Tabou Rocket Wide

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435

Any further experience with the Rocket Wide v. the Rocket?

I read in another forum that one poster thought that the Rocket Wide actually handled chop better than a thinner freeride.

I am thinking of going either to a Rocket Wide 118 or a Rocket 125.

quigley · Joined: 23 Mar 2010 Posts: 58

Picked up a Rocket Wide in Hatteras from Andy at Wind NC in April. Tried a demo first and liked the board so much I bought it. The 118 L is my big board for light winds. It jumps up on a plane in winds from 10 on up. Handles the chop real nice , carves like a small board, and even jumps small waves no problem. Very cool !

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435

GURGLETROUSERS · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 2643

'Shirley', wouldn't most find these short very wide easy to use boards boring, in the long term.

Obviously, we all have different expectations, but the wide boards I've tried have left a niggling sense of dissatisfaction. (I keep an old Techno 160 which can blast off with an 8.0 inlkight summer breezes, but after 10 minutes or so, I think to myself, yes but now what! I'd rather be on the longboard, with a gallumphing cruise in mind.)

I find that the longer a person windsurfs, the greater the need to be different. With an attic full of older boards it really puts a smile on my face to lug one back out, and force it to work. Most were never so bad as modern myth would have it.

Latest whim is to re-use the Saxo 270, (brief try last year, but wind too light), with a modern 5,0 and RDM mast, and a decent blow this time. All that old sense of anticipation is there - can't wait.

I accept that it will be (was) nowhere near as versatile as modern 'easy' boards, but I'll force the confounded thing to work, or know the reason why! (Besides, it looks very pretty!)

Boring? No way -don't need that!!

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435

GURGLETROUSERS · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 2643

At last! Fully powered, choppy sea, on old Saxo 270 94 litre.

Immediately prior I'd put in half an hour on a bigger shorter wider slalom board with a 6.0 sail which was starting to feel overpowered. On swapping to the Saxo (same sail) and jumping on, it was planing fully powered in seconds, and in less than half a minute I was ready to believe in Father Christmas!

The rig (high carbon mast and good 6.0 sail, as distinct from the old Rotho wave epoxy mast I used to use with the board), suddenly felt lighter and sweater since at full belt, the board rides only on the rear (from mast foot back) planing surface, with the highly rockered Turkish Slipper nose and front riding clear of the water. Consequently, it doesn't 'plough' into steep chop with that juddery bouncy wide short board motion. The front merely 'kisses' the chop and smoothes it for the back to blast over.

Off the plane, the length gives a clear advantage in directional stability, especially in 'nasty' chop. There is no added difficulty in balancing it, over shorter and wider, and I would even claim it is easier! (As it also is to waterstart in tricky conditions.) Is this wide board stability 'thing' a little overstated?

TO continue - computer playing up.

GURGLETROUSERS · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 2643

Continued.

The next great renewed pleasure was it's gybing. Longer and narrower doesn't need to give the modern tight jerky slashes, with walls of sprat - I've never admired such rubbish, but longish smooth and gracefully poetic arcs (ballet dancing?) as though on the proverbial rails. Absolutely delightful - to me, at anyrate!

The nearest modern comparison board I own (and like a lot) is the Exocet cross 94 litre. In effect, the cross, and the Saxo do the same job, but in a different manner. Since there is no such thing as best, it becomes simply a matter of taste.

I intend, over the next few months, to make the Saxo the go to board at that size (94 litres) in the right kind of conditions, and see how it really compares once the novelty value has been eliminated. It may well then seem to have more shortcomings than the shorter wider (but moderately wide) Cross, or it may not. Only extended re-usage will tell.

One thing's for sure. This modern drive to very wide (and thin) is NOT my kettle of kippers! (You're welcome!)

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435

Gurgletrousers,

I hear that the Rocket Wide is pretty quick. Laughing

GURGLETROUSERS · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 2643

O.K. Mr Govel.

I'll fit a rear view mirror, in case one locks on to me!

Nobody messes with a flying BIc. Laughing

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435