Hi I need some help. I've got the Naish Skater Sport M. I really love it, I just can't get it to go upwind anywhere near as well as my conventional surf board. I'm sure it must be a technique issue as other people have commented to goes well upwind.
I ride it strapless and on the wave it is such a blast, but I'm spending too much time and effort to get back upwind.
I'm 78kg and normally ride fairly powered up.
I had the small, loved it except it didn't hold up to my strapless beatings...anyway, I had the same problem with upwind so I ran a larger set of front fins and it was good to go. You could run a larger set of thrusters for max upwind, or keep the smaller center for a looser feel. I can't remember at the moment which fins I used but if I remember I'll let you know.
I actually found it the opposite Goes upwind really well, but in steep short waves, it's not the best due to the nose rocker (lack of it). For strapless freestyle, it's really nice, and has held up well for now (78kg as well).
I actually found it the opposite Goes upwind really well, but in steep short waves, it's not the best due to the nose rocker (lack of it). For strapless freestyle, it's really nice, and has held up well for now (78kg as well).
I thought it might be technique, where do you put your feet for the upwind tack. I've been moving mine forwards thinking that would help. Maybe I've got my feet to near the edge and using to much rail. I'll just have to try and keep experimenting, I don't want to consign it to a downwinder only board.
it definitely isn't a downwinder-only board. For me, the speed it goes is brilliant, it's such a small board but due to speed it goes upwind very well and also jumps strapless very well. Keep experimenting and I'm sure you will agree, but it needs the speed, if slouching the upwind ability will suffer.
Ok I remembered...started with Occy Kitetics up front which are pretty big and it went upwind like mad but it felt a bit too "planted". Ended up with Merrick G-AM's in the front, stock Naish center. For blasting upwind, rear foot forward of the tailpad, keep the board flat and push laterally on the fins (windsurf style). Weight more on the front foot. I'm not sure if the rocker changed over different model years, but mine was heavily rockered in the nose. Arguably one of the best strapless jumping boards ever.
Hi Ralph
Hope you all good. I have been on the medium skater for 3 seasons. I ride it strapped Lano/Mauritius and find its great upwind. Bring your back foot forward and apply some lateral pressure as per previous reply.
Regards Dennis