Windsurf MagazineRRD FREESTYLE WAVE Y26 84 TEST REVIEW 2023

The Verdict

An exceptionally balanced board, the Freestyle wave is a go to board for those who are first getting in to wave sailing. Comfortable at speed whilst maintaining some good wave versatility the board can aid a rider in learning to ride front or rear footed and transition between the two.

: RRD FREESTYLE WAVE Y26 84

The Lowdown

After testing the Y26 Cult last year, RRD opted to provide us with the Freestyle Wave 84 for the 2023 test. As we dive into the shape, the most standout feature is the wingers at the board’s tail. Present on both the Cult and the Freestyle wave, this feature is sure to impact the board’s riding style. Despite its freestyle wave heritage, the board has a visibly wave-orientated outline with a scooped and pointed nose, ensuring the board maintains its wave-sailing ability.

The board’s bottom shape incorporates a straight rocker up to the mid-section and a double concave in the front that runs back into a vee through the mid-section and the tail. Delivered with three K4 fins, the board can be set up as a thruster or a single fin for the more classic-styled wave riders. Supplied with Da Kine footstraps that sit on top of dual-density foam deck pads, the strap position can be set for wave riding in the centre of the board or moved slightly outboard, enabling riders to use bigger sail sizes, opening up the freeride potential of this board.

RRD produce the Freestyle Wave in six sizes from 78 to 114 litres. The board also comes in a variety of constructions, including LTE, LTD and BLKRBN (BLACK RIBBON). Each step in the range comes with a price hop. We tested the LTD version, which sits in the middle, offering a good balance of weight and durability, whilst the BLKRBN version focuses on light weight and a high end finish, and the LTE version focuses more on durability.

: RRD FREESTYLE WAVE Y26 84

Brand Claim

“The Freestyle Wave Y26 takes one step further, accessible and fun in flat water, but with more performance in the waves. You can finally aspire to one single board, with no compromise.”

Performance

Carrying the board down to the water, you will notice the board feels light in the hands, as its evenly distributed volume balances the board well. This balance is noticeable again once on the water; compared with some of the other boards on test, the Freestyle Wave feels very balanced underfoot. Moving onto the plane, the board requires some rider input to get it going; however, once moving, it’s fast! The board sits relatively high on the water as it displays an engaging, corky nature, dancing playfully over choppy water. Assisting the board to reach its top speed, the rider is encouraged to drive through the front foot to keep the board flat, and once a peak is reached, the board releases well into the air. Move weight towards the rear, and the board tracks well upwind whilst maintaining a very respectable amount of its speed.

Unlike other boards of its kind, the Freestyle Wave has maintained some loose turning ability. The wingers on the board allow the rider to shift their weight backwards and push the board through a tight arc. Whilst positioning more over the front foot engages the rail and offers stacks of grip in return. Though the Freestyle Wave doesn’t deliver the radical nature of some of the other boards on test, it certainly has a versatile feel, giving the rider the choice of tighter turns or speed down the line.