Introduction
With the ENSIS Jive, the Swiss brand introduces a midlength board that aims to bridge the gap between compact freestyle wing boards and long downwinders. ENSIS promises a remarkable combination of early lift, glide efficiency, and agile control – especially for experienced riders looking for lightwind performance and smooth cruising. We were curious to see how the 86-liter version performs under real-world conditions.
We tested the Jive 86 in Laboe (Baltic Sea) in 14–19 knots of wind, paired with the ENSIS Maniac Infinity ACE foil(990 front wing) and a North Mode Pro wing in 5.5 and 4.8 m². As advanced cruising riders, we wanted to know: can this midlength shape really deliver early lift, control in choppy water, and enjoyable freeriding even in marginal wind?
First Impressions & Build
Right out of the bag, the ENSIS Jive 86 stands out with its long and narrow outline. With approximately 175 cm length and 56 cm width, it’s noticeably sleeker than many other boards in its size class. This stretched profile increases waterline length for better glide and pumping efficiency. Despite the added length, the board feels compact and lightthanks to clever volume distribution and high-end carbon sandwich construction. At around 5.5 kg, the Jive 86 is among the lightest boards in its category.
The Jive features multiple foot strap inserts (dual front strap or centered, plus rear), a bottom carry handle (perfect for walking with foil mounted), and the standard double US-Box track system – compatible with most foils. The deck is fully covered in a comfortable, grippy pad and features a slightly recessed standing area that lowers your center of gravity and gives more direct foil control. The rear pin tail and sharp trailing edges ensure clean water release, helping the board to take off easily.
Overall, the ENSIS Jive makes a premium impression on land: lightweight, functional, and clearly designed with performance in mind.
On the Water
On the water, the Jive 86 delivers exactly what its shape suggests. Despite its relatively narrow width, the board is very stable when standing – especially for riders around 70–85 kg. The volume is well centered, offering good buoyancy for waterstarts even in low wind. The long waterline makes the board glide effortlessly before liftoff, and it takes off early, even in 14 knots with the 5.5 m² wing.
Once on foil, the Jive feels lively and agile, more like a smaller board. The low swing weight and recessed standing area translate to highly responsive turns and excellent feedback underfoot. Carving is a highlight – you can load the rails with pressure and draw tight or open arcs with confidence. At the same time, the board remains stable at speed, even in choppy Baltic Sea conditions.
Touchdowns are rare, but when they happen, the nose design handles them well – it skims out smoothly, helping you keep flying instead of sinking. The pin tail and light tail rocker allow for efficient pumping between swells or when recovering from lulls. Paired with the right foil, the Jive 86 feels like a fast, controlled freeride machine that’s equally happy gliding, carving, or cruising long downwind runs.
Jumping is possible thanks to the light build and compact handling, though radical freestyle moves might be easier on shorter boards. Still, the board is well-suited to freeride and lightwind foiling, where early takeoff and efficiency matter most.
Target Audience & Use Case
The Jive 86 is clearly a board for intermediate to advanced riders. It’s not intended for beginners, as the narrower profile requires solid balance and foil control. But for those who’ve outgrown their first board and are looking for something faster, more responsive, and better in light wind – this is a top choice.
Ideal for riders around 70–90 kg, the Jive 86 suits:
- Lightwind sessions on flat water
- Cruising and freeride
- Downwind foiling (including use with parawings)
- High-efficiency riding with smaller wings or foils
If you’re coming from a bulky freeride board and want something that feels agile yet still forgiving, the Jive is worth a look. It also appeals to foil racers and lightwind specialists who value glide and top-end speed. Less suited is this board for wave-focused riding or heavy freestyle. In stronger waves or high-impact tricks, the longer outline is less ideal.
Conclusion
The ENSIS Jive 86 L delivers a modern take on lightwind wingfoiling. It combines the glide and efficiency of a downwinder, the control and carving performance of a freeride board, and the lightweight construction needed for pumping, jumping, and responsive riding. In our test, it impressed with its early lift, smooth touchdown recovery, and direct feel underfoot.
For advanced foilers looking to unlock more sessions in marginal wind while keeping performance high, the Jive 86 is a serious contender. It’s a board that helps you fly sooner, faster, and with less effort – especially with efficient wings and foils.
Whether cruising your local lake, chasing Baltic Sea downwind runs, or just maximizing your lightwind time, the Jive 86 proves that midlength doesn’t mean compromise – it means fun with purpose.
Available in our Wingpassion Shop
And, since we’re so enthusiastic about it, the board is of course also available in the Wingpassion Shop.
If you want to take great shots of yourself, your moves or your equipment on the water: The Insta360 mount for the Wing is available here.
