Freewave or freestyle wave boards are multipurpose windsurfing boards, a cross between freeride and wave boards, and are able to cover a wide range of conditions. In this article, we summarize the tests results of the french magazine Windmag, relating to the 2021 boards of this program.

 

Windsurfing: 2021 freestylewave boards test

(Podcast of the article in the central part)

As always, for all the details and insights, we invite you to purchase the April-May 2021 issue of the french magazine. Read also the article on 2020 freewave board tests.

This year the Windmag testers have tried 11 models of freewave boards with a volume of around 95 liters. The spots where the boards have been tested are Codouliere, and Le Brusc, in Six Fours, Southern France. The boards have been tested with 4.7 - 6.5 square meters freewave or freeride sails (no cams).

The tested boards are:

1. AV boards BT 97,
2. Exocet Cross 94 Silver,
3. Fanatic freewave 95 BXF,
4. Goya One 3 95,
5. Jp freestyle Wave 94 LXT,
6. Patrick F-Cross 94,
7. Quatro Power Pro 94,
8. RRD freestyle Wave 96 LTD Y26,
9. Severne Dyno 3 95,
10. Simmer Helix 96,
11. Tabou 3s+ 96 LTD.
    
    

 

 

 

 

Aurelio Verdi proposes an AV boards BT 97 with a particular shape, with a bat like (three-pointed) tail, parallel rails and rounded bow. Equipped with three fin boxes, it is delivered as a single fin (26 fin, rather straight). It falls in the category of all-rounder boards, and will appeal to the intermediate level windsurfer, who wants to start gaining experience in the smallest waves, guaranteeing a tolerant drive. Gliding driving offers a lot of sensations and is fun. The only negative aspect is that the pads and straps are rather rudimentary and not very comfortable.

The Exocet Cross has changed quite a bit in 2020 (shorter than 20cm, well centered volume). The board maintains a certain width both in front and rear area. It is equipped with a single box, and delivered with a standard 30 cm G10 fin. Thanks to the more compact shape, it turns out to be a nervous and sporty freeride board, with a solid support, suitable for offshore rides, and good for surfing only in the offshore swell.

 

(Article podcast)

The Fanatic freewave takes a bit of a rounded shape (after the Stubby versions of the past years). It is delivered with a single 28 cm fin, although it has three fins boxes. This BXF version (biaxal fiberglass), equipped with a single fin, is aimed at the general public, and is characterized by a sober freeriding drive, in the rough sea. It is less nervous and exclusive than the carbon version tested last year. Three fins equipment is recommended to make it more suitable for surfing.

The Goya One 3 has a wave board shape, and is characterized by a good thickness throughout its length. The rails taper in the front and rear board ends, with a narrow tail. The rear strap is set back and centered on the central fin (thruster configuration with MFC fins). In the water, it confirms a board that offers good sensations when surfing, as well as in straight rides, even in thruster fins set up. Plenty of comfort, docility and maneuverability. Suitable for experienced riders as well as beginners.

The Jp freestylewave has an elongated line, with rounded rails, and thickness preserved up to the bow. The LXT construction is a novelty. Equipped with three fins boxes, with the central Foil-Powerbox. It is a board at the center of the freewave program, fun and reassuring at the same time. It is a true board for Bump and Jump conditions, without being specialized in any way.

The Patrik F-Cross has a shape based on the slalom models, which vary a bit according to volume size, with a more pronounced tail bending in small volumes. It has only one fin box, for a single fin set up only. The Patrik is a funboard that guarantees excellent control and lots of sensations when riding in straight lines. Quick glide start.

The Quatro Power has a more accentuated thickness in the bow area (in front of the mast foot), which progressively reduces going towards to the tail. The rocker line is the fastest of the Quatro models, on an elongated line shape. The Quatro is a large wave board, which is characterized by an excellent glide. Excellent glide start and a speed feeling emerge in a wave-oriented shape, which is the brand's DNA. The generous volume distribution means that this board is intended for a good sized rider, lover of fast rides and jumps.

The RRD freestylewave is characterized by an abundant volume and thick rails under the feet and up to the bow. It has a Step-tail behind the back foot. It comes with three K4 fins, and features a superb finish. Due to its nervous structure, and its aptitude for surfing, it is intended for a rider of a good level. It is perfectly effective in marginal conditions, and is a great model for heavy riders in the waves.

 

 

The Severne Dyno has a good thickness in the feet area, a lifted bow and a cut tail. The fins boxes and the straps are rather set back. The hull is deeply V-shaped. It is a board equally oriented towards freeride and Bump and Jump, and fun in the waves. Docile and stable in straight line, lively and fun when sailed on its stern, with the rear foot, and which guarantees an assisted and tolerant surfing. It lacks only in offshore conduction.

The Simmer Helix 2021 has been shortened by 10 cm, and designed with a greater width towards the tail. The straps and fin boxes are set back, and the volume is concentrated between the front straps and the mast foot. The 86 and 96 are delivered with three carbon fins. The new shape offers dynamic driving in a straight line, and docile when carving. It facilitates the first attempts into the waves, while remaining tolerant. With a more external straps position, it gains versatility, even if it remains nervous (due to its stiffness).

The Tabou 3S has been produced for some years in two versions, the Classic one and the 3S Plus. The Plus version (the tested one) has a shape borrowed from the wave models, with a Thruster fins configuration, and an accentuated side edges tapering, starting from the rear foot. The position of the straps is rather backward. It is a board good for all types of conditions, whether you are drawing curves, sailing along straight line, or jumping, without even changing the its fins trim.

Among all the boards tested, the choice of the testers fell on the Goya One 3 and the Tabou 3S +.

 

Have a nice choice.