These Freemoveboards 95 are included in the test
(click to go to the individual rating)
If there is an all-in-one board for your purposes, then you will probably find it here. For most windsurfers, however, these "freemoveboards", "crossoverboards" or "freestyle waveboards" are more likely to be strong wind substitutes for good windy days. However, these boards are generally better and easier to jibe than pure freestyle boards, for example. And compared to a pure wave board, you usually gain enormously in terms of planing performance, control and riding comfort, both in flat and choppy water. Almost all the freemove boards tested are less nervous, better cushioned and glide faster and more freely over the chop than a comparable waveshape. And the sometimes very wide "stance" of many waveboards - the distance between the front and rear straps - is often perceived as less suitable for flat water chop.
In contrast, the boards in this group score highly for almost every target group, from jibing students to freestylers. And for occasional to even regular wave rides in onshore or sideshore winds in decent waves, a good half of the candidates are very well suited. At the end of the text you will find a small preselection for different types of surfers.
Freemoveboards: Shape features & details
Only the Tabou (2.36 metres) and F2 (2.13 metres) deviate particularly noticeably from the "standard dimensions" of around 229 x 61 centimetres - which is more noticeable with the F2 shape than with the "3S". And that's not where the extremes of the F2 board end. On the underside, the board also offers the strongest "V" of the group in the area under the straps with extremely deep double concaves.
Basically, the combination of a predominantly continuous "V" with a double concave is "state of the art" in this board group, albeit to varying degrees. These features are particularly noticeable as a very strong "V" on the Severne Dyno and the Goya "One". Naish uses both the "V" and the concaves particularly discreetly - in favour of the best planing performance.
Almost all boards have a fairly short, straight gliding surface under the stance position with a slight rocker (bend on the last section towards the tail). This is only noticeably more pronounced on the Severne, at one centimetre, otherwise it measures between one and four millimetres. F2 has not provided a straight planing surface at all, but has designed the board with a clearly curved planing surface from the nose to the tail. We present the shape details of all the boards in great detail in the video below.
The Finns: From mega to mini
The fin configuration - from a 28 mm single fin (Tabou) to very small thrusters - already shows how different the interpretation of the "freemove" theme can be. The short thrusters considerably increase the potential in the wave. On the other hand, our tests with this generation of boards have also shown that the classic single fin is still a long way from becoming a legacy carbon.
We were able to test the Starboard Kode with the additionally supplied standard fin and also the Fanatic Freewave with an optional single fin supplied with the test board. Both boards gain noticeably in planing performance, speed potential, run more freely - which even improves control in choppy water with a normal planing wind - and glide more stably through the power jibe. For modern freestyle, our testers would generally recommend a short freestyle fin for all boards and a shorter centre fin for real wave riding on JP and RRD, at least for light people and small sails.
On the water: how the freemoveboards ride
The Naish board tends to feel like a lively freeride board, it can withstand lateral pressure well, and four straps are also useful here. Not only is the measurable performance right, but the subjective riding experience also feels sporty and fast. The Tabou 3S conveys a similar maximum freeride feeling, but with its good turning characteristics, it glides a little more lively. If you're used to wave boards, you won't have to adjust at all on a Quatro and the Goya, RRD and Severne also give you that saltwater feeling.
The most sensitive and demanding board remains the one from F2, which requires a slightly more upright riding position in order to exert little lateral pressure. In addition, Starboard, Fanatic, JP-Australia in particular, but also Goya, tend to have very easy-to-surf characteristics: with a very stable planing position in a straight line, from which the boards can also turn very quickly if required. In these hybrid shapes, freeride and wave characteristics appear to be seamlessly welded together.
In the grades from the practical tests, the assessment between "weak", "good standard" and "super" took into account the fact that freestyle boards and wave boards in this volume class still require room for improvement, at least in individual disciplines. Overall, however, this board class is unbeatable.
The surf type recommendations for freemoveboards
Three target groups and areas of application are particularly in focus for this type of board - and these are the boards that seem particularly suitable for each.
- Is the freemove board the smallest board in your range, next to a large freeride or freerace board, with the focus on strong wind freeriding? Then planing characteristics, control and jibing are probably the most important criteria. Starboard, Tabou, JP-Australia, RRD, Fanatic, Goya and Naish are particularly recommended for this with their shapes.
- Are you quite light and looking for a manoeuvre-oriented all-round board in a size between 95 and 115 litres as a "big" board for moderate winds? With the boards from Starboard, Tabou, Fanatic, Naish and JP-Australia, you can make fast progress in lighter planing winds and still have a more agile board under your feet than with a pure freeride board.
- When there's a lot of wind, do you go into the surf with your small waveboard and the large freemoveboard should also work as a light wind option for the wave, for real wave riding even in sideshore wind? Fanatic, Goya, JP-Australia, Quatro, RRD, Severne and Starboard have suitable products in their range - with individual strengths.
All Freemoveboards 95 in the individual rating
F2 Rave 96
(length 212.9 cm, width 61.2 cm, price 1399 euros)
How is this price feasible? The F2 board is a good thousand euros less than most of its competitors. The answer can already be seen on the scales. At over eight kilos, the board has a stone-age weight, almost in the literal sense of the word. A Tabou in high-quality "Team" construction weighs almost two kilos less. Reinforced by the short board length and the extremely small fins, the shape suffers permanently from the reduced gliding performance - in all disciplines.
The three small fins in the slot boxes with unusually small screws provide little lateral support and require a lot of concentration; when going upwind, slight lateral sliding can hardly be prevented, the performance remains noticeably reduced, the board never becomes as fast as all the others. This in turn provides very good control, the soft, full water position gives a secure feeling even in strong winds. In general, the board simply needs a lot of pressure in the sail, then it accelerates noticeably. The grip in medium gybe radii is good, with a lot of control and smoothness. Unfortunately, the heavy construction not only reduces the glide in turns, but also the jumping qualities in freestyle.
Conclusion: A very short board with very little glide, most suitable for high winds, which can then also be used for freestyle and in moderate waves. Fin set-up hardly suitable for classic "freemove" use.
Fanatic Freewave 95 TE
(length 229.8 cm, width 60.9 cm, price 2699 euros)
The rather wide nose not only allows the Fanatic board to lie stable in the water - and to slide stably in freestyle - but also gives the impression of a little more volume underfoot in a group comparison. This makes the Freewave not only a very suitable (light wind) wave board, but also a great choice for beginners in this volume class who want to improve their jibes in strong winds. The board planes well and quickly, then remains particularly directionally stable and smooth-running, has a cushioned effect and doesn't falter even in stronger winds. Choppy waves are cushioned away very effectively. In short, it is very comfortable and easy to surf on all courses.
Even in the subsequent jibe, the board follows the course well, glides well and picks up a lot of speed from all gliding manoeuvres. Only very tight turns require noticeable foot pressure. On the other hand, the board turns very light-footedly and reactively on the straight or in front of the wave and retains a lot of grip. With good speed and lively "pop", it jumps light-footedly. This makes it ideal for waves and well suited for freestyling.
ConclusionThe Fanatic Freewave is a very controllable all-rounder, which turns very well when needed and thus not only makes the way into the wave very easy, but also has a lot of potential for real wave surfing.
Goya One 3 Carbon 95
(length 229.5 cm, width 60.7 cm, price 2550 euros)
With good planing performance, the Goya "One" also sets itself apart from all pure wave shapes and therefore really has what it takes to become the "one" board for Goya fans who also expect decent performance on flat water. The ride feels a little harder, more direct than on a Starboard or Fanatic and also a little more lively. Despite its decent performance, there is always a bit of a wave feeling even on inland lakes. The board glides quite flat and very controlled, reacting very quickly to foot control.
And that also applies to the jibe: Even with little pressure, the board enters the turn quickly and can be turned as tightly as possible with very good bite. This characteristic is perhaps less suitable for learning to jibe, but will certainly convince the manoeuvre-oriented, advanced surfer. With good foot control, the board really masters all radii and - without sagging at the back like many wave boards - gets through the turn with plenty of speed and control, even in choppy water. On top of that, the board jumps easily and slides well - so nothing stands in the way of more demanding freestyle manoeuvres.
ConclusionThe "One" is one of the most versatile all-round boards that is ideal for freeriding in flat water, classic and modern freestyle and wave riding at an advanced level.
JP Australia Freestyle Wave 94 Pro
(length 229.5 cm, width 60.9 cm, price 2499 euros)
A JP PRO Edition as a bargain? Well, the Freestyle Wave is still not a bargain, but with the - probably necessary - price increases of numerous competitors, the board is suddenly in the lower price segment. The board combines sporty genes with good-natured riding characteristics. For example, it is very stable when bobbing with an even volume distribution and then transitions very harmoniously into planing at an early stage. The planing position is sporty and direct, but stable around all axes, which ensures easy and safe controllability with a fast ride.
The board wants to be animated a little more powerfully when "wagging" from the ankles only (25 mm fin!), but as soon as you leave the locked "stoking position" and move more over the board in front of a wave, for example, the board reacts well and quickly to steering impulses. The good edge grip is just as effective here as in fast power jibes. The JP glides through radii of all kinds very safely and smoothly and remains very stable on the rail even in choppy water. A smaller centre fin is recommended for freestyle moves and waves, then the JP is also perfect for spock & co.
Conclusion: The JP is easy to surf, holds very well and turns well over the back foot in the wave, with good potential to maintain speed. A successful all-rounder.
Naish Starship 95
(length 231.5 cm, width 60 cm, price 1999 Euro)
With the Naish, we have a genuine planing machine in our test programme. Right from the start, you should consider whether the outside strap positions are the more suitable ones. This is because the board not only planes best, but also wants to accelerate, jump and cut power jibes into the water. The large fin, the more elongated shape - these features alone show that freestyle and waves were not the main focus during development. And this has done the suitability for flat water and choppy waves noticeably good.
The board glides freely, sporty and direct and can be controlled very well, especially with straps on the outside. In the jibe, the board cuts well through choppy water, is stable on the rail and glides best through the water. Although there are limits to very tight radii, the grip remains snappy and secure even with maximum pressure in the jibe. Classic planing manoeuvres work very well, the board requires little pressure and holds its course well in the turn. The Naish is less fond of "hooking", it tends to take flight forwards - so the board is not ideal in real surf.
Conclusion:Very easy to surf board with top jibe characteristics. Also ideal for beginners in this volume class.
Quatro Power Free Thruster 94
(length 227.6 cm, width 61.5 cm, price 2539 euros)
It's not for nothing that the "Power" is categorised as a waveboard in the Quatro range. Accordingly, the board turns up as soon as you give the slightest impulse with your back foot. The board is not the most radical wave board, but in this round it is the radical ski. It seems a little more tippy and smaller before planing or when turning. It planes really early for a wave shape, but the acceleration is rather moderate in light winds and the top speed also lags behind the field.
The turning characteristics, on the other hand, are outstanding, whether in front of a small wave or in the jibe, the board turns the tightest radii with the least pressure in this comparison. Wide jibes must be performed with concentration, otherwise it automatically becomes a tight turn. Even with a lot of wind, the controllability remains excellent, it never seems to be ragingly fast or overwhelming. Nevertheless, its lively response, supported by the 21 centre fin, pops out well and also allows most freestyle moves.
Conclusion: Very good as a board for combi use - mainly in real surf with occasional excursions into flat water or choppy waves. More suitable for experienced windsurfers than for neck training.
RRD Freestyle Wave 96 LTD
(length 227.8 cm, width 62.1 cm, price 2699 euros)
The pointed nose and direct planing give the RRD a very sporty feel. The somewhat smaller-looking board planes moderately, but then accelerates powerfully and achieves a decent speed - even if it is not one of the "racing models" in the group. In any case, it feels agile underfoot, "you want to play with it in the waves" is the signalling effect. Despite the direct water position, control remains very good right up to the limit, as the board only moves a little around the transverse axis even when powered up: the boldly raised, pointed nose dances slightly from left to right, but remains stable in height, while the fins (24 cm in the centre) provide a very secure hold.
The stance in the straps is very comfortable and they are positioned slightly further forwards than usual. This makes it easy to put pressure on the front rail in the turn - in the wave, for example - but requires a little more effort to jump. Hardly any effort is required in the jibe, with little foot pressure even lighter surfers can easily steer the board into the turn, only in very tight turns is a little more pressure required. With a lot of input speed, the RRD glides safely and quickly through the turn, but in light winds you need sensitive steering.
Conclusion: An agile board for flat water and waves, quite narrow in the tail for slidable freestyle.
Severne Dyno 95
(length 227.9 cm, width 59.7 cm, price 2459 euros)
Radical and easy at the same time - the Dyno manages this balancing act convincingly. The underwater hull with its deep V and strong concaves and bevels is designed more for cushioning and comfort than for crisp performance. This makes the board very easy to control, even in difficult conditions. Acceleration is rather leisurely, but the damping in the chop is exceptionally easy on the joints. The board with the straps and fins positioned a little further back turns very reactively and clearly with little foot pressure, which also leaves a good impression in the waves.
It has good "pop" for freestyle moves - even if not quite like the best due to slightly less speed - and is very easy to slide. In the "normal" power jibe, it allows all radii with a secure hold and smooth ride on the rail. For tight jibes or carving 360s, it can also be turned very tightly. In the wave, the loose turning characteristics over the back foot are very playful and it is also easy and snappy to "carve" for jumped freestyle manoeuvres.
Conclusion:An extremely comfortable board to surf with not quite as fast acceleration in the lower planing wind range. On top of that, it has good freestyle and wave characteristics and is very easy to jibe. Therefore suitable for pros and intermediates.
Starboard Kode 95 Carbon Reflex
(length 229.5 cm, width 62.1 cm, price 2539 euros)
With top equipment - an additional 28 mm single fin is included in the package - the Kode covers an immense range of use. The board is the easiest to control, offers maximum stability from planing to top speed even with the thruster fins and convinces the sporty surfer in the jibe just as much as the intermediate surfer who wants to improve the jibe in strong winds. The ride is very comfortably cushioned with a very stable planing position. More pressure is required to "waggle" than on a Goya or Quatro, but with a little more effort the board also carves well for jumped freestyle moves and glides stably.
The wide nose and overall very wide shape provide a lot of safety, even when planing, jibing and turning. In jibes you can put a little more weight on the rail, then the board glides particularly well and is very stable through choppy water with maximum grip. You'll hardly ever "stab" the board with too much pressure in the jibe. The fast board jumps well, which can be further improved with the single fin, just as you can raise planing and speed one step above the already good level without losing controllability. The extremely good grip speaks in favour of wave use, although the board requires a little more physical effort.
Conclusion: One of the most versatile all-rounders. For jibe students to freestyle surfers.
Tabou 3S Classic 97 Team
(length 236.1 cm, width 61.1 cm, price 2499 euros)
The classic comes classic, exclusively with a fin. This doesn't have to be a disadvantage on the water and certainly contributes to the top hull weight due to the lack of thruster boxes. The 3S wins all the prizes in the acceleration and speed disciplines. Even inland water surfers get a fast board that is also very sporty to jibe. The long, sharp trailing edge and strong cut-outs in the tail support this performance characteristic, but do not detract from the qualities in the turn. The 3S glides quickly through medium radii and the board can also be jibed super tightly with little foot pressure.
However, this requires clear, active guidance, otherwise the board turns almost involuntarily and loses speed. The free-gliding board also reacts particularly light-footedly to foot control on the straights. Properly powered up, it runs a little more freely and is very sporty and direct. In such conditions, the thrusters still glide more smoothly in the water in comparison. A sporty board that is very light-footed and jumps well, but is not extremely easy to surf and with good technique it flips and slides well in freestyle.
Conclusion: A successful blend of performance and sporty planing manoeuvres - combined with a dash of freestyle and wave suitability. Also well suited for pure inland use.
