We were able to test the Naish Hover Downwind Board with volume of 105 l . The board is designed for downwind SUP foiling, but can also be used as a light wind board for wingfoiling. It is also available with 110 l and 125 l.
We only tested it for wingfoiling in combination with the Naish Glide 1400 Foil (click HERE for the test). We are still working on our downwind SUP foil skills.
On land
The Naish Hover Downwind is 7’1” (216 cm) long and 57.2 cm wide.
When you pick up the board, you immediately notice how light it is. You wouldn’t expect this from a board of this size. The board weighs just 5.6 kg (weighed).
In contrast to many other downwind boards, the Naish Hover Downwind does not have the “classic” tear drop shape. The widest point is therefore not in the front third, but rather in the middle. As a result, the board is also slightly wider than other representatives of this class. Its outline is more similar to a normal surfboard.
The underwater hull is characterized by a continuous plan. Its rails are relatively sharp. The widest part of the underwater hull is also in the middle. The tail ends in a kind of diamond tail with a sharp trailing edge. There is no recessed grip for transportation in the underwater hull. The US double box is located at the beginning of the last third. It is still 50 cm to the stern (measured).
The deck of the Naish Hover Downwind is equipped with a pleasantly soft pad and is characterized by a very slight concave. There is no option to mount foot straps. The recessed grip is centered. The membrane vent valve is located in the area of the nose outside the pad.
On the water
When you get on the Naish Hover Downwind for the first time, you immediately notice how stable it is in the water. This gives you an enormous amount of confidence when schlogging. The width of the board also contributes to this. The board doesn’t have to stabilize itself as you ride through the water, as you are used to with narrower downwind boards. This all contributes to the fact that you immediately feel comfortable on the board.
The Naish Hover Downwind picks up speed quickly and then immediately takes off. Pumping impulses from the wing are immediately converted into acceleration. Both when planing and in flight, the width of the board comes in handy, as you have enough space to adjust your stance accordingly.
Of course, a board of this size moves differently through maneuvers than compact wingfoil boards. But the Naish Hover Downwind is designed for cruising and not for wild action. Nonetheless, it is easy to pump and it also handles turns well.
Conclusion
The stability of the Naish Hover Downwind is impressive and therefore also gives advanced beginner the chance to ride a downwind board. Any wind energy is immediately converted into movement and allows the board to take off even in really light winds.
For wingfoiling, we would have liked the option of attaching footstraps.
