All-rounders, say some, "fraudulent labelling" say others. At least if you take the label "freestyle wave", which many models in this test group carry, as a basis, you can certainly understand the criticism of the boards in this group. Because where it says "freestyle wave", it would be more appropriate to say "may contain traces of freestyle & wave". No board in this group turns as well in waves as a wave board of the same size. And no ambitious freestyler should rely on a "freestyle waveboard" for sliding and power moves.
Apart from the somewhat inappropriate group name, the boards in this class offer great advantages, especially for surfers who don't want to or can't buy a separate board for each speciality: Many boards in this test group can be equipped with a fast freeride sail and ripped around at full throttle, but they are just as good for carving 360s, looping and - drum roll - they can also be used for first freestyle tricks such as vulcans or spocks and for riding small surf waves. No other board class offers better all-round suitability. You shouldn't be put off by the somewhat misleading term "freestyle wave", as the nine boards in this test group are best categorised as "all-rounders", "bump & jump boards" or "freemove boards".
AN LAND
Shapes
For all-round boards, the "V" with double concave has proven itself across all brands in the underwater hull. The "V" - an implied keel in the underwater hull, which is intended to ensure a smooth entry into choppy water - is particularly pronounced on the Severne Dyno and the I-99 Style Wave, while the other brands use this shape detail in a less pronounced form.
The outer shapes ("outlines"), on the other hand, reveal differences that are immediately apparent even to the layman: The new RRD Freestyle Wave no longer has anything to do with its predecessor model in purely visual terms and, with its narrow pintail, pointed nose and round outline, is more reminiscent of a waveboard than an all-rounder, despite its flat bottom curve. Even the Goya One cannot completely hide its wave genes. The exact opposite is true of the Naish Starship, for example, which has a very stretched, parallel outline due to the wide nose and tail sections.
Fin setups
As fundamentally different as the shapes are, so too are the fin configurations with which the manufacturers send their boards into the race. At 36 centimetres, Naish gives the Starship the longest single fin in the test group. But the Tabou 3S Classic, RRD Freestyle Wave and Fanatic FreeWave also come with long single fins in this volume size. Fanatic and RRD come with three fin boxes, so you have the option of converting to a thruster setup. The Starboard code stands out positively, with two fin setups - 30mm single fin and thruster - included in the scope of delivery. Although JP uses a thruster setup for the Freestyle Wave, the centre fin is comparatively long at 27 centimetres. I-99, Goya and also Severne emphasise the manoeuvre orientation of the boards with short centre fins in thruster setups. A note on the RRD Freestyle Wave: The board was delivered to us with a 28 mm standard fin and was tested as such. After the end of the test, we were informed that a 30 mm fin will be delivered immediately. According to our test experience, such a change should be noticeable but not serious. Compared to our printed notes, you can expect slightly improved planing, slightly freer planing and slightly worse turning behaviour in tight gybes.
JP consistently equips its boards with reinforced fin boxes, so the Freestyle Wave is "foil ready". We have already been able to see for ourselves in the past that narrow freestyle wave boards in combination with a less performance-orientated freeride foil such as the NeilPryde Glide Wind HP can also be a lot of fun. Due to the narrow tail width, such a combination is less stable than a wide foil board, but the bottom line is that it works surprisingly well and offers real added value for anyone who doesn't want to buy a pure foil board but still wants to get their first taste of high altitude.
The Naish Starship is also suitable for foiling because it is equipped with a reinforced box. Naish also offers a metal plate that can be inserted into the power box and with which you can also use foils that are mounted over the double rail with the Starship. The only disadvantage: at just under 1.8 kilos, the plate is not exactly light!
Loop setups
Straps and pads are absolutely satisfactory on almost all boards. Unfortunately, the negative exception is the I-99, where the straps overlap in the inner position to such an extent that they have to be mounted offset. In addition, the screws are also too long this year, which is why the straps twist. Although RRD offers the option of riding the Freestyle Wave in a four-person setup, it only comes with three straps. All other boards come with four straps, which, depending on the orientation of the board, can be mounted in the inside manoeuvre position or as a four-person setup in a freeride position that is slightly offset to the outside.
ON THE WATER
The surf type recommendation
The shapes are as varied as the requirements of the users. Almost everyone will find a perfect board for their personal requirements within this group. Or a complete loser. To make your choice a little easier, we have pre-sorted the boards for you. Simply categorise yourself into one of the following types to avoid a complete miss. Within the preselection, price, design and the individual descriptions of the boards can then be decisive.
Up-and-comer" type
The boards in this group can also be interesting for less experienced windsurfers. If you weigh less than 70 kilos, you can glide easily on some boards, practise power jibes and even launch sheets. Intermediates generally ride best on boards that plane easily and without a lot of technique, are comfortable and controllable in chop and have a lot of grip and control on the edge in medium gybe radii. If you belong to this group, you can leave out criteria such as "jumping" and "sporty power jibe". However, pay particular attention to the following aspects:
Glide characteristics: Describes how easily and harmoniously a board crosses the planing threshold without pumping. As a rule, boards with wide tails, a flat bottom curve ("rocker") and long fins are best at this.
Controllability: This criterion describes how comfortable the board is to ride in strong winds and choppy waves. If a board hits the water hard or starts to lift off uncontrollably in gusts, this results in deductions. Overall, the level of control of the boards tested here is at a high level.
Learning to power jibe: Those who learn to power jibe will naturally enter the turn with less speed and a more upright body position, which can sometimes lead to a misstep. Boards that make it easy for jibing aspirants run safely on the edge in medium and wide radii, even with poorer riding technique, and carry speed well through the turn. If a board starts to hop in the turn or quickly acknowledges incorrect loading with a loss of speed, this will result in deductions.
The top choice for you as an "up-and-comer" is (sorted alphabetically): Fanatic FreeWave, Naish Starship, Tabou 3S Classic
If you can make a few compromises when it comes to gliding characteristics, you should also include the controllable I-99 Style Wave in your hit list.
Strong wind freerider" type
If "freestyle" and "wave" are less your thing and you are looking for a complementary board for use in strong winds, primarily to go on the water in your home waters or at spots such as Fehmarn, Ijsselmeer, Lake Garda or the Ringkøbing Fjord, then you should listen up now. Are sleek jibes, easy planing and high top speed particularly important to you? If this is the case, then pay particular attention to this aspect in addition to the "planing characteristics" and "control" criteria already explained:
Sporty power neck: If you're a sporty jibber, you'll enter the turn with a lot of speed and body position and expect the board to have a lot of grip on the edge, not start to hop and carry the speed through the turn as well as possible. Deductions are made here if the board is difficult to stabilise on the rail and only glides through moderately.
The top choice for all "strong wind free-riders" is (alphabetically): Fanatic FreeWave, JP Freestyle Wave, Naish Starship, Starboard Kode, Tabou 3S Classic
The freeride suitability of the other boards is often only limited by the thruster fins. If you upgrade boards such as the Goya One, Severne Dyno or the I-99 Style Wave to a larger single fin (surf recommendation 27-30 centimetres), you will noticeably improve the planing performance and bring the board up to the level of the next best competitor model. The suitability for large sails also improves when switching to the single fin. An example: With boards such as the I-99, Goya or Severne, the small 23 centre fins mean that sail sizes of around 6.2 m² have reached the end of the line. If you convert to a 28 mm single fin, you can easily sail sizes up to 6.8 square metres.
"In no other board class are the differences between the individual concepts as great as with freestyle waveboards."Marius Gugg, surf tester
Jack of all trades" type
Do you want to cover a maximum range with your board? Full throttle runs and manoeuvre sessions in flat water are just as much a part of you as days in the surf and the occasional (classic) freestyle trick? Then this board group is tailor-made for you. In addition to the aforementioned "glide characteristics", "control" and "sporty power jibe", also pay attention to the following:
Narrow jibe: Describes how manoeuvrable a board is around a turn. If this is only possible with a great deal of effort or if the board even jumps, this is penalised.
Jumping: We pay attention here primarily to the chop-hop qualities. If a board has a high speed potential in combination with a free planing position, these are the best prerequisites for light-footed chop hops or even loops. Boards with a very deep, flat water position and reduced top speed are less suitable - at least in the lower and medium wind range - and therefore receive deductions in the rating.
The group of boards for the "jack of all trades" type is large and reads (alphabetically): Fanatic FreeWave, Goya One, I-99 Style Wave, JP Freestyle Wave, Naish Starship, RRD Freestyle Wave, Severne Dyno, Starboard Kode, Tabou 3S Classic
Freestyle waver" type
You have an advanced riding ability, can safely
can safely launch, jump and jibe and are looking for a board for tricks and small waves? Do you want your board to have good turning characteristics and still work well in waist-high surf and give you that "wave feeling"? Do you want to use your board primarily with wave sails between 4.7 and 6.2 square metres? Basic tricks such as Vulcan, Spock or Flaka should also be possible, but you rarely ride a four-loop setup for speed and sails over 6.2 square metres?
Then boards with slightly narrower tails, more bottom curve and small thruster fins are ideal for you. These include (alphabetically):
Goya One, I-99 Style Wave, JP Freestyle
Wave, RRD Freestyle Wave, Severne Dyno and Starboard Kode.
If you equip the Fanatic FreeWave with a smaller fin setup (surf recommendation 24/11 centimetres), you can also include this model in your preselection.
Spoilt for choice
In the 105-litre class, you are even more spoilt for choice than usual - whether wave, freestyle, freemove or freeride boards, they are all possible options in this volume class. The following applies: If you are primarily travelling in the waves and want to ride surf waves frontside, you should opt for a pure wave board. Freestylers who have passed the Vulcan and Spock stage (or are aiming to do so) and for whom sails over 5.7 square metres are not an issue should also choose a special board. But what about surfers who mainly use sails between 4.5 and 7sqm in flat water and are faced with the question of whether to choose a 105-litre class: Freemove or freeride board? Using the Tabou Rocket 105 as an example, we compared a freeride classic with the test boards - including the scores:
At 245.5 centimetres in length, the freerider is significantly longer than all freemove boards in this group. This allows the designers to use a flatter bottom curve and the outer strap positions on the Rocket sit significantly further out on the edge than is the case with the freemove boards. Due to these differences in shape, the Rocket starts to slide noticeably earlier, even compared to the easy-gliding single fin representatives in this test group, especially if you stand passively on deck without pumping and fanning. When powered up, however, you can keep up on a freemove board like the 3S Classic and other representatives in the speed duel. In wind holes, it is possible to keep the Freerider Rocket noticeably longer free on the fin, especially when going upwind - with the freemove boards you have to drop off a little earlier to avoid falling out of planing, this is especially true for the three-finers. A freerider also makes sense for practising power jibes, the glide in long radii is better on the Rocket than on any other board in the test group. On the other hand, the freemove boards score points in tighter radii and on average appear much more light-footed, agile and easy to turn. The same applies to jumps and at the latest when it comes to tight carving 360s, loops, basic freestyle or mini surf, a freerider like the Tabou Rocket no longer makes any cuts in a direct duel.
Surfing conclusion: If you mainly surf in flat water, are looking for early and uncomplicated planing with sail sizes from 5.3 to 7.2 square metres and expect easy planing in wind holes and jibes, a freeride board is generally better. The suitable sail sizes for freemove representatives are on average slightly smaller, depending on the fin equipment. A board like the Tabou 3S Classic with a 32 single fin or the Fanatic FreeWave is ideally used with sail sizes of 4.5 to 6.7 square metres, while boards like the I-99 Style Wave or Goya One 3 Freewave with their small thruster fins are already limited to 6.2 square metres. On the other hand, if you want to stop safely, practise your first jumps or occasionally perform a freestyle classic such as a carving 360, duck jibe or spin loop, you should definitely go for a freemove board.
FanaticFreeWave 105
The FreeWave has three fin boxes, but is delivered as a single fin, while the other TE and Textreme models come with a thruster setup. Regardless of whether you ride the FreeWave with three or four straps, the slightly rounded deck is very comfortable to stand on. The long fin helps with passive planing, but the acceleration is more moderate than powerful. When powered up, the FreeWave impresses with its excellent control - soft and cushioned, the board enters the chop even in rough conditions. The Fanatic also retains its comfortable handling in manoeuvres, the edges grip perfectly in medium and wide jibes or in classic freestyle manoeuvres such as 360s or duck jibes and provide a lot of safety. Very tight radii are somewhat limited by the standard fin, but with a thruster setup you can get a lot more out of it and also use the FreeWave sensibly in the surf - our recommendation for the fin length is 24/11 centimetres.
Surf conclusion: Although the FreeWave doesn't come across as a fast-acting projectile, it scores as an uncomplicated and very balanced board for heating, jibing and manoeuvres with a broad target group from intermediates to trick riders.
GOYA One 3 Freewave Thruster 105 PRO
With the One 3 Freewave, Goya favours a wave-oriented, round outline and small thruster fins. Despite this, the board - even if it is not a planing wonder - is by no means left behind in terms of planing performance, the acceleration is even quite powerful. When powered up, we were absolutely convinced by the mixture of a sporty, free ride and yet good control. Because the One 3 Freewave is nice and light on the feet, it is also ideal for jumping, looping and even basic freestyle moves such as Vulcan or Spock. And in manoeuvres? With pressure, the Goya goes round the corner quickly, where it can score points with its "wave genes". Longer planing jibes and carving manoeuvres such as 360s require a little more sensitivity and practice, as the Goya simply reacts a little more sensitively to (incorrect) pressure than some other boards. But if you're past the jibe-learning stage, the Goya offers great edge grip for all radii. surf conclusion: If it says "Freewave" on the label, the Goya has freewave in it! Not the top tip as a board for pure flat water bolting with 4 loops and sails over 6.2 square metres with this fin setup, but if you are looking for a fun board for jumping, jibing and the occasional mini surf, you are well advised.
I-99Style Wave 104 PRO
Wide tail, compact dimensions, short fins - I-99 positions the Style Wave in the freestyle and wave area. The straps overlap in the inside position and unfortunately twist - actually a no-go! In the planing phase, the I-99 sits firmly in the water and needs a little more sail pull to get up to speed, but when powered up it runs more freely and provides a high level of riding comfort, especially in rough conditions. Apart from the fact that we almost expected a little more turning potential due to the name "Style Wave" and the short fins, the board leaves nothing to be desired in manoeuvres: It is buttery smooth and easy to ride on the edge, generously ignores choppy waves and many a loading error - a tip for jibing novices. Carved moves such as duck jibes and 360s work wonderfully - with good edge grip and variable radii. The concept is also above average for freestyling, only at the lower wind limit does the full water position require more power for the jump. surf conclusion: Jibing, carving and sometimes a Vulcan or Spock - the I-99 is in its element here. The lively, sporty freeride concept for large sails and flat water lacks a little punch in the lower wind range.
JP-AustraliaFreestyle Wave 103 LXT
The JP comes out of the box as a thruster, although the centre fin is 27 centimetres longer than elsewhere. The box is reinforced and "foil ready". For a thruster, the JP really gets up to speed, especially the acceleration is above average and powerful, which immediately gives the board a free, sporty planing position that invites you to jump and even loop. In manoeuvres, the Freestyle Wave is pleasantly balanced: With the right amount of pressure, it can also turn into really tight turns, but also has a good grip on the edge in medium gybe radii and especially in fast carving manoeuvres. Even in strong winds and choppy conditions, the board always remains perfectly controllable, but due to the tight suspension set-up, it appeals more to sporty windsurfers and less to intermediates who are primarily looking for comfort. The shape also has a lot to offer for moves such as spock or flaka and many an excursion into moderate surf waves. surf conclusion: The JP is extremely well balanced and scores points both as a powerful bump & jump board for strong winds and in manoeuvres and small surf waves.
NaishStarship 105
Although the Starship model is visually reminiscent of the very compact Stubby boards, the Naish is rather long at 236 centimetres. In combination with wide bow and stern sections, this results in a very parallel outline. The transition to planing is particularly harmonious on the stretched Naish, and even without pumping or a sophisticated planing technique, the Starship can be effortlessly revved up - certainly also a result of the 36mm single fin. In line with this, the board is cushioned and comfortable in chop, although it is not quite as lively and "sporty and light" underfoot as other concepts - especially when jumping. With more pressure, tight radii are also possible, but the Naish really comes into its own in medium and wide jibes, where it is grippy and with the best control on the edge and also planes very well. surf conclusion: The Naish combines a lot of performance with control and smooth jibes and is particularly suitable for beginner jibers, but also sporty freeriders who want to step on the gas with sails over 6.2 square metres and a 4-loop setup. For mini surf and basic freestyle, the potential is limited and a shorter fin is required - we recommend 25-26 centimetres.
RRDFreestyle Wave 104 LTD
The round outline with narrow nose and tail sections inevitably brings back memories of the Cult wave board - all sizes have been redesigned. When passively planing, the tail needs to be loaded more sensitively; the wide bolides of other brands offer more safety in this respect. When powered up, however, the RRD zips over the water in a "sporty and free" manner and hangs lightly on the foot - the free planing position is absolutely inviting for jumping and looping. In manoeuvres, the shape suits tight radii better than wide ones - if you swap the single fin for a thruster setup (recommended 24/10), the board can fully develop its turning potential and also impresses with tight hooks in front of small surf waves. Also due to the round outline, the RRD is a little more unstable on the edge in power jibes and requires a higher level of riding ability to carve and glide cleanly in chop. surf conclusion: The RRD Freestyle Wave should be seen more as a fun board for 360s, small surf and for looping and should be fitted with a fin setup that supports its strengths. As a base for sporty heating, carving and comfortable cruising with sails over 6.2 square metres, the Firemove should offer more potential within the brand.
SeverneDyno 105
A flatter bottom curve combined with parallel edges - these are the most striking changes compared to the previous model. The fins and straps are all mounted with an Allen key. During passive planing, the Dyno has to let some boards optimised for performance go, but then the Severne sprints off like a velociraptor on the hunt. "Free, sporty, lively" is how all our testers felt about the board on the straights, and if you put your mind to it, you don't have to shy away from a speed duel, because the Dyno gets really fast, especially when powered up. You can turn the board tightly with pressure and because the shape carves with grip and control on the edge even in medium and wide radii and glides well, it sets no limits for duck jibes and carving 360s. This also applies to jumping and looping, the board hangs wonderfully lightly on the foot and lifts off with minimal effort. surf conclusion: The Dyno is a good choice for speed duels, classic freestyle or a proper jumping session - ideally in a three-loop setup and with sails up to 6 square metres. Only for light winds and sails over 6.2 square metres does the fin set-up limit the performance somewhat - an upgrade to a 28 mm single fin then makes sense.
StarboardCode 105 Carbon Reflex
Two fin setups are included with the Kode. Compared to the previous model, the Kode has become a little more compact and has been given more "V" in the underwater hull. The range now also includes models with 125 and 135 litres. However, the extra equipment is also reflected in the price tag. Equipped with the single fin, the Kode is one of the best gliders in the group, the free, sporty water position and the light-footed jumping behaviour contribute to the great riding fun. In chop, the board is very direct, but never uncomfortable and offers good overall control. To turn really tight, the Starboard needs a lot of pressure, but wide carved manoeuvres and 360s are excellent on the board. If you switch to a thruster setup, the Kode has really good turning characteristics for small surf waves, and the wide nose even enables clean sliding in flaka or spock. surf conclusion: The Kode scores with a huge range of use. Whether with a 6.5 mm sail and four-loop setup in a full-throttle duel, as a playful manoeuvre board for looping and carving in strong winds or even in small surf, the Starboard does it all - and at a really high level.
Tabou3S Classic 107 TEAM
In addition to the more compact 3S+, Tabou still has the longer 3S Classic in its programme, which is generously equipped with a 32 mm single fin. The transition to planing takes place without delay, and even if the acceleration is not as powerful or lively as with other boards, the 3S Classic still achieves a high top speed in combination with a moderately sporty planing position. If you reduce the speed, you can also pull the board reasonably tight around corners, but the shape shows its great strengths above all in wide and medium gybe radii: the Tabou then stands on the edge with a lot of control and also offers less experienced surfers a lot of safety - perfect for manoeuvres such as power jibes, duck jibes or carving 360s. The board also takes to the air quite willingly, although it is not as compact and light on the foot as other boards. surf conclusion: The Tabou 3S Classic scores as a sporty, fast manoeuvre board in combination with sail sizes from 5.0 to 7.0sqm and a 4-loop setup. In this freeride mode, the shape can maximise its strengths - planing, carving and easy jibing. For small surf, the 3S+ has more potential within the brand.
