Henning Terstiege, Patrik's German representative, introduced us to the new beginner board and explained how windsurfing beginners should make faster progress with the coloured markings.
Henning, your E-Ride model is available in two sizes with a volume of 165 and 205 litres - typical entry-level sizes. What distinguishes this model from other step-up boards on the market?
Typical beginner boards on the market are quite long, heavy and stable. The aim is to fall in as little as possible and learn to cross quickly. When there are three wind forces, classic practising often involves switching to a mini-sail very early on. This way, there are surf beginners who fall in as little as possible and learn to cross quickly. However, as soon as there are more than two wind forces, they often can no longer cope with normal sail sizes - because they have never learnt a more sporty stance further back and sail control in stronger winds. Our approach with the E-Ride is somewhat different: It's all about learning surfing techniques playfully and directly, so that you don't have to start all over again as an advanced surfer - and, above all, so that you can experience the great fascination of gliding as early as possible.
Give me an example, please!
Due to its shorter dimensions and rounder outline in the stern, the E-Ride turns much faster if the sail control is not right. This means that you have to learn to steer a little more precisely right from the start, but you understand the theory behind it more quickly. The same applies to the stance position: if you know where to stand when travelling straight ahead, you can concentrate on other things. That's why we have transferred a colour concept to the board.
Colour codes for beginners: red - orange - yellow
You're on "red" when you're catching up with the sail, and on "orange" when starting off. As soon as there is a little more wind, "yellow" is your mission, here you also have a first, easily accessible loop position. As the board is comparatively light thanks to its stable beginner's design, it quickly converts the sail's pull and enters a kind of semi-planing early on - long before learners are able to harness surf. The special volume distribution prevents the tail from sinking too much under load. The foot straps provide support and control, and at low speeds you can learn to loop safely and easily. This gives you that real windsurfing feeling right from the start.
A beginner board is normally very long and stretched to be able to cross well in light winds. Experience has shown that this should be a little more difficult on the E-Ride, right?
Compared to longer boards, the E-Ride is naturally a little slower in only one wind force, no question. However, you can still cross with it without any problems thanks to the folding centreboard. But in the end, I often have more fun learning when I have briefly experienced planing in a gust than when I can always "only" cross perfectly.
So first the gliding, then the basics?
Yes, sometimes that can be the right way to go. You can also go uphill on foot on steep slopes. When learning a new sport, action and fun should take centre stage, shouldn't they? That's not to say that traditional surf lessons are wrong, because of course it always depends on people's abilities and the conditions in the area as to which type of surf lesson makes sense. So it's more of an alternative approach, but it can mean that more beginners want to stick with windsurfing and continue after their first attempts or a course. At my surf school "Surfing California", we still teach 80 per cent in the classic way. But there are always children and adults who are sporty and highly motivated - and for them, learning on a modern board like the E-Ride is simply more fun. They come in from the water and are beaming because they stood in the loops for a moment in a small gust of wind on the sandbank and practically started gliding.
Not just a beginner board, but also a freerider
What potential does the board offer for better windsurfers?
The E-Ride can also be ridden in a relatively sporty manner with large freeride sails; there are loop positions further out as a quad setup. The folding centreboard can then remain on the beach. A nose protector is integrated under the deck pad so that the nose of the board is not damaged in the event of a skid. The optional carrying strap on the nose makes it easy for two people to carry. There is also a solid Powerbox fin in the tail, which forgives rock contact but also delivers enough performance for planing. This is because it has a wide profile that guides well even at low speeds. Another argument in favour of the board is its great suitability for children: the colour codes help them to find their way around quickly - and even with a 1.5 mm sail, the E-Ride 165 is easy to turn. Adults weighing 80 kilos or more should choose the E-Ride 205, as both boards feel agile and manoeuvrable compared to classic shapes.
What does the E-Ride cost?
The board is available for 1599 euros in all Patrik Pro Shops!
Patrik E-Ride
- Sizes: 165/205 litres
- Lengths:255/269 cm
- Width:80/89 cm
- Prices: 1599 Euro
Further information at patrik-windsurf.com>>
