Windsurf MagazineTABOU 3S+ TEAM 106 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict
Tabou’s 3S Plus is a real plug-and-play master. Providing support and lift under the back foot when required, but always remaining composed, even in the most challenging of conditions. With great range and performance versatility, Tabou has produced a strong contender for the one-board quiver.

The Lowdown
Performance in all conditions is where Tabou lays its claim for the 3S Plus, which is said to cover wave, freeride and freestyle. The board’s design aims to provide the perfect mix of early planing speed and manoeuvrability in a huge range of conditions due to its combination of a modern tail outline along with a more classic outline in the nose. The 3S is evidently Tabou’s stab at the board for a one-board quiver, and as we look into its key features, it becomes clear why. At the tail, you will notice that under the footstraps, the board’s profile is raised before dropping down to very thin rails at the rear to improve manoeuvrability, with the dome deck offering maximum comfort underfoot.

The board’s outline is fairly rounded, attributing to its carving and turning ability, whilst the rocker line is fast with a clear scoop at the nose. This ensures the board has a flat section to generate speed, whilst the scoop suggests that the 3S Plus still maintains sound wave sailing performance. The bottom shape of the board consists of a v-double concave, providing grip and forgiveness. The 3S Plus is produced in both LTD and the lighter in weight Team construction in four sizes ranging from 86 to 116 litres. With multiple strap inserts and some epic raised footpads, the 3S Plus suits anyone’s riding style and stance, and with the option of riding as a thruster or a single fin, the board can really adapt to being pushed in the waves or more freeride orientated when on flat water.

Brand Claim
The 3S+ combines the best traits of our wave, freeride and freestyle boards to cover three styles of windsurfing in one board.

Performance
Despite its rounded outline, the 3S plus feels bigger than its quoted volume thanks to its subtle winger providing buoyancy at the tail, and with that feels exceptionally comfortable at rest. This quality also assists the board greatly when accelerating onto the plane, allowing the rider to adopt a very natural foot positioning. The 3S plus suits any style of riding, whether upright and passive or locked and aggressive. No doubt the board’s speed potential is met when being a little more aggressive as the rider wraps the back foot around the rail and drives against the fins. Arrive at choppy or coastal conditions, and the board produces a calming nature.

Despite feeling large in volume, the 3S Plus absorbs chop well and, with its scooped nose, hunts over rough water with ease. The 3S Plus is engaging through manoeuvres. Ask the board to turn, and it can do so with the full rail engaged or, to sharpen it up, can be driven over the back foot.

Perhaps the most kindly received quality of the 3S Plus is its ability to carry and maintain speed. Whether through lulls or on the exit of a turn, the board maintains well-needed lift in the tail, allowing the rider to minimise movement in the lower half of their body and focus on directing the sail’s power. A real plug-and-play board that performs well in usually challenging areas.