The Freestyle Wave 101 from RRD is the second
largest in a five-board line-up, designed to excel in
any role and environment, from flat water to waves.
With a smooth round outline, it looks very much
like a large wave-board at first glance, although
closer inspection reveals a lot of rocker flat before
a steep increase in nose rocker, which starts in line
with the shoulders. Shorter and more compact
than its predecessor, it retains the bevel in the tail
for improved slide and tight transitions. Produced
in CHK (custom made using High Modulus Kevlar
fibres) sandwich technology, the 101 boasts bright
bold graphics and a polished finish on the hull,
giving it a visually stunning appearance that oozes
quality and style.
Ride and Handling
Up and on the plane with little persuasion, the 101
is exceptionally comfortable and smooth underfoot
– a feeling consistent with all the RRD boards
we’ve tried so far this year. This is partly due to the
design itself but also due to the dual density
contoured deckpads that cushion the ride over
chop superbly. Releasing well and driving off the
fin, the nose of the 101 rides high as if hunting,
giving it quite a lively yet poised stance in the
water, feeling ready to be thrown into the next
manoeuvre at any time. Set up with outboard
straps there is plenty of feedback from the fin to
load the board and push it to a respectable speed,
and although we certainly don’t feel it’s a true
blaster by nature, the 101 can comfortably be used
for straight-line work, coming into its own when the
sea state becomes more testing.
Manoeuvres
It’s when you start playing around on the FSW that
you begin to realise what it’s all about. Exhibiting
the qualities akin to a large wave board, it seems
to instinctively engage an edge as it is banked into
a turn, holding a smooth yet precise arc. Get
forward and drive it into the turn with more
aggression, and it will respond with a fearsome
level of grip, the rider really feeling the rails as they
slice through the water. In freestyle, the 101
surprised us with its ability, popping energetically
and sliding predictably on its wide shoulders,
providing good control through the trickiest part of
the transition. With its smooth comfortable gliding
style, unwavering composure and controlled
response, the 101 is one of the most versatile
boards we have ever used, making it a very
practical all-round board for intermediates and
experts alike.
For: Smooth riding style and incredible versatility.
Against: Flat-water freeride sailors may find the
ultimate top speed slightly lacking
