Freestyle Wave 95 2007 comes "highly recommended" by windsurf Mag

4th Oct 2006 @ 10:29:23 AM

RRD Freestyle Wave 95 At a Glance The Freestyle Waves series from RRD came of age last year, proving very fruitful for the brand and for good reason. Fantastic all-round boards with a very fluid and comfortable nature, they had great user appeal and could facilitate most roles in a coastal environment. The 95 replaces the 94 of last year, and to the eye there seems little change, although subtle alterations in rocker-line and nose width have been introduced to further the board’s speed and freestyle potential. On the underneath, the 95 sees a somewhat straightforward bottom shape including vee and double concaves, back to vee in the tail (which also retains a slight chamfer for reverse manoeuvres). Finished with the brand’s usual attention to detail, the board is a very attractive product with its glossed hull, Da Kine straps, padded deck-pads and Maui Fin Company fin. Ride and Handling On the water the 95 proved to be every bit the board of its predecessor…and more! Firstly, it is early to release onto the plane, yet such is its comfortable user-friendly nature that it absorbs much of the sail’s energy, unless directed otherwise by the sailor. Turn it off the wind and make it known that you wish to hop on the plane and away it goes, gaining speed in a smooth progressive manner. The straps are excellent, as ever, and provide support in just the right areas, whilst the deckpads accentuate the level of riding comfort massively, without dumbing-down the responsive character of the board. Powered up, the 95 can be driven to a good speed, the fin offering ample traction to push against without any hint of spinout. In severe winds and heavy seas, the true practicality and ease of the board comes out, enabling the sailor to adopt their riding style of choice, either driving and manoeuvring with purpose through the break, or standing tall and taking it in a more relaxed approach. Manoeuvres Turning in front of a wave, we found the best way to redirect the 95 up the face was by using loads of back-foot pressure. If you try to force it onto the front foot, it had a tendency to tramline straight for the beach. Nevertheless, get that sweet spot and it can be used to great affect in a cross-onshore environment such as Cabezo, turning beautifully and retaining much of its speed in short sharp transitions. In freestyle that extra width in the nose really helps it in reverse mode, tracking backwards predictably to allow the rider plenty of time to finish the manoeuvre. A stunning all-round performer, the 95 was liked by all who tried it. For: Smooth, comfortable nature and fantastic versatility. Against: As comfy as they are, the Da Kine straps supplied do not wear the best over time. Verdict Early planing, smooth, comfortable and a lot of fun in whatever role you decide to use it in, the Freestyle Wave 95 comes highly recommended by us as one of the great all-rounders in this category.

2007 FSW 95 FSW 95