The trained eye immediately realises that the Fanatic Bee, with its rather thin swallowtail and three small wave fins, was designed as a SUP for the waves. Foil mounting is possible thanks to a double rail, and loop plugs for windfoiling are installed quite far inwards on the large soft deck. As a wave SUP, the board leaves nothing to be desired, as you would expect. Experienced wave paddlers can slash real turns on the wave face or ride a few waves with the windsurf sail in light winds and swell. Equipped with a windsurfing foil, you even benefit from the longer length compared to other concepts when starting off, as this guarantees stepless acceleration to take-off speed, even without major pumping and sophisticated technology. The position of the front straps is ideal for leisurely cruising with typical freeride foils, but the setup is less suitable for slim foils optimised for performance, where boards with wider tails and straps further out have noticeable advantages, e.g. in terms of smoothness and control. Nevertheless, the Bee is great fun for windfoiling and forgives the occasional involuntary touchdown with the nose.
You can also get a taste of wingfoiling if you mount the corresponding foil in the box at the front and remove the straps completely. The concept is admittedly a little long for ambitious wings with jumps and freestyle tricks. However, it is precisely this length, in conjunction with the large pad and good turning ability, that also makes the Bee recommendable as a board for light windsurfing kids (<40 kilos) - you should only use a retrofittable centre fin such as the Add on Drift Stopper to keep the lateral drift in check.
surf conclusion:Whether it's wave paddling, leisurely cruising with the windfoil, first wing experiences or even as a windsurfing board for the little ones - the Fanatic Bee may not be a specialist in the individual disciplines, but it offers multiple benefits that are hard to beat!
Wide range of applications
Wingfoiling only without loops
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Technical data Fanatic Bee
- Weight: 10.1 kg*
- Length: 233.7 cm
- Width: 78.1 cm
- Volume: 120 litres
- Fins: Stubby 3 x 5"
- Price: 1599 Euro
*surf measurement
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
