I've been checking (without actually trying them) current freewave boards around 85 liters and I like 2 models: Goya One and Starboard Kode. However, I recently found out about the new Simmer Style Omnia, which looks very interesting as well.

Did anyone have a chance to try it? How does it compare to the other 2 that I mentioned?
It's a new shape and I couldn't find any reviews yet.

Everyone will jump in and tell you what they have
So firstly why do you like those two or what are you looking for? Wave use or B&J or free ride but it's your high wind board, would all be very different

I haven't rode that Simmer but in general they have probably the best factory quality and tend to make rather brilliant designs.
I wouldn't buy anything else new.

For me, 86 liters is for light to medium wind in fun conditions.
For very light winds and no waves I use a 97 and with stronger wind and better waves I use a smaller waveboard.

For my taste, a freewave board has to be fast, fun enough in waves so I don't need to switch as soon as there's something rideable, perfect in short radius jibes, and good at eating chop (better than a pure waveboard, at least). A freewave board is not a big waveboard and should still be fun in flatwater, with a single fin.

Anyway, I was not looking for generic freewave board advice. I am interested in specific feedback about the SS Omnia. I like the specs because it is not too wide as most other models (I hate wide shapes).

Has simmer invented a blue dyno ??

I have tried the Omnia 96, back-to-back with the Helix 96.
It was with Black tip 5.3 in Side on, large chop outside and 1m ish braking waves.

Quick acceleration to planning, quicker than Helix. Absolutely eat chop to give smooth ride but it still feels very fast and reactive, however not nervous. I had a top speed of 28kn.

I would say the ride is very relaxed and energy efficient though very lively.The Omnia is a joy to throw in to jibes at full speed and is easier to make tight arc jibes than the Helix.

On the wave you can just throw it in to a bottom turn and it keeps the speed really well setting up for a tight(for a 96l) cut-back. In weak waves, coming in over the wave shoulder at full speed to bottom turn will be a favorite thing ??

To summarize it's an agile board that builds self-confidence and makes you want to push! Still the ride is relaxed so you can ride for hours.

BTW
Omnia was the board of choice for Marc Pare' and Moritz Mauch now in Pozo

Thanks for your interesting comments!

Generally, don't you have the impression that most new freewave models are less balanced and more wave oriented than originally?
Or at least they are pushed that way by most brands because they think they will sell more.

I still use my old Fanatic Freewave, one of the first models just afrer the one designed by F. Goya. In terms of speed and acceleration, I haven't seen anything better yet.

^^ yes they have become more wave oriented and that is why I specifically asked what you want.
it seems a Simmer is not for you .. And the new Omnia even less so than the previous Helix.

JP perhaps, or just the older FSW boards

Even Simmers wave boards tend to be on the fast and efficient side. I know quite a few people who use them at FSWs.
So perhaps don't toss it out already.

Imho the term "freewave" is becoming more of a redundancy. Of course you want to feel "free" on a "wave".. These days modern wave boards are getting more and more omnipotent. You can go as fast as you want in a straight line on a lake with a wave board and smoke your buddys and win Hookipa and Pozo with the same board. Your skills are your limit. I bet Marc Pare with the "freewave" Omnia can get a top five finish at the Aloha Classic. Selecting the right volume, length, fin cluster are much more crucial for getting the most of what Mother Nature throws at you

I think the Omnia is just more versatile than the Helix.
Riding a little bit higher on the water makes it feel faster and more exciting while blasting, perhaps not faster in actual knots but feeling more free flying and joyful! The improved reactiveness and bite in the turns, I guess inherited from the Fly wave, also make backside wave rides and turns on swells more accessible and helps to keep the speed.
So, for me the Omnia put a bigger smile on my face

Select to expand quote

sprayblaze said..
Imho the term "freewave" is becoming more of a redundancy. Of course you want to feel "free" on a "wave"..

Don't think that's what's meant with the term. See it as a combo of freeride and wave, freewave. Imo it's the same category as FSW, freestyle wave. Some boards in that's category are more freeride/bump&jump than wave, and others are the other way around.

If you're occasionally in the waves and also do a fair bit of flat water or open ocean sailing, these are versatile boards. Even as a main board for on shore wave jumping contests as we've witnessed.

However, it can't replace a dedicated wave board imo. I mean, you can use it if you want but you're making things harder than needed. A wave board just performs so much better that it's a separate category for a good reason. Just compare the rocker, outline and tail.

^^^^ agreed

and the OP sounds like he wants a less wavey one but everyone says what they have or how an Omnia is better than a Helix. But it's probably not for Galerna.