Here comes the lively proof: Freeride boards suitable for intermediates don't have to be boring. With the Stratos, Naish has created a lively-looking board that will bring tears of joy to the eyes of experienced freeriders in the power jibe and is also extremely easy to surf. The flat footprint the size of a football pitch and the particularly wide tail offer maximum stability.
You can get into the front strap extremely early in the planing phase, well before the board has completely overcome the glide threshold. For normal freeriding, the outer loop positions are well suited, while intermediates will find a more central option. Here, however, the rear strap is further in than necessary - and more comfortable - so we simply used one of the more forward outer positions.
Easy planing and jibing like a dream
The stable water position is also found on the Stratos when planing, the board appears free and yet more comfortably cushioned than the 115-litre version tested last yearwhich appeals to more experienced surfers. The 125 impresses with particularly easy planing, very good control straight ahead and can also keep up well with speed in the lower and medium planing wind range. For maximum top speed in strong winds or for very powered-up surfing with powerful (camber) freerace sails, there is no "race option" for the straps further out. For this target group, Naish has developed the Bullet Freerace in the programme.
Freeriders with manoeuvring ambitions will be beamed into a higher atmosphere on the Stratos: learning power jibes, celebrating power jibes, circling tight jibes in the water or carving through the turn with pull - despite its wide tail, the Naish board cuts through the jibes more easily, more stably and more fluidly than almost all other candidates in this field. An ideal base from learning to jibe to perfecting.
Surf summary of the Naish Stratos 125
A particularly easy to surf, lively freeride board that comes with a glide guarantee for power jibes as standard. However, if you are focussed on pure top speed, you would wish for an additional, "racier" strap position.
Jibing, easy surfing, lively
-
Wide stance
Technical data Naish Stratos 125 Carbon Sandwich
- Length: 240 cm
- Width: 77 cm
- Weight: 7.65 kg
- Price: 2199/1899 Euro*
- Info under naish.com
