FREERIDE WINDFOIL BOARDS TEST 2024
FREERIDE WINDFOIL BOARDS TEST 2024
FREERIDE WINDFOIL BOARDS TEST 2024
BOARDS TO ACTIVATE FLIGHT
Foiling has developed at a phenomenal rate in the last few years and now the Test Team get their chance to put the latest freeride foils and foil boards through their paces with the focus on user-friendliness.
TEST EDITOR: JAMES HARDY // SECOND TESTERS: CATRIN WILLIAMS // PHOTOS: OTC // LOCATION: PORTLAND HARBOUR
OVERVIEW
As well as foils, the team also put a few wind-foil boards through their paces. You can’t deny that the popularity in wind-foiling has definitely taken a slump with the continuous growth and popularity of winging. However, wind-foiling, even though you could consider it a niche discipline in the world of windsurfing still goes on. Pockets of wind-foiling activity still exist at local inland reservoirs and clubs or at your local beach. Yes, they may be in the minority, but it’s still going on. Wind-foiling represents windsurfing in the Olympics with iQ Foil being the one design equipment, and with its exciting format and variety of racing formats it’s definitely an exciting representation of windsurfing in the racing world that we will get to see for the first time at this year’s 2024 Paris Olympics. Junior & Youth iQ Foil is also incredibly popular and drawing huge interest from the next generation, wind-foiling isn’t dead, it’s just developed and the new kid on the block has stolen some of its thunder.
Personally, for me wind-foiling was a huge part in my foiling journey and personal progression. It transformed my windsurfing by allowing me to spend more time on the water regardless of whether I was inland or at the beach. I was able to perfect skills, techniques, understanding and ultimately have more and more fun. So much so, that I even dabbled with some of the early years of wind-foil racing in the UK. I admit I do a fair amount of winging also, but the opportunity and time on the water wind-foiling provides is a real treat and I am sure I will never get board of it and it’s possible to chop and change foils to compliment the challenge our riding.
The four boards on test are all very different and would cater for any individual, and their style of riding, who are looking to branch out into wind-foiling, or continue their wind-foiling journey. Foil box positions were noticeably different between the brands and ultimately that has the overriding factor on how playful the boards were underfoot. The outline of the boards this year also either enhance an air of familiarity, for those looking for something that feels and handles like a board on the fin, to those that prefer a locked in stance with bigger and more powered rigs, or tucked and tapered noses or tails that allow the rider to take advantage of the loose nature the board likes to breed in the rider.
So, let’s delve into this year’s lineup. Kicking off with a naturally playful attitude where the board wants to be carved and turned and sent into downwind 360’s we have the Exocet Freefoil. At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the Starboard Foil Freeride 85, where its boxy outline, impressive cutouts, thickness and width lend it well to handling larger well powered rigs where you lock and load and send it – without scaring yourself. Severne’s Alien feels familiar and remains capable of handling a spectrum of foils to allow you to decide how you want to foil. It fits that pocket of remaining nimble, but not too nimble, so it’s able to lock and load, yet also handle a variety of rig sizes. Lastly, we have the Goya Bolt, a board we have tested previously, but this one is in the larger size with a foil box, so its foil ready box gives the rider the versatility to use with the fin. Feeling well balanced and suiting smaller rigs the Bolt performed impressively, and remains familiar as the board is exactly the board you would use with a fin, making transitioning that bit smoother and easier for the user. The lineup shows a breadth of depth and options available for those already wind-foiling, to those that may want to dabble and widen their range or disciplines to help them score more time on the water.
THE LINEUP
Starboard Foil Freeride 85 Wood 160L
The post FREERIDE WINDFOIL BOARDS TEST 2024 appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.