By Patis “Pop” Waivong (3rd. February, 2006)
What a pleasant experience, and let me give you my immediate verdict; This is truly an amazing concept. Early planning, fast, forgiving and ultra responsive. Quite honestly I was looking for flaws, but I could not find any. It was only 5 to 7 knots, and I used a 9.5 camber sail. Probably too big as a standard, but interesting to see how big sails this board can carry. I guess an 8.5 would be ideal in most conditions.
I was planning upwind, and the board is “railing naturally”. The footstrap positions are correct, and I had a very comfortable stance. On the plane the board is fast and stable, and the duck tail never seem to touch the water, it is about 2/3cm above see level. The board was tacking and jibing on a dime, - a sensational feeling after having sailed IMCO and Formula boards for several years. However, the Kona is sensitive to rig movements, and I stalled a few times before I got tuned in, but then upwind sailing was a breeze. Sensitivity should be a positive thing, as it certainly makes the board ultra tactical – in combination with its great maneuverability.
With the full EVA deck, I would say this thing is a “must have” for resorts and schools. The wide- body boards are excellent and friendly beginners, but we have been missing the “transition” that a longboard represents - for several years now. Our students tend to get tired of the wide boards only after a few days, and the step-up to a free ride board seem to be troublesome for most beginners. A couple of our students tried the board (with a 7.5) and was utterly excited, despite less stability. In fact, they enjoyed that.
The feeling of power (due to the centerboard) and great pointing ability, adds a lot of excitement to entry level and intermediate sailors, and I can easily see this concept as a racing class for advanced windsurfers. Not sure if Exocet is thinking along these lines, but a standard rig would do the trick.
The centerboard system (with a soft EVA handle) is probably the easiest I have ever experienced.
All in all an impressive session for me, and I can not wait to try the board in more wind, and with an 8.0 or 8.5. The only negative thing I could point out was the uncovered screws on the centerboard fittings. (Potential hazard to knees and toes)
Thanks Exocet for a great addition to the sport. It will definitely make life easier for “wanna bee’s” as well as rental outlets, resorts and schools.
 Pop is managing one of Thailand’s biggest centers, and is a veteran windsurfer with several National titles as well as top international results such as a 7th. place in the Raceboard Worlds in 1991, and a Silver medal at the South East Asian Games in 1992. He has been teaching windsurfing for almost two decades and was a member of the Thai National team from 1989 to 1995.
Footnote;
After receiving the above report from Pop, we have covered the centerboard plates with (toughskin) EVA to insure max comfort.
Exocet Team.
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