Windsurf MagazineAV BOARDS CHUBBY 107 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict
Cruisy and comfortable, AV’s Chubby is without a doubt one of the easiest boards to sail. With a real dependable nature, the Chubby is a fantastic board for those looking to progress their windsurfing. Smooth and forgiving through the gybes and settled and composed on the straights, the Chubby will have you sailing for hours.

: AV BOARDS CHUBBY 107

The Lowdown
One of the best sellers in AV’s collection, the Chubby is the brand’s mix between freeride and freemove. Available in six sizes from 90 to 137, the Chubby is built in the brand’s smart bridge construction, a technology designed to absorb impact featuring a full sandwich 90kg/m3 deck and bottom, carbon reinforcements from the step zone to the mast track and double sandwich stringer on the bottom. Clearly, durability has been a clear focus in this board’s design. The board boasts a parallel outline with a rounded nose and tail to ensure its early planing capabilities. Additionally, the Chubby has a flat section running from the tail to the mast track zone, along with a light vee and double concave throughout. The board’s rails are low, slim and rounded throughout the length of the board for maximum control and comfort. The outline of the three smaller boards in the range is slightly narrower in an effort to improve their performance and comfort in choppy and windy conditions. The three larger sizes in the range are more freeride orientated and feature a foil-ready Tuttle box increasing the board’s wind range.

Brand Claim
The Chubby is one of the best selling boards in our collection. This shape is a real and brilliant mix between freeride and freemove.

Performance
With its first outing in light winds, we used the setting guide on the board’s mast track, setting it far back in its light wind set-up. By far the most gentle of the boards on test, the Chubby progressively builds speed, displaying a very comfortable nature. Whilst not the fastest board on test, the Chubby maintains good release, and as it reaches its top speed, it always feels dependable, allowing even the most timid of riders to commit to the gear confidently. As the breeze builds, the board handles well, remaining composed and connected with the water, never showing any sign of lifting too much. The board’s soft rails are a real ally through the gybes, particularly for riders looking to progress from intermediate to advanced. With the water gripping to the rails through the turn, the Chubby is very forgiving, ensuring the rider never experiences any jerky feelings, making for a smooth and easy arc. On the exit of the gybe, the board’s long flat section allows the rider to adopt a very natural foot positioning as it builds speed in the new direction. Without a doubt one of the easiest boards to sail, making for long and enjoyable sessions.