Windsurf MagazineSEVERNE GATOR 6.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

SEVERNE GATOR 6.0 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict
The Gator is the sail that really gives to the rider without asking for much in return. Whether it’s getting going or gliding through lulls, the sail works in the rider’s favour giving the valuable time and headspace to focus, making the Gator a fantastic sail for riders looking for progression.

The Lowdown
The 2023 season is the start of a new 2-year cycle for Severne, and with that, the Gator has seen some updates. The Gator is Severne’s Progressive Freeride sail aimed at freeride, freewave and blasting. Produced in red and anthracite, the Gator comes in a broad range of sizes from 3.7 to 8.0, with the smaller sizes produced for freemove and the larger sizes produced for freeride. Severne claims that the Gator feels light, highly manoeuvrable and encourages you to progress, and as we dive into some of its key features, it becomes clear to see why. The Gator uses x-ply throughout its panels, with the brand’s eM4 high-load laminate in the foot panel and trusted eM3 scrim in the upper panels to reduce swing weight. The Gator also possesses SpiderFibre reinforcement made with fibreglass filament that disburses the loads across seams and throughout the body of the sail to improve the sail’s durability. Severne has a clear focus on reducing weight, with the Gator maintaining a slick and minimal design. Compatible with both RDM and SDM masts, the Gator displays a moderate amount of luff curve, with the leech falling away progressively.

Brand Claim
The Gator is an all-round freeride / freewave / blasting sail. Gets you going fast, and maximizes stoke.

Performance
Comparatively to other sails, the Gator boasts a relatively deep profile helping generate constant forward drive. Consistent in Severne’s sail design, the Gator almost bypasses the need for any change in sheeting angle whilst getting going, as the draft pulls the kit forwards. This means that early planing comes naturally with little rider input, making this sail a real ally to the rider wanting to hook in immediately and let the sail do the work. The Gator deals with heavy gusts well, but its most impressive quality is its ability to glide through prolonged lulls with little effort required.

Providing a real plug-and-play feel, skill progression on this sail is virtually guaranteed with its ease of use, giving the rider valuable time to think about how to direct the board efficiently. The forward-focused pull is a godsend through the gybe, keeping the board planted as the rider works through the arc of the turn. The Gator’s light weight is very noticeable through the turn and in the rig flip, which never leaves the rider jerking the rig back into position for the exit. A fantastic all-round sail that is begging to help you progress.