Windsurf MagazineTABOU FIFTY 135 TEAM 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

For those looking for a board that is fast on the fin and fast on the foil, Tabou may have the answer. The Fifty possesses the speed of many slalom boards whilst on the fin, and its wide tail makes it a strong contender on the foil.

The Lowdown

Expanding their range, Tabou introduces the Fifty for the 2023 season, a board designed from the ground up to deliver optimal fin and foil windsurfing performance. The Fifty, dressed in a sleek yellow, orange and red finish, comes in three sizes from 115 to 135. The Fifty is available in both Ltd and Team construction, with the latter weighing in almost a kilo lighter.

The wide tail outline of the Fifty aims to grant early lift-offs with a foil and enhances control when using a fin. Its big tail cutouts are a masterstroke in design, attempting to reduce the wetted surface. The high-entry rocker is another standout feature, ensuring early take-offs, smooth touchdowns when foiling, and exceptional control during fin windsurfing in rough waters. This versatile board caters to every wind condition, allowing you to switch between fin and foil easily.

The Fifty possesses a powerful hull shape that transitions from a front V double concave to a flat V in the tail. A reinforced Deep Tuttle Box adds durability and safety, ensuring your foil is ready for action at any time.

Brand Claim

“One single board will make you fly over the water both with a fin and a foil – the Fifty is ready to accelerate your freeracing sessions. The Fifty is the first board that from scratch has been equally designed for foiling and fin windsurfing and therefore provides the same levels of performance in both disciplines.”

Performance

Stepping onto the Fifty for the first time, it becomes immediately apparent that this is the ultimate crossover board, masterfully blending high performance on both fin and foil. Borrowing the cutouts found on race-inspired boards like the Rocket Plus, the Fifty is designed with versatility and adaptability in mind. The wider outlined tail provides the necessary leverage for foiling, yet once on the fin, this additional width becomes unnoticeable, allowing for exceptional control of the board. With its 135-litre volume, the Fifty loves to be gybed on the rail, exhibiting an effortless and smooth transition through turns. As the Fifty takes flight, it releases from the water with remarkable ease and grace, soaring smoothly over chop and maintaining a steady connection with the foil. When competing against others on the fin, the Fifty holds its ground, demonstrating that its stock fin is an excellent choice for most riders. However, for those seeking to unlock the true potential of this versatile board, replacing the stock fin with a full carbon race fin unleashes a whole new level of performance and power. The Fifty truly is the perfect one-board solution for the windsurfer seeking a high-performance crossover experience. Whether you’re a seasoned windsurfer or just beginning to explore the world of foiling, this board’s dynamic capabilities and responsive nature make it an excellent choice for those who want the best of both worlds.