Windsurf MagazineSEVERNE PREDATOR 125 2023 TEST REVIEW

SEVERNE PREDATOR 125 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

With its extremely compact design, the Predator stands out on test as one of the most innovative boards. Clearly designed to open up the realms of foil freestyle, the Predator has impressive style credentials and performs well when getting going and hunting for speed.

The Lowdown

Aggressively designed for carving, jumping, and rotating on the foil, Severne’s Predator outshines its sibling, the Alien, in terms of sheer adrenaline-pumping action.

This beast is available in four sizes, catering to a range of riders. With a focus on reducing the lift needed for flight and boosting manoeuvrability, the Predator features shorter lengths across all sizes. Noticeably, a large amount of the board’s volume sits under the footstrap area, suggesting the board will remain buoyant despite its compact shape. Inserts are provided only inboard for the back foot, promoting optimal weight distribution over the foil when jumping or loading up.

Staying true to its windsurfing roots, the Predator employs a deep Tuttle box for reliability, consistency, and ease of use. The board maintains a simplistic design and reduced weight by eliminating unnecessary inserts and fin boxes. Severne recommends pairing the Predator with a FoilFreek for the ultimate combination, unlocking a realm of carving and 360s in lighter winds for riders of any size.

Brand Claim

“The Predator is a dedicated windsurfing foil board. More aggressive than the Alien, it is designed to carve, jump and rotate on the foil.”

Performance

The Predator may be one of the smaller boards on the market, but don’t let that fool you. It packs a surprising amount of buoyancy due to its clever volume distribution. This makes the board feel stable underfoot while at rest, allowing it to easily handle larger sails.

The real magic of the Predator is in its ability to get you up and planing. Thanks to the volume in the tail, you can step right back into the straps, and the board will release effortlessly onto the plane. Once up to speed, the board offers the rider versatility in their stance: opt for the inboard straps and a more upright position, or step the back foot outboard and out of the back strap towards the rail for a locked-in, driving feel.

But the true essence of the Predator lies in its manoeuvrability. This board is perfect for those looking to execute downwind 360s or small jumps, making it a great choice for those looking to add a bit of freestyle to their foiling. As the most compact and playful board in our test, the Severne Predator is an extremely exciting foiling revelation to ride, opening up new opportunities for the experienced foilers out there.