Windsurf MagazineNORTH WAVE 4.7 TEST REVIEW 2024

NORTH WAVE 4.7 TEST REVIEW 2024

The Verdict

Light and designed for performance and acute handling, it’s weight will keep you on the water riding harder for longer. The North Wave delivers power smoothly and softly to allow the rider to use it in their own time, requiring consistent input on a wave to reap the rewards to elevate your riding.

The Lowdown

Not available until March 2024, we were very lucky to have this sail on test. Without even unrolling the sail, you instantly feel like you are handling a very special sail. It is featherlight and rolls up so small that it’s hard to believe there is actually a sail of the quoted size in there; it’s practically space-saving. When unrolled and inspecting the sail, it looks and feels to be moulded together with North’s 3Di technology. Surprisingly, for such a light sail, the material feels quite robust and as if it would withstand a hard life and some powerful washing machine wipeouts well. With only three-battens, it’s the only sail in the category with only a three battens, with the aim of providing a softer feel in the hands. Despite its 3-batten layout, the choice to use tough and robust materials with North’s 3Di technology, enables the sail to resist creasing and folding when overpowered and instead directs it in a manner for the rider to use. In the larger sizes – 5.2m and above – the North Wave are set up with four-battens. The mono-film window in the body of the sail has increased in size compared to its predecessor, enabling you to see more of the wave as you plan your route of attack to hit the next section. There is great attention to detail dotted all over this sail, with the tack and head of the sail well-padded and reinforced in bright blue to protect the sail’s workmanship and design. A PVC trim sits along the foot of the sail to again protect an area that is likely to come into contact with the sailor when riding aggressively. Paired with its recommended mast and extension, this rig is exceptionally light.

Brand Claim

“The sail has improved upper wind range and stability, meaning that the rider can focus on their manoeuvres, including high jumps with fast rotations and control.”

Performance

Sliding the mast into the luff of the sail, it rigs with ease. It’s handling takes some getting used to; it’s so light that it initially feels a little alien in the hands, especially if you are used to a sail with more weight and instant grunt. When the wind fills the sail as you sheet in, it builds power and pulls slowly, almost simmering to a boil, pulling the board to release. It’s not aggressive in its delivery; it’s soft and subtle, requiring the rider’s active input to channel the power where it’s needed. On a board you are comfortable with, it’s effortless to link the building power and send it down through the board to get you going with ease. Meanwhile, the sail stays neutral and breathes without compromising your stance, while remaining surprisingly stable – even in the gusts – for a 3-batten sail. Keeping the sail moving while riding is essential to maintain its power, but with such weightless handling, this is easy and requires very little thought as it slides through the hands with minimal effort, encouraging you to focus on the board as you carve hard and link turns fluidly in whatever direction you desire.