SBC Kiteboard - 2010 Kiteboard Reviews

2013 Directional Surfboard Test Reviews Head-to-Head

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:17:00 -0400

2013 Directional Surfboard Test Reviews Head-to-Head

word by Shane Thompson
Test Team: Matt Aiken, John Bryja, Martin Milne, Shane Thompson, Dave Marshall and Andrew Murdison

Riding a surfboard is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in kiteboarding. There are lots of shapes to choose from, with each brands offering several models in their lineup that are built to perform in different surf and wind conditions, as well as varying wind directions and riding styles. Boundaries are continually pushed both on the wave face and off the lip. Armed with the latest surfboard shapes, the pro riders are pushing the limits with more technical and difficult, unstrapped aerial maneuvers and increasingly legitimate down-the-line waveriding. Better riders equipped with better gear continue to set new standards of skill and style.

If you have yet to try riding a surfboard with a kite, it’s never too late or too early to start. Whether you’re the “surfer at heart” who wants to charge into waves at times when traditional surfing is less than ideal, or the up-and-coming kiteboarder who wants to take advantage and develop skills in new terrain, the kite surfboard in your quiver can help make every windy day a memorable one. If you are a less advanced rider, consider learning directional surf riding to hone your kite-flying skills by riding strapless on a directional surfboard in lighter winds. The extra flotation and easy tracking of large surf fins can let the rider focus on improving kite control.

The right surfboard can also double up as a lightwind board and expand the usable wind range of your kite quiver. With all the possibilities and applications of today’s kitesurf shapes, it’s a perfect time to find the new stick for your quiver. The models tested here represent a cross-section of the different shapes available and the performance they deliver for different surf riding styles, conditions and skill levels.

Testing the Waters
Two models in this test are designed for learning to ride a directional shape more than they are for true waveriding performance: The Liquid Force KiteFish and the Axis New Wave. The Liquid Force KiteFish is a low cost, directional board that is a fun, play-around and durable hybrid shape. It gives the twin-tip rider who wants to try a directional the opportunity to work on skills that can transition them into the real deal. The Axis offering is more surfboard-like than the Fish, with real surf rails and bottom shape. But its aggressive drop-down deck makes it ultra stable and less reactive to improper weighting or edging technique. Both shapes are great for learning the basics of directional riding, but the New Wave offers more in the way of real surfboard performance.

Unstrapped Punters, Smaller Wave Bashers
This newest trend of surfboard has been developed to cater to the new off-the-lip and aerial performance. It is more balanced underfoot, has a wider nose area with some subtle but effective top deck concaves that help to keep the board more stable while riding without straps. These are the ideal models to learn with. Their modern hybrid shapes are quick and agile upwind, and quick to plane with a ride that provides greater stability and easy traction. They are better for onshore or side winds and provide an advantage in small to mid-size waves.
Boards like the Naish Skater, the Airush Cypher and the Cabrinha Skillit are good examples of this hybrid beast. They can still bite into a bottom turn but are not as snappy off the lip and have generally less tail rocker than the smaller, down-the-line blasters and traditional surf shapes. The Skater has the most traditional surf feel with the smoothest riding character of the three. The Skillit feels the most agile and playful rail to rail, and the Cypher offers the most low-end drive and float. They are perfect for mushier waves and less-than-ideal onshore waveriding conditions, and their balance and top deck concave help keep you connected to the board while punting strapless airs.

Down-the-line Blasters
For blasting down-the-line in bigger waves and higher speeds, the best boards are smaller and thinner with a narrower nose, thinner rails and smaller tails, and high-entry-level rocker lines. These shapes get you onto the face early and in precise control of the turns at higher driving speeds on the waves and in the flats. These boards are more advanced and require higher skill levels to get the most of. Narrower through the tail and mid-section with higher amounts of rocker mean more control on the wave face, down-the line, and more bite and agility to bury the rail at higher speeds. Shapes like the F-One Signature, the Wainman Hawaii Magnum and the Liquid Force CJ Ltd. are designed for down-the-line surfing. While the Signature had the most all-around feel, the CJ had the most aggressive rocker and flex with the powerful carbon shape. The Wainman Hawaii Magnum is fast and smooth and remains in control and ready to pivot at higher speeds while riding down-the-line.

Do-it-all Shapes
For the wave seeker who simplifies things with just one board for every condition, there are the jack-of-all-trades models that are ideal travel companions. These boards can be ridden with or without straps with equal precision. The Slingshot Celeritas is the best example of this in our test, although the Wainman Hawaii could sneak into this category, as well. The Celeritas is equally comfortable with or without straps, performs at high speeds, and has a well-blended rocker line to get you planning early and easily. It’s a great all-around travel stick that will equip you in most conditions without much compromise.

Airush Cypher

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:11:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Thruster
SIZE: 5’8” x 20”

The new Cypher surf shape completes the 2013 three-model Airush surfboard lineup. The Cypher shape is dedicated to onshore and lightwind riding and playful punting. The Cypher is convertible from a tri- to quad-fin setup, and the Surfinz box setup lets you move the fins away from or towards the tail, which can change the way the board snaps into a turn, holds an edge and pushes upwind. With its wide nose, lightweight construction and rounded outline, the Cypher planes up early and is stable and easy to ride. If you’re a lightweight rider, you will want to go with the smaller-sized Cypher, as its wider shape can get bouncy in chop and higher speeds. The Cypher’s lightweight construction and balanced feel make it ideal for strapless punting off the lip.
The Cypher fits well with the new-school freestyle trend in surf riding. The grab rail is handy for carrying the board to the water or grabbing during airs. Any rider looking for a new-school onshore, surf punter can turn to the Cypher for reliable performance in real world conditions.

Cabrinha Skillit Review

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:08:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Thruster
SIZE: 5’10” x 18.8”

The Skillit is designed for the new above-the-lip surfing in mind with the in-air punting ability. Designed to enhance the modern trend of above-the-lip strapless maneuvers, the Skillit delivers the easiest throw-around feel of the test with its smooth flow and perfect balance both on and above the water. The progressive double concave ensures the Skillit is snappy and comfortable underfoot, as the subtle shaping cradles your feet when surfing without straps. This board is an ideal choice for small to medium-sized waves, as it offers snappy turns and good control through chop. Although designed for advanced punting, the board is superbly easy to ride in both flatwater and small to mid-size surf. The Skillit comes equipped with progressive fins, and tail and front deck pads that you can affix at your preference. Any level of rider will enjoy this board in smaller waves, and be equipped well into the future of a surf-style career.

http://www.cabrinhakites.com/

F-One Signature 5’10”

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:01:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Quad
SIZE: 5’10” x 18” or 46 cm

The 5’10” Signature is all about comfort and control at high speeds. Its surf shape is designed to handle strong wind and down-the-line wave riding. It’s a solid performer that will keep you in comfort and control at higher speeds. The board feels smooth and mellow underfoot while getting over large waves and through chop. The Signature also tracks well and pushes upwind easily. It is quick and nimble rail to rail and can bite and snap quickly off the tail, but it takes time to adjust to the more aggressively scalloped-out deck shape. The Signature was one of the smoothest, drawn-out carving boards in the test, with nice grip that is initiated quickly at speed. The concave deck adds control while at high speeds, and the thick cushioned top deck dampens any turbulence. Any rider who wants a board to session some well-developed surf and good sideshore wind for down-the-line fun should consider the Signature.

Liquid Force Kitefish

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:00 -0400

STYLE: Crossover Directional Fish
SIZE: 5’3”

The Kitefish is a directional board that uses a durable capped construction, which keeps the price low. It’s not a real surfboard but gives riders the opportunity to learn the basics of directional riding. The Kitefish is thin, dense and with heavy construction allows the board to go on edge deeper in the water than a surfboard—more like a twin-tip. The grippy, padded top deck, wide nose and fish tail make it fun to play around on in lighter winds. The Fish pushes plenty of water and has a throw-around playful feel in certain applications. It’s not for serious surf enthusiasts, but it can give interested and progressing riders some extra fun in small, sloppy surf and on lightwind days ridden with or without straps. Anyone looking for a low-cost alternative to having a directional board to play around on will enjoy having the Kitefish in their quiver.

Liquid Force CJ LTD

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:51:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Quad
SIZE: 5’9” x 17 15/16”

Liquid Force has revamped its surf line this year, and the CJ LTD is its full wave-slashing fun stick. The thin rails and high-entry rocker get this board onto the face, ready to rip in the turns, and stay planted on the fast moving, big surf. LF’s high-tech construction delivers reactive flex that gives this board exceptional grip at any speed and in choppy waters. It’s one of the slashiest and agile boards in the test, and feels more comfortable on the wave than freeriding in flatwater. With thin rails and high-entry-level rocker, it can bite into quick turns on the face and slice through any messy bumps on the wave or in the flats. Although it’s easy to ride with plenty of float, its more narrow shape, tail and thinner rails means you need power, waves and some experience to get the most of this stick. The CJ comes equipped with quality deck pads, surf foot straps, quad-fin set and lightly padded travel bag.

http://liquidforcekites.com/

Naish Skater Fish 5’9”

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:30:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Thruster
SIZE: 5’9” x 18.8”

The Skater is designed for riding strapless in the surf, and has an easy riding nature and early planing ability. The rocker has a good combination of speed and smooth turning ability. Revised from last year’s model, the new Skater has a concave deck and snappier, easier to control feel. Its lightweight bamboo sandwich construction is flexy enough to give you that real surfboard feel, but durable enough to last through countless strapless punts. It comes with a tail pad and inserts but no footstraps or front foot pad, as its true nature is for a real surfing feel. It is smooth and capable over chop, and is insanely snappy when your back foot is planted firmly towards the back of the tail. Smooth bottom turns with good drive and speed and well-balanced energy make the Skater a top choice for small to medium-sized surf. This board can turn smaller surf days into fun, and keep you dialed in and well-practiced for when the big day comes.

Slingshot Celeritas

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:24:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Thruster
SIZE: 5’8” x 18.5”

The Celeritas is a do-it-all shape that can travel with you to any reputable surf location. It’s a jack-of-all-trades board designed for the likes of Slighshot surf guru Patrick Rebstock. The Celeritas has good speed, stability and upwind drive for flatwater or surf. The shape maintains its compact feel and upwind drive with wider centre and fast rocker line, but the revised tail shape and construction gives the board more snap and release off the lip this year. It feels sporty and controllable underfoot and rips over chop better than most in the test. The Celeritas comes with factory-installed front and tail deck pads, foot straps and inserts. Anyone looking for a do-it-all surf shape with applicable performance in a wide range of conditions can’t go wrong with the Celeritas.

Wainman Hawaii Magnum

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:18:00 -0400

STYLE: Directional Surf Thruster
SIZE: 5’7” x 17 15/16”

The Magnum is a classic surfboard shape that excels in mid-size to large surf. It has a smooth riding feel but also fast-driving and stable. It can bite into bottom turns at high speeds, and its thinned-out tail can paste the face without hesitation. Well-balanced for airs, the Magnum is also comfortable riding with or without straps. This board is ideal for intermediate and advanced riders, and comes close to being an all-around ride with a slight tendency to favor larger-sized surf and sideshore wind conditions. The setup comes with a travel bag and tail and full deck pads in addition to a set of hydrodynamic fins. Any intermediate- or advanced-level surf shredder who wants a down-the-line blaster for higher winds and big waves will be loaded and ready with the Magnum.

http://www.wainmanhawaii.com/

Naish Alaia

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:29:00 -0400

$399 MSRP
You can put the Naish Alaia in the must-have novelty board category. All the rage amongst core surfers, the traditional surfboard design has found a niche with kitbeoarders. SBC Kiteboard tried the Naish Alaia in a variety of wind conditions. The long, narrow, flat rocker design has some supercharged lightwind prowess with exceptional upwind ability. The low-volume shape is technical to jibe and tack but very fun to ride. It doesn’t seem to matter where you place your feet, the Alaia just goes. Ready for something completely different that is sure to turn heads at the beach? Get the Alaia. naishkites.com

Here is a great video of pro surfer Rob Machado riding an Alaia style surf board.

Late Arrivals

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:35:00 -0400

Others to consider: Two late arrivals for the board tests—they arrived on the second last day of testing—are both worthy of consideration. These boards did miss the majority of the testing session, and were not ridden by the team in a variety of conditions, so they are not included in the head-to-head section of the reviews.

Underground Styx
The 2011 Styx from Underground brings some the newest trends in freestyle board design delivered in a high-performance and nicely styled setup. Built with top quality precision engineering that features a Paulownia wood core, biax glass layup and carbon asymmetric flex control, the Styx is technology-maxed from top to bottom. Designed for the elite technical freestyle rider, the Styx offers mad pop and aggressive grip for the heaviest payload available. The complex bottom shaping includes triple/spine quad concave and rail channels, which provide awesome grip and smooth flow. This Styx combines and aggressive tip flex and blends 3D shaped and tapered rails, the Styx promises the most aggressive pop with cushioned landings. Seven custom sizes grants access to riders of all shapes and sizes.

RRD Contest
The new Contest board from RRD takes RRD’s best freestyle board shape from the Poison Ltd and repackages it with advanced technology applications. The Contest’s advanced construction technology is sure to deliver stiff and explosive competition performance. Outfitted with Textra, high modulous carbon layup and CNC Laminar woodcore, the Contest Pro promises 25 per cent lighter weight and a super fine, high-gloss finish with a micormetric heat press on both the top and bottom. The glossy coat ensures both durability and a showroom finish worthy of any aspiring freestyle pro. The Contest’s parallel, outline and super-wide tips guarantee this board will have awesome amounts of explosive pop for boosting huge and laying down the latest trick your bag. If you’re done with the withering noodle you’ve been riding on for the last three years, and want a new board to push it to the next level, the Contest might just the board to take you there.

High-Performance Twin Tip Boards go Head-to-Head

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:03:00 -0400

Choosing your new twin-tip board can be a daunting task given the many choices available today. It’s a challenge because many of the boards, at first glance, seem similar in build and design. Production methods are comparable with the familiar ABS sidewalls, and a wood or foam core combination wrapped in various glass or carbon laminate combinations. The nice thing is that over the last few years there has been a drop in the number of boards we have tested that don’t work that well in certain conditions or for certain skill levels.
   Overall, performance has become standardized, to a point. R and D teams have discovered some of the magic patterns of flex, outline and bottom shape and translated that magic into to each evolved model. Construction methods and materials have improved and most board companies are making fantastic products that can also last a long time and withstand a ton of abuse. Today’s boards are also well designed for their specific range of use and rider skill level. It’s advisable to buy a board that is slightly above your skill levels that will last and easily carry you into higher levels of riding. Each company has a range of models that suit the newbie or progressing rider, the weekend freerider, the aggressive freestyle rider and more recently the booted up, wakestyle rider. Boards do differ in the materials, cores, and laminates they are constructed with and bottom shaping used by different companies that endear each model board to their end user. Here are a few examples to help you decipher the full gamut of performance provided by the modern twin-tip.

Sizing: Length and width
The length and width of the board is usually the first decision a rider makes when choosing twin-tip. The width is the biggest determinant of how much power a board can generate. The wider a board is the through the centre and the tips will determine how much surface area you are edging water against. Thus a centimetre of width makes much more difference than a single centimetre of length. In fact, a board that is narrow in the tips and centre but with a longer length, may be easier from edge to edge, but not as quick to plane as a shorter but wider shaped board. The Progressive Trigger is the most extreme example of this, although at 130 cm it starts to lose some low end. The Axon Pulse and North Jaime 137 are good examples of this with normal lengths but more width. These shapes are designed for bigger riders or lighter winds with more width than length to get there. Generally the average sized riders are 160 to 185 lbs and are using 132 to 139 cm length boards that range between 39-41 cm in width. Larger riders can add 1 to 2 cm on both length and/or width and smaller riders can minus.

Flex
There are two types of flex that are generally analyzed when looking at a modern twin. The centered or overall flex and the flex in tips. The stiffer in either results in more aggressive and faster riding, with more pop for jumps and usually more acceleration when you drive the kite across the wind and put the pedal down. Flex and reflex response is also important as boards with more carbon or other stiffening agents also rebound after flexing much faster. The stiffest and most aggressive boards of this test include the Axon NYC, the Airush FS and the Nobile 2HD. All three of these shapes have stiffer central flex with reactive tips and are snappy with fast reflex throughout. They drive with the most power and give the most kick for more advanced riders. More moderate flexing boards are easier through messy water conditions and are more comfortable for freeriding. Boards like the Progressive Bonefish, the Axon Pulse, and the North Jaime are moderate flexing boards that excel at freeride but can still throw down for advanced freestyle.

Rocker Line
Rocker lines are a key factor in performance even though twin-tip kiteboards tend to have fairly flat and continuous rocker lines. Some manufacturers have gone from continuous to three-stage rocker setups, which for the wakestyle rider gives more aggressive pop with less effort. The new Airush FS has a three-stage rocker in this test and is one of the more aggressive freestyle boards we tried this round. More rocker, whether continuous or three-staged, can also make the board more forgiving on landings with less nose diving and through chop. The more pronounced rocker in combination with some bottom shaping gave a unique feel and chop-eating prowess, to the new Wainman Joke, tested this round.
   Too much rocker or curve in the bottom can hinder upwind ability and planing power. Some boards like the Nobile 2HD use one rocker line for the rail areas and more aggressive curve in the centre. This gives the best of both worlds, looseness while flat and speed while edging.

Outline
The outline of the board can determine much in terms of both turning ability and amount of pop. The more aggressive freestyle boards are square tipped with straighter parallel rail outline. The Axon NYC shows this trait with more parallel rails and super squared tips. This generates huge pop when edged and then carved into the air when jumping. Most of the twins tested in this issue have a more classic freestyle outline but not necessarily the top pro freestyle, aggressive model. These step downs from the freestyle shape give the rider a better combination of pop and control. The Slingshot Misfit, Cabrinha Prodigy Naish Momentum, Best Armada and Epic Spartan are all freestyle shapes that are designed for awesome freestyle performance with less aggressive stiffness than their full-on, pro-model freestyle counterparts. They give plenty of pop, can be ridden booted up in the Park and are more versatile but still very freestyle focused. As tails get narrower, the boards have less pop but can stay under control through chop and at higher speeds. A wider tailed board can tend to flatten out the faster you go. Companies use different methods to ensure that their tips are reactive enough with the proper flex. Carbon stingers and stiffening laminates are used to get the perfect tip flex. Tip flex and width and shape also determine how easily a board can carve. Rounded tip outlines and more narrow overall tips, will carve and hold into turns with less effort. The tail outline, in conjunction with bottom shape, also mitigate a board’s turnability. The most extreme example of this is the round tail and deep concave of a board like the Ocean Rodeo Mako (tested Issue 10.2). Freeride boards like the Mako have a narrow tail outline and they don’t generate the freestyle pop but can carve and turn, are better through bumpy water than the flatter bottomed and wider rivals.

Bottom Shape
The most popular type of bottom shape is the centred concave. Many of the boards tested here have slight one-half to one centimetre of concave. In the past few years some designers are using V bottom shaping or the opposite of concave or combinations of both. The most complicated shaping there is is the Wainman Joke with its channels and V centre.
   Most companies have adopted minimal amounts of bottom shape in their snowboard style constructed boards. These production boards rely more on the flex than the bottom shaping to push through chop and grip on edge. The custom shapes from Rogue Wave and the production shapes from Jimmy Lewis take a different approach to bottom shape and use deeper concave that bleeds into flat along the rounder shaped rails. For shapers like Jimmy Lewis and Lee Brittian of Rogue Wave, the hydrodynamics this bottom shape offers is the only way to deliver a smoother ride and better grip and control through any type of chop. Named the Dominatrix bottom shape, Jimmy Lewis and Rogue boards continue to deliver the most popular alternative to flatter bottomed, snowboard-style production boards.

Airush FS Best for Wakeboots

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:58:00 -0400

Airush FS   Best for Wakeboots
STYLE: Freestyle Twin
SIZE:    140 x 42 cm
FINS:    5 cm G10

The Airush FS twin is a pure freestyle shape designed for the ultimate load-and-pop performance. Its stiff flex and ultra parallel outline gives this board extreme amounts of pop for the riders that want the most aggressive height and power available. The razor-thin rails lace through the water and a small amount of concave smooth out some bounce but this board loves flat water and park-style riding. The FS is best suited to advanced riders that want to take it to the next level with an uncompromising freestyle shape. Top quality material and construction, Airush boards are always sought after by Test Team riders and the FS Pro provides no compromise for pure freestyle riding.

Footbed and Strap System
The new AFT III strap and bed system proves Airush is pushing the limits and delivering functional performance in new ways. The high-tech molded footbeds are highly textured with different grip zones in the front for grip and relatively thin but well cushioned heels. The straps adjust using an internal Dyneema lace tightening system that adjusts with a metal chassis lever system on the inside of the bed. The internal pulleys insure that this lace-up system really lets you put your foot in and crank down on the laces for a super snug fit.

AXON Pulse Best Big Guy Board

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:48:00 -0400

AXON Pulse   Best Big Guy Board!
STYLE:   Freeride
SIZE:     136 x 42 cm
FINS:     4.5 cm G10

The Pulse is the largest board of Axon’s freeride line, and is well suited to bigger, taller riders that need extra surface area under their feet but want to avoid more length. The wider and parallel outline of the Pulse let it plane up really fast and this board tracks upwind like its on rails. For lighter riders, you need to let off the rail pressure slightly before turning upwind and popping with this board, but larger riders will love its heavy and uncompromising edge control. With more flex throughout and in the tips than the NYC combined with the 3 mm of concave also make the Pulse chop-friendly. This Pulse is well suited to the heavier, intermediate to advanced freeriders that want more board under their feet for more power and control. It could also be used for light winds, and as a progression board for intermediate level riders looking to push into some freestyle.

Footbed and Strap System
The AGS Footpads and Q-loc footstraps provide a good combination of comfort and control. The molded EVA pad beds have three separate gel packs embedded for good cushioning and solid connection to the board. The raised toe support and gripped texture of the bed also give the advantage of a solid, locked-in feel. The straps have an internal lace system and are stiff at first but mold to the top of your foot after a few sessions. This a good footbed and strap system to match the high board quality delivered by Axon.

Best Armada V2

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:37:00 -0400

Best Armada V2
STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 135 x 40 cm
FINS: 4.5 cm G10

The Armada is a pure freeride demon with a nice overall build that features Best’s new Supremo, wood laminate core. The light weight gives the Armada a lively, easy-to-throw-around feel. Shallow and a wide parallel outline give the Armada plenty of get up and go. It has extra flex in the wide and thin tips that are fun for pressing and throwing weight into the back foot for some controlled pop. The extra flex in the tips also makes off-axis landing easier. The Armada is a fun, do-everything shape and with the improvements in construction qualities this year it presents itself as a value leader with plenty of pop for the punch. Anyone interested in all-terrain freeriding fun, with a slick new board with plenty of quality features can rely on the Armada to improve their riding.

Footbed and Strap System
The Best footbed and strap systems are simple, traditional Velcro adjustable straps with some nice contoured asymmetrical shaping. The footbed is uniformly cushioned and nice and thick for good dampening and no heel bruising. Simple colour scheme works well with the slick new look of the Armada.

Cabrinha Prodigy

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:31:00 -0400

STYLE:   Freeride
SIZE:     133 x 41 cm
FINS:     4.5 cm G10

The Prodigy is Cabrinha’s answer to a forgiving and easy-to-ride freeride board that excels in real world conditions and is suitable for most intermediate to advanced freestyle riders. There is some extra flex in the tips of the board to smooth out landings, but the Prodigy is stiff enough to deliver good levels of pop. It’s easy upwind and has good speed with flat bottom shaping and moderate, continuous rocker. There’s plenty dampening through chop with the Paulownia wood core and no face splashing or knee pounding. This an easy cruising board through messy chop and it generates good amounts pop for freestyle. No face splashing or straight line tracking issues, the Prodigy is a do-it-all ripper that the intermediate rider can push through with to the next level.

Footbed and Strap System
The redesigned Sync binding has a new asymmetrical construction to reduce pressure points on the foot. There are two separate zones lacing system so you can get the strap tighter over the top of the foot. The bed is fairly thin and more stiff with a larger toe grip ridge. The strap is integrated into the footbed so mounting is a cinch. They are a little harder to get in and out of than traditional straps but the Sync can provide more overall support across the length of your foot.

Epic Spartan

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:12:00 -0400

Epic Spartan

STYLE:                Freestyle
SIZE:                    130 x 39 cm
FINS:                     4 cm G 10

The Spartan is a high-performance freestyle board designed by its namesake, the legendary Dimitri Maramenides. The transparent glossy topcoat reveals the high-quality construction and full wood core that give this board awesome pop and a lightweight, throw-around feel. The Spartan is slightly shorter in length and has more curve in rail and tail outline than many full-on aggressive freestyle boards. This gives it a loose and lively feel and its fun to carve this board hard into big spray transitions. The board is adequately stiff through the tips, which ensure good access to pop for unhooked tricks. There are some nice grab handles on the rails for tweaking grab and board offs. The edge-to-edge concave keeps this board smooth and in control through chop. With less water line it likes to be powered up to drive upwind but the extra concave in the bottom lets you bite hard and stay in control in high winds. The Spartan fits the bill for intermediate to advanced riders that like to boost big, Dimitri-style airs, while maintaining good levels of wakestyle pop, and offering a playful and good transitioning design.

Footbed and Strap System
The Epic strap’s Easy Attach Pad and Strap Combo features a nicely cushioned footbed with the honeycomb textured grip and a nice toe ridge. The adjustable Velcro straps are ergonomically shaped and not overly stiff for an instantly comfortable fit. The whole system is also very light weight and easy to install.

Litewave Storm

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:59:00 -0400

Litewave Storm
STYLE: Freeride Twin
SIZE:    137 x 44 cm
FINS:    4 cm G10

The 2011 Storm combines design aspects of the popular Vision and Spirit boards, constructed with glass laminates over a full wood core. The Storm is a freeride, do-it-all shape that features a deep concave bottom that bleeds into flat along the rails but follows right through into the tips. The result is a board that rips upwind and smooths out chop considerably. It’s fast and easy on edge with some access to easy pop without an overly stiff ride. There’s some nice flex in the tips and the torsion bar technology ensures that the tips have flex but the fins stay engaged for good grip when you put the pedal down. The inside setting for stance is narrowed out for shorter riders while the outside setting matches the average a freeride stance. The Storm is a fun board to just cruise and have access to some freestyle pop, while the concave and softer flex in the tip smooth things out in less-than-ideal water conditions.

Footbed and Strap System
Litewave boards come equipped with the LW Lace-up sandal that has lots of contact with the top of your foot that boot style riders are accustomed to. The bed is soft and cushioned, and the toe ridge give some additional grip. Easy single-step installation will be appreciated for changing stance options or removing straps for traveling.

Litewave Wing

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:52:00 -0400

Litewave Wing
STYLE:   Lightwind Freeride
SIZE:     161 x 41 cm
FINS:     4.5 cm G10

The Wing is the ultimate session saver for anyone who wants to play around on a big, flexy twin-tip when everyone else sits on the beach. In its third generation of design, this board almost stands in a category of its own as the tail shape and sidecut, coupled with the noodle-like flex give the Wing unparalleled low-end planing power. For jumping it takes a little to get used to all that extra length off the back foot, but even in super light conditions the Wing can get power into your kite and let you float some jumps. The Wing also soars upwind with less back foot pressure you can skimmer into the wind. If you thought all light-wind days were for downwinders, this board can prove that theory wrong. It may be hard to translate your freestyle moves from the Wing back into the windy days on your regular twin, but if you need to capitalize on cruising through those light-wind days look to the Wing as an answer to your doldrums.

Naish Momentum Best New School Park board

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:43:00 -0400

Naish Momentum      Best New School Park board
STYLE:   Freestyle/FreerideTwin
SIZE:     134 x 42 cm
FINS:      3.5 cm Rectangular G10

The Momentum is a versatile board that has the optimum blend of freestyle character with easy control, smooth edging, and balanced power. As the most popular and sought-after model of the Naish range, the Momentum has a flat bottom shape but its flex character and outline make it smooth and reliable through chop. The added comfort through the bumpy stuff gives you access to this board’s reactive pop whenever you need it. Smooth, reliable and comfortable, the Momentum is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders that want a do-it-all shape that won’t hold back. This board is a top contender for all-terrain riding with no limits to performance even in less-than-perfect conditions.

Footbed and Strap System
The new Fusion straps replace the hotly debated Grav D 2 system from last year with a more traditional-looking bed and strap system that provides a tighter fit against the sides of the foot. The footbed has good, thick heel cushion and drives you nicely forward into the strap for a comfortable, locked-in feel. Adjustable Velcro straps wrap under the bed for reactive contact to the board. The straps are the softest and most forming of Naish straps to date.

Nobile 2HD Test Team Favourite

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:37:00 -0400

Nobile 2HD   Test Team Favourite
STYLE: Freeride-Freestyle Twin
SIZE:    134 x 42 cm
FINS:     5.5 cm fins

The 2HD stands for DoubleHydroDynamic and this board combines the speed and comfort of the freeride shape with the explosive pop of Nobile pure freestyle model. The Double stands for the fact that there are two different bottom profiles, with a flatter rocker through the middle and deeper on the outside. Nobile boards are packed with technology and innovative ideas. The 2HD is sure to be the workhorse of the Nobile lineup as it offers advanced riders, smooth and reactive freestyle pop and a stiff but comfortable flex pattern. This board was top contender for the all-around category for its smooth ride, good upwind grip and easy release. This board is also fast and powerful with flat rocker. With a more moderate inside stance there is no worry of burying the nose and the dynamic flex really shines when ripping into high-speed carves. The 2HD will be an ideal option for advanced freeriders or aggressive freestyle crew that wants top level performance in any condition.

Footbed and Strap System
The newly designed IFS Pro is a comfortable strap and bed system that’s easy to get into and also provides great hold and grip, and transfers weight input with good reactivity. Unlike some footbeds there is consistent and comfortable pressure across the whole foot bottom. The Velco toe straps are reliable and easily adjustable and the system is a cinch to install. Top marks for using reliable and simple system that feels good on the feet.

North Jaime Most comfortable ride and strap system

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:41:00 -0400

North Jaime    Most comfortable ride and strap system
STYLE:        Freestyle/Freeride
SIZE:          137 x 43 cm
FINS:           5 cm S Bend G10

The Jaime is the longest running model of the North board line and the legend of this model continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the new-school freestyle riding, while maintaining a solid foundation in freeride. This as an easy-to-use, high-performance board that admirably suits the intermediate and any advanced rider. New for this season is the double V-bottom and the four degree fin angles. Adopted from kite race board technology the double V smooths waterflow and combines with special fin angles for better speed, early planing and upwind performance. Great all-round board, the Jaime is easy to release for good pop, is smooth and holds an edge well through choppy conditions. The Jaime has moderate stiffness, which is a good combination of aggressive pop with forgiveness for landings and bumpy water conditions. Any progressing intermediate or advanced rider that wants a more forgiving ride should consider the Jaime Pro.

Footbed and Strap System
The Vario Footpads a have unique feature that enables you to change the stiffness of the heel cushion by choosing between three different pad inserts which vary in levels of softness. They insert easily underneath the heel of the footpad. The multi-adjusting footraps are also highly tunable for your preference of width and asymmetry. The straps are soft and mold nicely to the foot and, in combination with the pad, they provide one of the most solid foot-to-board connections of any strap and bed on the market.

Progressive Bonefish - Best Value!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:38:00 -0400

Progressive Bonefish    Best Value!
STYLE:   Wakestyle
SIZE:    133 x 41 cm
FINS:     4 cm Fiberglass

The Progressive Bonefish is wakestyle-inspired board with continuous rocker, wide tail and parallel outline. The Bone Fish feels light and lively with a skatey handling and a easy throw-around feel. The rounded ABS sidewalls provide easy release to access pop and the tips flex off nicely for sticking landings. The top sheet of the Progressive Boards has nice glossy finish and smooth white ABS sidewalls which give the board a high-quality, polished look. The small amounts of concave through the bottom deck provides some ample chop cushioning along with the moderate flex. This board has a wakestyle skatey feel, and will be admired by intermediate freeriders that want to bust into some wakestyle with a more forgiving board that doesn’t require aggressive edge control to get some unhooked amplitude. This board has decent low-end power but its rocker is focused on delivering easy pop with. It is easy and fun to ride without the kickback of some the stiffer, carbon laden, freestyle shapes. The Bonefish offers great value-to-performance ratio for anyone looking to get into the sport or expand into new realms of riding with a stick that offers discipline specific performance.

Footbed and Strap System
The Progressive pads and straps are a simple and traditional shape, that feature a lightweight build and large Velcro adjustable straps. The EVA foam beds have some nice heel and toe texture for locking in some grip. They are thinner and streamlined but provide good cushioning and arch support. The 90 degree attachment system ensures easy installation.

Progressive Trigger

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:32:00 -0400

Progressive Trigger
STYLE:   Freestyle
SIZE:    130 x 42 cm
FINS:     4 cm Fiberglass

The Progressive Trigger is a blunt and wide shaped board with lower rocker line for good top-end speed and early planing power. The wide tips that give this board access to more speed, power and big boosting capability. Less skatey than the Bonefish, the Trigger is a more aggressive, responsive and controlled ride. Freeriders that want to cruise at higher speeds and boost into the stratosphere should consider the Trigger. Lightweight construction with rounded ABS sidewalls and some side grab grips are a nice touch on an overall fine finish. The wood core dampens out the chop nicely and the Trigger has plenty of flex in it to eat up chop and let you rip into some laid-out carving. Nicely rounded ABS rails also provide good water release for boosting or unhooking. The Progressive Trigger, and the entire lineup of boards, are great buys for any rider that wants a shiny new board to drive some inspiration to their riding.

Footbed and Strap System
The Progressive pads and straps are a simple and traditional shape, that feature a lightweight build and large Velcro adjustable straps. The EVA foam beds have some nice heel and toe texture for locking in some grip. They are thinner and streamlined but provide good cushioning and arch support. The 90 degree attachment system ensures easy installation.

Rogue Wave Custom FS

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:24:00 -0400

Rogue Wave Custom FS
STYLE: Custom Freestyle Twin
SIZE:    132 x 39 cm
FINS:     5 cm Glass

Rogue Wave Custom boards are hand shaped with Core-cell 1600 foam core and laminated with the finest quality resins and fiberglass to match desired flex of each individual rider. The rounded rails and concave ensure the smoothest ride through chop and differ in feel and performance to many of the standard, full production, snowboard-style constructed, wood core boards on the market. Awesome pop is delivered with this stiff and reactive construction that is stiffer through the centre but offers some dynamic flex in the tip and tail. Edge-to-edge, the Custom FS is buttery smooth and loose, and the tucked rails reduces the chances of catching an edge on off-axis landings. If you’re looking for something different, and want to customize your preference in stance, width and overall size, the legendary, Rogue Wave Custom shaper, Lee Brittain, has the formula to create your perfect ride.

Footbed and Strap System
Rogue Wave Boards can accommodate any footbed and strap system, or wakeboard boot systems. This model was tested with the Jimmy Lewis strap and bed system which feature the industry standard, adjustable asymmetrical straps and dual density EVA foam beds. The straps are comfortable and the beds are nice and thick in the heel for good cushioning on heavy landings.

Slingshot Misfit

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:20:00 -0400

Slingshot Misfit       Best mounting System
STYLE:   Freestyle
SIZE:    136 x 40.5
FINS:     5 cm G10

The Misfit has been the go-to freestyle board of the Slingshot lineup for many years and the 2011 version steps it up a level in performance, finish and overall appeal., There are lots of new things on this board including a new outline, some nice twin channeling on the bottom sheet and a track system for mounting straps and boots. The result is a Misfit that edges harder and smoother and lets you be more aggressive than ever before. The Misfit keeps in control and smooths out chop nicely with no face splashing. The wide tips and stiffer flex give the board access to good pop for wakestyle or high-powered freestyle. Designed with input from PKRA riders, the Misfit delivers top competition-style performance in varied conditions. The fast-track system lets you get as aggressively wide or narrowed out as you want and it seems to improve on the dynamic flex of the board. With good all-around riding capability that’s packed with technology, the Misfit remains a top contender for a high performance freestyle board that’s more forgiving in chop than many top pro models. This is a board that aggressive intermediates can advance quickly into higher levels of riding.

Footbed and Strap System
The new Bolt-Ons pad and strap system feature a simple lace-up adjustable strap that’s easy to cinch down for a snug fit. There are lots of options for stance angle and the plates bolt on the board with no fuss and stance can be adjusted quickly with the new track system. It takes a few sessions and adjusting to get the beds and straps worked in so that they are comfortable and tight. The footbed is well cushioned in the heel, and the toe ridges provide some nice extra grip.

2011 Wainman Joke Best chop eater!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:48:00 -0400

Wainman Joke     Best chop eater!
STYLE:   Wakestyle and Freestyle Twin
SIZE:     134 x 40.5 cm
FINS:     4 cm G10

The Joke is the second twin to come from the creative minds of Wainman’s Rabbit Gang. It has an interesting magic 3D bottom shape that lets this board hover over chop and accelerate upon landing. The multi-channeled and convex centered bottom shape gives the board a skatey edge-to-edge feel and also lets the Joke plow into high-speed carves with ease. It has stiffer flex and for the best access to insane amounts of pop the Joke prefers to have wakestyle boots. The centred bubble convex bottom shape also helps to land off-axis landings and ride away like no other board out there. Any advanced rider that wants to boot it up and hit the park will enjoy this board. It can be ridden with straps and is comfortable for freeride carving and can deliver a distinct feel for the outgoing wakestyle and freestyle enthusiasts. Inserts are available for both boots and straps systems. Wainman boards also come with a nice twin-tip travel bag.

Footbed and Strap System
The Wainman binding system is a traditional set up with an adjustable Velcro strap and bed system that’s simple but functional and comfortable. The beds are smooth and more narrow in thickness and provide a good comfort with direct connection and good feel from the board. They are easy to install and adjust to your preferred stance.

2010 Kiteboard Reviews: Twin-Tip Evolution

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:38:00 -0400

Over a two-week period the SBC Kiteboard Team tested the mettle of a formidable cross-section of the industry’s leading twin-tip models, as well as an assortment of new surf shapes, skim boards and wakeskates. There are many board options available today, and most riders are building a quiver of boards that cover them for different conditions, riding disciplines and styles. Advancements in core materials, laminates and construction processes continue to drive board performance to new levels as board designers keep pace with the improved range and handling delivered by today’s kites. With today’s user-friendly kite designs, more kiteboarders are becoming better riders at a faster pace than ever before and new disciplines of riding are constantly evolving and driving board production into new realms. The wakeskate riding is becoming more popular as a lighter wind and flatwater strapless alternative. Also the strapless skim board models have popped up in some board lines this year. Both skim and the wakeskate disciplines push riders into developing different types of skills and present a fun, low pressure alternative from the everyday freestyle or freeride session. This is the start of new decade and the perfect time to broaden your kiteboarding experience into new disciplines, styles and skill levels.

Twin-Tip Evolution
The vast multitude of different freestyle and freeride twin-tips on the market today differ in many ways. Construction material, length and width, outline shape, bottom and rail shape, and dynamic flex patterns all work together to define how a board performs on the water. A helpful step in deciding which new twin-tip is best for you is to understand how the different board attributes translate into distinct performance traits that might fit your riding preferences. Once you’ve narrowed down the attributes your looking for, go to you local shop and demo as many models as you can. Make sure the setup of straps and stance is customized to your preference as a board’s ride and feel can be altered by even small adjustments in stance and strap setup. In this test the majority of twin-tip models fall into the high performance freestyle and freeride shapes that cater to the intermediate to advanced levels. These twin-tip freestyle and freeride shapes have benefited from the universal trend towards wood cores and enhancements in material combinations and construction process advancements. Wood core boards are better at providing both durability and improved dampening and reflex response. Most companies have come close to mastering the flex dynamic of their boards to provide the desired amounts of reflex response, pop and smoothness and control through different water conditions. Each company’s board line has models that cater to the advanced freestyle rider, new-school wakestyle, do-it-all freerider or the progressive entry level rider. Understanding which category you fit in will narrow down the models that are best suited to your riding.

Strap and Footbed Systems Diverge
Many companies continue to evolve, tweak and redesign their footbed and strap system with the intention of improving the foot hold, comfort and board feel. There are several companies that distinguish themselves from the pack. Within the traditional bed and strap system, North has added heel cushion customization with different stiffness inserts under the bed. The North straps are also distinctive with a softer flexing strap that has more adjustability in the asymmetry. Most of these traditional strap and footbeds systems are also easier to assemble than years past, and two companies, RRD and TB Kiteboarding have even designed tool-less assembly systems for their straps and beds. The laced adjustment systems continue to evolve with Liquid Force paving the way and delivering the most popular and refined lace top strap. Other lace top straps include the Sync binding from Cabrinha. This system’s top strap has more boot-like contact on the top of the foot. Leading the pack with the newest, outside-of-the-box strap and bed systems is the Grav D straps from Naish. The new Grav D has the distinction of being the only strap on the market that barely touches the sides of your feet. With lots of options available the best thing to do is try them on and ride them. Find out what suits your foot and locks you down the best.

Read the 2010 Kiteboard Reviews

Airush Switch

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:33:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 138 x 42 cm
TIP WIDTH: 28.5 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 35 cm
FINS: 50 mm G10

The Airush Switch 138 is a freeride board for the masses that features Airush’s original “eye” single concave bottom shape and progressive tip flex. The Switch is an easy board to dial into and accelerates easily through chop as the concave and more flex in the tips ensure easy-to-access grip with reduced chatter. Despite its more pronounced rocker, the Test Team riders were impressed with the easy upwind performance of the Switch even as the wind dropped. With good access to moderate pop and good amounts of flex in the tips, the Switch delivers forgiving freestyle performance by smoothing out the landings and reducing the demand for aggressive hold while loading up. The pronounced flex in the tips also guarantees softer flowing turns in transitions. The Switch 132 is a great choice for the aggressive beginner to advanced riders that want forgiving performance and optimum combination of lightwind drive and moderate wind freeride performance.

Board Construction
• Biotech-sandwich wood core
• 3D stepped top sheet
• Square tapered ABS rails
• PBT matte base and gloss deck

Footbed and Strap System: Autofit I Black
The Autofit I binding has good grip and nice footbed cushioning for the traditional strap and bed system. The Autofit I is more streamline with a thinner footbed than the Autofit II. Nothing fancy or outside of the box with this system, but good overall function and feel and easy Velcro adjustments.

Airush X Over

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:30:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride Wave
SIZE: 36 x 40 cm
TIP WIDTH: 25.5 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 31 cm
FINS: 50 mm G10

The Airush X Over 136 has performance character that makes it ideal for the riders that want a carvy, loose freeride twin that is smooth through chop and can deliver snappy turns and throw big spray in hard-driving transitions. It has the most wave capability of all the twins in the Airush lineup and was one of the best twin-tips in the waves in this year’s test with its ability to throw fast carving turns on the face. The X Over’s unique bottom shape features a double concave through the centre section and spiral V in the tips. This combination coupled with the rounded ABS side rails gives the board smooth ride through chop and fast rail-to-rail performance. It’s a fast cruising board and can handle a lot of wind, which gives access to some high-boosting performance. If you’re looking for a board for freeride cruising, boosting big jumps and tearing up the surf, look to the Airush X Over as a capable weapon.

Board Construction
• Biotech-sandwich woodcore
• 3D stepped top sheet
• Square tapered ABS rails
• PBT gloss base and gloss deck

Footbed and Strap System: Autofit II
The Autofit II white binding has good grip and nice footbed cushioning in the traditional strap and bed system. The Autofit II provides a thicker and softer cushion than the more streamlined version from last season. Nothing fancy or outside of the box with this system, but good overall function and feel.

Cabrinha Caliber

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:26:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle
SIZE: 133.5 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH:31 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 36 cm
FINS: 47mm

The 2010 Cabrinha Caliber has a new outline and a unique bottom shape that sets it apart with its wakestyle-inspired tip design and 3D bottom shaping. The flatter rocker line and flatter mid-section of the board give the Caliber good speed and upwind drive. The quad concave tips, squared off and high powered tips make the Caliber well suited to aggressive freeriders that want both high powered freestyle and controlled wakestyle capability in their board. The tip flex and shaping work well together to smooth out the Caliber through chop. The Caliber has good grip and releases easily for unhooked freestyle. This combinations of aggressive pop with smooth control and some chop-soaking ability, gives the Caliber the edge in less-than-ideal conditions. The Caliber gets top marks for massive pop and smooth and controlled riding. This board has all the features that intermediate to advanced freestyle riders are looking for in a do-it-all freestyle shape.

Board Construction
• Eco-friendly Paulowina wood core
• ABS squared sidewalls taper to tips
• New 3D X Deck shaping

Footbed and Strap System: 2010 Sync Backless Bindings
The second generation Sync Backless bindings are available in two sizes and this year’s version has some material upgrades that have made the system lighter, stronger and more user friendly. The Sync is one of only a handful of lace top bindings on the market and those who prefer a more boot-like top feel will appreciate this system. The feel is much different than most of the Velcro style strap systems out there as there is an increased length of contact on the top of the foot. Top marks to Cabrinha for the Sync’s new styling and delivering a viable alternative outside of the traditional strap system.

CrazyFly Rocky

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:24:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle New School
SIZE: 134 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH:31 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 36 cm
FINS: 50 mm

The Crazy Fly Rocky Pro Model for 2010 is back again with the same test-leading shape and rocker line as last year’s legend. CrazyFly has been a performance and innovation leader with their line of full carbon technology twin-tips that were one of the first to incorporate deeper concaves and ABS rounded side rails. The Rocky is the most aggressive new school, competition freestyle twin of the line. With a wide and parallel outline, and stiff, reactive flex, the Rocky delivers massive pop to the aggressive freestyle pro and advanced riders. Some of this board’s stiffness is masked by the concave, which can smooth the bouncy ride through choppy water and helps to cushion landings. The Rocky also generates lots of power in lighter winds and gives you some added pop and upwind ability even as the wind drops. The Rocky best suits the advanced riders that want a pro competition board that has no limits to its ample pop and high-powered performance.

Footbed and Strap System: EVA Pro Pad and Quick Fix II Straps
The Crazy Fly EVA Pro Pad has a dual-density foam and good contours in the heels and toe to help with grip and cushioning. The pads are also lighter weight than some similar designs. The redesigned Quick Fix II straps have easy Velcro adjustment straps and are moderately easy to affix to the board. Available in small sizes, the asymmetrical shape of the strap easily meets the industry standard and as is the norm with this traditional style they become more comfortable and locked-in over time.

Board Construction
• Tip-to-tip CNC shaped Wood Tech Core II
• Nano Fiber Carbon Technology II
• Rounded and hand-finished ABS sidewalls
• UV stable top sheet foils

CrazyFly Shox 136

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:22:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle
SIZE: 135.5 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH:31 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”:36 cm
FINS: 47 mm

The Shox is the new freeride, all-terrain stick of the CrazyFly lineup and has more forgiving flex and a lighter weight, throw-around feel than the Rocky. With its pronounced centred concave, the Shox is more forgiving through chop than the Rocky and is better suited to the more intermediate levels that are pushing into advanced freestyle disciplines. The Shox has plenty of pop with its parallel outline, but with narrower tips, the Shox moves from edge to edge smoothly and the rounded ABS rails ensure seamless transitions from toe to heel. The Shox delivers good upwind performance and the top quality fins hold a solid edge. One Tester found that if the board wasn’t weighted properly in choppy situations some face splashing occurs. Overall, the CrazyFly Shox’s super light-weight construction gives it an easy throw-around feel, and it has a forgiving character with enough performance to satisfy the advanced freestyle rider and avid freerider.

Footbed and Strap System: See Rocky review

Board Construction
• 3T tip-to-tip CNC shaped Wood Tech Core II
• High tensile strength UD Carbon Fibre
• Rounded and hand-finished ABS sidewalls
• UV Stable top sheet foils

F-One TX3

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:18:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle
SIZE: 135 x 40 cm
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 32
FINS: 47 mm

The TX3 is the all-terrain freeride board of F-One’s comprehensive twin-tip line. The TX3 delivers performance with a high-quality design and materials both inside and out. The responsive carbon controlled wood core works with the bottom shaped to smooth out chop and provide reactive pop, with steady control and easy tracking at speed. This was one of the Test Team’s favourite all-round shapes. In contrast to many of the flatter bottomed and single concaved shapes available, the TX3 uses 3D shaping that includes a centred concave, channels towards the rails and tips and lateral V shaping along the rails. The TX3 has plenty of pop, with stiff centred section and thin but reactively flexing tips. The F-One TX3 delivers the goods and will be a go-to board that is best suited to the aggressive intermediates or advanced level riders.

Footbed and Strap System: Platinum Pro Pads and Straps
The Platinum footpads are well designed with lightweight air pockets and well-cushioned dual-density heel beds. The system is well designed to make assembly easier than many of the similar traditionally shaped strap and bed systems. With their Strap Lock II system, the adjustable portion of the strap is removed and the strap lock easily aligns to the inserts. Good lightweight and highly cushioned footbed and easily adjustable traditional straps.

Board Construction
• Direct drive full fibreglass envelope
• Full wood core
• Twist Carbon Control
• ABS inverted siderails

F-One Acid 132

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:14:00 -0400

STYLE: New School Freestyle
SIZE: 135 x 40 cm
TIP WIDTH:
TIP WIDTH at 6”:
FINS: 47 mm

The F-One Acid is all about pop, with super widened tips, an ultra parallel outline and flatter rocker line. The double concaved bottom shape helps to suppress some bounciness through chop and smooths out landings. This shape generates awesome amounts of pop without much effort and the wide landing surface makes off axis landings common place. The flat rocker brings this board to speed quickly and it sometimes requires some steady pressure to control the chatter through chop. It truly excels as a flatwater wakestyle machine. Anyone looking to practice new-school unhooked wakestyle should consider the Acid as an high-powered option. Nothing but quality construction and finish from F-One.

Footbed and Strap System: Platinum Pro Pads and Straps
The Platinum footpads are well designed with lightweight air pockets and well-cushioned dual-density heel beds. The system is well designed to make assembly easier than many of the similar traditionally shaped strap and bed systems. With their Strap Lock II system, the adjustable portion of the strap is removed and the strap lock easily aligns to the inserts. Good lightweight and highly cushioned footbed and easily adjustable traditional straps.

Board Construction
• Direct drive full fiberglass envelope
• Full wood core
• Twist Carbon Control
• ABS inverted siderails

Flyboards Fly Radical M

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:40:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle
SIZE: 134 x 39.5
TIP WIDTH: 32 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 35.5 cm
FINS: 50 mm

The Flyboards are well constructed with full wood core and quality components. The Flyradical model is a fast riding, big boosting freeride board. The 4 mm bottom concave and asymmetrical shape make this board smoother through chop and playful during toeside turns. The wider tips and parallel outline give the Flyradical plenty of pop and aggression for some big jumps and freestyle maneuvers. With a flat rocker line and straighter heelside edge the Flyradical does rip upwind and easily holds both speed and power for boosting big. The flatness of the rocker can make off-axis landings a little more tricky than some of the dedicated freestyle models. The board is well suited to the intermediate and advanced freerider that wants good all-round performance with a focus on smooth, fast and powered riding with some big boosting fun and the occasion unhooked manoeuvre.

Footbed and Strap System:
The Flyboard’s dual-density foam footbeds have ample heel and arch cushioning and are well textured for toe grip. The footstraps are nice and pliable and provide a comfortable and solid connection to the board. Under the Neoprene cover of the strap, the Flyboards use a drawstring and locking toggle which allows quick adjustment to the size of the straps. This is ideal for board tests, shop demos or school riding, as it reduces the time spent on the more arduous, session wasting, velcro adjustment systems still used by many.

Construction Features
• Microcell wood core
• Full suspension tips
• ABS edges
• 3D flex control

Liquid Force Influence 138

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:19:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 139 x 42
TIP WIDTH: 29.5 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 33.5 cm
FINS: 35 mm

The formidable Liquid Force board line just keeps getting better with new construction technology and a solid foundation of bottom shaping to improve durability and all-round performance. The Influence can handle a wide range of conditions and riding styles from freeride cruising and big air to freestyle pop and fully booted park performance. The Influence bottom shape has a single concave through the centre that bleeds into double concave through the tips. The result is a smooth and controlled ride through chop and soft landings after every big manoeuvre. The Liquid force top and bottom sheet finish is super durable and the contoured rail grab handles are industry leading. This is an ideal board for the aggressive riders that like the super wide wake boot stance for park and wakestyle riding. The Influence has medium to stiff flex that’s best suited to intermediate and advanced level riders that want massive pop without sacrificing a smooth ride in rough conditions.

Footbed and Strap System: Comp Interface Kit
This one-size-fits-all strap and bed system is the most refined lace strap system available today. The comp straps contour to the top of the foot with higher than average levels of comfort and support. With the new Lace Minders, the LF straps adjust more quickly and with less effort, than the previous year’s. The Aircell cushioned footbeds are complemented with three stages of molding for the heel, toe and foot. The strap and bed work well together for a hassle and pain free board connection from the first time you step into them.

Construction Features
• Precision CNC Wood/PVC combination core
• New Liquid Rail Sidewall construction
• Thumb Rail deck contours
• Matte PBT sublimated top and bottom sheet

Liquid Force Kaos

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:16:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 139 x 42
TIP WIDTH: 29.5 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 33.5 cm
FINS: 35 mm

The Chaos was one of the most revered boards of the test with its powerful freestyle performance in any water condition and the understated quality finish and style with the gloss nylon topsheet. The Chaos has some subtle bottom shaping with double concave through the centre and a convex outline on the tip and tail channels. This shaping helps to smooth out chop and soften landings. The Chaos has access to plenty of pop and its stiff flex in the tips promotes powerful reflex upon release. The durable PBT bottom and new non–ABS, Liquid rail construction inspires confidence that the Chaos can stand up to the abuse that advanced riders will put it through. Intermediate riders may consider putting on larger fins to help with upwind drive and easier tracking. Any intermediate to advanced rider can be confident that the Chaos will deliver industry-leading freestyle and freeride performance.

Footbed and Strap System: Comp Interface Kit
See Influence Review

Construction Features
• Precision CNC Wood/PVC combination core
• New Liquid Rail Sidewall construction
• Thumb Rail deck contours
• Gloss nylon topsheet and matte PBT bottom

Naish Momentum 132

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:13:00 -0400

STYLE: New School Freestyle/Park
SIZE: 132 x 40.7
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 34
FINS: 50 mm

The Momentum is a new freestyle model of the Naish lineup that aims to bring slightly less aggressive precision with easier-to-access wakestyle pop and softer landings than the high powered, legendary, Naish Thorn model. The Momentum has higher rocker and a more parallel and slightly wider tip outline than the Thorn. The result is a board that delivers more playful, wakestyle, and off-the-rail pop, with better control in overpowered and choppy conditions. The Momentum excels at smoothing out landings and is less chattery through chop than some of the extra stiff and aggressive high performance freestyle boards of the test. Some of the younger and taller, Test Team members also appreciated the super wide stance option that is available on the Naish twins. The Momentum will attract a large following of riders that want a high performance freestyle ride that is more forgiving for developing new skills in less than ideal freestyle conditions.

Footbed and Strap System: Grav D Strap System
The new Grav D strap and bed system represents a radical switch from both the traditional Velcro adjustable straps still used by many companies and the laced strap system, developed by a few others. The Grav D design concept gives a “wake boot outside” support and “footstrap inside” for heel angle freedom. The footbed is so wide and comfortable that the sidewalls of the strap barely touch the sides of your feet. The support is derived from the extra width of the strap as it runs lengthwise across the top of the foot. The reviews have been both positive as some note the good levels of support with more freedom and comfort. Others found a preference for the tighter fit of the traditional strap. Naish gets top marks for style and originality, and opening new ideas and levels of performance in both board and strap systems.

Board Construction
• Nasa/Tech-2 laminates
• Hi-Ten Response flex
• Pro Park Performance
• Tip2Tip hybrid wood core

Nobile 50Fifty

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:09:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle/Wakestyle
SIZE: 139.5 x 40.3 cm
TIP WIDTH: 26 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”:33 cm
FINS: 35 mm

The Nobile 50Fifty is a wakestyle-inspired freestyle shape for the increasing number of riders that want a wakestyle board that can dominate the discipline with or without using full boots. The 50Fifty does just that. It’s a comfortable freestyle ripper with more rocker and pop than anything Nobile has put out before. Great amounts of pop for unhooked wakestyle, loose rail-to-rail, even at speed, and super smooth on landings. The upwind performance on the Nobile is also better than expected despite having the biggest rocker in the test. Any advanced rider that wants to get booted up and throw it down with some smooth powered wake and park riding, should consider trying the Nobile 50fifty.

Footbed and Strap System: IFS Pro Footbed and Strap
Nobile has a great new strap system that includes a triple-density foam footbed. This bed provides good levels of cushioning while maintaining the appropriate stiffness and board contact. The straps are also nicely form-fitted and a buckle adjustment system replaces the standard Velcro systems. The IFS Pro system also comes in a bright yellow colour which makes it easier to locate your board on the water .

Construction Features
• New 3D deck construction
• Full wood core
• Dynamic asymmetrical outline
• 3D Flex control

Nobile T5

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:06:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride
SIZE: 134 x 41
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 34.5 cm
FINS: 55 mm

The T5 has been the workhorse of the Nobile line since the beginning for its ease of use, smooth performance through chop and ability to grow with the rider from beginner to advanced skill levels. This year’s T5 has adopted a 100 per cent wood core which improves its response and vibration control. The single concave through the centre ensures T5 is smooth and controlled through chop. In addition the T5’s asymmetrical shape with the rounder outline and softer flex on the toeside enhances the carving and toe grip. The large fins and flatter freeride rocker line let the T5 rocket upwind. The T5 is back and better than ever and is well suited to intermediate to advanced freeriders that want a balance of versatility and freestyle performance.

Footbed and Strap System: IFS Pro Footbed and Strap
See 50Fifty Review

Construction Features
• New 3D deck construction
• Full wood core
• Dynamic assymmetrical outline
• 3D flex control

North Jaime 135

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:02:00 -0400

STYLE: Freeride/Freestyle
SIZE: 133.5 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 33 cm
FINS: 50 mm

The Jaime has been the cornerstone of the North twin-tip lineup for years and delivers reliable, all-round performance for all-terrain freeriding, freestyle and new-school riding. The Jaime has a rounder tail outline and a slightly softer flex than the Team series, which makes it smoother through chop and looser in the turns. It has great amounts of pop for new-school freestyle but is less aggressive than the Team Series. This year’s Jaime has gone to a centred flex and eliminated the Asymmetrical shape and flex of previous years which drives it more towards the freestyle crowd for 2010. The Jaime continues to offer a smooth, comfortable ride and has performance that is easy to access. The subtle single concave and flex tips helps to smooth out the rough water and keeps the Jaime in control at fast driving speeds. North figured out long ago how to eliminate the annoying face splash that still occurs on some competitors’ boards. The size, outline and reactive flex of this board suit it to a wide range of skill levels and rider disciplines. It’s aggressive enough for the demands of the new-school junkie and just forgiving enough for the average freerider looking to take it to the next level.

Footbed and Strap System: Vario Footpads and Straps
The 2010 version of North’s Vario footstrap offers a comprehensive range of adjustment in sizes and positions, as well as stiffness of the foot bed. This system has the most comprehensive customization in a traditional strap platform. The footbed comes with three different foam inserts that are placed beneath the heel of the footbed and can change the stiffness level under the heel. The Vario strap can also be modified in width and asymmetry. Compared to other straps the Vario’s are softer flexing but provide great levels of support and offer compact and locked in feel at all times while providing unmatched feedback from the boards flex, feel and power.

Board Construction
• New 3D wood carbon cap sandwich
• CNC milled 3D deck and concave bottom
• ABS sidewall
• Protection topsheet foil with gloss finish

North Team 133

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:55:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle New School
SIZE: 133 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 34 cm
FINS: 50 mm

The 2010 North Team Series caters to the most demanding and progressive freestyle rider. It has the stiff centred flex and wide powerful tips which delivers the most powerful pop of the formidable North lineup. The Jaime and Team feel very similar but the Team has a slightly more aggressive flex and squared outline. Subtle concave and flex through the tips give the Team some chop-soaking ability but it requires some aggressive input to keep from bouncing. The ABS side rails are rounded between the feet which avoids catching rails in off axis landings and transitions. The good flex through the tips also allow for some nicely cushioned landings. Thin profiled fins and cutaways on the tips also give the Team Series good upwind charge with no face splashing. The Team Series is user friendly enough for aggressive intermediates and will let advanced riders push the limits of unhooked freestyle.

Footbed and Strap System: Vario Footpads and Strap
The 2010 version of North’s Vario footstrap offers a comprehensive range of adjustment in sizes and positions, as well as stiffness of the foot bed. This system has the most comprehensive customization in a traditional strap platform. The footbed comes with three different foam inserts that are placed beneath the heel of the footbed and can change the stiffness level under the heel. The Vario strap can also be modified in width and asymmetry. Compared to other straps the Vario’s are softer flexing but provide great levels of support and offer compact and locked in feel at all times while providing unmatched feedback from the boards flex, feel and power.

Board Construction
• New 3D wood carbon cap sandwich
• CNC milled 3D deck and concave bottom
• ABS sidewall
• Protection topsheet foil with gloss finish

Rogue Wave Custom 132

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:51:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle/Freeride
SIZE: 138 x 42 cm
TIP WIDTH: 27 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 32
FINS: 50 mm

The Rogue Wave was the only handmade, custom-shaped board of the test and it in remains in a league of its own for the combination of smooth ride through chop and stiff and reactive pop. This Rogue Wave wakestyle/freestyle twin satisfies both the dedicated freestyle enthusiast or the freeride junkie that dabbles in everything. The dominatrix style bottom shape with its centered concave, combined with the softer hand shaped rails, delivers smooth but precise feel that’s unmatched by most production snowboard style shapes of today. Each year the Rogue Wave twin has seen some modest refinements that have made it more precise and improved overall pop. The construction is lightweight, very durable and stiff and despite its longer length this board felt manageable in a wide range of wind conditions. The Rogue Wave freestyle twin is suitable to both intermediate to advanced riders that value some versatility, mad pop and a smooth, controllable ride through chop.

Footbed and Strap System: Jimmy Lewis Adjustable Strap System
When you order your custom board from Rogue Wave you can have it equipped with the new Jimmy Lewis adjustable bed and strap system. This traditional Velcro adjustable strap works well and the new dual-density foam beds provide ample heel cushion and toe grip. Another great feature of buying a custom board is you can specify your stance options and get the board blank if you prefer another style of strap system.

Board Construction
• Hand-shaped high-density cores
• Aerospace grade composites
• Twenty-eight years custom shaping experience
• High-grade automotive paint and textured finish

RRD Poison 133

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:46:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle
SIZE: 133 x 41 cm
TIP WIDTH: 26 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 34.5
FINS: 50 mm

The Poison is a fast riding and aggressive freestyle board with loads of pop, a stiff centre flex and solid freestyle performance. The Poison tracks aggressively and demands solid input as it digs in and delivers massive amounts of pop. For a shorter board, the Poison tracks easily and points really high upwind. The Poison’s scalloped tail shape allows for super easy release. The lightweight construction is solid and the tips flex nicely to eliminate some of the bounciness through chop. Although the Poison prefers flatter riding than the more freeride oriented designs, the massive pop and easy throw-around feel make it an ideal choice for the advanced and dedicated freestyle rider.

Footbed and Strap System: TT HP molded deck pats and Straps
The adjustable strap system offer industry standard performance, with plenty of heel cushion and an adjustable Velcro strap system. The RRD footbed does stand out from the pack with its angular heel shape that offers some extra options of heel angles along the heelside rail of the board with its shape.

Board Construction
• Full CNC laminar wood core
• Torsion box deck
• ABS sidewalls
• UTDC bottom

Slingshot Misfit 142

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:41:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle
SIZE: 141.5 x 42 cm
TIP WIDTH: 28 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 34.5
FINS: 50 mm

The Misfit has always been a staple in the formidable Slingshot twin-tip lineup and with new refinements in construction and tip and rail design, this year’s model promises more pop for freestyle and smoother riding for heightened crossover performance. The 142 size is perfect for larger riders or anyone that wants to throw down some unhooked style in lighter winds. The parallel outline and wide tips deliver good amounts of pop. With its tunnel concave the Misfit is also smooth and manageable through chop and the rail grips well allowing the Misfit to push upwind with ease. This board is easy to ride and becomes comfortable instantly. It has plenty of access to freestyle pop for the more advanced riders. The Misfit is also a great choice for the intermediate rider that wants a board to advance. It won’t let you down as skills improve.

Footbed and Strap System: Slingshot Misfit Strap and Pad System
Slingshot footbeds are dual-density foam, with well cushioned heel and good toe grips. Unlike some systems, the Slingshot foot strap is attached to the footbed through a pin system and then the footbed is attached directly to the board with four bolts. This attachment method makes it much easier to attach the beds to the board than some other competing designs. Slingshot’s strap is adjustable with streamlined lace system as opposed to the traditional Velcro.

Board Construction
• Future Response Technology Core
• New taper sidewalls
• New Vulcan tip and tail
• Dura Base and solid wood core

TB Kiteboarding Haura

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:37:00 -0400

STYLE: Freestyle/Freeride
SIZE: 135 x 38.5
TIP WIDTH: 24 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”: 30 cm
FINS: 50 mm

The TB Kiteboards are partnered with HQ kites and this full wood core board has some innovative features that could appeal to the freeride enthusiast that values versatility. The board comes with six fins and has three fin inserts on each tip of the board that allows the rider to customize fin configurations for different styles of riding. This narrower shaped freeride board is softer flexing and will suit intermediate freeriders looking for a good combination of value and versatility.

Footbed and Strap System:
TB Kiteboarding’s strap and bed system is traditional in shape and form but with an intelligent twist. The strap ends work as the lock and tighten mechanism, which allows you to mount or change stance position without ever using a screwdriver or tightening tool. The beds and straps give good levels of support and cushioning.

Board Construction
• Full wood core
• ABS sidewalls
• Rounded centre rails
• Six fin inserts for more options

Cabrinha Skate

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:16:00 -0400

STYLE: Strapless Wakeskate
SIZE: 120 x 40 cm
TIP WIDTH:27 cm

The Cabrinha Wakeskate is another great low-cost alternative for having fun in flatwater on those lighter wind and nuking days. The Skate style kite riding is growing in popularity as it focuses on new kinds of strapless skills. The 10 lb Cabrinha skate is made of laminated maple wood and has a kite-specific rocker that promotes early planing. The weight keeps the skate close to your feet in the air when attempting Olleys and flip tricks. The skate is built for the abuse of sliders and kickers for anyone that has skills and confidence for riding strapless in the park.

Construction Features
• Horizontal laminated maple wood core
• Soft EVA deck pad
• Two G10

Liquid Force Twin Skim

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:13:00 -0400

STYLE: Lightwind strapless
SIZE: 129 x 51
TIP WIDTH:20/22 cm
TIP WIDTH at 6”:34/35 cm
FINS: none

Always creating and keeping ahead of the trend, Liquid Force brings the Twinskim to the line for 2010. This strapless discipline is expanding in popularity as it opens the door for new skill levels and style. The Twinskim has a slightly directional twin-tip outline and wide skimboard shape with a kite-specific rocker line to ensure effortless lightwind planing. The Twinskim is perfect for both the advance rider that wants to play in waves of flatwater or for the intermediate learning to ride strapless. The twin shape gives it better capability for riding blind and attempting 180 Shove-its. It’s the perfect balance between a wakeskate and a skim board.

Construction Features
• Top: Gloss
• Bottom: Matte
• Printing Treatments: Sublimated gloss
• Core: Composite

Strapless Overview: Wakeskate and Skim

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:08:00 -0400

The wakeskate scene has expanded this season with a couple of companies producing wakeskate models. These low-cost strapless alternative sticks are fun to play around with in flatwater and lighter wind conditions and if your Jason Ston and Andre Phillip, when it's really windy. The wakeskate is ridden strapless, usually with some shoes that help the rider pop the board out of the water in Ollies, Kickflips and grabbed jumps. Some talented wakeskaters are even hitting sliders and kickers on their skates. Be sure to check out the wakeskate article with Andre Phillip and Jason Stone in this issue. The skim board phenomenon is also being adopted by several kite companies, as an alternative light wind strapless pastime. The skim board has no fins and planes up really quickly in light winds. They are great for practicing strapless kiteboard skills, on the water handle passes, jumping strapless and generally carry their own unique style. The skim board can also be a useful tool for a playful session in light winds with a some beach break.

Be sure to check out the individual reviews of the Cabrinha Wakeskate, Liquid Force Twin Skim, and Airush Skim.