Wainman Hawaii Joke 138 x 41.5cm 2011
Reviews / Twin Tips
22,708
At a Glance
Striking would be one word to describe the Joke, pimp would be another. Calling on some seriously artistic graphics the board certainly delivers in the looks department, but it doesn’t stop there. It comes with 4 small wakestyle fins, straps and pads and, wait for it, a multi-function screwdriver and a padded board bag! OK so it isn’t the cheapest board on the block but in terms of a deal you get a few nice touches with it. Everyone loves the screwdriver (small things eh) and the padded bag ensures your board will remain in tip top condition! The shape of the board is also quite unique, the mid section is slightly convex, creating a bubble in the middle of the board. This filters out into double channels at each end. The bubble is designed to give the board a “skatey” feel during surface passes and switching but it is also there to soften the landing and keep the board smooth through the chop.
On the Water
Loose is how this board feels, with small 2.5cm fins and the “bubble” it takes a few minutes to get used to. If you are usually reliant on big fins and concaves then this is going to feel like a very different animal. Once you realise where the boundaries are in terms of grip then you can really let it go. It’s smooth through the chop and very fast in a straight line. The pop is really impressive with the stiff mid section and deeper profile rails allowing you to really load up against the kite. Landings are smooth with the surface tension being broken buy the bubble and the channels on the tips. Sliding the board around to ride toeside or for surface passes is a dream with the small fins and it is great fun to ride. Upwind it isn’t the best at pointing high, but then what do you expect with these fins. Make sure you ride it powered and it’s great fun…
For
Amazing graphics, and a great package. Good fun to ride and plenty of pop for the more freestyle orientated rider.
Against
Quite heavy for a twin tip would be our only complaint, careful when you fill up your board bag and go travelling!
Overall
An awesome board by Wainman, we all loved it on the test team and it was definitely a favourite amongst the more experienced riders. Smooth through the chop and excels in the flat stuff with amazing pop.
This review was in Issue 27 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit Wainman HawaiiRelated
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!
