105-LITRE CROSSOVER BOARD TEST 2023
VERSATILE
This month we test some of the most versatile boards on the market, offering solutions for a one board quiver.
TEST EDITOR: ROB YORK // SECOND TESTERS: JOE NORTH, MAURIN ROTTENWALTER // TEST LOCATIONS: WEYMOUTH HARBOUR, OVERCOMBE // PHOTOS: ROB YORK AND TRIS BEST
Findings
Crossover board designs have a broad operating range, including blasting and bump and jump, where some boards excel tremendously both on flat water or in choppy coastal conditions. Boards are getting faster and more versatile in the air with innovative combinations of board outline, bottom shape and rocker lines. A consistent component of the crossover boards is a fast rocker line where boards possess a longer flat section. Despite this, some brands have still managed to squeeze a bit of tail kick and nose scoop into their designs to ensure riders are still able to enjoy bumpy conditions too. The list of opportunities is exponential, and as you read through the tests, you will see how each brand has risen to the challenge with its own design ideas. One area that weather conditions for the test period didn’t let us explore fully was the wave performance of the boards.
Summary
Still boasting some clear features brought forward from the stubby design, Fanatic’s Freewave TE is fun! Playful in nature, the Freewave releases early and cruises over chop lightly, making for a comfortable ride. In the turns, the board asks the rider to adopt a back-footed approach dropping weight back assertively to help the board carve. Another compact board in the lineup is the Starboard Kode which, despite its curved outline, reaches an impressive top speed whilst requesting little input from the rider. At speed, the Kode remains composed, suggesting to the rider to push for more. Driven off the fin with heaps of grip,JP’s Freestyle Wave performs impressively in the gybe, maintaining speed through the midpoint effortlessly. Once the rail is engaged, the turning arc is set and the board is never bounced out of a turn by oncoming chop. Two boards that feel extremely at home in coastal conditions are the Goya One 3 and the Quatro Power, providing a real sense of comfort and control in hectic conditions. The One 3 is fast and smooth, calmly transitioning from rail to rail, while the Power produces a slightly more radical feel that can turn south coast slop into an exciting playground. For the rocket air lovers, the Severne Dyno and the Naish Starship will surely excite you. Both have an incredible ability to boost and float in the air, assisted by their impressive top speeds. If you are looking to extend your session time and progress your windsurfing, then the AV Boards Chubby has you covered. Its soft rails are incredibly forgiving, producing an amazingly accessible turning ability. The Tabou 3S Plus is a real plug-and-play master, always remaining composed, even in the most challenging of conditions. Last but certainly not least is the all-new RRD Powermove. An innovative board that seems to have endless opportunities to spice up your sailing. Add a bit of freestyle here, a bit of wave sailing there and even hit some speed on the straights!
The Lineup
AV BOARDS CHUBBY 107
FANATIC FREEWAVE TE 105
GOYA ONE 105
JP FREESTYLE WAVE PRO 104
NAISH STARSHIP 105
QUATRO POWER 105
RRD POWERMOVE LTE 104
SEVERNE DYNO III 105
STARBOARD KODE 105
TABOU 3S+ TEAM 106