Windsurf MagazineGOYA CUSTOM 3 PRO 92L TEST REVIEW 2024

The Verdict

A real all-round wave board that responds well to rider input to reap the rewards of the Custom 3 Pro surfy outline. Adapting to more challenging bump and jump conditions, the Custom 3 Pro will reward the rider the more they turn and place it on any given wave, on any given day, a real performance onshore board that will handle the vast majority of classic cross-on to onshore conditions.

The Lowdown

With some small adjustments to the shape from previous years, the Goya Custom 3 Pro now features a slightly more parallel outline and a faster rocker line. However, it still maintains a strong air of wave pedigree. The vee double concave bottom, pure thruster setup, and the absence of an option for a twin back strap, unlike others on the test, make the Custom 3 Pro seem initially more at home on a wave. It is branded as their “Surfwave Thruster.”, however, this doesn’t mean it lacks characteristics that make it suitable for a rider in both wave and bump-and-jump conditions. Possessing a flatter rocker line enhances the Custom 3’s early planing ability and speed – two essential characteristics in bump-and-jump or less-than-ideal waves – which this board has in abundance. Dialling in on the footstraps tuneability, the Custom 3 possesses the option of having the back strap position 20cm off the tail at its furthest back position, which makes the board more suited for aggressive turning or 24cm at the furthest forward position, offering a narrower stance for a more upright sailing geometry, this is a nice touch to really assist the rider in making the most of the conditions. The Custom 3 Pro has a clear tail extension behind the back strap which tapers into a swallow tail and thinned rails. This design provides a safety net for the rider in lulls, offering stability and speed, while also delivering grip and turning ability when needed. The thruster setup provides plenty of drive while remaining nimble enough in waves, allowing you to react to the wave or make a sudden decision to ride a small face of water when presented with the right opportunity.

Brand Claim

“Thruster performance, exponentially enhanced. For the Custom 3 Pro we are pairing our most progressive wave shapes with a V bottom shape and a faster rocker line. Slightly less rocker, making them faster and more stable.”

Performance

The Custom Pro 3 immediately feels stable, which is another benefit to add to the list of a slightly flatter rocker paired with slightly more parallel rails in this year’s model. Getting onto the plane with minimal input from the rider, simply nudge it off the wind, it doesn’t require much effort to accelerate, allowing you to slot your feet into the straps, get comfortable, and start driving the Custom 3 Pro up to top speed and in your chosen direction. Handling messy and choppy water well, the Custom 3 Pro maintains its pace, providing you with the headspace to eye up the next opportunity ahead, whether it be a gust, riding moment or ramp to send you into the stratosphere. The Custom 3 Pro feels surfy, keeping the rider nimble and ready to react at the drop of a hat, in particular when it’s paired with the Goya Banzai – also on test. Through transitions, the Custom 3 Pro is stable; the flatter tail profile paired with its thinner tapered tail locks you in through rough waters, carrying speed and pinpoint precision through the gybe. Its nimble and surfy nature shouldn’t be driven too hard with larger or vastly overpowered rigs; it likes to remain ready and poised for the rider’s next move. Given any opportunity to ride a wave, the Custom 3 Pro relishes the opportunity to turn and use the wave’s pace and face to carry speed and project you through drawn-out or tight, snappy turns in the pocket alike. Faced with a variety of wave conditions from messy onshore to cleaner cross or cross-off, the Custom 3 Pro will adapt. It is a real do-it-all wave board that’s a pleasure to ride. The more you give, the more the Custom 3 Pro will reward you.