The new windsurfing range from F2 still looks a little improvised. The first prototypes are on display at boot, but they don't yet show the final design - one board doesn't even have a mast track. But the brand is once again undergoing radical change and is starting from scratch, as developer Sergio Alonso Minuth explains.
The head of Sailboards Tarifa was brought on board in September to develop a new range together with shaper Pedro Vidal. "We had big problems last year with shapes and construction methods, which is why Bernd (Wing, F2 licence holder, the editor.) came to me," says Sergio in an interview with surf. "I said, we can't do anything with what you had before. We're starting from scratch!"
Sunset, Vegas, Rave - familiar names from the history of F2
However, the names of the boards have survived the relaunch: Barracuda, Rave, Rodeo, Vegas and Bullitt have in some cases been on F2 boards for many years - and there is even an F2 Sunset again. Slalom and speed boards are to be added next year, as well as a sailing range. Depending on the model and size, F2 offers a Pro and an HD construction. "As an HD version in the small sizes of Barracuda and Rave, the boards are almost like a custom board, with extra reinforcements on the rail that no standard board has," says Sergio Minuth. The up-and-comer board Vegas comes with a twinfin option for areas with very shallow water.
The final versions of the new boards are due to arrive in April or May and will be built in two factories in China. "I'm super happy with the high-tech line," enthuses Sergio. "I think we're getting a top product, which hasn't been achieved before." The developer hopes that a Barracuda with the final graphics will be on show at the second boot weekend. Prices of between 1599 and 1999 euros are listed in the brochure at boot - but even these have not yet been finalised.
F2 wants to stand for high quality
A new F2 sail range is also being planned, with the first prototypes due to be ready in February. These will be manufactured in the Ezzy factory in Sri Lanka - "then we will stand for high quality!" hopes Sergio. He would also like to develop the fins himself; another option would be to use Maui Ultra Fin outlines under licence.
"We want to move upwards," emphasises Sergio Minuth, "it should actually work now!" Parallel to product development, a new team of kids and brand ambassadors is to be set up. The boards and sails are to be sold via shops, but without an importer as an intermediate stage. In addition to windsurfing equipment, F2 also sells SUPs and wingfoil equipment.
More about boot 2023:
- We One - a portrait of the new board brand
- The windsurfing highlights at boot Düsseldorf
- The trade fair innovations at Tabou and GA Sails
- The trade fair innovations at Starboard and Severne
- The trade fair novelties at GunSails
- The trade fair innovations at Point-7 and AV Boards
- The best pictures of the freestyle show at the boot pool
