Awesome board Dolf!
Can you write something about the specs?

Hi Jeroen and Nico,

Thank you, but I thought that I was the obsesive complulsive data absorber. For those that want to know more than 160 litre:
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The fine print: 290 Length x 72.5 Width

Unfortunately I think the magic is in the shape of the bottom which Peter tried to explain to me, but after quad going to v with some single concave and less than you would expect tail rocker but more somewhere else, I got lost.

Aloha,

Last edited by Dolf (2011-09-05 06:47:01)

Very interesting board, Dolf.

Without a doubt, the mushy-wave light-wind realm is underdeveloped. And that is really too bad, because I think it's what 95% of the windsurfing world experiences. Boards like yours and the K 11'5" and others are what many people need, but the Belief system is so far from that that we'll take a long time getting to light-wind Nirvana.

Hi Geoff,

I think that you hit the nail on the head. Although I have'nt tried the Kona One, it seems to be a very good effort to make what 95% of the windsufing world "needs". I wemt further and compromised some to get what I "want". That is fun and maneuvrability and pretending that I am in Hookipa when the conditions are actually your described 95%.

Aloha,

Somewhere between 9'6" (~290 cm) and 11'5" (~320 cm) one makes the transition from "shortboard" to "longboard". One thing I've rarely seen adequately described is the meaning of those two words, and what the difference is. That's a bit of a problem, given that we throw the terms around a lot. I sense the meanings are changing a bit, as board designers are uncovering new concepts and building boards like Dolf's new Thommen.

Here's my first stab at an updated definition:

Longboard:
Primarily a displacement mode surfing board, high volume (more than ~180 L); can "plane" but the optimal mode for this board is gliding, which is a near-planing mode in which the power of the wave drives the board to a "surfing" state. Can plane with very large sails and sufficient wind, but so, too, can a brick if there is enough wind. Main use is light-wind, mushy wave surf-sailing or SUP.

Shortboard:
Primarily a planing mode board, can be high or low volume (i.e., floater to near-sinker to sinker); doesn't really function well unless planing. Can glide / surf if the wave is sufficiently powerful, but the main operating characteristics require sufficient wind to drive it to a plane. Poorly directional and low performing off the plane, in a mode commonly known as schlogging. Main use is moderate to high-wind windsurfing.

Raceboard:
High volume, primarily a displacement-mode board capable of planing with sufficient wind. Typically has hard rails, excellent upwind performance using a centerboard. Main use is course racing, similar to other vessels in one-design fleets for yachting.

Funboard:
Moderate to high-volume board, designed for both displacement-mode and planing. Typically has softer rails and better crossover performance in both planing and non-planing conditions, but can also have hard rails if optimized for lake / flat water and upwind points of sail that require the centerboard down. Main use is a one-size-fits-all / multipurpose or family board. Good for families because of the versatility and flotation.

Last edited by Geoff (2011-09-06 18:03:20)

Fascinating. It seems the Beast is in the upper limits of shortboard, as I've defined it, with some ability to function in the longboard mode.

I would say that the K 11'5 can function in the shortboard mode, but at least prior to my converting it to 2+1 configuration it was not super agile on a wave. I've read good things about the K 10'5, but for the fresh water Great Lakes I went for more volume/rail length. The K 11'5 is quite good at the kind of surfsailing Jereonsurf posted on Vimeo, but the Great Lakes don't fetch up the long waverides (more sets of shorter waves that fizzle out, but if you catch the first in a set you can often grab one or two behind it as well). All of which begs the question of whether a somewhat wide board in the 10'6" range might be the sweet spot for longboard/shortboard combo in a single board. I tend to agree with the comments on compromises, but there are quiver size and cost issues as well.

Glad you like your board so much, Dolf.

Or you can look at the rope hanging from your porch. If it is not hanging vertically it is windy.

Aloha,

Some new developments in my biggest wave board story.

First with sadness, my 9.0 and its associated rigging is now retired. If you are looking for a perfect condition, only rigged US, 9.0 UL, contact Jeff. The sail that was the first major step in my quest for the ultimate low wind wave set up is no longer in my quiver. Fortunately the experience of the most interesting journey is firmly etched in my brain. But the 8.0 on my new board is now giving my more range than the 9.0 did, and allows me to heed my body’s ultimatum.

Secondly Joanna has had a few tries on Peter’s 160 wave machine. Of course she was stunned at how manoeuvrable and fun an ultimate light wind 160 litre wave board could be, but quite amazingly she also said it was way more fun than a longboard in sub planning conditions. The result is that she has commandeered it and advised me that until I get her one, it is hers, as she says I have no right to force her to sail what she now calls the “lazy barn door” of the predecessor board.

So the world’s second largest wave board at 130 litres is on order. Given the blinding speed that things are done on the island, we probably won’t see it until our next trip here in the spring. Until then I will have to beg and plead to use the “Big White”. Her new board has already been christened “Baby Blue” in light of the colour that she chose.

I appreciate that not many other sailors have our particular preferences and circumstances, but from my perspective this magic machine beats any longboard in any situation, except for price.

Aloha,

Hi Jeroen,

We will be delighted to see you here next fall. Please let us know when you have your dates.

It will be interesting when Joanna lets your missus try her gear!

Aloha,

We added Joanna's version, "Baby Blue", of my new "Big White". At 130 litres it was supposed to be Joanna's board for her 6.3 when I was on Big White with my 8.0. However the thing is so good that I will use it for my 7.0 as well.

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Our board quiver is starting to look more and more like an exclusive Thommen line up:

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And will be more so with our plan to combine 2 present boards into one more new 112 litre version of the "Baby Blue".

I have been reading with interest the several threads on longboards. With Peter's new boards we have everything that a longboarder could want plus a wave board. Truly amazing.

Last edited by Dolf (2011-11-15 23:12:28)

Hi Ola,

Good points, thanks.

I'll do that on the next photo shoot when we get our next board, hopefully on our Spring trip.

Aloha,