The Goya Custom 4 complements the Custom 3 model which we tested last year. Overall, the Custom 4 is optimised in terms of carving characteristics and control in large waves - so it's more than exciting to test whether the board can also impress on the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
On the beach
With a volume of 89 litres, the Goya Custom 4 is slightly more voluminous, but in terms of width, the board is in the middle of the test group. The stretched outline with relatively parallel rails is striking. The straps and pads are comfortable, the rear strap is double-bolted. In the bottom, the shapers have given the board a lot of "V" at the front, the indicated keel is intended to ensure a soft entry. Further back, the V turns into a mono-concave, and the board has also been given quite a lot of rocker in the tail area to ensure the turning characteristics. Slotbox fins from MFC with a length of 15 and nine centimetres sit in the tail.
On the water
When wobbling around, the Goya Custom 4 is steady and stable in the water, and it is also fairly easy to cross white water. The transition to planing is somewhat more leisurely. The Custom 4 does not have a planing threshold, only the acceleration is less powerful than some other models in the test group. Even when powered up, the Goya doesn't lose its composure; with a comparatively stable water position, the board pulls through the roughest chop with stoic composure. In strong winds and choppy conditions, the riding characteristics are a blessing, but in wind conditions at the lower limit, you would sometimes wish the board to be a little more lively and sporty.
The board also turns out to be a real control freak on the wave. Even on choppy waves, you can throw yourself mindlessly onto the rail and chase the board through the bottom turn at full throttle - the control on the rail is exceptionally good. Fortunately, the Custom 4 can also be turned variably, which means that the radii can be changed at any time, allowing you to pull up perpendicular to the lip of the wave and direct the board into demanding wave manoeuvres such as 360s. The Goya model also pulls cutbacks like a hot knife through butter - however, it clearly prefers powerful turns carved over the rail to short, fast hooks - the sister model Custom 3 is even better at this.
Goya Custom 4 - conclusion
Big, clean waves and razor-sharp carved turns over the entire rail - this is where the Goya Custom 4 really comes into its own. However, because planing performance and control are also convincing, the board doesn't resent trips into the Baltic Sea wave at all. Nevertheless, if you mainly surf in moderate wave conditions, you'll be better off with the Goya Custom 3 that we tested last year ( click HERE for the test ) - the board will continue into the new season unchanged.
Carving, control, big wave
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Technical data Goya Custom 4 Pro (surf measurements)
- Weight: 6.78 kg
- Length: 226.0 cm
- Width: 58.6 cm
- Price: 2590 Euro
- More Info: goyawindsurfing.com
