The Naish Hover on land:
The Naish Hover is available in ten (!) sizes (1179 to 1529 euros), we tested the "golden mean" with 85 litres in the "Carbon Ultra" construction. The test board in this size costs 1349 euros. The sizes with 110 and 125 litres are also available in the more robust and around one kilo heavier "GS" construction for 1179 euros. In late summer 2021, the sizes 85 and 95 will also follow as GS versions.
At a measured 6.10 kilos, the Hover 85 Carbon Ultra is probably one of the lightest wingboards in this size class. The board is equipped with sufficient strap plugs, there is the option of either mounting a 3-loop setup or using the board with a diagonally screwed strap at the front in a 2-loop setup. Keyword "straps": No straps are included in the scope of delivery! On the other hand, there is no shortage of practical carrying handles; the Hover has a large handle on both the deck and underwater hull for carrying the board. In the underwater hull, pronounced "bevels", i.e. strongly bevelled edges, are designed to ensure that you are gently sent back up again if you unintentionally set down in a chop. Compared to other wingboard concepts, the bow of the Hover is quite pointed and the volume is concentrated at the back.
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This is how the Naish Hover rides on the water:
Compared to other boards in the same volume class, the Naish Hover 85 appears somewhat smaller and more tippy. This is of course noticeable when launching and also when the wind is very patchy and you have to bob around. However, with a little pull in the wing, the board stabilises quickly and then lies balanced in the water. The flat, grippy pad is very comfortable to stand on, even without straps ("strapless"). The Hover likes to be revved up a little more actively, then it benefits from its low weight, looks nice and stiff and converts pumping strokes into speed undiminished. Beginners, on the other hand, who only stand passively on deck, need a little more basic pull in the wing, as the short board then reveals a small glide threshold that needs to be crossed first. In the air, the Naish Hover is extremely light, agile and wonderfully compact, even in a straight line. We were always able to find a suitable position for three very different foils - the Hover should therefore be compatible with almost all foils.
We particularly liked the soft launch behaviour of the board: If you set off unintentionally and hit a chop with the nose or the edge, you are gently lifted back into the air with virtually no loss of speed and no tendency to dig in - a characteristic that benefits beginners and experts alike. In manoeuvres, the Hover gives you good control over the foil, thanks in particular to the flat and wide deck. The concept is ideal for jumping and tricks - as long as you use a suitable foil with good speed potential. Then you can quickly get a metre more height with the Naish than with other boards, because the Hover hangs light as a feather on your foot and rotates through 360s and other freestyle moves in fast motion.
Conclusion:
The Naish Hover 85 Carbon Ultra is particularly recommended for wingfoilers with some previous experience and then scores as a feather-light and very compact wingboard for freeriding, tricks and also in the waves. Overall, the board seems a size smaller, so if in doubt, it is better to choose the Hover a few litres larger - with ten sizes on offer, everyone should be able to find what they are looking for.
Weight; compact in the air
Appears slightly smaller
No loops included in the scope of delivery
