17|06|11 +++ BOARD RIDER RUSSELL SUP 96 vs 106
This month, our favourite testing machine Russell Groves from FBC LANZAROTE tests the Fanatic SUP Fly Wave 9’6 for you, and compares it to the Fanatic SUP Fly Allrounder HRS 10’6
Russell, the floor is yours ...
First of all, I wanted to start by testing the 9'6'' Fly Wave on its own, as I have already spent a lot of time this last year on the 10’6.
The new Fly Wave 9’6 arrives at the center and the first reaction is (again) WOW !!! The photos do not really do it justice, because in reality the graphics are amazing. I can't wait to get it on the water. The new outline shape looks sweet, for me it looks much wider than the stated 29.5''. Maybe it’s because the tail comes in very fast and looks narrow. Going down to the beach, your first impression is about the weight, really light, and the board feels really balanced in the hand, which is always a good sign.
Onto the water now: this board is super stable, more than the old one. It also paddles great in a straight line. Now for a step turn, better not step too far back, that tail looked narrow. One step ok, it does not sink enough, I press a bit more, wow I need to step back as far as I do on the 10'6. Let’s immediately change the name guys: it's not a step turn but a SNAP TURN!! The speed of the pivot is great. For this first session, the waves are small and it's a bit windy off shore, so a later take-off is needed. Wait for the tail to lift and take that small step forward and start to paddle… ok now for that step further forward that you needed with the older one and give a good power stroke… hold on a minute … I'm already on the wave, no need for that step anymore, just surf straight away! I start grinning on the wave and straight away: WIPE OUT ! This board only turns off the tail. So lesson learnt, now for the next wave. Snappy carves and some great slides when using the paddle to get that turn faster.
Now to see if I can play with that flat section. Step forwards a little to get some speed down the line, now back to get that tight carve, forward again for speed, what great fun. This opens up some new games, the board is so stable, changing feet or the paddling side is fun and easy, even while turning. The waves are small and I feel that the tri-fin set up is a bit slow, but it will be perfect in more powerful and larger waves. So the next test is with single fin. I put on a 23.5 cm Newwave fin. For the small waves we had today it was great, but if a bit more powerful I think a 25 cm would be better. I also placed the fin as far forwards as possible. Using a single fin definitely makes the board faster in paddling so the take off is even easier. When turning the board the turn is smoother, maybe a bit longer. Where I find it much better is when I am using the paddle for turning. The single fin gives more resistance to the power of the blade, so when used together you can get very fast and tight turns. With the single fin the board also turns better when you are a little bit further forwards. In the tri-fin setup you have to drive very hard with your back foot. I also noticed that I can stay more in the center of the board with the back foot with the single fin. I am very light for this board, so I tend to get too much lift off of the side fins quite quickly.
Now the final part of the test, how does it work with a sail?
The great thing about most of the Fanatic SUP range is that they can be used with a sail (except the smallest wave SUP & race SUP). The mast foot position on the 9'6'' is quite far forward, so it is designed for a more traditional sailing position. You stand further away from the mast foot nearer the back of the board. It likes a slightly bigger sail (around 5.3m). The way you can explain it is that it is strapless surfing - you are able to move around the back of the board. So if the wind gets up just add your rig and continue to have fun.
Now to compare the 10'6 and 9'6.
- First with a sail in small to medium waves and pretty light winds: On the 10'6'' the mast foot position is in the middle of the board where it is great for light wind freestyle with a small sail around 5m. It’s great fun both on or off of a wave. When wave riding it is all about walking around the board. As mentioned before, on the 9’6, you stand further away from the mastfoot and have to steer more with the back foot.
- Now for some comparisons, this time without a rig. I took the time to ride both boards in small, medium and then bigger more powerful waves – someone still has to do the dirty job here !
Let’s say medium size around head high waves that have some power: this is where you have to be a bit careful with the 10' 6'', it's a large board. The take off is critical, too vertical and you will dig the nose and the pull on the leash can be surprisingly strong. The board is a bit slow so if the wave is fast you will not be turning so much but gunning down the line … which can also be fun ! This type of wave is on the other hand perfect for the 9' 6''! In small waves I said you had to watch out for that flattened section: at speed this board is simply awesome! It is not so critical where you stand for turning, so you can be turning as you are going back. The turns are powerful and if you engage that flat after the cut back, the acceleration is fantastic. So turning is the name of the game. In these conditions the 9' 6'' comes out on top.
- Big waves. Well normally you would only be using the 9' 6'' but if the wave is not too vertical the 10' 6'' can be really good fun. The only thing you have to watch out for is any chop on the face, you can get some big air time. When you can hear that roar behind you, the adrenaline is definitely pumping!
OK guys, we are doing a lot on SUP at Lanzarote at the moment, and we will have a few surprises in store for the coming months, supported by some enthusiastic Fanatic Pro Riders. Right now, the wind has seriously picked up and with Tom Brendt here for the Fanatic Pro Camp, we are back onto windsurfing boards as soon as the conditions allow, but everyone is stoked to catch the SUP for morning sessions so stay tuned and enjoy your ride, wherever you are.
See you on the water soon !!
Russell Groves – FBC Lanzarote
