Manuel Vogel
· 25.07.2025
Short, compact waveshapes for "bad" conditions, this idea is not new. Two models were "married" for the new Nitro 2 - the Quatro Super Mini and the first version of the Goya Nitro. The result is a comparatively short waveboard model that is special in many respects.
The new Nitro 2 is available in five sizes - with volumes of 79/85/91/99 and 109 litres. Sizes 79 to 91 are designed as quadfins, while the 99 and 109 litres come as thrusters. We were able to test drive the Nitro 2 99 extensively on the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Shapers who want to spread 99 litres over a length of just 2.12 metres have no choice but to pump up the center area. It is therefore not surprising that the Nitro 2 has a very voluminous and domed tail. The straps have been positioned far back so that the board can still turn tightly despite the volume in the tail - at least that's the theory. The rear strap is double-bolted to prevent twisting, while the other foot straps are single-bolted. The MFC fins supplied are notched at the tip, which should have a positive effect on flex and therefore control. The fins are mounted in US boxes and the FCS spanner supplied is used to lock them in place.
You realise how compact the new Goya Nitro 2 really is the first time you use it for planing. The space between the mast track and the front strap is almost too tight for foot size 46 and up. The fact that the deck is very rounded ("domed") doesn't help to relax the rider either, as the board rolls quite noticeably over the longitudinal axis when wobbling around. It is noticeable that the Nitro 2 can be planed quickly - but only if you are technically adept and have a good planing technique so that the board lies flat in the water. Once up to speed, the 99-litre model we tested runs lively through the chop and provides a good level of speed, which offers the best conditions for catapulting over the first ramp into the air. In the air, the board then feels extremely playful, especially during rotations, the test board feels more like an 85-litre model. As soon as the conditions get rough and you are travelling with small sail sizes and in choppy conditions, you would want more control from the Nitro 2 in a straight line - in our opinion, a little more length would also be good here. Our tip: Mount the straps more towards the back and place the base plate slightly in front of the centre - this provides more directional stability in a straight line.
On the wave, the board turns surprisingly variably for a 99. In particular, turns over the back foot are easy to shake out of the ankle - the Nitro 2 scores particularly well in small and medium waves, which can be easily converted into radical turns. However, in longer radii, the compact dimensions and high stance position mean that it lacks the necessary grip to carve cleanly and at high speed through the bottom turn.
The Goya Nitro 2 99 is a very special board with strengths in moderate waves and turns over the back foot. Due to the very extreme dimensions, however, it is difficult to utilise the full potential of the shape when planing, carving and turning over the front foot. Goya fans need not fret, however, as the manufacturer has two excellent models in its programme, the Custom Thruster and the Custom Quad, which are much easier to ride.