Windsurf MagazineNORTH NOVA 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

NORTH NOVA 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

Compact and user-friendly over an impressive wind range, the new rigid handles of the Nova are the true game changer, providing crisp connection and the versatility to adjust your grip according to preference.

THEY SAY

“Balanced and reactive, the new Nova Wing feels lighter in your hands. It generates more forward drive and upwind performance than anything you’ve ever ridden. At the heart of the Nova design is a super-stiff frame for power and efficiency, enabling instant take-offs and a massive wind range.”

WE SAY

With all its heritage in the watersports world, North is a name and brand that need no introduction. They are however relative newcomers to the winging market, and with development taking place in both Hawaii and New Zealand, the Nova has been completely overhauled for this, its second-generation design. A new low aspect ratio outline has been adopted, said to reduce the chances of the wingtips catching in the water, whilst improving range and power delivery. The most obvious development is in the handles, the Nova sporting two elongated rigid handles, labelled by the brand as GripLock micro-trimming control handles. The central strut itself is now the ‘GeoStrut’ with a more ‘ergonomic geometry’ and joins to the leading strut via the ‘XLT joint’ – a wide diameter connection with a biaxial Kevlar (aramid) fibre layer, which stiffens the frame of the Nova and mitigates any flex or energy absorption. Inflation to the recommended 6 PSI is carried out through their ‘Hyperflow’ system – a single bayonet valve on the inside of the lead strut, with the air being fed into the central strut via two sealable hoses, meaning the bladder is then locked in place at four junctions, reducing the risk of it twisting and failing. Adopting a medium dihedral leading-edge profile, the Nova has a relatively loose canopy tension, produced in the brand’s North High Tenacity Ripstop (N-HTRS) polyester yarn, with two LiteVision XS window panels incorporated for safety. The struts are produced in a low stretch Dacron, with a reported reduction in deflection, whilst vulnerable areas and seams are covered by what North tell us is, “DuraLite scuff protection, which is a lightweight STPU material found on the wingtips and seams along the leading edge and tip of the strut.” North also tell us that, “The Kevlar Strut Connection is a biaxial Kevlar fibre seen on the seams where the leading edge attaches to the centre strut.” It comes supplied with an elasticated leash with buckled wrist cuff and a well-finished compact rucksack for storage. Whilst having no harness lines attachment points, North say that, “Our Adjustable Harness Line comes with two Velcro fastening loops which attach to the handles.”

Taking the Nova onto the water, its compact nature makes it easy to transition from knees to feet without the wingtips catching, flying freely and easily. Physically, it is not the lightest wing on test, yet powers smoothly and generates plenty of forward momentum, transferring its energy efficiently to the board. The new rigid handles are a real revelation and work well to provide a direct and useful connection so that you can really utilise the drive the Nova generates. It has a good deal of bottom-end grunt, the Nova’s compact feel meaning you can really accentuate the pumping cycle, giving you time and space to pump the foil too, for the earliest take-off. Once flying the Nova settles well, feeling solid and dependable, the long handles allowing the rider to adjust the position of their hands to balance the wing’s power. In variable, gusty winds, or as the wind increases, it means the Nova is easy to trim quickly, providing the rider with the confidence to keep loading and driving. Stable and locked in at speed, it can be used to point high and cover large distances, the handles comfortable for long periods of use. In transitions, the Nova goes light and neutral as it’s lifted above the head, the handles again coming into play as they’re intuitive to locate, the grip easy to adjust in an instant, the wing powering progressively as it is pulled in on the new tack. And whilst parking to the side during a foil ride, the Nova may not be the most featherlight here, yet it is balanced and controllable whilst held from the neutral handle.