Graphics

Ugly_Bird · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 335

Is it just me or the graphics on a lot of board brands became meh? Smile

manuel · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1158

Brand/board specifically?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Most. But it's purely a subjective call.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

I think that boards are being manufactured for the European market where windsurfing is still considered a popular water sport. Because of that, graphic designs are being crafted to suit their tastes, and that's been the case for over 35 years.

To be honest, there are many brands over the years that I would never buy just because of the graphics. Why pay a couple thousand dollars for a butt ugly board?

My personal preference is for simple white boards that are minimal on the graphics. One good thing with that approach is that your boards don't become dated and out of fashion because of the graphics. Also, they're much easier to repair.

manuel · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1158

I'd have fun working on board designs! Right now I have to satisfy myself designing stickers, posters, t-shirts (and variant), mugs, bags, etc Smile

))

Actually one of my designs is over a board: https://www.amazon.com/Windsurfing-Equipment-Board-Drawing-T-Shirt/dp/B08HYP83YJ

I'll be creating my own sails but the design will be 100% functional other than maybe the choice of colors....

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I care only about performance, up to a point. FORTUNATELY, the best-looking factory board I've ever seen in 40 years of WSing, including testing hundreds of custom and off-the-shelf Gorge boards for several years, were the 2014 Naish wave boards. Why "fortunately"? Because I've owned many Naish wave boards, I loved them all, and this specific shape was the culmination of years of evolution.

I bought my first 2014 because of all those factors including the graphics, sailed it once, and immediately bought two more, in different sizes, for their performance. (I've still never seen a better-looking board, IMO.)

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1549

Some of the Bic boards where pretty crazy way back when. The E. Rock was pretty wild but it was and is a classic. I still see people riding that board when I go to South Padre In April.. And they are difficult to keep up with...

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Purple E Rocks of mid '90's, with straps back 1", tuttle box installed, were keeping up with World Cup pros boards of the time.
I bet my 1987 Seatrend 9' x 23.5", 13 lbs slalom is still competitive today.

Ugly_Bird · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 335

Ugly_Bird · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 335