Exactly when did we last see a new recreational
350cms board, apart from a tandem that is? Exocet
have released details of a new 220 litre board, the
Kona, with the nose of a Mal surfboard, but with the
shape of a traditional 350cms windsurfer. It has a
65 cms daggerboard, a swept, short fin, four
footstraps and is built in ASA and not the usual
sandwich construction that most shorter boards
are fabricated in.
Exocet claim that it’s the answer to the present
calls for the ultimate easy, forgiving, multi purpose
board suitable for all skill levels. They could well
have a good point, boards like these got people
windsurfing in the eighties but recently there’s
been nothing remotely similar apart from designs
like the IMCO or the new Neil Pryde RS-X which
are race biased. But this is not a return to the old
350 shape – a retro project. It’s an entirely
different concept. The hull is stepped. OK, that’s
not new but take a look at where the fin bolt is on
the deck – right between the rearmost footstrap
mounts. The reason is that when the board is not
planing, the hull works in the usual displacement
mode. Once it starts planing though not only does
the front of the board lift out of the water
shortening the water line, so does the tail! That’s
unique and makes the Kona ride more like a short
board than you’d believe for its length. That’s why
Exocet can claim that the Kona is as demanding
for advanced sailors as it is easy for ‘newbies’.
The characteristic subtle shape, claims Exocet,
combines stability, maneuverability, control and
excellent sub planning performance. Cruising and
racing in all conditions becomes possible as does
classic freestyle.
The ideal family toy, blending all freeride, freestyle
and racing elements of the sport into one plug and
play tool. The Style version of the Kona features a
soft EVA rail - deck, for those who like freestyle in light
winds. The board weighes under 14Kg. Price is
£799.00. Totaloption are the importers – 01543-411333.
