RRD Z Ride 2006 - Windsurf Mag test 2006

20th Jun 2006 @ 12:33:09 PM

The Z-Ride series is new to the RRD range for 2006,
offering five boards from 105-165L to replace the
well-liked AVR of last season. With a wide rounded
outline and chunky profile throughout, the 135 looks
quite big visually, yet weighs in at a respectable
9.40kg thanks to its SSG sandwich construction. Its
maximum width is placed at the board’s midpoint,
tapering very smoothly to a relatively narrow tail.
Including a fantastic number of footstrap options on
its deck, the RRD comes complete with an extended
deckpad incorporating heel cushions, a 44cm MFC
fin and four DaKine straps that are time-consuming
to adjust, yet comfortable and supportive once you
have done so. Its underside has a subtle shape,
seeing a progression from flat to double concaves in
the shoulders, to vee in the tail, whilst the rails
witnesses only a moderate amount of tuck.
Ride and Handling
Super stable and secure at rest, the RRD can take a
9.0m sail without issue and offers a very dependable
platform for those new to planing conditions. As
power is gradually delivered, the Z-Ride gets onto
the plane consistently early, rising up out of the
water in a very safe yet subtle manner so as not to
overawe the nervous passenger. Holding its course
and direction well, the variety of footstrap options
available will help the intermediate to progress on
the board step by step, familiarising themselves with
the board’s handling as they go. It does feel
relatively big underfoot compared to its peers,
adding to that real sense of security it bestows upon
the rider. The fin provided is a good compliment,
assisting in the board’s early planing and offering
firm dependable traction with which to drive against
confidently. Meanwhile the deckpad offers superb
adhesion and the DaKine footstraps (supplied with
all RRD boards) are far more supportive and
comfortable when used on a board such as this ZRide
that doesn’t crave power, or require a firm hand
to control. Despite placing the footstraps in their
outermost settings, they are still very much inboard,
making it much more comfortable to sail in a relaxed
upright fashion. Try to load the board and you’ll
soon find your front creeping out of the strap so that
the heel cushion fits the arch of the foot, giving you
an edge with which to remain in contact with the
board. Besides which, the board’s speed doesn’t
really improve with the extra effort that you put in; it’s
far more amenable and enjoyable to sail the 135 at
leisure and cover distance in comfort.
Manoeuvres
With its steady cruising speed and calm nature, the
Z-Ride is a very easy and practical tutor for learning
to get round your first planing transition. Turning it
off the wind, it absorbs any impact of chop before
settling into a smooth progressive arc, happy to be
driven off the back foot for a predictable drawn out
gybe. Try to get forward and force the board in
aggressively and it wont respond, preferring a more
sensible forgiving style. Tacking the 135 was not a
problem, its width and volume around the mast track
supplying plenty of support.
Easy progressive board, super stable for the
intermediate offering real plug and play
performance.