THE NEWSPAPER ONLINE : BLOWIN' IN THE KONA WINDS

Free

Friday 25 July 2008

34th issue

Words & Photos by; John Carter (Windsurf June 2008)

When ex-world champion Patrice Belbeoc'h quit the PWA tour back in the year 2000 to start his own board business, many critics doubted he would last in the industry for long. Seven years down the line and his brand Exocet are the biggest selling board brand in France, while sister brand Kona, are shaking the markets all over the world with their innovative longboard designs. Prepared to go his own direction and break the conventional timetables, trends and designs the rest of the brands follow, Patrice has brought out some unique concepts that are turning heads and hitting new markets. The 1996 PWA wave champion is a character not scared to speak his mind: here Patrice spells out just why he thinks his way is the right way, and why the other companies better start looking over their shoulders : read more :

By Chris Thompson

Published at LBWS
The Longboard Windsurfing Journal July 16th. 2008

Lessons from surfing.

It looks like we've made it. Rumors of the longboard windsurfer's death were much exaggerated. We know the longboard works, and we're out there making converts. Manufacturers like Kona are pushing the concept. The Kona One, they say, is the world's top-selling board. We may not be the biggest part of the windsurfing scene yet, but we're not going away.
In a sense, it's déjà vu. About two decades ago, longboard surfing was in the same position. There was a low groundswell of support, and the old walruses of the break were going to surf their longboards or "Mals" no matter what, but a longboard had no beach cred. There were exceptions, of course; my laid-back local break on the far north of Sydney was the stomping ground for former world champs or finalists like Midget Farrelly, Nat Young and Mick Dooley, as well as kids and kooks like me. But to most of the world, the longboard was social death in fiberglass form.

: read more :

Tested by Thomas Lamora

As market standard, EXOCET now offers Full Carbon constructions in the Slalom range.

SHAPE: With 4 new shapes based on the renowned Warp Slalom, we find once more Jean Marie Guiriec's touch with a centre of gravity further backwards, no more tail tuck and the fin box a touch forward.

CONSTRUCTION: Biaxial Carbon and the new "Black" finish. The look is "evil", the boards are ULTRA light and the balance different with reduced weight in front of the mast box.

GEAR: New stiffer straps, - supporting the feet better plus the fabulous double density shock absorber (DDSA) and a pad running from the back foot to the tail. No doubt we were on an Exocet.

On the water: First go with the Warp SL 71 with RSS MK2 8.4; wind 13-15 knots. The board floats really well, the 118 liters are there. First gust and the board is up on the plane in a blink. The difference in terms of response compared to the Wood Carbon version is quite noticeable. The board sits high on the water and flies effortlessly over the chop, which was well demonstrated that day.

: read more :

The newspaper online!!