UnderGround FreeWave 5'8'' first impression review

[guyk]

I am an experienced kite boarder (kiting for 7 years). Used twin tips until this board (UG).
Got the board 3 days ago and used it for the first time yesterday.
12-15 Knots, small (80cm) waves. Using a waroo 15m.
The Board looks great. And is very strong.
Used it strapless. I got used to the board immediately. Rides very soft, passed the waves with no problem. Aced almost all my jibes from the first try.
Had some nice maneuvers on the waves.
Well I am very happy with my new board.
Cant wait to ride it with my waroo 9m on some big waves.

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[garyb]

I've had a 5'4" Freewave for about 12 weeks now, really loving it, I've only used a twin tip once since getting it, soon swapped back. I weigh 76-77kg, and it has me going upwind in 15-16knts on 7m Ozone Light II, or 10-11knts on 12m Ozone light II. Amazing bit of kit, some say they are just glorified skim boards, not proper surfboards, but hey, they work well in waves for me. Kites are new also, amazing in the waves. Finally I got kit I really like, and I've spent a fortune on kites over the past 4 years. Now trying to justify the 5'8" Freewave to myself
PS, are they the fins which came with your board? Look pretty cool. Futures fins I assume?

[guyk]

I thought the 5'4'' would be to small for light wind conditions. But from what you are writing it seems that it's not.
I will post some more info afer using it in the waves.
The future fins came with the board
Are you using it Strapless? Did you put the straps with the wide side pointing outqinside?

[garyb]

I have used it strapless, but usually I use it strapped. I need to get more practice! There are quite a few guys over here in Ireland using them, almost all use them strapless. The small board seems to work well in light winds, probably because it is so light and fast. I haven't tried the 5'8 yet to compare. I have the straps with the wide part outwards, (towards tail and nose) Also have the straps quite loose so I can still move my feet around.

[tautologies]

hey,

FYI if the freewave is anything like the regualr boards, the 5'4'' is not a lightwind board...

I think the concept is very interesting, but but looking at the board in person the rails seems very sharp...but I shouldn't comment on it..I have not yet been able to try the board..

a.

[Ozone Kites AUS]

Hi Alex

The rails are not so sharp, except towards the rear 1/3 of the board, thats why there is such a deep dish, to allow for a full surfboard rail.
The board has amazing flex.
Local rider Rich Stenning at Wanda Beach in Cronulla, Sydney about 15mins from my shop on a medium day. Its a 5'8" Freewave riding unstrapped and 9M CB3 kite.
Cya and
Goodwinds

Steve

[garyb]

I Was not saying the 5-4 Freewave is a lightwind board, just that that it works well for me with a small kite. I am sure there are better light wind boards, but that's not what I got it for.