Well, the wait for me is over. My new Carver showed up today and I'm absolutely stoked to get it on the water. Packaging looked good and it arrived without damage other than a few cardboard indents to the deck pad that should refresh themselves over time.

I ordered the 5'10" x 20" 85l version that comes with a stock expected weight of 6kg.

I asked for 2 alterations:
1. No footstrap inserts. (I don't jump).
2. Vapor instead of standard construction. (I was nervous about this decision but I watched Berts old layup videos and felt like I was still going to end up with a solid board).
There was no charge for these alterations.

I threw the board onto the scale and it clocked in at 4.85kg or 10.7lbs which is obviously, significantly below the stock weight and is also over a pound lighter than my e3 Kalama 5'3"x22" 83l.

While I haven't ridden it yet, I calculated the landing point for the foil and it looks like it should land almost dead center in the box. This would result in a total of only 4" added in front of my foil instead of the full 7" (in comparison to the e3). This also means that depending on how the board actually balances in the water, I may be able to cheat the foil farther forward to drop the nose length even more.

Last, I was concerned about the vapor construction and have ridden ultralight boards in the past that gave me pause on how long they would last. My first impression on the Sunova Vapor layup is that it is still quite strong and the board feels just as solid as any other production board I've picked up in the past. Just lighter.

Once I can get a few sessions in on this board I'll write up a formal review, but straight out of the box I'm excited!

Thanks to Sunova for making great gear and thanks to Poseidon Standup for processing my order so quickly.

Looks very nice,curious as in similar boat ordered a Casey DW board too. What are concerns on the vapor lay up as I did the same as you vapor and no inserts as well, I'm not familiar with sunova build quality coming from Kalama ,does the vapor have a not to good strength to weight ratio on the brittle side as there posted weights on reg construction are fairly on the heavy side with vapor being 10% or so lighter so in my case bigger 3n1 light wind wing/supfoil/ FD supfoil/ board really didn't have much choice but to go vapor so hoping for the best,and keeping my fingers crossed there box/tracks are reinforced well.Are you using that for a prone and a winging board 2n1 also is that a custom design for you with some tweaks off production or 100% production. What was your approx build time on that board when ordered. ld like to hear how she goes when you get a chance to give a go

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pitbulldoug said..
Looks very nice,curious as in similar boat ordered a Casey DW board too. What are concerns on the vapor lay up as I did the same as you vapor and no inserts as well, I'm not familiar with sunova build quality coming from Kalama ,does the vapor have a not to good strength to weight ratio on the brittle side as there posted weights on reg construction are fairly on the heavy side with vapor being 10% or so lighter so in my case bigger 3n1 light wind wing/supfoil/ FD supfoil/ board really didn't have much choice but to go vapor so hoping for the best,and keeping my fingers crossed there box/tracks are reinforced well.Are you using that for a prone and a winging board 2n1 also is that a custom design for you with some tweaks off production or 100% production. What was your approx build time on that board when ordered. ld like to hear how she goes when you get a chance to give a go

Hopefully taking her for the maiden voyage later this week if the wind and weather cooperates. Sunova has a great rep for build quality, this is my first from them personally. For this one I left it 100% production shape. For my next one I'll tweak things a bit but I will likely start handing my $$$ to a local shaper who I'd like to support.

I'm primarily a winger but I would really like to learn prone and expect this board will be just fine to learn standard prone on. I would also like to see how this board moves with a set of hand paddles on out in the greenest of green waves.

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the vapor layup at all. It feels just as solid as my Kalamas do.

Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

Select to expand quote

SpokeyDoke said..
Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

I think that we will all start to find a length/width that we really like that accesses early takeoff, then the thickness will become the variable we mess with the most.

For example:
In this new carver I think the length is going to be great, but I don't know that I actually NEED the board to be 20" wide. I'm wondering if 21" wide would be just as good so that you could thin it out a bit. Boards like the amos sultan that have gone ultra narrow down to 17-18" wide seem like overkill, at least for what I do on the water. There is undoubtedly a point of diminished returns when you get crazy narrow and super thick. That's what I expect the next few years of board development to be about!

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..
While I haven't ridden it yet, I calculated the landing point for the foil and it looks like it should land almost dead center in the box. This would result in a total of only 4" added in front of my foil instead of the full 7" (in comparison to the e3

Nice board - look forward to your report on the water

Do you calculate the landing point for the foil by turning the board upside down and finding the balance point when lifting the foil?

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MilesH said..

BWalnut said..
While I haven't ridden it yet, I calculated the landing point for the foil and it looks like it should land almost dead center in the box. This would result in a total of only 4" added in front of my foil instead of the full 7" (in comparison to the e3

Nice board - look forward to your report on the water

Do you calculate the landing point for the foil by turning the board upside down and finding the balance point when lifting the foil?

That's one way you can do it but I find it mildly inconvenient, especially if I am in a shop looking at boards and don't have my foil with me.

Here's how I do it:
1. Flip the board upside down (tracks up) and balance the board on something like your paddle. This will give you the balance point of your board. (normally your feet will land just in front and behind of where the paddle is when standing in the water).

2. Place a piece of electrical tape across the bottom of the board where the paddle runs.

3. Put your mast on.

4. Now measure to where the center of your mast is, from where the balance line across the board is. On my foils its always about 12"

5. Now you can flip any board over, find the balance point, and measure 12" (or whatever your foil set needed) back from that balance point and discover roughly where your foil should land.

Always needs a touch of tuning but it's a good first effort and is nice if you are looking at buying a board and are unsure about the track placements.

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

SpokeyDoke said..
Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

I think that we will all start to find a length/width that we really like that accesses early takeoff, then the thickness will become the variable we mess with the most.

For example:
In this new carver I think the length is going to be great, but I don't know that I actually NEED the board to be 20" wide. I'm wondering if 21" wide would be just as good so that you could thin it out a bit. Boards like the amos sultan that have gone ultra narrow down to 17-18" wide seem like overkill, at least for what I do on the water. There is undoubtedly a point of diminished returns when you get crazy narrow and super thick. That's what I expect the next few years of board development to be about!

It's great that you are experimenting and trying new concepts. Do you ride in very light winds? Don't understand the focus on early takeoff, with proper pumping technique taking off is not an issue. Unless the wind is very light and the board over 25" wide and heavy, then I can see going longer and narrow. Or if you are learning, but I wouldn't go under 22". I ordered a few customs and played with dims but focusing on performance up on foil. Tried short and wide, longer and narrow and in the middle. I don't like length, and definitely don't like width. Weight it's also a big factor IMO. With winds over 15 knots and steady I don't find any advantage having more volume and length, and many disadvantages. Everything is easier and more comfortable on a small board. The bigger the board the more feel of the foil you lose, and we ride foils.I am very happy with my current board, 4'11 x 22 1/2 60L with a beveled bottom all the way to the tail and super light. Makes for thinner rails, more clearance when carving and faster bottom. I have on order same board, 22 wide and 50L for strong winds and my son.
at my weight 88Kg, I would have 2 boards. A board like yours, agree with 22' wide and boxes more forward to make it feel shorter once on foil. But 100L for me. Up to 18knots super fun! And then jump on the 60L
if you mix this with new HA foils that you can go a lot smaller with the same lift and lower stall.things are getting super fun and easier to ride.

Select to expand quote

bolocom said..

BWalnut said..

SpokeyDoke said..
Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

I think that we will all start to find a length/width that we really like that accesses early takeoff, then the thickness will become the variable we mess with the most.

For example:
In this new carver I think the length is going to be great, but I don't know that I actually NEED the board to be 20" wide. I'm wondering if 21" wide would be just as good so that you could thin it out a bit. Boards like the amos sultan that have gone ultra narrow down to 17-18" wide seem like overkill, at least for what I do on the water. There is undoubtedly a point of diminished returns when you get crazy narrow and super thick. That's what I expect the next few years of board development to be about!

It's great that you are experimenting and trying new concepts. Do you ride in very light winds? Don't understand the focus on early takeoff, with proper pumping technique taking off is not an issue. Unless the wind is very light and the board over 25" wide and heavy, then I can see going longer and narrow. Or if you are learning, but I wouldn't go under 22". I ordered a few customs and played with dims but focusing on performance up on foil. Tried short and wide, longer and narrow and in the middle. I don't like length, and definitely don't like width. Weight it's also a big factor IMO. With winds over 15 knots and steady I don't find any advantage having more volume and length, and many disadvantages. Everything is easier and more comfortable on a small board. The bigger the board the more feel of the foil you lose, and we ride foils.I am very happy with my current board, 4'11 x 22 1/2 60L with a beveled bottom all the way to the tail and super light. Makes for thinner rails, more clearance when carving and faster bottom. I have on order same board, 22 wide and 50L for strong winds and my son.
at my weight 88Kg, I would have 2 boards. A board like yours, agree with 22' wide and boxes more forward to make it feel shorter once on foil. But 100L for me. Up to 18knots super fun! And then jump on the 60L
if you mix this with new HA foils that you can go a lot smaller with the same lift and lower stall.things are getting super fun and easier to ride.

I ride in all winds including the extremes. This year I was in as light as 5 knots and as strong as 55 knots. I feel pretty strongly that the longer board allows me to use both smaller wings and foils in all conditions. While I understand that at a certain windspeed people feel comfortable with smaller gear, and that will always be the case, I would still argue that I prefer a smaller wing and foil on those days. On my barracuda I was riding a 2.5m wing with an 850 foil in 10-12 knots. At 18-19 knots I could ride my 2.5m wing with a 550 foil. Sizing the foil down creates an increase in fun for me and having the smallest wing possible increases the fun while decreasing the wear and tear on my body. I was able to do 3-4 hour sessions all summer long without a harness and never had any wear and tear on my body since my wings were so small. I know people can do single sessions without issues, but I will ride every day for up to 30 days straight at times and without a harness it is damaging to my body. Being on ultrasmall wings also allows me to ride with my unique style which is not possible with bigger or fully powered wings. I want the least amount of power in the sail that's necessary.

I'll also say that I've learned I favor midlengths over superlight shortboards because they aren't as fun as a midlength for me. A midlength can be ridden like I'm power surfing but the superlight shortboards with small foils feel like they are meant for jumping or pumping around in the surf. When I'm winging I like feeling like there is a board down there to push around instead of having my body chasing a high performance machine that I can't keep up with.

Everyone needs to know their style and what they want from their board. We can't expect everyone to strive for the same exact kits because there's too many different fun things to do out there and there's an infinite number of variables to try in the water to optimize our fun.

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

bolocom said..

BWalnut said..

SpokeyDoke said..
Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

I think that we will all start to find a length/width that we really like that accesses early takeoff, then the thickness will become the variable we mess with the most.

For example:
In this new carver I think the length is going to be great, but I don't know that I actually NEED the board to be 20" wide. I'm wondering if 21" wide would be just as good so that you could thin it out a bit. Boards like the amos sultan that have gone ultra narrow down to 17-18" wide seem like overkill, at least for what I do on the water. There is undoubtedly a point of diminished returns when you get crazy narrow and super thick. That's what I expect the next few years of board development to be about!

It's great that you are experimenting and trying new concepts. Do you ride in very light winds? Don't understand the focus on early takeoff, with proper pumping technique taking off is not an issue. Unless the wind is very light and the board over 25" wide and heavy, then I can see going longer and narrow. Or if you are learning, but I wouldn't go under 22". I ordered a few customs and played with dims but focusing on performance up on foil. Tried short and wide, longer and narrow and in the middle. I don't like length, and definitely don't like width. Weight it's also a big factor IMO. With winds over 15 knots and steady I don't find any advantage having more volume and length, and many disadvantages. Everything is easier and more comfortable on a small board. The bigger the board the more feel of the foil you lose, and we ride foils.I am very happy with my current board, 4'11 x 22 1/2 60L with a beveled bottom all the way to the tail and super light. Makes for thinner rails, more clearance when carving and faster bottom. I have on order same board, 22 wide and 50L for strong winds and my son.
at my weight 88Kg, I would have 2 boards. A board like yours, agree with 22' wide and boxes more forward to make it feel shorter once on foil. But 100L for me. Up to 18knots super fun! And then jump on the 60L
if you mix this with new HA foils that you can go a lot smaller with the same lift and lower stall.things are getting super fun and easier to ride.

I ride in all winds including the extremes. This year I was in as light as 5 knots and as strong as 55 knots. I feel pretty strongly that the longer board allows me to use both smaller wings and foils in all conditions. While I understand that at a certain windspeed people feel comfortable with smaller gear, and that will always be the case, I would still argue that I prefer a smaller wing and foil on those days. On my barracuda I was riding a 2.5m wing with an 850 foil in 10-12 knots. At 18-19 knots I could ride my 2.5m wing with a 550 foil. Sizing the foil down creates an increase in fun for me and having the smallest wing possible increases the fun while decreasing the wear and tear on my body. I was able to do 3-4 hour sessions all summer long without a harness and never had any wear and tear on my body since my wings were so small. I know people can do single sessions without issues, but I will ride every day for up to 30 days straight at times and without a harness it is damaging to my body. Being on ultrasmall wings also allows me to ride with my unique style which is not possible with bigger or fully powered wings. I want the least amount of power in the sail that's necessary.

I'll also say that I've learned I favor midlengths over superlight shortboards because they aren't as fun as a midlength for me. A midlength can be ridden like I'm power surfing but the superlight shortboards with small foils feel like they are meant for jumping or pumping around in the surf. When I'm winging I like feeling like there is a board down there to push around instead of having my body chasing a high performance machine that I can't keep up with.

Everyone needs to know their style and what they want from their board. We can't expect everyone to strive for the same exact kits because there's too many different fun things to do out there and there's an infinite number of variables to try in the water to optimize our fun.

Agree that whatever makes you have more fun is the best gear. And all the gear is getting more specific for the different uses, sometimes going to extremes but definitely getting more fun.

I don't agree about the larger boards been better with strong winds. I can only see the advantage in lighter winds. Over 20knots I ride a 4m wing and 725 foil. With a 50 fuse, that is as loose as it can be.and pretty small gear.
Even in flat water I like the feel of tacking and jibing at speed on a small board than a long one. I actually find a larger board harder for this. I have to slow down and be less aggressive.
I had a 6'1 x 23 that I liked for downwinders winging, but not great to cruise around fully powered.sold it.

We will see where all these trends end up, I think narrow boards are here to stay for lighter conditions and downwinding and small high performance boards will never go away.

Select to expand quote

bolocom said..
Agree that whatever makes you have more fun is the best gear. And all the gear is getting more specific for the different uses, sometimes going to extremes but definitely getting more fun.

I don't agree about the larger boards been better with strong winds. I can only see the advantage in lighter winds. Over 20knots I ride a 4m wing and 725 foil. With a 50 fuse, that is as loose as it can be.and pretty small gear.
Even in flat water I like the feel of tacking and jibing at speed on a small board than a long one. I actually find a larger board harder for this. I have to slow down and be less aggressive.
I had a 6'1 x 23 that I liked for downwinders winging, but not great to cruise around fully powered.sold it.

We will see where all these trends end up, I think narrow boards are here to stay for lighter conditions and downwinding and small high performance boards will never go away.

Thats a good example of different priorities. For me, a 4m wing is only for winds around 10 knots. Over 20 knots is a 2.5/3m wing and 700 foil for me. 4m would be way too overpowered and wouldn't be fun for me to surf with in those conditions.

In extreme winds, using super tiny 2m wings that have no low end, I've found that the small boards are too hard to get on foil with tiny wings because it's too gusty. At 40 knots I prefer a 2m wing and 550-700 foil with the smallest stab I can get and I want the board speed to get me up with that kit so I'm not bobbing around in the water waiting for a gust in those crazy conditions.

I don't see any reason for small high performance boards to go away. They have a place. I think narrow boards will take over the entire industry for 90% of riders. I don't see the point in any company making 30" wide boards anymore, even for beginners.

4m wing in 10 knots you must weigh 50kg ??

My friend who taught me to wing foil 3 years ago always uses 4M and relatively small AFS foil all the time in 10kt. I think he is about 70kg. He uses AFS Black Bird.

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

bolocom said..
Agree that whatever makes you have more fun is the best gear. And all the gear is getting more specific for the different uses, sometimes going to extremes but definitely getting more fun.

I don't agree about the larger boards been better with strong winds. I can only see the advantage in lighter winds. Over 20knots I ride a 4m wing and 725 foil. With a 50 fuse, that is as loose as it can be.and pretty small gear.
Even in flat water I like the feel of tacking and jibing at speed on a small board than a long one. I actually find a larger board harder for this. I have to slow down and be less aggressive.
I had a 6'1 x 23 that I liked for downwinders winging, but not great to cruise around fully powered.sold it.

We will see where all these trends end up, I think narrow boards are here to stay for lighter conditions and downwinding and small high performance boards will never go away.

Thats a good example of different priorities. For me, a 4m wing is only for winds around 10 knots. Over 20 knots is a 2.5/3m wing and 700 foil for me. 4m would be way too overpowered and wouldn't be fun for me to surf with in those conditions.

In extreme winds, using super tiny 2m wings that have no low end, I've found that the small boards are too hard to get on foil with tiny wings because it's too gusty. At 40 knots I prefer a 2m wing and 550-700 foil with the smallest stab I can get and I want the board speed to get me up with that kit so I'm not bobbing around in the water waiting for a gust in those crazy conditions.

I don't see any reason for small high performance boards to go away. They have a place. I think narrow boards will take over the entire industry for 90% of riders. I don't see the point in any company making 30" wide boards anymore, even for beginners.

I think a 7'+ board in 40 knots sounds like a nightmare regardless of the foil or wing. Actually any board that is not sinking at least 12" would,be.but that's me.

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

SpokeyDoke said..
Nice!

Look forward to the ride report...I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these, but my more rational self says wait a few months (we'll have snow here for that long), and see what shakes out in the industry IN PARTICULAR the thickness of these boards...while the Carver isn't as thick as some, like the Amos Sultan Wing, I'm still not quite understanding why you would just hit whatever volume target through longer length, since that seems to be the variable in the whole early/easy up on smaller foils with smaller wings appeal.

Clearly, I don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I'm here...and will follow along with interest...

I think that we will all start to find a length/width that we really like that accesses early takeoff, then the thickness will become the variable we mess with the most.

For example:
In this new carver I think the length is going to be great, but I don't know that I actually NEED the board to be 20" wide. I'm wondering if 21" wide would be just as good so that you could thin it out a bit. Boards like the amos sultan that have gone ultra narrow down to 17-18" wide seem like overkill, at least for what I do on the water. There is undoubtedly a point of diminished returns when you get crazy narrow and super thick. That's what I expect the next few years of board development to be about!

I agree with 21-22' wide, and board thinner, I doubt much would be lost by this compromise. Maybe thinner at the nose and fatter at the back is the answer say 20 at nose and 22 at back, could be the sweet spot, same length but thinner board so it would feel more agile and reactive. After a dozen + sessions on the carver, I don't really notice the thickness apart from carrying it to the water, but thinner would be nicer

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

MilesH said..

BWalnut said..
While I haven't ridden it yet, I calculated the landing point for the foil and it looks like it should land almost dead center in the box. This would result in a total of only 4" added in front of my foil instead of the full 7" (in comparison to the e3

Nice board - look forward to your report on the water

Do you calculate the landing point for the foil by turning the board upside down and finding the balance point when lifting the foil?

That's one way you can do it but I find it mildly inconvenient, especially if I am in a shop looking at boards and don't have my foil with me.

Here's how I do it:
1. Flip the board upside down (tracks up) and balance the board on something like your paddle. This will give you the balance point of your board. (normally your feet will land just in front and behind of where the paddle is when standing in the water).

2. Place a piece of electrical tape across the bottom of the board where the paddle runs.

3. Put your mast on.

4. Now measure to where the center of your mast is, from where the balance line across the board is. On my foils its always about 12"

5. Now you can flip any board over, find the balance point, and measure 12" (or whatever your foil set needed) back from that balance point and discover roughly where your foil should land.

Always needs a touch of tuning but it's a good first effort and is nice if you are looking at buying a board and are unsure about the track placements.

Thanks not heard of that method before - sounds good.

Question - step 3 says 'put your mast on'. Where do you place it? As if it is a new board I don't yet know where to place it and the only reference I have is the electrical tape across the centre balance point?

(sorry probably just my lack of understanding )

Select to expand quote

MilesH said..

Thanks not heard of that method before - sounds good.

Question - step 3 says 'put your mast on'. Where do you place it? As if it is a new board I don't yet know where to place it and the only reference I have is the electrical tape across the centre balance point?

(sorry probably just my lack of understanding )

All good

You'll need a reference measurement from a board that you've used and liked with that foil brand in the past. Since I ride Cloud IX I did the measurement on a board I own, to the mast location where I know it works. That's how I get a measurement of 12" behind balance point for Cloud IX foils.

So, take your foil off your existing board and get the correct measurement, then you can apply it to other boards.

Make sense?

Select to expand quote

bolocom said..

I think a 7'+ board in 40 knots sounds like a nightmare regardless of the foil or wing. Actually any board that is not sinking at least 12" would,be.but that's me.

This board is 5'10"

Select to expand quote

BWalnut said..

MilesH said..

Thanks not heard of that method before - sounds good.

Question - step 3 says 'put your mast on'. Where do you place it? As if it is a new board I don't yet know where to place it and the only reference I have is the electrical tape across the centre balance point?

(sorry probably just my lack of understanding )

All good

You'll need a reference measurement from a board that you've used and liked with that foil brand in the past. Since I ride Cloud IX I did the measurement on a board I own, to the mast location where I know it works. That's how I get a measurement of 12" behind balance point for Cloud IX foils.

So, take your foil off your existing board and get the correct measurement, then you can apply it to other boards.

Make sense?

Makes perfect sense now thanks

I think if I was getting another board it would be something like this. How much do you weigh Bwalnut?

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Microsurfer said..
I think if I was getting another board it would be something like this. How much do you weigh Bwalnut?

I tend to weigh aroud 85kg +/- as the seasons roll by.

@bwalnut
be great if you can get some video of you getting on it and getting going in choppy confused water once you get out on it ??

G'day Guy's, Long time watcher, infrequent poster.
I took a punt on one of these off the back of Marcus being the designer and that I down wind wing exclusively (Port Beach to City Beach/Floreat). I ordered the 5'10" and put down a deposit in early December and picked it up on Saturday.
At first glance when I picked it up, I thought this is going to be areal challenge given the narrowness. I've been using a Sunova Aviator (Caron Tec) at 5'5" x 26" x 82.5L, so the Carver looks a lot different and feels a lot different under the arm.
We were lucky enough to have some wind on Saturday afternoon here in Perth and I got to take it for a run.
First take off was a bit wobbly, I just used my standard knees to front foot and then rear foot. There's probably a better technique, but I didn't have the bandwidth on Saturday arvo to try any new techniques.
Believe the hype, this thing is amazing. Im not a foil technophile, but my observations were as follows:
1. Super quick to come up on foil. I was on a Smik 5m V1 and I reckon I could have got away with a 4m no problem. Minimal input from the wing.
2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!
3. Able to link bumps that I would have no hope of linking on the Aviator. I preface that by saying I'm not that great when it comes to pumping. Was looking further afield to see where to head next.
4. When going down larger bumps on the Aviator, I would often breach at speed and felt out of control. I didn't breach once on the Carver and felt in control.
5. Super quick trip. I went down with one of my bestys and we're usually about the same pace. If I stayed on foil with the Carver, I was putting a lot of distance between us.
I can't explain any of it, but it was probably on of the best DW sessions I have had (2 seasons) and the conditions weren't epic.
Hats off to Marcus and Sunova, this is a cracker. I can't wait to try it prone foiling.
If you're a down wind winger, I can highly recommend.
Cheers Cam

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chief said..
G'day Guy's, Long time watcher, infrequent poster.
I took a punt on one of these off the back of Marcus being the designer and that I down wind wing exclusively (Port Beach to City Beach/Floreat). I ordered the 5'10" and put down a deposit in early December and picked it up on Saturday.
At first glance when I picked it up, I thought this is going to be areal challenge given the narrowness. I've been using a Sunova Aviator (Caron Tec) at 5'5" x 26" x 82.5L, so the Carver looks a lot different and feels a lot different under the arm.
We were lucky enough to have some wind on Saturday afternoon here in Perth and I got to take it for a run.
First take off was a bit wobbly, I just used my standard knees to front foot and then rear foot. There's probably a better technique, but I didn't have the bandwidth on Saturday arvo to try any new techniques.
Believe the hype, this thing is amazing. Im not a foil technophile, but my observations were as follows:
1. Super quick to come up on foil. I was on a Smik 5m V1 and I reckon I could have got away with a 4m no problem. Minimal input from the wing.
2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!
3. Able to link bumps that I would have no hope of linking on the Aviator. I preface that by saying I'm not that great when it comes to pumping. Was looking further afield to see where to head next.
4. When going down larger bumps on the Aviator, I would often breach at speed and felt out of control. I didn't breach once on the Carver and felt in control.
5. Super quick trip. I went down with one of my bestys and we're usually about the same pace. If I stayed on foil with the Carver, I was putting a lot of distance between us.
I can't explain any of it, but it was probably on of the best DW sessions I have had (2 seasons) and the conditions weren't epic.
Hats off to Marcus and Sunova, this is a cracker. I can't wait to try it prone foiling.
If you're a down wind winger, I can highly recommend.
Cheers Cam

Thanks for that...and congrats
...I also wonder about an alternate technique for getting up on narrow boards

I've been using 18" board for about 15 sessions. You will notice its roll instability only in the first couple sessions. After that you will not even think about it.

Got a 6'2" Carver a couple days ago!
Using Axis 960 Spit fire and 3.6m ding in 20knot hot gusty cloudy fluff. Intermediate 105kg single brunette. Had about 5 hours and 70+ waves on it.
Awesome. On the water surface the board goes and doesn't slow down. Takes off on foil very early, head off the wind. Just keep pumping the wing and it only takes a few pumps.
On foil the board points into the wind tighter than my old square nose board. Carver has very little projected surface area to the wind. Flagging the wing and riding upwind on a swell is excellent. Carries very well.
Heading down wind it is great. The board is short enough to not be an issue in short period chop. The rail doesn't catch in turns which it did on my old square shape board. Its not worth mentioning swing weight. It'll be the mid mast mount that solved it.
First day was a bitch. I took a scab off my knee and found it hard to knee start in waves. Cried a bit. Did a flaker.
Second day bandaged and neoprene socked my knee, readjusted foot straps and shimmed stab. Pointed the board down wind to climb on, it seemed much more stable. Second day launch on foil was even easier.
Great board design. Thanks Marcus.
Sunova construction is absolutely bomber. Light weight. Extra long mast track. Great stuff.
Wishing waves and screaming foils to you.

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chief said..

2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!

Cheers Cam

I felt the same way when I went narrow. My best guess is the narrow width forces us to ride with less offset foot stagger. So we lose some ability to over control in side to side leverage. Foot switches also became less wobbly. I wonder at what width we go too far and lose needed leverage for turning? I don't want my feet on dead centerline.

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DWF said..

chief said..

2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!

Cheers Cam

I felt the same way when I went narrow. My best guess is the narrow width forces us to ride with less offset foot stagger. So we lose some ability to over control in side to side leverage. Foot switches also became less wobbly. I wonder at what width we go too far and lose needed leverage for turning? I don't want my feet on dead centerline.

that's an interesting observation, I had a similar feeling when I went narrower/longer. Improvements in some things like backwinded riding, 360's etc. I only went down from 22" to 20.5", but length up from 5'0" to 5'10". I added some front foot lift to this board (deck 2 degrees vs foil mount) and was thinking that might be part of it, but maybe it's more about the length and the effect of added inertia on pitch/yaw. I've always had a fairly centered stance so I don't think it's stance modification that's making it better at least for me. I'm thinking 17" at the back foot is as narrow as I would go, my current board is 18" there and I do tickle the edge of the pad now and then

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DWF said..

chief said..

2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!

Cheers Cam

I felt the same way when I went narrow. My best guess is the narrow width forces us to ride with less offset foot stagger. So we lose some ability to over control in side to side leverage. Foot switches also became less wobbly. I wonder at what width we go too far and lose needed leverage for turning? I don't want my feet on dead centerline.

I built a board, 6'6x21.
I find back foot toe now nearly on the rail, don't think I would go much narrower.

I find easiest way to climb on in heavy side chop (25kts open sea) is to point board down wind then spin it round. I like it better in lumpy stuff as its easier to speed up on to foil, shorter wider board seemed to slow on the back of waves more I'm using Axis HPS foil.

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rgmacca said..

DWF said..

chief said..

2. Felt way more stable while on foil (Axis Spitfire 900/Axis HM 82 Mast). In fact it felt like a totally afferent foil underneath!

Cheers Cam

I felt the same way when I went narrow. My best guess is the narrow width forces us to ride with less offset foot stagger. So we lose some ability to over control in side to side leverage. Foot switches also became less wobbly. I wonder at what width we go too far and lose needed leverage for turning? I don't want my feet on dead centerline.

I built a board, 6'6x21.
I find back foot toe now nearly on the rail, don't think I would go much narrower.

I find easiest way to climb on in heavy side chop (25kts open sea) is to point board down wind then spin it round. I like it better in lumpy stuff as its easier to speed up on to foil, shorter wider board seemed to slow on the back of waves more I'm using Axis HPS foil.

Again, I think all these focus on getting up on foil quickly only makes sense in light wind. With steady wind getting up is not an issue and a smaller board will always be better than a large board. And more fun.but I think we should also add skill level into the equation. If you are a beginner, just getting on foil and making a few jibes on a large (over 1400) slow foil. A narrow long board 10+L over your weight will help you. And you definitely will have more fun and be able to reduce foil and wing size sooner.

An intermediate, jibing both ways, few tacks on a MA foil +/-1200 on a board around his weight in liters. Would benefit a lot more by going under 20l of body weight. And the long and narrow only applies to light air. Assuming 2 boards.

Then it all depends where do you want to take it, if you are into DWinding, or freestyle, or surf breaks or you are in a river or lake. All different and specific gear.

First rides on it today and this board did not disappoint! Took it to three different spots and it dominated in all conditions from 9-45 knots. 95kg rider with wet gear on. 85l board.

Fastest wing board I've ever had to get off the water. Far friendlier and snappier in the air than my shorter 5'3". Went to a lightwind spot at sunset and set my PR for my Cloud IX 850 foil using a 4.2m wing in average 13 knots with lulls down to 9 knots. I'm certain I could have even ridden my 700 in that light of wind today

I can't imagine ever bothering with a shortboard again. In the strong winds this allowed me to use my smallest wing and smallest foil. In light winds I set my small foil PR. Gybes were fast and fun. Touchdowns were of zero consequence. Board was so light and fun in the air, the extra 3" in front of my front foot meant absolutely nothing in the air, this board was faster and better in every way.

So glad I got off the short board train. I'll never go back.