95-LITRE FREEWAVE BOARD TEST 2024
BOARDS THAT CAN DO IT ALL!
The Test Team gets their hands on the latest batch of the Swiss Army knives of boards that can do it all from flatwater to bump ’n’ jump & waves.
Test Editor: James Hardy // Second Testers: Callum Blackwell & Maurin Rottenwalter // Photos: Tris Best // Locations: Portland Harbour, Hayling Island & Bracklesham.
Overview
While sitting here in the deep depths of winter writing this, and imminently looking forward to the first hints of spring and summer emerging, naturally like every year, the frequency of the storms seems to begin to fade, which usually means we gravitate towards using slightly different gear to scratch that itch, while possibly looking for a bit of extra float and security to combat the cold. The 95-litre Freewave needs to be the Swiss Army knife of boards – equally at home making flatwater to bump and jump conditions fun, while also having the ability to perform in waves should the opportunity arise.
The 95-litre, or boards around that size, offer a huge amount to the rider, and generally, we are likely to all have something around this size ready to go in our quivers. For many, boards in the 95-litre region will be the first port of call as we look to venture out into more challenging sea states as pure free-ride boards reach their upper limits for mere mortals.
For riders like myself, who are built for battle with boulders for shoulders and possess thighs like tree trunks, this may be the smallest board in our quiver, or potentially the one board that does all, depending on the conditions we choose to venture out in. While for those sporting a slenderer body shape, this may be the largest board in the quiver, meaning it may be used for those classic windy summer days when it’s bump and jump, marginal wave sailing, float & ride, or some flatwater shredding.
Regardless of how you choose to use a 95-litre Freewave board, it has a place for everyone. Even if it doesn’t now, it probably played an integral role in your windsurfing progression and journey over the years.
In this 95-litre Freewave board test, many of the boards are a staple model for the brand in their range. However, that being said, there have been a few changes in shapes, some more subtle and some more blindingly obvious than others. A common theme throughout all tests were the early planing capabilities these boards possess, which I’m sure everyone will agree is an essential characteristic of a Freewave board. Kicking off with the Starboard Kode in its very new shape, the Kode looks much more surfy than previous models, however, it surprised the team with its ability to adapt to a variety of conditions. The Severne Dyno is back again for a 7th year and still offers its signature usability while having the ability to transform conditions when they are suboptimal. Goya and Quatro’s shapes are particularly surfy and they both excelled in proper bump and jump conditions as well as the less-than-ideal wave conditions that we tend to experience in typical onshore conditions – not feeling cumbersome even when conditions went up that extra notch on the water, making them ideal summer wave sailing boards. The Duotone Freewave was a plug-and-play master across a wide range of conditions with friendly usability delivering fun and freedom to the rider. Finally, the Tabou 3S+ was fast and playful, yet remained in control in messy conditions, while also displaying some real ability on a wave if one was to present itself.
Read on for the full lowdown on each board from our Test Team at the links below.
THE LINEUP