Measuring 73 centimetres in width, with large cut-outs and an elongated outline, the Severne Mega glides smoothly, accelerates powerfully and impresses with plenty of speed, excellent glide and balanced neck characteristics. In a direct comparison with a classic freerace model, what’s particularly surprising is just how easily its high performance potential can be tapped into.
On land: 73 centimetres for a balanced slalom approach
At 73 centimetres wide, the Severne Mega is positioned in a class designed for high speeds whilst maintaining good glide. It does away with the extra width found on some freerace boards (where 77 cm is not uncommon for a 122-litre board) and instead opts for a more elongated outline, pronounced cut-outs and voluminous rails. The comparatively narrow design is by no means a disadvantage. On the contrary: it creates the conditions for the board to perform really well on fast half-wind and downwind courses. At the same time, the outline provides the ideal conditions for actually getting the board onto its edge during a jibe and carving through the turn in a controlled manner.
The footstrap position also fits in with this concept. The straps aren’t positioned extremely far out, but are instead aligned more with a moderate freerace position. This may seem unusual at first glance if you’re expecting an uncompromising slalom board. In practice, however, this positioning makes sense: it allows for a controlled stance, particularly when the board is being ridden at full power on deep downwind runs.
The design is clearly aimed at minimising the wetted surface area to reduce drag as much as possible. The large cut-outs reduce the stern’s contact with the water, thereby creating ideal conditions for high speeds. Weighing just under 6.5 kilos, the board is extremely light.
It is remarkable how accessible the board is, given its performance capabilities. Whilst it does require good body control, it is not overwhelming.
Performance and riding impressions: Smooth take-off, powerful acceleration and plenty of control
The Severne Mega delivers its biggest surprise right from the moment you start planing. Whilst earlier, particularly short slalom boards often failed to impress in this respect and sometimes required a very active riding style, the Mega is comparatively straightforward. It accelerates on a normal course, and in a direct comparison with the Starboard Futura 120 (120/76), both boards are essentially on a par when it comes to planing. Whilst the wider Futura can get into a glide slightly sooner with the right riding technique, the Severne actually makes it almost easier for its rider. Once the Mega has picked up speed, it really shows its true strengths. It accelerates extremely well and offers a distinctly free-flowing ride. The board feels nimble, lifts clearly off the water and glides over choppy waves without the hull bottom making contact. Even as the wind picks up, it remains controllable and simply gains even more speed in gusts.
Compared to the Futura, the Severne feels less full and less stable on the water. The Starboard offers a comfortable, slightly more stable feel around its longitudinal axis. The Mega, on the other hand, almost automatically settles into the right riding angle and glides exceptionally freely over the fin. This difference is particularly noticeable on fast half-wind and downwind runs. Whilst the Futura – which is already one of the fastest boards in its class – glides very freely, the Severne Mega takes it a step further with minimal resistance and an exceptionally free glide. The result is a clear speed advantage in strong winds; it also maintains its pace better when the wind briefly drops. In moderate wind conditions, the speed difference in favour of the Severne is already noticeable. In the upper wind range, it becomes even more pronounced. The board remains free-gliding, continues to accelerate and is able to consistently pull away from the comparison board on fast runs.
Easy to control with the right technique
What is particularly remarkable is just how accessible the board is, given its performance capabilities. Whilst it does require good body control, it is by no means overwhelming. Anyone with a good level of freerace riding ability can harness its speed potential with relative ease. Whilst the Mega is easy to handle for freeracers, it is by no means a sluggish saloon car on autopilot.
Manoeuvrability: Narrow enough for proper power jibes
The Severne Mega demonstrates during jibes that high performance and impressive turning behaviour are not mutually exclusive. Even as you begin the jibe, it’s striking just how little pressure is required to get the board onto its edge. The Mega responds immediately, is easy to modulate and, if desired, can also carve a comparatively tight turn. It remains pleasantly controllable even in choppy water. Compared to the Futura, the jibe feels significantly smoother. Whilst the Starboard also jibes well, it tends to straighten up a bit and doesn’t glide through quite as smoothly. The Severne, on the other hand, cuts cleanly through the turn, handles choppy waves better and maintains its speed more convincingly. The rider can control the radius well without feeling as though they have to constantly fight against the board.
A key factor here is the width of 73 centimetres
With wider boards measuring 77 or 78 centimetres, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the board stable on its edge along the front section of the rail during a sporty jibe. Whilst the greater width may offer advantages when planing and sailing close to the wind, it does not make controlled carving any easier. By contrast, at 73 centimetres and with its slightly more elongated outline, the Mega can be placed firmly on the edge. The pronounced, voluminous rails help maintain speed thanks to their buoyancy. This is particularly advantageous in the front rail area: there, the extra volume can help the board remain stable and continue gliding during a jibe. If the rails are too thin, the edge can dig in more deeply under certain conditions.
Understanding the correct position of the loops
Loops set extremely far out are particularly useful when maximum leverage is required in light winds and on close-hauled courses. For high-powered sailing on fast half-wind and broad-reach courses, however, this position is not necessarily ideal. The Severne Mega opts for a moderate position here. It promotes a controlled stance at high speeds and makes it easier to correct your position when there is a lot of pressure in the sail, or to step out of the rear strap before a jibe. This is a practical advantage, particularly on deep broad-reach courses. The rider stands differently over the board here than in a strongly outward-oriented upwind position. The Mega demonstrates that a footstrap position which is not shifted as far out as possible need not, by any means, come at the expense of speed.
Conclusion: A slalom board that makes it easier to reach top speed
The Severne Mega combines high-speed potential with handling characteristics that one wouldn’t necessarily expect from an uncompromising slalom board. It glides smoothly, accelerates powerfully and, thanks in part to its low weight, maintains its speed convincingly even in brief lulls in the wind. Compared to the Starboard Futura, it rides more freely, faster and glides through the water more smoothly. Its turning characteristics are particularly noteworthy. With a width of 73 centimetres, a stretched outline and voluminous rails, the Mega can be edged well and ridden through turns with control. The Mega demonstrates that a performance-oriented slalom board does not necessarily have to be extremely short, difficult to control or challenging to get up to speed. It offers plenty of speed without constantly (over)taxing its rider.
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf