An old schooler takes a ride on a new freemove board

[dhmark]

So I am another old school sailor, completely content on my 2002 Fanatic Cross 116 L 64 cm wide, usually sailing a 6.3 SuperFreak just down the beach from Northwestern U at Greenwood Beach. I have been hesitant to change because I find it hard to believe that these new designs (short wide thin) would do better in my conditions.

We have incredibly choppy waters on L Michigan on S and SW winds, sometimes huge 1/4 mile wind shadow on shore requiring occasional uphaul or swim in. I need that volume to uphaul at my age and balance, but I think those new boards would be too wide in chop. The Fanatic is smooth, reminds me of my old original Mistral Screamer, and if it is not a quick planer I think it is saving my knees. So to the OP, how do you think that board would behave at 20knots SW on Lake Michigan? dhmark

[dllee]

If you look closely at the outline of a freemove board vs the fast freerides, you'd notice the actual tail with, OFO, are very close, while the tail behind the OFO is often narrower than the fast freeride, while the overall width is around 5-8cm wider.
When you plane, you ride from the front foot back, the rest "flying" above the water.
Actual water contact on a plane is about the same area, but distributed wider in front, narrower behind the backfoot. That makes similar control and performance thru chop.
Main advantage is completing planing jibes.
Main advantage of fast freeride is speed.

[NOVAAN]

Windsurfing is or should be all about having fun. If your having fun on the board your now using then keep on keepin on. I get a new low wind board every year. For 12 to 22 mph. Year to year, the changes are small or none.
When I have the chance to step on a board from back in the day, I ask my self how did I ever sail this thing. To me the lower wind boards have made huge gains in every department. High wind boards not as much. I have an old yellow Bic Saxo 84 liter that I dig out of the shed once in awhile when the wind is up. Its kind of funny looking but it still a joy to sail. Just a thought

[isobars]