At A Glance
Legendary Maui shaper Sean Ordonez has shaped the surfboard line up for 2013 from Wainman Hawaii. The Passport is based around a classic surfboard shape, but with a modern twist and is aimed at handling just about anything you can throw at it. That said it definitely has a nod towards bigger more powerful waves and side shore conditions. The finish on the board is worthy of note, it is absolutely stunning and like all Wainman Hawaii boards it comes with a bag as well as fins, pads and straps should you need them. Available in 4 sizes, 5’7”, 5’10”, 6’0” (on test) and a 6’2”.
On The Water
The Passport feels natural underfoot; it’s easy to ride and fairly forgiving too, so shouldn’t be too hard to handle for any level of rider. The thruster set up gives the board a locked in powerful feel on the wave and the rocker line allows it to maintain its speed on the wave as well. Strapless freestyle was fun on the Passport, although technically what it is made for, this year's boards are heavily reinforced with carbon and bamboo so they can take the abuse. In onshore waves the boards speed helps to keep it fun and it can certainly handle a variety of conditions. If the wind drops the 6’0” paddles quite nicely too!
Overall
Beautifully made and stunning to look at the board works as well as it looks on the water. Big waves with side shore winds suit it the best, but it can hold it’s own in onshore euro trash too. The package with the board bag makes it a great deal financially!
This review was in Issue 37 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!