WaveCult 77 "The most universally popular board on test" Boards Mag Sept Issue 2007

31st Aug 2006 @ 08:01:41 PM

RRD WAVE CULT 77 The Wave Cult 77 is a slightly shorter, more rockered version of the Freestyle Wave 78. On the water: With a relatively moderate wave rocker it’s quite early to plane compared to the other waveboards but very easy to get planing due to its very high grip nature. In fact this high grip feel gives an ease and security for blasting that – combined with a very domed, well-padded deck – made everyone feel immediately at home with it. It grips well upwind, tracks superbly and turns quickly and securely off the back foot. It is nicely balanced on all points of sailing and very well controlled in all conditions, taking chop, swell and high winds in its stride. Gybing is versatile and secure – and although not a spectacularly vertical jumping board, its easy speed and grip turning into the wave make for very easy and satisfying jumping. Although, due to its rocker, it is a bit looser on a wave than the Freestyle Wave, it still turns on much more of a prescribed arc than the slashier ORBs. It therefore prefers slightly faster speeds and less onshore conditions for easy frontside riding (yet it is excellent for riding backside). Fittings: As for the Freestyle Wave, though the classic box fin system is fine for a waveboard. Popularity:The most universally popular board on test. Overall: Although basically new-gen in planshape it’s impossible to think of the Cult as anything other than a fully all-round waveboard. It feels like the classic compromise of trad and new-gen strengths, other perhaps than fully loose and slashy onshore riding (if it’s fully onshore riding performance you want, perhaps to accompany a smaller trad board, then look elsewhere). Its ease and range will endear it to less experienced medium weight riders (70-80kg) while its versatile performance with sails from 4.2-5.5m (4.7-5.3 best) should ensure it does very well as an all-round waveboard for medium to heavyweight sailors (around 78-95kg). Please RRD – why no smaller version this year?!? Price: £1049 in Carbon / Kevlar construction with 22cm classic box fin.