GOYA CARRERA 116L 2016 TEST REVIEW
GOYA CARRERA 116L 2016 TEST REVIEW
THE LOW-DOWN
Unchanged from 2015 (including its graphics), the Carrera is Goya’s foray into the world of freeride, the 116 being the smallest of a three-board line-up. It is in this test as the contender with the classic outline, being over 10.0cm narrower than the widest on test. Supplied with an upright MFC race-oriented fin, the latest MFC straps and contoured deckpads, it has a smooth dome throughout its deck and a mass of footstrap options to suit the preference of any rider.
BRAND CLAIM
“We set out to create a freeride board with only the very best composites applied; racing composites, bringing the ultimate speed sensation to a broader audience, a sensation that up until now only racers could experience. The Carrera’s monocoque is entirely made from high end carbon and the advanced weave, paired with top of the line construction throughout the board, literally changes the DNA of these boards.”
PERFORMANCE
On the water, the difference in width is very noticeable as soon as you step on the Carrera. Any reduction in static stability is soon forgotten when power is applied, the drive and traction provided by the fin enabling the rider to lean out and push against it to release the board from the water. It certainly seems to rely less on the hull or any positive steer downwind than the newer wider boards, reacting to gusts and accelerating more readily across the wind. Cruising up to speed, the Carrera feels stable and easy underfoot, but partner it with a locked in freerace sail and it is also deceptively fast, its ease and composure masking its raw speed until you start drag-racing others. To experienced riders it has a familiar and classy nature rather than dated or out of place amongst its wider cousins. In heavy chop and confused seas, it does require good rider input to maintain its trim, its longer narrower profile and forward rail shape demanding a firm hand to keep it locked down and driving. This is also apparent when leading the Carrera into a gybe, its more parallel outline and boxier rails respond best to a more assertive style, commanding the board throughout the turn and keeping weight forward. Get it right and you can really sense the Carrera is on your side, driving through the turn and coming out with plenty of speed. And we guess that this is the point. For those progressing into the world of planing conditions for the first time, the advantages of the new wide-thin style freeride boards may well have their advantages. But for those that have windsurfed for a time (perhaps even returning to the sport) there are qualities to the Carerra’s ride that will feel both familiar and engaging, helping to keep them inspired, captivated and charging.
THE VERDICT
Deceptively fast and comfortable for blasting over great distances, the Carrera proves that freeride hulls with a more conventional outline are a long way off being consigned to the history books.
Other sails in this test: