick acceleration, unlimited top end speed and adaptability that single fin boards provide. These boards are tunable for any type of wave condition around the world.

The early planing and forgiving feel are the key concepts of this line of boards, giving you the comfort and control to feel at home anywhere you sail.

The Quatro Range: We are a wave board brand, first and foremost. And if the fact that most of the Pros ride our boards, whether they can afford to sport our logo or not, isn’t enough proof, then maybe the sheer array of wave boards we offer is. Covering all shape and fin concepts that time and testing have proven to be the very best of today, we are building boards with four, two and one fin, matching all tastes and styles we have both encountered and defined over the years. If you are looking for that extremely surfy and radical down the line movement, you should try and fall in love with the QUAD KT in either of it’s spicy editions. If you are after big lift and airtime to allow you occasional Goiters or Wave 360 into Forwards then the QUAD LS is for you. The TWIN is for you if elegant lines finalized by sharp turns are your thing. We have re-pioneered the Twin movement back in 2006, just like we did with the Quad movement little afterwards. So we know what we are talking about. Make no mistake, the TWIN is just as brutal now as its SILVER appearance is classic, and its shape concept hasn’t been put to sleep either. These things get ridden and developed daily. Now for the SINGLE. Especially if collecting much speed in the shortest time is what you’re out on the water for, to throw al that momentum into a huge pushloop or giant one handed air, then yes, this SILVER arrow is made for you all the way. If all the above are a little too surfy for you still, and you’re looking for that board that can lift you into a burner even though the leaves on the trees tell you it’s a day for reading, then reach fast for the FREESTYLEWAVE because while it’s genetically linked to our SILVER wave line, it has a rocker to die for and basically hovers more so over then water than touching it. Maybe it’s just a touch hydrophobic, we really don’t.

QUATRO TWIN

The Twin Fin is the best board for a mix of jumping, riding and tricks in cross on conditions. Ideal for all around wave sailing, the Twin again offers the perfect balance between early planing, speed, stability and the incredibly loose feeling that twin fin boards are all about.

The Twin is designed to give you a quick and lively feel and also great low end performance in any type of wave conditions you may encounter around the globe.

RRD HARD CORE WAVE LTD

The new Hardcore Wave boards are completely re-designed shapes. With three other line of wave boards in collection, RRD presents again the most complete line of wave boards in the market. With this in mind we had finally the freedom to go and do a real full hi -performance ”hookipa” board that would satisfy our most demanding teamriders that usually like to get hawaiian custom boards when riding those powerful and steep maui waves. The Hardcore wave V4 is the final answer to those riders that do not compromise on sharpness of turns and want to be at the right time in the right place. Single Fin configuration allows to maximize grip and control.

Features:

Full monoconcave rail to rail configuration from nose to mid tail, with double concave bottom in the mid/back section of the hull. Flat and slight V shape on the tail in combination with a generous release of rocker allows a perfect exit of flow and board balance in the most critical moments of bottom or top turns. Max width point about 15 cms forward with wider nose, has allowed us to create some great balanced proportional line in the middle/tail section of these jewels being very narrow but never to abrupt or too straight. The outline flow and the volume distribution is a pleasure for your eyes and for the time you'll ride these sticks in the best days of you waveriding experience.

Technology:

EXCLUSIVE Custom-made full sandwich with Biaxial Glass, which give us best results in terms of weight/strength. We kept Epoxy/Herex 100 stringers on bottom of all sizes.

VOLUME	LENGTH	WIDTH	FIN	FIN BOX	SAIL RANGE
91 litres	230 cm	58 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 22	US box	4.5-5.8
84 litres	229 cm	55.5 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 21.5	US box	4.2-5.6
76 litres	229 cm	54 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 21.0	US box	3.7-5.3
68 litres	229 cm	53 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 21.0	US box	3.2-4.7

RRD WAVE CULT LTD

The new Wave Cults V4 are completely re-designed shapes. Together with the ”Hardcore wave sisters” they complete the range of innovative wave boards shapes for ”everyday conditions” all over the world. Sharp, fast, instinctive and very sensitive to footsteering these boards will never let you down when the wind will be gusty or the waves will be mushy... still they excel in ripping potential when the conditions will be pumping again. Widest range of use in collection. Single Fin configuration allows to maximize grip and control.

Features:

Flat rail to rail entry on the very nose, it then evolves in a full V rail to rail configuration from mid board section all the way to the tail. Slight double concave in the middle hull section, to improve stability. Max width point about 10 cms forward with wider nose, has allowed us to create some great balanced proportional line in the middle/tail section of these boards bringing the middle and tail lines to be very harmonic and keeping a constant curve all the way to the very end of the board. The full rail shape and the generous TUE in the front allows to create some fast yet very turny wave boards that will be in perfect control in both rough waters or limit -to-plane conditions.

Technology:

EXCLUSIVE Custom-made full sandwich with Biaxial Glass, which give us best results in terms of weight/strength. We kept Epoxy/Herex 100 stringers on bottom all the shapes.

VOLUME	LENGTH	WIDTH	FIN	FIN BOX	SAIL RANGE
100 litres	233 cm	62 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 24	US box	4.9-6.6
92 litres	232 cm	60 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 24	US box	4.5-6.2
83 litres	231 cm	58 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 23	US box	4.0-5.7
75 litres	230 cm	56 cm	MFC K-One G-10 CNC 22	US box	3.7-5.2

RRD WAVE THRUSTER

The link with surfing has always been a great inspiration for the wave sailors. The standard surfing fin set up is now available on wave sailboard that is specifically designed to replicate the accuracy and sharpness of surfing turns on the wave face. Try to believe.

Features:

The outline maximum width is moved towards the tail. More curved outline tail design in combination with a straight rocker and a simple V hull configuration creates a deck “fulcrum” area in the middle of the straps. The tri fin set up moves the bottom pressure point forward to fall closer to the deck one, so as to make every turn “pivoting” on these two pressure points that fall in perfect balance. A pleasure for both onshore and side-shore sailing. A new fast and early planning board that will feel secure as a single fin but “turny” and radical as a surfboard.

Technology:

EXCLUSIVE Custom-made full sandwich with Biaxial Glass, which give us best results in terms of weight/strength. We kept Epoxy/Herex 100 stringers on bottom of the thinnest boards (mainly 68 and 76).

VOLUME	LENGTH	WIDTH	WEIGHT	FINS	SAIL RANGE
84 litres	232 cm	58.5 cm	6.6 kg	MFC TF center 17.5 US + SF 8 MT	4.2-6.0
76 litres	231 cm	56 cm	6.2 kg	MFC TF center 17 US + SF 8 MT	3.7-5.3
68 litres	230 cm	53 cm	6.0 kg	MFC TF center 16.5 US + SF 8 M	3.2-4.7

STARBOARD EVO

The Evos' nature is to be smooth, fluid and most importantly, versatile in all wave riding conditions and for a wide range of users. Whether riding big waves or small onshore mush, the Evos are versatile. The Evo name has become synonymous with the ability to wave ride anywhere, anytime.

In 2010, the Evo benefitted from the multi-fin concept and the Adaptability concept. Both improve the Evos' ability to cover an incredibly wide range of conditions.

Freestyle-influenced riders like Philip Koster and Taty Frans specifically prefer the Evo for their ability to rip in all conditions, particularly in smaller waves, where the modern wave rider typically mixes up pure wave rides with freestyle moves off the wave face.

The Evo convert between twin fin and single fin mode.

The versatile wave board
Enjoys big sideshore conditions as much as it rips in small onshore conditions
The preferred choice for modern wave riders who also mix in freestyle-driven moves

Key features

Smooth, continuous rockerlines form the central spine of the bottom shape. New for 2012: the rockerlines have been refined to become more continuous, with a tail kick that accelerates and rises more strongly under your back foot.
New for 2012: the mono-concave in the tail has been replaced with a Vee shape, which improves the rail-to-rail response particularly for the back-foot rider. The Vee shape in the tail works in sync with the accelerating tail kick to improve the Evo's fluid and flowing feel, constantly allowing the board to accelerate as it carves. The Evo keeps a slightly forward-vee bias.
Two G10 twin fins by Drake are supplied, instead of the single fin like last year. This makes the default choice the twin-fin set up, leaving the single fin as optional.
Soft, rounded rails in the midsection and the nose for a smooth grip.
Heel bumpers.
Ultra-light Slot Boxes are used for twin-fin setup (plugs are also included with the board)
8" US Box is used for single-fin setup (a plug is also included with the board)

"AS A TWIN FIN the board is radically responsive with a quick rail-to-rail sensation. Apply your rails and the board drives through a turn with exceptional acceleration, without a nervous jittery feel. It's very smooth and easy to ride. It turns on a dime off its rail, creating very snappy re-entries, with or without losing the tail as desired.

AS A SINGLE FIN, the board changes in feel with a classic drive-off-the-fin sensation. Upwind tracking is enhanced. Turning is driven more off the fin and the back foot as opposed to the twin-fin mode which has you turning more off the forward rail. It gives a very lively fun ride as a single fin."--Scott McKercher

CLICK HERE to view the 2012 QUAD WAVEBOARD BUYERS' GUIDE

2012 Quad Wave Board Buyers' Guide

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:12:00 -0500

Who needs a 2012 Quad Waveboard?

We are going to keep this as simple as possible. Do you ever ride in side-shore or side-off wavesailing conditions? If the answer is 'yes' then you must at least consider a quad-fin board for your quiver. Next you'll need to evaluate how many wave sessions you get compared to onshore bump-and-jump days in which you'll use the same size board. If you decide to put a premium value on your wavesailing then the quad would be an excellent choice; however, if you know that those sessions are more a rarity then maybe a single-fin or single-thruster board is for you (look for this Buyers' Guide next).

Go Bigger with Your Quad: A general rule when buying a quad-fin board is you can go one size bigger then you would with a single-fin or thruster setup. This will give you more float on those schlogging/non-planing wave riding days while the four fins provide plenty of grip to keep you on the wave.

Weed Slayers: If you ride waves in a weedy spot then a quad is an excellent choice.

Warning!: Just because there is so much press online and in the magazines about four-fin boards doesn't mean they are the answer for you. If you are an experienced windsurfer you may simply prefer the feel of a single-fin or single-thruster waveboard. If you really like to jump and big air is your thing then the single or twin-fin options may be better suited for you. It is always best to "try before you buy," if it is at all possible.

CLICK HERE to check out the 2012 SINGLE, TWIN & THRUSTER WAVE BOARD Buyers' Guide

FANATIC QUAD

Our silky 2nd generation Quad line’s leapt to a different level. 5 new rounded pintail shapes built for the 4-fin concept give ultimate, dragless traction from slab surf to slush. Now earlier-planing thanks to wider outlines, smart volume flow and less tail kick, they’re faster too with a flat power section between the straps. All the extra acceleration and speed complements the tight turning ability from higher scoop entry, shorter length, awesome pintail release and extra fin toe grip for cranking it on. Now sporting the lighter, streamlined Slot Box and a broader spectrum of size choice there’s a clean-carving Quad for you. Available in 69, 75, 81, 87 and 94 litre options in no-compromise Carbon Kevlar Light Team Edition (TE) and 75 / 81 /87 in GDS as a lightweight, yet affordable alternative. All with quality Choco fins and weight-saving matt finish bottoms.

Key Features:
- Slot Box fin system for reduced drag
- Wide planshape, CAD-Engineered double concaves and supportive longitudinal volume flow with fast tail for low-end power
- Compact outline, fin toe and scoop nose entry for tight pocket carving and projection
- 90 deg rounded pintails for the smoothest finishing of turns

GOYA CUSTOM QUAD WAVE

The new CUSTOM Quads bring dedicated surfing experience into wavesailing, with a wider wind range, more drive, added upwind and all around faster riding. From hard core down the line conditions to onshore chop, these boards are built to go beyond what you though it was possible.
The Goya Quad concept allows you to increase the volume of the board about 5 liters above what you would normally ride, with absolutely no loss of control in the high end. The result is a board with a massively expanded wind range- that extra volume will keep you moving through lulls that a lower volume board might slow down in.

The Custom PRO features generous carbon patching from in front of the mast track all the way into the tail, as well as beneath and around the padded areas.

The 2012 Range of the Custom is seriously extended in both directions small and large, by adding a 68 liter high wind board that will suit smaller riders like a magic glove, and by a whopping 104 liter model that redefines how we will approach light wind days. Imagine taking all of it’s agility and volume into one of those days where waves are beyond mast high, but winds used to only allow you to reach for non-bottom-turnable Freerides, Freestyles or even SUPs in the past. Now your epic Quad light wind match is here. Go for it.

JP-AUSTRALIA TWINSER QUAD

Jason Polakow and Kauli Seadi represent together 5 PWA wave titles and the JP Twinser Quad line. These boards cover every aspect of wave sailing which they stand for. From Polakow style, big wave no fear high speed lay down bottom turns and mega aerials to Kauli's new age innovative surf style windsurf waveriding with freestyle elements.

Like Jason and Kauli, customers who tried our Twinser Quads would not trade them for anything else. These Quads push everybody's riding skills to a new level. They feel radical and give a new riding sensation while not being difficult to ride.

They can be used as Twinsers or as Quads but come with the Quad fin setup (2 Twinser + 2 Side fins). To ride them as Twinsers you need 2 additional 2cm bigger Twinser fins.

SHAPE
They come with a rather straight outline - narrow between the straps and more drawn out towards the tail, completing to a rounded pintail. The result is incredible. Dropping down the face of a wave, the boards speed up like a rocket, accelerating into the turn and driving the rail super hard. The round pin tail in combination with the quad fins give you so much traction, guaranteeing to maintain your speed so the potential for big smacks and aerial maneuvers is unbelievable.

Even in smaller waves you don't need to ride with your back foot. They are so loose, it is really easy to carve super tight.

The straight outline makes them also shine on the way out through the waves. The fin setup works efficiently and brings the performance in onshore conditions close to that of a single fin. You can push hard and speed up easily.
The wide stance allows to change from front foot, to back foot pressure instantly, adjusting your turning radius as the wave demands it. It also gives you more control.
The boards feature a double concave with Vee in the front, flowing into double concaves without V in the middle and a single concave in the tail. The Vee in the front helps to initiate the turn and makes it much easier to roll from rail to rail. The concaves towards the back give you great grip.

SUMMARY
Everybody -no matter how experienced- makes a huge step forward and reaches a new riding level. You will perform radical top turns and lip slides like never before. The side fins grip and grab you back in, pulling you back down the face of the wave. To feel being totally on the limit but fully in control is what makes these boards stand out.

TECHNOLOGY
PRO = PRO EDITION in Carbon Kevlar Technology with T-Stringers

QUATRO KT QUAD

KT or LS?

If you are looking for that extremely surfy and radical down the line movement, you should try and fall in love with the QUAD KT in either of it’s spicy editions. NEON RED and NEON GREEN are at your disposal.

If you are after big lift and airtime to allow you occasional Goiters or Wave 360 into Forwards then the QUAD LS is for you. Choose from a vibrant METALLIC BLUE or the majestic METALLIC GOLD edition.

QUATRO LS QUAD

Levi Siver’s signature Quad wave board. Judged as today’s best wave board by both Windsurfing USA magazine and Boardseeker UK online magazine. The Quad LS represents Levi Siver’s dream of an ideal wave board for all conditions. Levi wanted a board that would plane very quickly and turn super tight with immense amounts of speed, control and grip.

Considering the broad range of conditions he sails, Levi also wanted a board with excellent upwind capabilities. The Quad LS is the result of Levi’s incredible drive and passion for performance and innovation in windsurfing.

This line of boards is designed for any type of wave conditions you may encounter around the globe. The Quad concept allows you to ride about five more liters than you normally would and this really opens up the low end range of the board, making it feel more loose and stable than a traditional lower volume board.

KT or LS?

If you are after big lift and airtime to allow you occasional Goiters or Wave 360 into Forwards then the QUAD LS is for you. Choose from a vibrant METALLIC BLUE or the majestic METALLIC GOLD edition.

RRD HARD CORE WAVE CONTEST QUAD

The lightest yet toughest technology of construction a wave board can be built . As our custom factory keeps making progress not only in terms of shapes and design but also in terms of new construction technologies, the reflections of these developments go directly into the production line. We have created a separate full custom scaled production line with only special materials used and a special finishing level, to produce the lightest and best performance wave boards in the market today.

Features:

- New full carbon extra lightweigh Mast track - 2 x 15 cms adjustable new Fin Slot Boxes

Technology:

EPS / Deck in Full PVC Herex 100 3 mm sandwich with Innegra/Carbon 165 grms and wood sandwich heel sandwich /Bottom in Full PVC Herex 100 3 mm sandwich with Biaxial Glass 160 gramslayup,reinfircements with 2 x PVC stringers 5 mm omega construction/ outside rail band with glass 160 grams.

VOLUME	LENGTH	WIDTH	WEIGHT	FINS	FIN BOX	SAIL RANGE
91 litres	230 cm	58 cm	6.9 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 350 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	4.5-5.8
84 litres	229 cm	55.5 cm	6.55 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 350 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	4.2-5.6
76 litres	229 cm	54 cm	6.3 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 300 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	3.7-5.3
68 litres	229 cm	53 cm	6.2 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 250 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	3.2-4.7

RRD WAVE CULT CONTEST QUAD

Features: New full carbon extra lightweigh Mast track - 2 x 15 cms adjustable new Fin Slot Boxes

Technology: EPS / Deck in Full PVC Herex 100 3 mm sandwich with Innegra/Carbon 165 grms and wood sandwich heel sandwich /Bottom in Full PVC Herex 100 3 mm sandwich with Biaxial Glass 160 gramslayup,reinfircements with 2 x PVC stringers 5 mm omega construction/ outside rail band with glass 160 grams.

VOLUME	LENGTH	WIDTH	WEIGHT	FINS	FIN BOX	SAIL RANGE
100 litres	233 cm	62 cm	6.87 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 350 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	4.9-6.6
92 litres	232 cm	60 cm	6.87 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 350 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	4.5-6.2
83 litres	231 cm	58 cm	6.58 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 300 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	4.0-5.7
75 litres	230 cm	56 cm	6.4 kg	MFC QUAD SET Q5 300 CNC G-10	US rear/slotbox side fins	3.7-5.2

STARBOARD QUAD

The Quads are the all-out powerful wave designs that generate maximum speed and drive, bringing an awesome production of speed, flow and power to your sailing.

Stable and direct in feel, the Quads are most rewarding when driven hard off the rails for power turns. They like to turn on a full rail. With their four-fin grip, they give a very connected-to-the-wave-face sensation yet they still give the ability to lose the tail when extended through the lip for a rotational, whipped move.

Powerful, carving rail riders like Scott McKercher and Kevin Pritchard live for such performance.

The Quads integrate Starboard's Adaptability concept: the ability to adapt intelligently to the rider's specific riding style and tune to match the conditions of the day.

The powerful rail-driven wave board
Generates maximum speed and drive, bringing an awesome production of speed, flow and power
The preferred choice for the pure wave rider looking speed, drive and power.

Nine Ladies Test Tiny Sails... 3.0 and below

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:57:00 -0500

Test Team: Ingrid Larouche, Shannon Esslinger, Tanya Ferguson, Julia Jones, Becky Rapacz, Shana Shweitzer, Diane Chacon, Christine Morlock Vogt, and Katie Crafts.

On a nukin’ day in the Gorge this late August, nine hearty women took to the water with one common question: Is there a small sail that will make these crazy conditions a little less intimidating?
   As the winds at Doug’s Beach averaged in the low 30-knot range, we drove east from Hood River with a handful of tiny 2011 sails to see how they compared in the big winds. We are all competent windsurfers and enjoy a good 3.7 or even 3.3-metre day, but something happens when the Gorge starts blowing into the 30s. It’s just not an easy session anymore… or so we thought.
   So when this small sail gear test started to take form, we were excited to compare notes and see how the different sails faired. The good news is that we all found at least a sail or two that we love and felt immediately comfortable on. The conditions were certainly challenging – much more so than an average 3.7 day – but on each of our “true love” sails we all felt significantly more comfortable than we expected we would.
   We learned a lot from our testing. First, it’s really helpful to test several sails back-to-back. Anyone considering a new quiver purchase should demo gear whenever possible. Second, these tiny sails sometimes perform differently than they do in their bigger sizes, so take your time before deciding which 2.9 is your perfect match. Third, small sails need to be rigged right. If you find you aren’t comfortable then playing with the sail settings before deciding the sail isn’t for you is critical.

Special thanks to Shannon Esslinger for coordinating all the gear. Also big thanks to Steve Gates and Daryl Morrisey of Big Winds, Dave Nunn of Windance, MJ and Charlie Burwell at Naish, Gary Morris who tech-reps for Ezzy in the Gorge and Ryan Kolberg of NoLimitz.

Ezzy Wave Panther 2.9

Luff: 318-319 Boom: 127-131

Strengths: Power; Jumping

The Good Comments: “It handles power very well and is stable. I like its ‘pocket’ for extra pull and lift with jumping!”; “One tough cookie… it can take a beating.”; "Decent power."; "Doesn't get backhanded when overpowered."

The Complaints: “It felt a bit heavy to me.”; "A little twitchy."

MauiSails Legend 2.9

Luff: 344 Boom: 132

Strengths: Transitions; Overall Feel

The Good Comments: “It feels very light.”; “Very forgiving in high gusts! Good for jibing in high winds. Went into neutral easily.”; “I immediately felt at home.”; "Light with a nice big window for visability."

The Complaints: “A little too flat for my taste.”; It became backhanded in the biggest gusts."; "Not as much lift as some of the others."

Naish Force 3.0

Luff: 326 Boom: 125

Strengths: Control/Stability; All-around Performance

The Good Comments: “Very stable and comfortable. The easiest sail to get used to.”; “Light and it is able to spill power in transitions and in the swell.”; "Not twichy and has good power."; "Light and easy to find the balance point."

The Complaints: “Rotation was a little stiffer then on the others.”; "It's deep pocket made it harder for backwinding or during moves like Shove-its."

Sailworks Revolution 2.6

Luff: 327 Boom: 119

Strengths: Power; Speed

The Good Comments: “Good power for its size.” “Super little. Super fast and powerful little sail. Had fun riding swell with and felt like I could ride down the whole river and never loose power and speed.”; " This sail was pure acceleration and speed. I think I got my biggest air on this sail."; "Very fast!"

The Complaints: “No easing on and off of power.”; "I couldn't slow down in the chop and I did a lot of tailwalking."

Severne Blade 3.0

Luff: 333 Boom: 137

Strengths: Control/Stability; Transitions; Jumping

The Good Comments: “Extremely smooth, stable, and well balanced in overpowered conditions. Rode like a Cadillac!”; “Loved this sail! It was really easy to jibe and oversheet and was always in control.”; "Sailed with the control of a larger sail! Forgiving in the high winds. Felt powered at all times but not too much."; "Depowers like a dream--would also be wonderful in waves."

The Complaints: “The boom cutout is too high.”; "I couldn't feel much acceleration in the gusts and I like to feel that acceleration."

Get this APP and Never Miss Another Windy Day

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:24:00 -0400

Meet Weendy! A new way to catch the wind.

How often have you loaded up your gear and set out for a great day on the water, only to find out that the weather forecast was wrong? You end up chasing the wind, driving around to different beaches, only to find out later that your mates found an awesome place to ride. “The forecasts didn’t predict it,” they say, “but there was a steady breeze and we rode for two straight hours!” This has happened to us too many times to count, which is why we built weendy. Our vision was to build a simple tool that would do a simple thing: help people stop chasing the wind. It took about 4 months to build and now it is available to download on the iPhone for FREE!

With the weendy app, you can send and get real time information about all of the beaches that are in the area from people that are actually there. People can report if the wind is good or if it’s dead and let others know where and when to hit the beach and what they can expect. Shoot video, punch in your estimation of the wind speed, and hit the share button. It ends the days of depending on a news report that might be bogus from someone in a studio, miles away from the beach. It saves so much time and frustration because you can go straight to where the wind is good without having to waste time riding around trying to catch it.

The weendy app also helps you meet people in your area that like to windsurf at the same beaches as you do. You can tease your mates back home with all the fun you are having, especially when they have rain and you have bright blue skies and killer waves on a gorgeous beach. You can upload clips with cool moves to share with others, give tips and teach new ones.

The weendy app is a great app to use; don’t miss a day on the water!

2011 Highwind Board and Sail Tests...with BONUS coverage

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:19:00 -0400

Here you'll find the individual reviews and the complete tests intros for both the 2011 highwind board and sail tests.

Highwind Board Test Intro...

Find Your Next Wave, Freestyle Wave or Freeride Board
Looking at these boards head-to-head is a great way to narrow it down to a few choices that are perfect for you. The eight boards tested are divided into four groups to make things easy: wave, wave-oriented freestyle wave, all-around freestyle wave, and freeride. Solosports Adventure Holidays (solosports.net) at Punta San Carlos, Baja hosted the wave portion of the test, while Worldwinds Windsurfing (worldwinds.net) at Bird Island, near Corpus Christi, Texas, provided a base for testing on flat water.

Wave: Of the three wave designs tested, the Naish Wave 87 is, by far, the most dedicated wave board lending itself to competent wave sailors looking for the ideal tool to push themselves in the most demanding conditions. The Exocet U-Surf 84 and Starboard Evo IQ 86 have a bit more all-round appeal, with planing performance allowing them to rip in onshore waves as well as the occasional bump-and-jump day.

Wave-oriented FSW: The Goya One 86 and Quatro Freestylewave 85 are equally as at home in the waves as they are in bump-and-jump conditions. They will be a great choice for anyone who’s progressing in the waves but still needs a board for back-and-forth blasting. While these two boards match up well performance-wise, there is a distinct difference in their feel on the water: the Goya prefers to be carved off the tail, and offers a ride that inspires confidence with its voluminous nose riding high above chop and white water; the Quatro has a livelier ride that’s easier to find speed from, and it carves and rides with a more front-foot-weighted stance.

All-around FSW: Coming in the form of what we expect from a freestyle wave (FSW) are the Fanatic FreeWave 85 and RRD FreeStyle Wave 85. Both of these boards put bump-and-jump performance at a higher level than the wavier shapes. That’s not to say they can’t be fun in the waves, though, and for those new to wavesailing, their consistent performance may make them boards you’ll progress faster on. We find their individual performance closely matched, but if forced to split them up, we would comment that the RRD’s playfulness was loved by everyone, regardless of style or ability, while the Fanatic is the choice for sailors with the skill to find a board’s top speed and use that ability to rail through full-speed jibes.

Freeride: The JP All Ride 96 stuck out from the crowd with its extra volume and flatwater design. It was, by far, the easiest board to ride in the test, and impressed with its performance potential. In the same conditions the 85’s were at their best, the All Ride was nearly at its limit—the larger the chop became, the more out of place it felt. But on the days the 85’s were barely going, we were cruising on the All Ride, ripping through fully powered jibes.

Highwind Sail Test Intro...

Nine Versatile Wave and Crossover SailsSail design is becoming a refined art. You’re virtually guaranteed that any sail you choose will perform in a huge range of conditions—especially with smaller sails. In this test we see everything from pro-level wavesails to less specialized back-and-forth blasters. While it’s easy to look at how a sail does in its intended conditions, it’s more amazing to see just how well it can do outside its comfort zone.

Power Wave: The Goya Eclipse, Sailworks Revolution (aka Revo) and Naish Force all feel very light in the hands and are perfect sails to cross over from wave to bump-and-jump conditions. The Eclipse and Revo go about making their weight reductions in different ways, but both do a great job of remaining stable when overpowered. Of the two, we give a slight edge to the Eclipse if waves are more of a priority, while the Revo has a bit lighter rotation that freestylers will like. If you want the sail to go neutral a little sooner, then the Naish Force is the call. It also has a slightly tighter leech that can help in certain freestyle moves, but make sure you keep the Force from getting too overpowered.

Crossover: At the forefront of the lightweight revolution is the Severne S-1. It was the quickest sail in the test to go neutral, and a joy to sail in the perfect waves of Punta San Carlos. Plus, on flat water, you can’t help but still be impressed by its light feel, so long as you stay within its wind range.
The RRD SuperStyle and NeilPryde Fusion hold their own in the waves, but also work just as well on flatter water. The RRD’s higher draft takes a little more concentration to ride, so, of the two, it’s the one for more advanced riders. The payoff is that it adds greater pop to your jumps and will allow you to more aggressively set the rail in your jibes. The light feeling and incredible tuning of the Fusion makes it a true one-sail-wonder that everyone will be impressed with, and it has a little more stability and speed potential than found in wavier designs.
The North Curve, Aerotech Phantom and MauiSails Switch are all more flatwater oriented, but each has a different feel, making it easy to choose the right one for you. The North Curve is a great sail for the progressing rider, especially if you’ve still got plenty of skills to learn that do not require planing conditions. The deep-drafted six-batten Aerotech Phantom has a locked-in feel that will make any lightwind speedster feel immediately at home on smaller sails, and its short boom allows enough manoeuvrability to add some style to your sailing. The MauiSails Switch also has six battens, but seeks a more straight-line performance. It has a more typical boom length for a flatwater sail that makes finding power easy and helps provide an unrivaled straight-line ride.

CLICK on of the boxes below to go to the individual test reviews...

Reviewed: Aeron V-Grip Boom

Tue, 11 May 2010 08:47:00 -0400

Mike "Fish" Fischer is an active blogger and Windsport contributor that purchased a couple of Aeron V-Grip booms and here is his review. For more check out his blog page known as "Fish's Windsurf Journal."

Just had two weeks in Hatteras with lots of winds using a couple of new 140-190 Aeron V-Grip continuous alloy booms.

The summary: I like them.

It is quite simple: if you have never been a fan on splashing out $500+ on carbon but have been tempted by the V-grip's extra inherent stiffness, these might be for you. I've always ridden alloy (aluminum) booms and have maybe, at most, bent or broken one on average every couple of years. I'm 165-175 lbs and I play fairly hard on the gear... land on them, loop them, etc...

What about the V-Grip shape? Well, I found it neither irritating, nor beneficial in terms of hand/forearm stress/strain and palm and finger blistering (something us less-frequent sailors have to deal with when we go on intensive windsurf holidays). I would not say I rate the v-grip cross-sectional shape any better or worse over plain round (i.e. it's pretty neutral).

What about stiffness? They are definitely stiff. Not sure how they compare to carbon, but if all you have ridden prior to these is typical two-piece arm alloy booms, then stepping to continuous (one-piece tube) V-grip shape is definitely a large improvement.

From what I can tell, by feel only (not having weighed them), they seem a touch heavier than most other standard booms out there. This is to be expected as there is some additional material in the tube cross-section, so the stiffness may come at a small price. BUT, the weight never bothered me at all (if indeed they are really any heavier) as stiffness is the critical atribute of any good boom. Maybe one day I can actually weigh them side by side with others to do a factual comparison.

Oh, did I mention the boom head? I really like it! Since switching to RDMs nearly seven-years-ago now, a problem has always been the need for a shim. I did ride a couple of older booms without shims and crushed two RDMs trying to get them to grip enough without dropping while riding. So, since then, I have always used shims in fear of repeating the same mistake. But, the Aeron's have such an excellent RDM adaptor included in the boom head, that there is no more need for after-market shims! YEAH!

In the end, yes, I definitely like them and look forward to putting on lots of mileage.

Windsport Magazine 2010 Board Test... now online!

Sun, 09 May 2010 09:35:00 -0400

Read the individual write-ups from the 2010 Windsport Magazine board test and enjoy the additonal design photos that we didn't have room for in the magazine. We tested quivers of board from each brand, so to find out the results of how each quiver did you'll have to pick up the issue!

CLICK HERE to go to the test results!

Carbon Arts announces 2010/11 Waveboard Range

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:19:00 -0400

2010/11 Carbon Art Wave

New Shapes, New Graphics, 2 Year Warranty!

Carbon Art is excited to announce the release of our 2010 wave range. An extensive amount of work, testing and tweaking on the waves of Taranaki and Maui has gone into our entire range. All three of our wave shapes have been fully refined to give you better performance and more benefits than ever before. The sheer smoothness of the Wave Vee (WaveV) puts you in control 100% of the time, the power and responsiveness of the Wave Single Concave (WaveSC) is more than impressive and the varied style of turns the Wave Thruster (WaveTH) offers is a huge amount of fun.

Along with the shape refinements we’ve been researching and testing new materials to give you the best possible performance and value for money. The end result is the integration of Innegra fibre into our leading edge composite construction. Innegra has delivered amazing results in our testing, especially in the form of increased durability, allowing us to now offer a 2 year warranty on all new waveboards! There’s also an added bonus, it’s made from recycled plastic using a green manufacturing process; an important issue for us here in New Zealand and worldwide (click here to read more on Innegra).

We’ve learned a lot about the thruster fin setup over the last few years with the development of the WaveTH and other prototypes. This experience and understanding has enabled us to now offer thruster box setups as an optional extra on the WaveV and WaveSC. It gives you the ability to fully personalise your board, tuning it to your sailing style and local conditions, and expand your sailing experience by exploring the multi fin concept without going to a specific multi fin shape.

To coincide with this year’s big developments we’re also introducing a completely new look exclusive to the wave range. The new graphics range combined with our 6 different board colour options really gives you the freedom to individually customise your style on and off the water.

Here’s a run down of each of the 3 models and the refinements we have made:

Wave Vee

This is our most versatile of the wave range and will perform well no matter what conditions are thrown at it. A true pedigree and at home anywhere.

(1) Refined nose rocker + increased volume under load bearing area =Earlier planing

(2) Refined rocker = Faster + better control at speed

(3) Softer rails forward of the mast track = Smoother initiation into turns

(4) Refined rail and vee profile =More drive thorough out turns.

(5) The introduction of super tough Innegra cloth to replace glass = better dampening, flex properties and ding resistance = stronger and a 2 year warranty

(6) Optional thruster boxes = more personalisation and tuning options

(6) New Graphics plus existing choice of 6 base colours = more customisation for you

Wave Single Concave

Our down the line specialist, really lets you go anywhere on the wave at short notice. Get into the critical areas and crank some powerful turns, lends itself to a real surf style of riding.

(1) Lower nose rocker + increased volume under load bearing area =Earlier planing

(2) Refined rocker and + increased concave between fronts and back feet = Faster + better control at speed

(3) Softer rails forward of the mast track = Smoother initiation into turns

(4) Deeper concave and refined rail profile =More drive thorough out turns.

(5) The introduction of super tough Innegra cloth to replace glass = better dampening, flex properties and ding resistance = stronger and a 2 year warranty

(6) Optional thruster boxes = more personalisation and tuning options

(7) New Graphics plus existing choice of 6 base colours = more customisation for you

Wave Thruster

Our multi fin specific board. It offers new school style of riding, making the most out of smaller mushier waves with super fast explosive turns.

(1) Refined nose rocker + increased volume under load bearing area =Earlier planing

(2) Reduced tail width + increased concave between front and back feet = Faster + better control at speed

(3) Softer rails forward of the mast track = Smoother initiation into turns

(4) Deeper concave and refined rail profile =More drive thorough out turns.

(5) The introduction of super tough Innegra cloth to replace glass = better dampening, flex properties and ding resistance = stronger and a 2 year warranty

(6) New Graphics plus existing choice of 6 base colours = more customisation for you

Click here to go to carbonartwindsurf.com

Perfect Gear Match® Survey - '10 Gear Guide

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Windsport.com’s Perfect Gear Match® Online Survey

Are you looking to find the perfect board or sail to match your windsurfing ability or style? Windsport Magazine has enlisted the services of Dr. Ivanna Loop (PsyD. from SkyHigh University and Ed.Psych.D from University of Maui [Ho'okipa campus]) to build a "relationship survey" in order to help any windsurfers quickly and easily find their perfect gear match.

Rather than listing the gear by brand and forcing you to wade through pages of boards and sails that you would never dream of riding, Dr. Loop has arranged a presentation according to windsurfing abilities and sailing styles. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail the editor at info@windsport.com (unfortunately Dr. Loop is not available as she found her own perfect match while preparing the survey, moved into a van and hasn't been heard from since).

Please start by picking the LEVEL below that best matches up to your windsurfing ability level? Be honest with yourself or you may end up with an ugly choice!

LEVEL 1 - Beginner	I am new to the sport but can’t wait to get out on the water and learn. *Skills I can do:* none *Immediate goals:* Uphauling and basic steering and sailing of a windsurfer
LEVEL 2 - Intermediate (Non-planing emphasis)	I have gone windsurfing a few times and can basically just sail out from the beach, turn around and come back. *Skills I can do:* Uphauling, basic steering in light wind and I can turn around (probably a mast tack). *Immediate goals:* Beachstarting, fast tacking, basic harness use and pivot jibe.
LEVEL 3 - Intermediate (Planing Emphasis)	I have learned most of the basic skills and I am ready to start going faster. I want to plane! Planing is when the board begins to rise up out of the water and glide across the surface rather than plowing through it. I AM READY TO START USING A SHORT BOARD AND A PERFORMANCE SAIL! *Skills I can do:* Comfortable steering the windsurfer and sailing where you want to go, basic lightwind harness use, beachstarting, and some form of lightwind tack and jibe (if not both). *Immediate goals:* Planing in the harness, learning how to get into the footstraps, carving into a jibe and dialing in everything I know so far on a smaller board.
LEVEL 4 - Advanced & Specialized	I can go fast and am most likely comfortble on at least a big shortboard. I am planing in the harness and getting into the footstraps (or at least I feel I'm close to the straps). This category covers a large range of sailing abilities and styles... but as long as you are good at planing (and not "complaining") then you'll likely find an excellent BOARD and SAIL match here! What type of windsurfer are you? In this last category we'll allow you to find your perfect match according to the "STYLE" of windsurfing you do. Categories include: Freeride Easy, Freeride Fast, Freestyle, Freestyle Wave (or Crossover/Bump & Jump), Wave, Pro Slalom, Speed, Formula, Longboard Racing and performance Kids boards. *Skills I can do:* Plane comfortably in the harness on a shortboard and likely use at least one footstrap. *Immediate goals:* Dialing in all advanced windsurfing skills from Jibing to Looping.
LEVEL K - Kids	Looking to hook your kid up with a perfect birthday present? Here are some ideal SAILS and BOARDS designed to help your kid progress whether he or she be a freerider, freestyler, racer or wavesailor.

TESTED: Dakine NRG

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The NRG waist harness is replacing the popular Nexus model in Dakine's 2010 lineup (available in shops Fall 2009). Windsport got hold of one and has been testing its support and comfort over the past 4 weeks.

First Impressions:
With harnesses brands know that a comfortable fit right off the bat is important. Consumers are told to try on all the available harnesses in the shop, hang off the available in-store test boom to replicate their windsurfing stance and see how it fits. Does the harness hug to your body in all the right places without rubbing annoyingly to anywhere in particular?

So we know harness choice is very personal... but the NRG felt great to our testers and everyone else we passed in on to for a trial wear. It seems pretty big (as if covering a large area of your lower back) when you first put it on BUT it doesn't feel big once snugged tight to your body. One tester commented, "it feels like you aren't even wearing a harness."

Comfort and Support:
The NRG's comfort and support originates from it's revolutionary shaping built into the spine. This allows it to stay in contact with a larger and more natural area of your lower back for unbelievable support and comfort. The harness stays in place at all times whether you are speeding along over the water or crashing repeatedly while learning new freestyle moves.

Get it on:
The NRG has gone to a single overlap powerbelt system to save some overall weight (see photo below).

It arrives supporting a stationary bar, but if you prefer a sliding bar then an additional Sliding Bar Kit (used in harness pictured here) can be added. This year the clip to keep one side of the spreader bar attached to the harness (so you don't lose it) is a small red clip connected to a neoprene thumb loop on both sides... this is an improved system in many ways: you won't lose your bar, you can now easily remove the bar with a simple twist and push on this clip, it can be attached on either side and the thumb loop is the ideal comfortable way to attach and remove the bar to or from the connector piece.

Conclusion:
Dakine has improved on the Nexus with the 2010 NRG waist harness adding more comfort and support features as well as upgrades to lessen overall weight and making putting it on and off that much easier. Try one on in a shop near you this Fall (2009).

RRD's 2010 Twin Wave and Wave Thruster Lines

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

RRD's new North American distributor Tony Kardol, based in the Gorge, gives us the run down on their newest multi-fin wave boards:

Sailwork's '10 Lineup in 4-minutes

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Sailwork's designer Bruce Peterson runs through their lineup for the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association's Katie Crafts:

EXCLUSIVE: Starboard Atom 99

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

NOT GETTING INTO THE FOOTSTRAPS HAS NEVER BEEN SO COOL!!!

It sounds like when Starboard's design team isn't windsurfing they are having fun throwing down wakeboard tricks at a local Thai cable park...well, at least until they discovered wakeskating. Riding strapless is a trend that has been hitting all action sports beyond just wakeboarding... even some snowboarders are doing it. Why not try it with windsurfing? So Starboard introduces the brand new concept shape: the Atom 99.

The Atom is designed to be an incredibly rangy freeride board that can be riden in many different ways. Designer Tiesda You likes riding it with a 8.5-meter no-cam freeride sail or ride it powered down to a moderate size sail with the straps placed outboard for a fun and reasonably fast ride. The inboard straps allow for more control and a slashier freestyle or freemove ride (stay tuned here and we'll dig up a smaller tuttlebox fin to run it through some aerial freestyle moves). Finally, you can remove all the straps and have fun learning how to sail in a completely different way.

We'll post a full test report later in the week...but for now here is a video rundown of the Atom for designer Tiesda You:

And here is some strapless action:

'10 TEST: Starboard Quad 76

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"An easy-to-ride and well balanced small boards that rips in more conditions than just waves!"

Last year in Punta San Carlos, Baja the Windsport test team was stoked to get to try 3 new '09 twin fin waveboards (Starboard Evil Twin 80, JP TwinserWave 84 and Mistral Twinzer 84)... so this year when Starboard contacted us about doing an early test on the 2010 Starboard Quad (named for having 4 fins) we were stoked. If two fins can make a board slashier on a wave face what will four fins do?

The Straight-line Ride:
Finally, here is a technological advancement that extends beyond the pro level rider with performance that is truly accessible to the Average Joe. The Quad 76 planes up quickly and comfortably for it's small size getting plenty of drive from the 15 cm fore fins and smaller 12 cm rear fins, plus the 57.5 cm width helps as well. Once planing the ride can be best described as comfortable. It is definitely not a particularly fast board but there is enough horsepower to get airborne when used in bump-and-jump sailing conditions. The four fins provide plenty of grip for tracking back upwind after a satisfying wave ride to set you up for that next wave and this is a board that never suffers from spin-out... one fin may break free but not all four.

Lightwind Performance:
When there are waves who wants to be stuck sitting on the beach just because the wind isn't quite planable? The Quad 76 will help get you out into the action as it is incredibly balanced and "slogable" for it's volume. There probably isn't an easier tacking sub-80 litre waveboard, especially considering its 228 cm length. It may sink up to your waist underwater but the balance from nose to tail will keep you upright until you get enough wind in the sail to come back to the surface.

Turns, Turns, Turns:
Let's face facts, the Quad is classified as a waveboard so it better turn well, but the four fins grip better than single or twin fin boards and also creates incredible drive. In particular, tight pivoty turns that can overwhelm the grip of other boards will spit you out in a new direction with almost no loss of speed. The larger front fins (compared to the smaller aft fins) grip the board to the water keeping you carving no matter how aggressively you rail the board. More experienced riders who may want the tail slide for adding style to a move may find themselves fighting the boards grip, but for the Average Joe the confidence the Quad instills will greatly improve your wavesailing. Along with its directional ride, the Quad feels at home whether surfing sizable side-off waves or smaller on-shore river swell in places like Rio Vista or the Gorge.

Carving on the Columbia River:

The Quad Easily Planes through Jibes:

The Fins:
To keep the weight of all these fins in check Starboard makes use of the smaller Mini-Tuttle box for the 2 larger 15 cm front fins. This is a fixed position box with a through-hull bolt for security. Currently fins this size may be hard to find, but since this the Mini-Tuttle is a box already in use by many kiteboard brands it should not be too hard for companies to provide after market replacements. The two smaller 12 cm aft fins are the surfboard standard FCS base, but the actual box is produced by Surf Finz and along with allowing for 8mm of moment fore and aft is much stronger as well. The rear fins in the Surf Finz box will wobble slightly when flexed but Starboard maintains that this is a strong box and we found no issues through our testing.

Straps and Pads:
At last year's test Francisco Goya advised us to setup a board for best wavesailing performance with the straps as wide apart as possible to better mimic a true surfing stance...and it works insanely well. The Quad comes with a slightly wider stance width than most production waveboards to help do this. The max stance width for the Quad 76 is 24.5 inches whereas most board average around 23.5 to 24 inches. For better speed and jumping in onshore conditions a more conventional normal stance can be setup. The footstraps are more comfortable than in years past although still not as comfy as some aftermarket straps (but this is always a personal choice). Since the rear strap is firmly secured with 4 screws we recommend not using the “anti-twist” inserts as they raise the strap and detract from the straps comfort.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND MARKETING INFO DIRECT FROM STARBOARD.

Extra Info (hover mouse pointer over picture for caption):

Windsurfing Mast Guide

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you enjoy windsurfing, you eventually become knowledgeable in technical terms you never dreamed you’d have interest in. There’s just no getting around it. When you look at a bird in flight and no longer just take pleasure in its aerial acrobatics, but start to notice small nuances in how the wings move and feathers flex, you have windsurfing to thank. When purchasing a sail, it’s impossible to suppress your self-taught understanding of aerodynamics as you make a decision based on what “looks right.” With masts, this purchasing technique doesn’t work so well as they all pretty much look the same sitting in the sales rack. Let’s look at why there are so many options and what exactly is the difference between them.

Carbon Content
When you start looking at price tags on new masts, you’ll immediately notice that the more money you spend, the more carbon you get. Masts are generally made up of fibreglass and carbon-fibre strands held together with epoxy resin. Few masts these days are made with less than 30 per cent carbon, while the majority of performance masts have over 60 per cent. Carbon is the perfect material for masts as it has incredible compression and tensile strengths. In other words, it can’t be squished or stretched. This means that masts with higher carbon content can be lighter, since less fibreglass is needed, without any sacrifice in durability. As a bonus, a higher carbon content also makes for a snappier mast that moves through its flex cycle faster, allowing your sail be more responsive to the wind.
   Most windsurfers think that durability decreases as carbon content increases. However, this is only true in the parking lot, so don’t drop your mast on concrete or other hard surfaces. Once on the water, strength is dependant on wall thickness rather than carbon content.

RDM versus SDM
The advantage of the skinnier reduced-diameter mast (RDM) is greater strength, as the wall diameter of an RDM is greater than that of a standard-diameter mast (SDM). The RDM rig’s feel is also slightly different, offering a softer, more elastic and responsive feel versus the more immediate pull of the thicker SDM. One is not better than the other, only different, so it’s advisable to rig at least all of your smaller sails on the same style of diameter mast to maintain a similar feel. In recent years, some manufacturers have been designing larger sails around longer RDMs, such as 460- and 490-centimetre models. Many of these longer masts attain proper performance through the use of expensive high-modulus carbon fibre. This higher-quality carbon has greater tensile strength, allowing for the same strength and snappiness as found in shorter masts.

Stiffness and Bend
Manufacturers try to make “how much carbon you can afford” all you need to consider when purchasing a mast, but the truth is, there are more factors. On every mast you’ll a find info referring to its bend and stiffness. This info is the result of a Mast Check System (MCS). The basic idea of the MCS is this: A 30-kilogram weight is hung at the mast’s midpoint, allowing the manufacturer to check how much the mast bends at three places, the quarter, mid and three-quarter points. At the time the MCS was created, most masts were 460 centimetres long. When different length masts became popular, the MCS formula was tweaked to account for length and named the Indexed Mast Check System (IMCS). The number associated with the MCS or IMCS informs consumers of the mast’s stiffness: the higher the number, the stiffer the mast. Today, nearly every mast of the same length is rated at the same stiffness.
   There is also a standard for the bend in masts. Misnamed the constant curve, this term refers to a bottom section that is 10 to 12 per cent stiffer than the top. A mast with a stiffer bottom section is termed a flextop, while a softer bottom results in a hardtop.
   With regard to sail tuning, you’ll find a deeper draft and more perimeter tension wherever stiffness is added to a particular section of the mast, either the top or bottom. This means if you use the same amount of downhaul tension to rig identical sails on masts with similar lengths and IMCS rating, a flextop bend will result in more shape in the lower part of the sail compared to a hardtop, which will exhibit greater tension in the leach. On the water, a flextop mast will lower the sail’s pull and make it feel lighter, while the hardtop’s tighter leech will help you get find more power. A mast that is stiffer overall will be both deeper down low and tighter in the leech but, with more downhaul, can be tuned to look similar to the softer mast. When it comes to performance, the flextop generally offers more stability at top speed but is less responsive to gusts when accelerating.
   The MCS is not an exact science, though, and with every manufacturer using different recipes and cooking techniques, there can be slight differences from one mast to another. In particular, the MCS does not account for the mast’s diameter. Any sailor who has tried the same sail with both an RDM and SDM will tell you there’s a noticeable difference. Some manufacturers simply design a sail to rig on either an RDM or SDM, and they strongly recommend you stick to one or the other. Others tweak the bend of their RDM to account for the reduced diameter and ensure that their sails rig well with both types of mast.

A Perfect Fit
The easiest way to know if your mast will fit your sail perfectly is to buy the one recommended by the sail’s manufacturer. This is the mast that the sail was designed around, and it will reward you with a better tuning range and performance than any other mast. If the recommended mast is not available, you may still be able to find a perfect match. Companies like Powerex make masts for a number of different sail lofts; often only the label is what’s different. However, this is not always the case. Some brands have masts made in the Powerex factory but built to their own individual design specs. A quick call to your local shop or the sail manufacturer should be all the legwork needed to find out what your best options are for any particular sail.

(Words by Derek Rijff / PWA-Carter photo)

2008 Sails with Style: Thirteen 5.6-6.0s Tested

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Every sport has a sub-language created devoted participants. For example, all windsurfers know what it means when someone refers to a “5.0 day” or being “hooked in.” Within this sub-language, sometimes common words become “bad” words. Mention catapult to a windsurfer and see his or her face turn white with fear.
   A word that surprises me in its lack of respect from windsurfers is freestyle. Any shop manager will quickly agree that it has become a bad word. But why? It’s really a term for equipment that will let you go out and do whatever you want. Magazines and videos show pros doing impossibly contorted moves on this gear, so the average Joe quickly throws out a tricks-are-for-kids line when a salesperson mentions looking at freestyle gear. These customers are missing the point. Pros hit these crazy tricks because this is by far some of the easiest gear to sail.
   Consider a board’s volume. Most freestyle designs are the most stable, fastest planing, efficient through lulls, easiest jibing and best jumping boards a company makes. For sails, the term freestyle isn’t as well defined, but a good freestyle sail will be light, well balanced and have enough power to get you planing in the smallest puff. How could people not enjoy this gear? It might not be very fast, but the average sailor will often find that the pluses far outweigh the negatives.
   Some sailors have figured out what freestyle boards have to offer and quickly progressed beyond all their buddies. Many reach a point where they think, Let’s see if I can learn some new-school tricks. More often than not, they find that the confidence this equipment gives them to progress so quickly also makes the tricky stuff easier than it looks. Today, nearly every beach will have at least one sailor—with a real job—working on some sort of aerial transition.
   To help shed freestyle’s unattractive image, we compiled a playful pile of toys at this year’s Windsport test in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Test editor: Derek Rijff
Test team: Andy Brandt, Ian Brown, Ed DeHart, Pete DeKay, Tom Lepak, Derek Rijff

Thirteen Sails with Style: 5.6-6.0 m2
This year we received 13 sails between 5.6 and 6.0 m2. All are no-cam sails capable of being used in almost any wind and water conditions. Some are more straightline-oriented than others, but none will give you an excuse to avoid trying a new trick—especially if that new trick is your first jibe.

Straightline
Five of the test sails stand out for their straightline performance. Amongst them, we find the biggest individual differences from sail to sail. Sailworks’ Hucker is the most powerful and best suited to driving a board setup with dual back footstraps. The Naish All-Terrain can do almost anything but is made for cruising with its power and higher draft. The same can be said for Severne’s do-everything Gator, although the feel is a touch lighter and more responsive (twitchy). At a price well below anything else in the test, the Bic Cruiser surprises us performance-wise. It might not survive as much abuse, but it feels light, well-balanced and efficient. The Loft’s 360 Free is a versatile sail that provides the progressing sailor a comfortable feel with reliable pull.

Freestyle Wave
The remaining eight sails all balance well on freestyle and freestyle waveboards with inboard straps and are a perfect match performance-wise. With a hope of spreading the gospel of freestyle, we further break them down according to amount of power versus control. A good freestyle sail, or any sail for that matter, must have power and control. However, at the pro level, there is more of a split as to which is considered more important: guts or glory.

Sails with Guts: Goya’s 3D Wave is one of the most powerful sails in the test and, if not for a softer, more elastic feel, could compare well to the Naish All-Terrain. With its softness, reduced foot area and short boom, the Goya tempers its power for decent control in tricky situations. The Aerotech Phantom has a stiffer, more efficient feel than the Goya but displays a similar balance through transitions. As we move on to the Neil Pryde Alpha, we find a sail with a lot more responsiveness. The power is plentiful and easy to find, but reward is available to sailors with some finesse. It doesn’t go as neutral as Simmer’s Icon, but compared to the 3D Wave and Phantom, there is less chance of it powering up mid-manoeuvre. Even though the Simmer depowers and becomes neutral when sheeted out, it’s so soft and elastic that it powers up quickly and with little effort.

Sails for Glory: The last four sails tested all get the nod for showing exemplary control from the ease at which they go completely neutral. It’s important to mention that power to plane is available, but it takes better technique and patience to find. The Gaastra Poison and North Duke go neutral so easily, they give confidence to push our personal freestyle limits. The difference is that the Duke is a touch more responsive with a more forward draft, while the Poison’s lower draft and softer feel give it slightly better balance. There is no question the Hot Sails Crossfire is the lightest sail both in static weight and feel. In transitions, it’s amazing how this can improve your sail handling and completion rate in new tricks. The only tradeoff is a little less stability in stronger winds. Being the first sail thrown into the van to go wavesailing, the Worldsails Surge feels almost as light as the Crossfire, with enough grid to withstand repeated washing in the shore pound. It’s a little more stable than the Crossfire but takes added patience to find power.

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The Phantom stands out from other power wavesails due to its crisp, responsive feel. The significant amount of seam shaping and extra batten give it a locked-in, stable feel, and the top twists off cleanly for efficient cruising through big gusts. All this straightline goodness makes for a noticeable rotation in transitions and a little unwanted power in more technical moves. As usual, Aerotech has refined many lesser details, including the mast pad, mast tip and user guides, for better durability and easier rigging. Recommended settings are slightly vague, but with the interactive rigging guide, your favourite setting is easily remembered. Plus, the luff is short enough that, in a pinch, rigging on a 400-centimetre mast is possible.

                                                      Bic Cruiser 6.0>>
If you never looked closely at the Cruiser rig, you would be hard-pressed to explain why it’s so inexpensive. Even with an aluminum boom and 30 per cent carbon mast, the Cruiser is one of the lightest-feeling sails in the test. It powers up smoothly, and the draft is low enough to make it very manageable. It balances well on all boards except for the most racy double-strapped slalom shapes. The only time on the water this sail doesn’t over-achieve is upon getting overpowered, when it becomes unstable. The Cruiser’s availability as part of a complete rig package removes consumer frustration. Everything needed is here and easily put together for an affordable price, but care is needed to ensure a long lifespan.

<<Gaastra Poison 5.8
It is selling the Poison short to dismiss it as just a wavesail. The Poison has everything you can want and just so happens to be built wave-tough. It’s a near-perfect blend of power, control, speed, manoeuvrability and balanced rider position. The power is not immediate but is easy to find and builds as the sail fills with wind. The top speed is impressive while the top twists off enough to dampen big gusts. For transitions, the low draft makes this bomber sail still feel light and balanced. The Poison rigs up easily with a clean look and plenty of details to help you along. Recommended settings are spot-on and give you a perfectly rigged sail right out of the bag.

                                  Goya Wave 3D 5.7>>
For immediate power, look no further than the 3D Wave. Ample seam shaping and high draft provides reliable pull to balance against as soon as you start sheeting in, urging you to move back into the straps. Once there, the pull is constant, helping you mow down chop like it doesn’t exist. For carving, the Goya’s drive helps to hold your edge through aggressive rail pressure. Its abundant power may require a little more technique for popping jumps, but once mastered, it helps you launch huge off the smallest ramps. The refined panel layout makes for a clean-looking, durable sail. Rig at least to the recommended settings, and don’t be afraid to go beyond for a lighter riding feel.

<<Hot Sails Maui Crossfire 5.9
The Crossfire’s mostly monofilm construction, low forward draft and prominent luff curve shaping make it the lightest-feeling rig here. This will help all riders during transitions, while for freestylers who must be able to handle a sail in odd positions, this weight advantage will become addictive. Testers made moves on the Crossfire that wouldn’t have been claimed on any other test rig. In a straight line, the lightness provides a great feel until overpowered, plus some attention is needed for earliest planing. Kevlar rip-stop rope, a robust luff sleeve and the use of Dacron in high-wear areas guarantee a long and healthy life, while rigging is simple on the Hot Sails Hotrod RDM.

                  Loft 360 Free 5.8>>
With one of the longest booms in the test, the power in the 360 Free is immediate and constant. This allows the 360 Free to breed confidence from the moment you sheet in, as the power is easy to find. Also, the sail’s top flexes well enough to keep you from getting jerked around when going through gusts. The high pull and long boom help drive the rail and smooth out chop while carving but feel slightly awkward during complex freestyle moves. The 360 Free is full of features to make your life easier. Rigging with the Powerex RDM is straightforward, and since the sail has such a large sweet spot, it is easy to find the same feel from session to session.

<<Naish All-Terrain 6.0
Naish claims to have put power into this large All-Terrain, but we’re surprised how manageable this power is. Usually, power sails end up being a handful once up to speed. The All-Terrain has a lighter feel that balances well on both wider and narrower boards, perhaps because of the cut-away clew. This lightness is also appreciated in transitions, allowing it to live up to its name. We’re not calling it a wavesail, but for working so well on bigger boards it shows impressive range. It has plenty of sail-care features and rigs nicely to spec on the Naish Firestick RDM. There is plenty of tunability both through downhaul for draft height and outhaul for power.

     Neil Pryde Alpha 5.8>>
Despite being marketed as a power wavesail, the Alpha crosses over into bump-and-jump conditions perfectly. With a fair amount of seam shaping, the power comes into the sail quickly and remains solid as the head twists off in gusts. It can be tuned by adding downhaul for boards with centred footstraps, but the flop in the head becomes a little excessive. In transitions, mating the large luff sleeve with an RDM mast allows it to go more neutral than any other sail with this much power, making for great pop and sail handling. Design- and feature-wise, this is a well-put-together sail. Recommended settings are spot-on, and with the X-Combat RDM, rigging is easier than ever.

<<North Duke 5.9
With slightly less grid monofilm than the other crossovers, the Duke feels light. It has a flat on-the-beach profile—taking its shape on the water from its luff curve—making it a joy in transitions. While rotating on any jibe or aerial, you never have to worry about an unwanted pulse of power, and it takes little effort to keep the rig balanced. Power-hungry riders may find this lightness disconcerting, while more efficient riders will love its responsiveness. Top-end speed is impressive, as the Duke feels very slippery, but in big gusts, care is needed to keep control. North goes the extra mile to ensure a perfectly set sail first time out of the bag.

          Sailworks Hucker 5.6>>
Sailworks sent the Hucker for this manoeuvre-oriented sail test since we enjoyed the Revolution in our wave test (see Issue 115). It is clearly the most straightline-oriented sail in the test due to its long boom, seam shaping, amount of sail area below the boom, and highest draft in the test. The Hucker has serious horsepower and an ability to withstand even the biggest gusts. It matches perfectly with a faster-shaped crossover board, providing great power for pop. The Hucker is well built with impeccable stitching and reinforcement in all high-wear areas. It can be tuned for a huge wind range and performs equally well on Sailworks’ reduced- and regular-diameter masts.

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As a middle size in the Gator range, the 6.0 m2 is designed to balance both manoeuvrability and straightline blasting. This Gator meets this goal by mixing a middle-of-the-road draft height and full foot area with a light feel (from the cut-away clew) and luff curve shaping. There is just enough immediate power to appease anyone while still having some responsiveness for technical sailors. At speed, the Gator feels slippery and well balanced but becomes a handful in larger gusts. In transitions, its lightness, neutral power and seamless rotation encourage carving. There is a good tuning range both for draft placement and power, with spot-on recommended settings.

              Simmer Icon 5.9>>
The Icon is a versatile sail that is sensitive to tuning. Small adjustments make for visually noticeable differences that change its on-water feel. It always has an elastic feel while powering up and reacts to gusts, but less downhaul provides a higher draft preferred by power-hungry riders. More downhaul lowers the draft for a lighter, locked-in feel preferred by freestyle sailors. Having so much power while still being able to go neutral makes the Simmer a favourite for light winds. The Icon is built to withstand serious abuse. Recommended specs are accurate, but take care, as a half-centimetre adjustment can make a noticeable difference.

<<Worldsails Surge 5.7
It is no surprise that the Surge, as last year, reclaims the title as most wave-worthy. It feels incredibly light, due to a flat on-the-beach profile and low forward draft, despite being built to withstand punishment. Compared to others it requires more patience to find power, but with proper technique, plenty is available for fun in even the choppiest conditions. The flat profile is stiff enough to hold through big gusts for a decent wind range. Lastly, it has great on-off power that is required whether hitting the lip of a wave or attempting a complex aerial. New details have been added for better durability and care, while rigging to spec and beyond gives all the range you need.

Windsurfing Wetsuits

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Buying a new wetsuit can be an intimidating experience. Windsurfers should look past the basic surf suit and find one that fits their comfort, warmth and performance needs to a tee. Windsport contacted Josh Noe, brand manager of Neil Pryde Waterwear, and Edwin Honsbeek, ProLimit’s wetsuit expert, to find out why it’s worth replacing that old, ratty, pee-stained suit with a brand-new 2008 model.

How have wetsuits improved over the years?
Josh Noe: Flexibility is the biggest improvement. The jersey material laminated on the inside of the neoprene largely governs the amount of stretch, and these jerseys are now lighter, stretchier and silkier than ever. Today, a five-millimetre wetsuit feels lighter and more comfy than most three-millimetre suits from three or four years ago. Plus, we’ve dramatically reduced the amount of neon orange used in suits today—a huge fashion milestone.
Edwin Honsbeek: The quality of the neoprene and materials and how they are applied in today’s wetsuit is vastly improved from the past. There is a lot of product development in the weight and stretch of the neoprene itself, giving us more options to build better-fitting products. This provides improved performance, warmth and comfort.

How has stitching evolved?
JN: Ten years ago, wetsuits were mostly flat-lock stitched, meaning that they weren’t watertight. Next, blind stitching was developed to make a seam that was waterproof. To add durability and even more waterproofing, companies started to glue their seams in addition to blind-stitching them. Further improvement was the advent of liquid tape that is heat-welded to the inside of these seams. Although adding durability and water sealing, the liquid tape is rough and can delaminate from the seam. The newest, most advanced suits are glued and blind stitched and use super-thin polyurethane tape (TPU) for a smooth, stretchy and watertight seal.

What is the advantage to spending more money on a better wetsuit?
EH: More high-end light and stretchy materials are used in building the more expensive products for a super-comfy fit and ultimate performance. The best of these materials can stretch up to five to six times their original length, whereas more low-end materials stretch only three to four times. Also, on the more expensive wetsuit, you find a better water barrier. The ultimate top-of-the-line suits use more panels in their layout for distinct shaping and a better fit. Of course, this is more work for the factory and adds to the cost.
JN: At the budget level, the basic difference is that flatlock stitching (not watertight) is used versus the glued- and blind-stitched seams (watertight) on better suits. At the next level, extra money goes to pay for higher-grade neoprene or higher-grade jersey material, which is lighter and stretchier. This is the major difference between a cheap suit and an average-priced suit. Between a medium-priced suit and highest-priced suit, you usually pay for thermal insulation (on the chest, back or thighs) and liquid tape or, even better, polyurethane-tape-sealed seams. And, of course, there’s even more top-end neoprene and jersey used on the most expensive suits. Basically, the more you pay, the warmer, drier and more comfortable you’ll be.

Any tips for finding a perfect fit?
JN: A size chart can give you a good estimate of what size you are, but you can’t beat trying the wetsuit on before you buy it. And remember that neoprene will relax in the water, so the fit in the shop will be slightly different.

Why should a windsurfer buy a windsurf-specific wetsuit?
EH: These suits have a windsurf-specific arm cut to prevent cramping during sailing as you grip the boom. This is so much different from surf or even a kite-specific suit.
JN: Besides the arm cut differences, windsurf-specific suits are also made to keep you warm where there is windchill. A lot more smoothskin is used on a windsurf suit. A surf suit, in comparison, has more double-lined jersey [because] the surfer is in the water most of the time, as opposed to being on top of it. Also, the neoprene Neil Pryde uses in our windsurfing suits is more durable than the average surf-wetsuit neoprene. Velcro ankle closures help drain water to prevent sausage legs and allow a tight fit to prevent ride up.

Is it OK to pee in my suit?
EH: It’s no joke—peeing in your wetsuit can harm it. The inner layer is glued on the neoprene and urine can work like a solvent on both the seams and the inner lining.

Any tips for wetsuit care?
JN: Try not to hang your suit in direct sunlight when drying it, as the ultraviolet rays will shorten its life.
EH: Always rinse your suit with fresh water or turn it inside-out and wash it in a laundry machine with cold water with special suit detergent. Do not tumble dry, but hang it inside-out in a place not exposed to direct sunlight. Also, do not leave it wet in your car in hot conditions.

2008 Wave Sails: 5.0-metre

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Destination Equipment Test
San Carlos, Mexico: Fifteen 5.0 m2 wavesails

Windsurf magazines show page after page of pros ripping apart giant waves. They, of course, are doing this on the latest and greatest in wavesail technology. Yet at your local beach, where there may not be a breaking wave in sight, you’ll see people riding these same sails. Today’s wavesails serve a purpose to the average windsurfer beyond being cool. They are easy to rig, built to last and offer superior control when the weather turns nasty. This is one of the thoughts we tried to keep in mind as we packed up a van with 15 wavesails for our second annual fall trip to the wavesailing utopia of San Carlos, Mexico.

Wave variety
Not only is it possible that a wavesail never see a wave, but it may never see two waves remotely alike. If the wind is blowing onshore, sailors ride predominately with their back to the waves, which is called backside riding. Sideshore and side-off winds allow for quintessential frontside riding, where you face the wave while making a bottom turn. Waves also break differently depending on the contour of the bottom and the angle a swell reaches land. Bigger and steeper waves are powerful enough to generate speed without much help from the sail, while smaller waves need the sail’s help. Peeling waves allow you to make a number of turns and give time to build up speed. Crashing closeouts, like sandbar shorebreak, provide little time to build up the speed needed to hit the lip, let alone outrun whitewater. Companies with vast sail lines will have as many as four models for wave use, each fitting a certain combination of wind and waves. The 15 sails we brought to San Carlos fit into three groups—down-the-line, multi-condition and power wave—with power generation being the most noticeable difference from group to group.

Down-the-line sails
These thoroughbred wavesails are designed for the ultimate conditions, where sailors charge down the line in sideshore or side-off winds and the resulting clean and peeling waves. Power is not as important as control and a light feel. These sails tend to have lower drafts, shorter booms and flatter profiles, design traits that allow for maximum control (on/off power) and provide balance when carving from rail to rail. When used in bump-and-jump conditions, the trick to finding power from them is efficient sail handling. Efficient riders more in touch with fluctuations in the wind can use their on/off power—which some might call twitchiness—as feedback.
   We got our hands on six down-the-line models that spent the most time in San Carlos’ most famous section, the Chili Bowl. The Simmer Vision has more seam shaping and a higher draft than the others; it takes a little commitment, but a super-light feel provides a ton of confidence. With proper tuning, the Hot Sails Maui Fire feels light and has enough power to attack any wave. The Gaastra Manic, Naish Session, Neil Pryde Zone and World Sails Surge all have less seam shaping, shorter booms, low drafts and tighter leeches than all others. This provides a light feel and supreme control, letting the rider sail aggressively. Of the four, the subtle difference is in softness, with the order of most to least being the Zone, Session, Manic and Surge.

Multi-condition sails
Companies label these sails “competition wavesails” because they suit traveling around the world and performing in any wave conditions. These versatile sails have middle-of-the-road power, control and manoeuvrability. A multi-condition sail that has a longer boom will have little seam shaping. One with a lot of seam shaping will have a low draft. They offer less power when compared to the next group, the power waves, but have a lighter feel for maximum manoeuvrability.
   We brought six sails that all fit into this group based on their power output. Within its wind range, the Aerotech Charge’s lightness and power take on any wave and all but the heaviest-handed riders. Severne’s Blade has a similar feel but with a higher draft and shorter boom. It’s also a little more stable for control on bigger waves and more wind. The North Ice trades off a little power for an even lighter feel on the wave. Going with a much softer feel, The Loft Lip Wave and Windwing Bash have the most transparent rotations in the test. On really fast boards or bigger waves they sacrifice a bit of stability, but otherwise are the least involved sails of this group to ride. The most unique feel in the test is the Ezzy SE, which combines softness and stability, power and control, even lightness and durability.

Power wavesails
Designed for onshore wavesailing and other less-than-ideal conditions, the power waves generate plenty of power to get out through shorebreak and guarantee speed for setting up wave sections to lay into. They generally have a longer boom, more seam shaping (shape that is obvious even when there is no wind in the sail) and a higher draft. These sails are great all-around highwind sails for bigger riders.
   Of the three sails in this category, the Goya Wave has the most power, with plenty of seam shaping and a high draft. The longer boom on the Global generates ample power, and its slightly flatter profile pays off when hitting the lip. The Sailworks Revolution has a huge tuning range that can create almost as much power as the Goya and can be toned down to almost fit in with the multipurpose group.

Gaastra Manic 5.0
Within the Gaastra lineup, the Manic’s all-grid construction, shorter boom, flat profile and lower clew make it the best choice for down-the-line wavesailing.
    Meticulous attention to detail gives it an incredibly clean look without being cheap or flimsy. The recommended settings for boom and luff length are perfect, plus tuning for draft height and range is accomplished easily.
    San Carlos is a place where the Manic shines. Its flat profile and light feel make it nearly invisible on the wave. If you’ve got some timing and know how to use a wave to generate speed, this sail lets you rip unaffected by the wind. If you do need a little wind to help you out, the Manic is still a pleasure. The power comes on and off so quickly, you can easily regulate how much you need. It still takes the intuitive sail control of a rider with a light touch to be comfortable right away, but if you’ve got the technique, this sail helps you feel more composed as you push your limits.

Hot Sails Maui Fire 5.0
Hot’s new hardcore wavesail, the Fire, replaces the legendary SO for 2008. Designer Tom Hammerton calls it more of an evolution than a new beginning, with more softness and transparency. Hence the name change. On Hot’s own Hot Rod mast, the Fire rigs up easily with less of a heave on the downhaul than most others. The leech twists off rapidly, so small adjustments can make a noticeable difference both visually and on the water. Small changes in outhaul tension make a noticeable difference in sail power as well.
    As the softest sail in the test, the Fire is hot on the wave with true power on/off ability. Regulating the power is easy and smooth, so you’re in complete control of how much speed you take from section to section. Even with plenty of downhaul to try and lower the draft, we found the Fire top-heavy enough to help get weight forward and drive the rail. On some sails, a high draft makes balance off the lip awkward. But the Fire’s short boom, high clew and lightness make it easy to shift weight and react to the wave.

Naish Session 5.0
The Session, Naish’s down-the-line hardcore wavesail, has a lower draft and less power than the Naish Force. Dialed-in recommended settings make the Session a true set-it-and-forget-it sail. The new panel layout adds durability without changing how the sail shapes up under tension. Should the recommended setting not have the draft exactly where you want it, the sail can be repositioned by altering the downhaul tension.
    This sail has plenty of elasticity without feeling spongy or unstable. It goes completely neutral when luffed, has plenty of power when sheeted in and, with its short boom, is one of the lightest-feeling sails here. Add to this the fact that, through tuning, the draft can be tailored to almost anyone: high for aggressive riders to drive the rail, and low for smaller riders or those who want better control off the lip or when overpowered. Like other hardcore wavesails, the Session suits riders with a lighter touch to find the power. Good elasticity lets it take shape and power up quicker than most.

Neil Pryde Zone 5.0
Out of Neil Pryde’s five-battten sails, the Zone has the shortest boom, flattest profile and a low/forward draft, making it the lightest feeling and most suited for down-the-line riding.
    Anyone loving the little things in life will be impressed with the attention to detail. Recommended rigging is spot-on, and all of the extensive features are engineered into the sail like no other.
    Being a down-the-line wavesail, it’s no surprise that the Zone has a light feel and true power on/off ability. It feels a touch softer than the other hardcore wavesails and, as a result, powers up quicker because it takes shape sooner. The draft is a little higher than its closest rivals but, with added downhaul, can be rigged with a similar feel. Most of us prefer this setting for the ability to easily manoeuvre the sail off the top of the wave. The higher draft is great for holding an edge through high-speed bottom turns. It has a monofilm window that may not be as durable as X-ply, but the testers enjoy how much easier it is to see through while setting up to hit the lip.

Simmer Vision 5.0
Simmer has been at the forefront of wavesail design for as long as people have been riding waves. The Vision, Simmer’s down-the-line sail, is also available in an all-X-ply version called the X-Flex.
    Even though the Vision has a fair amount of monofilm, its Kevlar tendons, O-ring clew and liberal use of Dacron make it one of the best built. Tuning-wise, the Vision has a different look to it. With more seam shaping than most, the leech reacts differently to downhaul tension. Watching the battens flatten (pull under the mast) is a better tuning guide. Even though the sail looks “normal” once rigged, there will be more shape than in others before the boom goes on.
    Due to ample seam shaping, the Vision looks like a power wavesail. However, the first bottom turn immediately changes this view. A perfect amount of elasticity allows it to progressively depower mid-carve and go to the lip without struggling with the wind. It is at this moment that you realize why the name Vision is ideal. The monofilm window is a luxury we enjoy after head-bobbing on the other grid sails.

World Sails Surge 4.7
World Sails is a smaller company that sticks with a simple two-sail lineup. The Surge is its no-cam offering and from size to size gets subtle modifications to tweak the sail for the most common conditions.
    One requirement for a wavesail is that it can be rigged quickly with little fuss, and the Surge does just that. Free of clutter, the sail has a clean, no-nonsense look to it. Tuning is simple; the leech softens progressively with downhaul tension.
    After years of testing larger models of the Surge (usually 5.7 m2) in flatwater, we finally gave this smaller version a ride in some waves. To no one’s surprise, the Surge feels right at home in San Carlos. Even though it is the only highwind World Sail, the Surge has a thoroughbred wave design with light handling, plenty of responsiveness and true on/off power. Like the other down-the-line sails, it likes having the wave accelerate to top speed and rewards with flawless handling that remains controlled no matter how fast you go.

Aerotech Charge 5.2
The Charge is a light, five-batten down-the-line charger. This year’s design has more shape down low to aid control in challenging conditions.
    Despite vague, wide-ranging rigging specs, it tunes easily. The leech softens progressively when more tension is added, and it’s not until the leech gets really loose that the battens pull behind the mast. This ensures clew tension with little outhaul even if you bag out the sail for power.
    With its long boom and soft elastic feel, this is one of the most powerful sails in the test. The flat on-the-beach profile takes proper sheeting to expand and generate power, and when done right even convinced one tester he was riding a 5.5. We found the range of the Charge to be on par with other sails, but since it was the first one on the water, it was also one of the first to get blown off the water. Through tuning, the Charge’s power can also be tailored to complement less-than-ideal conditions. Aerotech labels this its sideshore wavesail, but it can easily be a one-sail wonder for any wave setup.

Ezzy Wave SE 5.0
The Wave SE is Ezzy’s only highwind sail design. Designer David Ezzy builds it as much for Josh Angulo to win wave contests as he does for the everyday rider looking for a good session.
    The recommended settings are spot on, with most adjustment for range being accomplished through the outhaul. It’s no secret that Ezzy sails are durable, built using Spectra-lined monofilm that is actually lighter than nylon.
    With so much shape sewn into the sail we were unsure if the SE would disappear on the wave, allowing us to be as aggressive off the top in San Carlos’ side-off winds. The result was a surprise: while there was more power on tap than the flat sail, it was so manageable that none of us felt we had to back down on our sailing. Subtle balance shifts are needed to hold the power off the top, but the low and forward draft is so predictable that it doesn’t take long to figure out. The ability to have power when other sails don’t makes it easy to hit sections even when our timing is off.

The Loft Lip Wave 5.0
Having spent time in Maui during his formative years, Loft designer Monty Spindler knows what makes a great wavesail. Settling in Tarifa, Spain, to establish his new brand has taught him that a sail like his Lip Wave can do more than ride waves.
    Constant evolution of the Lip has resulted in a durable sail. The sail is so tunable, we find ourselves straying from the recommended specs, with dramatic results in how the sail feels. You will not be doing this sail justice if you simply take Loft’s specs to be written in stone.
    As Loft’s only sail designed for wave use, the Lip does an incredible job of splitting hairs between power and responsiveness. Less downhaul makes it powerful and well-suited to onshore conditions, while more flattens the Lip out for a softer feel and better on/off power required in sideshore wavesailing. When bagged out it’s still not full-on power, and in down-the-line mode the longer boom makes it a little heavy, but no other sail can alter its feel as much as the Lip Wave.

North Ice 5.0
North calls the Ice its “competition wavesail,” which refers to the fact that on the PWA tour a wavesail must be able to perform in any conditions.
    A couple years ago North began making bold steps forward to stand out both visually and detail-wise. Along with accurate recommended settings, there are guides to help each individual set downhaul, outhaul, harness-line placement and boom height. To say that some thought goes into the final product of a North sail is an understatement.
    The Ice works well in San Carlos’ down-the-line conditions, with the ability to offer a crisp feel and true depower. The boom length and a draft that can be tuned high keep it from being gutless, allowing you to generate speed when needed. The Ice sits right between a powerful, quick-planing sail and an ultralight, down-the-line sail. It is elastic and takes a moment to truly fill out, but the slightly higher and farther-back draft gives stability to the sailor who needs immediate power for balance.

Severne Blade 5.3
Severne’s Blade is a control-oriented wavesail that can cover the needs of nearly every wavesailor no matter the conditions.
    When it comes to tuning, our favourite setting has the leech looking floppy before the boom goes on, and then tightens to a more contemporary look with outhaul. At this setting, the draft is lowered to a more comfortable height.
    The Blade does a great job of finding the middle of the road in wave terms. It has a deep, locked-in draft that drives through a bottom turn while being elastic enough to flatten and depower if needed. The high draft forces you to be aggressive, but the cutaway clew and light build make it manageable while manoeuvring on the wave. There is enough power to ride in onshore conditions, with enough depower available that, if your timing is good, you’ll be fine in epic down-the-line surf as well. Being slightly bigger than the other sails, it doesn’t always get enough credit for its power. Hurting it even more is the fact that its top-end stability and great balance let it compare to the 5.0s even when it should be overpowered.

Windwing Bash 5.0
With a long heritage of building sails to suit West Coast conditions, the Bash is Windwing’s one-sail wonder for sailing any wave conditions. It is available in two constructions: the full-grid Enduro and ultralight Comp.
    We were able to quickly dial in the Bash, having gotten familiar with it from previous tests. The Bash’s draft is sensitive to downhaul and outhaul adjustment. Our favourite setting for San Carlos conditions is with as much downhaul tension as possible before the battens pull so far behind the mast that outhaul tension is lost.
    The Bash feels light in your hands, with plenty of softness for smooth power control. It’s not a powerhouse but shapes up quickly, so the power it does have is found quickly and easily. It has a higher draft that forces a rider to get weight on the rail in a bottom turn. With some sails, this forced us to attack sections harder than we needed to, but with the Bash having a flatter profile it could be depowered early in the turn to help regulate speed and timing.

Goya Wave 5.0
Francisco Goya bases his company on Maui, so you know his sails have spent time in epic conditions. Yet the Goya Wave is designed as a one-sail wonder for all types of wave conditions.
    The Goya has a clean-looking, all-grid build and rigs up nicely but with a slightly different leech twist. When downhaul is added, the leech doesn’t soften as much as expected. There is a downhaul guide at the top of the sail, but we find it valuable to get familiar with how the batten above the boom moves when tension is added.
    A true power wavesail, the Goya drives the rail through bottom turns and takes you to the lip with copious speed. In most wave locations this power will help you reach sections you wouldn’t otherwise, but in San Carlos it takes perfect timing as well as some large huevos to charge the lip this hard. Its high draft and serious power make it a great onshore choice. San Carlos doesn’t set up well for jumping, but the Goya finds ramps when others stay grounded.

Maui Sails Global 5.0
In its third year, the Global is firmly entrenched as Maui Sails’ all-around wavesail. It complements the Legend by offering the power needed for less-than-ideal wave spots.
    While rigging the Global we’re surprised to find plenty of seam shaping and a hefty amount of luff curve. This means you can really crank the downhaul before the sail will flatten and have the lower battens pulled behind the mast. It also means it is very outhaul-tunable. We went slightly beyond the recommended outhaul setting to tighten any excessive leech flop.
    The Global gets power from a high draft and one of the longest booms in the test. It’s one of the first sails on the water when conditions are light and feels at least a quarter metre bigger when compared to the hardcore wavesails. Not only does the Global have plenty of power, the power is easy to find. This means there will be little time wasted and plenty of jumps to be had while getting back upwind after riding a wave. With this in mind, the Global feels fairly light in the hands and has reasonable depower off the top of the wave.

Sailworks Revolution 5.2
Being refined for nearly 15 years, Sailworks uses feedback from team riders traveling around the world to make its Revolution perform everywhere from Ho’okipa to the Columbia River Gorge.
    The Revolution offers a large tuning range for conditions and draft placement so any rider can dial it in for any location. The well-placed downhaul guide and accurate recommended specs make it easy to dial in.
    With a minimal amount of downhaul, the Revolution has a soft feel and plenty of power, perfect for heavier riders or onshore conditions. Add an inch or more of downhaul, and the sail has a crisper and lighter feel. This is the setting we prefer in San Carlos’ down-the-line setup, but even at the maximum setting it has more power than the hardcore wavesails here. No matter how you tune the Revolution, it’ll have enough power to get you planing quickly. The hint of softness dampens gusts while letting the sail expand and generate power immediately. The Revolution is a great onshore wavesail and, with tuning, adeptly covers nearly every rider’s needs.

Fin Buyers' Guide

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Fin Buyers’ Guide
by Derek Rijff

In a properly balanced windsurfing combination, the fin is just as important as the board or sail, yet is often overlooked by screwing in the stock fin and forgetting about it. A switch in fin size, shape or quality can be an inexpensive way to increase range, carve tighter turns, or travel straighter. With a goal of increasing fin awareness, here is an entry-level guide to what makes a fin work and the main elements of fin shaping that designers aspire to work in harmony: size, flex and foil.

How a Fin Provides Lift
Lift is a complex topic. With help from Chuck Ames of True Ames Fins and Stan Pleskunas of Fumunda Marine Products, we have put together a basic explanation.
Despite being symmetrical, fins work in a similar means to all other foils, like airplane wings or sails. To achieve lift, the air or water molecules flowing around the foil must have farther to travel around one side than the other before meeting up at the trailing edge. The shorter side represents high pressure; the longer side is low pressure. As the low pressure (partial vacuum) seeks to become full, it pulls or sucks the foil in that direction, causing lift. Lift always pulls to the low-pressure side. Picture this as an asymmetrical foil, like an airplane wing, before moving on to understanding fins.
A fin may be symmetrical, but the water flow around it is not due to the concept of angle of attack. As your board moves across the water, it travels forward but also downwind (leeway angle) in a crab-like fashion. The forward motion provides the water flow on the fin, while the leeway direction results in the water hitting the fin slightly off-centre (from the downwind side), creating the angle of attack. Lift is achieved because the water flow is asymmetrical. The fin’s leeward side becomes high pressure because the water has a shorter distance to travel, while the windward side is low pressure, forcing lift in this direction. The amount of lift is a function of the fin’s angle of attack, area, shape and speed.
The direction of the lift is always towards the windward rail and perpendicular to the centreline plane of the fin. Simply put, pushing on the fin (rolling the board to leeward) angles the lift in an upward direction, while riding with heel weight (rolling the board to weather) holds the board’s rail down as the lift is angled more downward. An “over-finned” board will want to roll too far to leeward and tail-walk, becoming difficult to control due to excessive upward lift. This is why having more than one size fin per board will allow control over a greater range of conditions and sail sizes.

Size Matters
When it comes to fin size, length is important but not everything. Just as you wouldn’t choose sail size by mast length, there is more to choosing your fin size. A short, wide fin with a swept tip will have as much surface area as a straight, narrow fin a couple inches longer. Gauging the exact size of fin needed is often a matter of personal preference. Sailors who push hard against the fin need something of substance to hold, whereas others who transfer power to the board using the rail can get away with less. Length does become an issue for anyone riding wider boards with footstraps on the rails, as they require a longer fin to provide necessary support.

Flex Characteristics
Just as a sail’s top twists off, a fin flexes as you move across chop, change direction or weight it differently. This flexing helps keep water moving across it and can dampen the lift generated. Generally, softness offers better control while stiffness generates more lift and speed potential. Three things influence the flex of a fin.
Outline: A common guideline is that a long, narrow fin will be designed for speed and early planing, while a short, curvy outline is for manoeuvrability and control.
Material: Designers use different material and production techniques when building fins to influence the flex. Milled fins are cut from a block of material, with poly/vinyl-ester being the softest and G-10 being stiffer. Adding carbon layers makes it even stiffer. Molded fins use different materials that are added or removed to control flex. Assume a more expensive molded fin has the flex more refined than a cheaper one.
Thickness: I learned the hard way as a kid climbing trees that thicker branches are stiffer than thinner ones. Fin designers must have done the same, as thickness affects flex. With a keen eye and sense of touch, or calipers, differences that will be noticeable on the water are usually discernible.

Foil Factors
Fin designers try to maintain water flow across a fin while maximizing lift versus drag. Unless you have a degree in hydrodynamics, choosing a fin based on the foil is not recommended, but since this is an article on how fins differ, we’ll point out the main concepts.
Thicker foils create more drag at speed even though they generate more lift and hold well at low speeds. Think of an airplane extending its wing flaps on takeoff creating a larger, thicker foil and retracting them once airborne for less drag. Fins with the thickest point forward generate more lift at slow speeds but spin out at higher speeds, as the water is more likely to detach.
The foil’s symmetry and smoothness is important. Flat spots, dimples and asymmetrical foils will spin out more readily. If you see something wrong or a little off, then you can probably feel it on the water. This is why it’s critical to keep the fin in pristine condition.

Slots, Twinsers, Thrusters and More
Over the years there have been numerous alterations to the standard single-fin setup, some working better than others. If a design is born from a fin designer, it usually focuses on eliminating spinning out. Ideas coming from board shapers intend to tweak the board’s performance.
From fin designers we’ve seen fins with split tips, drilled holes, ridges, and even tiny fins set in front of a main fin. The most popular alteration has been the slotted fin. The benefit of these fins is not that they don’t spin out but the ease at which they reattach. Often it happens without the rider even noticing.
Board builders change things up by adding fins. Using two fins of the same size creates more drag but, depending on the fins’ size, can either make it feel looser in transitions or help stabilize a board at speed. A bonus of the twin-fin board is that it can sail in shallower water. The other established multi-fin setup is the “thruster,” with a single main fin and two (or more) side fins. The nitpicker will again point out the slower speeds. Proponents will rave about the extra tracking and hold through carves.

Fin Works
Web: finworksfins.com
Contact: info@finworksfins.com
Fin Works produces the highest quality fins available, displaying excellent performance over a range of conditions.
About us: Founded by Larry Tuttle in 1984, Fin Works quickly gained a reputation for high quality and performance. In 2006, Dave and Rene Lassila took over, introducing computerized design and CNC production capabilities. Dave, a mechanical materials engineer by training, designs and manufactures the new fins, while Rene runs the company and is the friendly voice you hear over the phone.
What’s new: Fin Works now uses computer-aided design (CAD) exclusively, resulting in the highest accuracy of foils. Prototypes are created using CNC machining and tested by sailors of all levels. Look for the new G-10 wave/bump-and-jump fin and CNC foiled Formula fin.

Gorge Sport
Web: gsport.com
Contact: fins@gsport.com
A well-planned quality fin quiver is just as important to your windsurfing setup as having finely tuned rig and board quivers.
About us: Gorge Sport takes the world’s finest design shapes and improves them by bringing great fins into precision construction for worldwide distribution. Design flows from what is learned from pro and recreational sailors, allowing developers to improve on all their fins. G Sport’s Bill Kline believes that “using high-quality fins will yield a far greater return on investment than any other purchase in windsurfing.”
What’s new: Refinements in freewave, wave and freestyle designs make manoeuvres and riding smoother than ever. The new SR and Speed fins are faster. The Carve series increases the performance range of bigger freeride boards for easier planing and better control.

Maui Fin Company
Web: mauifin.com; chinooksailing.com
Contact: info@chinooksailing.com
The Maui Fin Company team is on the water 365 days a year testing shapes, profiles and materials to develop new products.
About us: Around since 1986, the MFC believes in the importance of working with the world’s best riders across all disciplines, like Micah Buzianis, Kauli Seadi and Jose “Gollito” Estredo. Veteran designer Pio Marasco invites you to try the company’s fins: “If you come to Maui, you can test all our products by coming to the shop in the Pawela Cannery.” MFC’s lineup includes something to satisfy any type of sailor.
What’s new: The MFC lineup is constantly evolving and improving. For ’07 the brand introduces the 2K wave fin and a Buzianis-inspired slalom line. Next year, look for new shapes, profiles and constructions to keep MFC in the forefront of fin design.

True Ames
Web: trueames.com
Contact: trueames@trueames.com
True Ames works directly with consumers, retailers and manufacturers to design the best possible fins for your equipment.
About Us: Founded in 1979 as a fibreglass fin manufacturer for surfboards, True Ames evolved into windsurfing in the mid-’80s and has led the way in design and performance ever since. An enthusiasm for windsurfing is core to the business’s foundation. Working primarily with G-10 and polyester sheet stock, most fins are hand-shaped, making each one a custom product.
What’s New: Joining True Ames’ already complete lineup this spring are the new JD Wave and Surf Grass models. The JD Wave is keeps transition and trick sailing in mind, while the Surf Grass is part of the constantly evolving line of weed fins.

Finding the Perfect Entry-level Gear

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Find the Perfect Big Board
words by Derek Rijff
Head Tester: Derek Rijff
Test Team: Andy Brandt, Ian Brown, Ed DeHart, Pete DeKay, Tom Lepak

Today, the biggest advances in windsurfing are happening in lightwind gear. It started with the Olympics updating its choice of One Design race equipment. Modern shaping now allows the words performance and lightwind to actually be used in the same sentence. The number of lightwind boards has nearly doubled in the last two years, and no longer are they made only to help people progress onto smaller boards.
With so many new options, it has become more difficult to discern which board is right for which rider. Our goal in this year’s lightwind board test is not just to report on the latest models but also to help you understand the subtle differences between your various options. Boards range from stable platforms for first-timers to high-tech hulls for the most technical racers. Answering some quick questions can help you figure out which board you’ll need to ensure an awesome outing with every trek to the beach.

Who will use the board?
If you envision this board being like the village bicycle—ridden around by everyone—then choose a board that guarantees user-friendliness. You’ll be looking at a wide shape (at least 80 cm) with a full EVA deck pad and plenty of volume (over 200 litres). It should also have a centreboard (or centre fin) for stability and straightline tracking.

Are you the fun-loving, try-anything sort, or a motivated, get-things-done type?
With so many boards to choose from, you can now break down the lightwind market into recreational boards and hybrid raceboards. Recreational boards are usually more manoeuvrable and fun for sail-handling tricks. If lightwind means practising moves that you’d like to do in higher winds, look at one of these. As a bonus, you may be able to find something stable enough to teach a smaller beginner on. Hybrids are a combination of old-school longboards with Formula or shortboard design. They’re better for cruising and covering long distances while you sail. They bring a cool new sensation to lightwind, where you feel incredibly efficient as the board glides through the water. Hybrids also plane quicker, handling highwind with ease, and can reach near-shortboard speeds.

At what level do you sail?
Anyone still progressing in the sport will be best served by a recreational board to help build up the skills necessary for riding smaller boards. If you’re an accomplished windsurfer who simply wants to get more days on the water, a hybrid will suit you best.

What level of sailing do you want to reach?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a consistently windy area, it’s possible that you could outgrow your lightwind board. You simply need the board to help you progress as quickly as possible. Choose a board with numerous footstrap inserts so that you can comfortably move into highwind and planing skills. However, for sailing throughout most of North America, a lightwind board will be your most useful option. To keep from outgrowing it, choose one that can be competitively raced or that can take you out into some waves in marginal conditions.

When looking for a recreational board, how do you narrow down the choices?
Getting a board to match your weight is key. Most people will need at least 180 litres of volume to have fun on their first day of windsurfing. Bigger people will need a board above 200 litres. If you’ve got a couple of days experience under your belt and are looking to progress quickly to a smaller board, look for something between 150 and 180 litres. Make sure it has an outboard footstrap setting and a large fin.

If a hybrid sounds right, which one of the numerous options do you go for?
Again, factor in the volume, but the extreme use of the board should be the deciding factor. Select something with enough volume to feel the incredible efficiency that makes these boards better than any old-school longboard. If you like the idea of racing, go with a board that qualifies for a local race series. Some of these races may lead to international competition; others are more like festivals, where the racing is less intense and more about having fun. There are also hybrids that welcome a bit of longboard-style wave action. This may be the most exciting evolution in lightwind sailing as it opens up wavesailing to common folk. Not really a true hybrid, the stand-up paddleboard is also gaining interest for lightwind wavesailing.

Your First Sail
It’s time to get a rig to go with that nice, new, big board. This can be as simple as buying a complete rig that comes with the board or as complicated (yet rewarding) as piecing together the parts. Be careful: numerous options come into play when choosing the sail, mast, boom and extension. With the correctly matched parts, the rig will be easy to put together and a joy to sail. Here are some questions to help steer you in the right direction.

What is the cheapest and easiest way to get started?
Many entry-level boards can be purchased with a nice-matching complete rig. They are lightly built and offer a soft feel, making them beautifully sensitive to light wind. Designed to quickly build sail-handling skills, when used in strong winds, they may become overwhelmed.

What setup best suits the determined and athletic beginner?
Sails are constantly becoming easier to rig and use. The determined beginner should look for a four-to-six-batten wave, freestyle or recreational no-cam sail. You may need a more expensive “skinny” mast for proper rigging, but don’t worry, it will last for years to come. Get proper shop advice when picking the sail size and all the fitting parts.

What kind of rig should I expect from my “good friend” who wants to set me up with his used gear?
Beware. More often than not, this well-intention gift ends up leading to a frustrated first windsurfing experience. Used gear can save you money if done right, but often leads to compromises and more money spent in the long run. There are numerous compatibility issues to be aware of when putting together a rig, so buy from a reputable shop’s consignment section where you can receive some guidance.