Crossover boards with multiple uses are all the rage. With the Twist, the Swiss manufacturer Ensis also has a model in its programme that claims to be "one for everything". The Twist model is available in three sizes with 95, 125 and 145 litres. We extensively tested the 125 litre version (surf measurement 9.23 kilos), which, according to the manufacturer, can be used for windsurf foiling, wingsurfing, foil SUPing and as a children's board.
On land:With a length of 210 centimetres, the board is compact. A large pad has been glued to the deck and there is only one strap position. The board is supplied with four straps, a centre fin (US box) and two small side fins. The idea: If you want to use the board as a SUP for the wave, mount a thruster setup. If the Ensis Twist is used as a windsurfing children's board, the two side fins move to the centre of the board and act as drift inhibitors. In addition to the fin boxes, the board has a double rail for mounting the foil and, of course, a mast rail for windsurfing use.
Test in three disciplines
Test, part 1: Windsurf foils
Among the pure windsurfing foil boards, the Ensis Twist with a length of 210 centimetres is fully in line. Equipped with a 1700 windsurfing foil, the board gets up to speed well and has pleasingly little resistance when planing, the take-off is quite smooth and predictable. The wide deck is grippy and comfortable, the strap position is good for windfoiling - as long as you use foils that are not too sporty, but are more of a cruiser type. The shape with the wide nose forgives unintentional touchdowns well, sends you gently back into the air and allows relaxed freeriding, foil jibing and smaller gimmicks.
Test, part 2: Wings with the Ensis Twist
We swap the sail for a wing. It soon becomes clear that the loop position is more suited to windsurf foiling. Although we can wing in the loops, we are then further back than usual on a pure wingboard. We therefore recommend pushing the foil further forwards in the double rail and then surfing the twist strapless. Even when surfed without straps, the board gets going well, even if you are a wing beginner without a sophisticated pumping technique. The deck shape provides a lot of safety for flying and for first foil manoeuvres such as jibes and turns.
Test, part 3: Suitability as a children's board
Off with the wing and foil, on with the children's rig. Quickly mount the small side fins as drift inhibitors - and off we go for our 8-year-old test subject Lorenz. He gets the 2.5 tight and even comes close to planing in the gusts with the twist. Going upwind is no problem with the board, the side fins are certainly not comparable to a large folding daggerboard, but they minimise lateral drift sufficiently. Another positive aspect is that even with the small 2.5 mm sail it is no problem to turn the board with sail control.
surf conclusion:We were unable to test the SUP suitability of the board - but in our experience, you should have some paddling experience to surf the board in the waves due to the low volume of just 125 litres. The board is of course too short for longer paddling tours, but a short round on the lake should be possible for light paddlers or children. The board masters all other disciplines with flying colours. It works excellently for windsurf foiling, provided it is equipped with camberless sails up to 6.5 square metres and more manoeuvre-oriented cruiser foils. The Twist 125 is also a great board for kids. Kids who are somewhere between a beginner's course and their first planing can practise perfectly on it. Due to the long dimensions for wingsurfing, the range of use is primarily limited to beginners through to first foil manoeuvres. All in all, however, the Ensis Twist undoubtedly has a very wide range of use.
Ensis Twist
- Sizes:95/125/145 litres
- Lengths: 180/210/212 cm
- Widths: 74/78/82 cm
- Price: 2148 Euro
- Info: www.ensis.surf
