Waveboards 2025: Fast turning & radical - the Naish Hookipa Quad 84 in test
Surf Testteam
· 12.12.2024
In addition to the all-round Global Quad concept, manufacturer Naish has a more radical counterpart in its programme, the Hookipa Quad.
On land
The Hookipa Quad performance model nevertheless appears much more rounded in terms of outline than the all-rounder Global Quad due to its strikingly narrow front and rear sections. The Hookipa also impresses with its good equipment, the comfortable straps are double-bolted throughout and the weight is pleasingly low at a measured 5.98 kilos. The pads have a good grip and are comparatively large and thick. The designers have given the Hookipa Quad's underwater hull visibly more curve in the stern area than its stablemate Global. In addition, the deck is more curved at the tail and the underwater hull has a monocoque design throughout.
On the water
If you switch from the Global Quad 75 to the nominally nine-litre larger Hookipa Quad 84, you surprisingly feel like you're on a smaller board. The dome-shaped deck causes the board to tilt more, and a little more sensitivity is required when crossing white water. Fortunately, the Hookipa Quad also gets up to speed well, accelerates powerfully, runs a little looser and less rail-like than the Global on the straights. A first jibe against the swell already hints at the board's turning potential, the Hookipa snaps on the beer mat in the new direction. In the bottom turn, the radii are then absolutely variable, the Hookipa turns noticeably tight and radical. This allows the board to be pulled up tightly and vertically to the wave lip from wide turns at any time - the Hookipa Quad quickly puts a smile on the face of experienced wave surfers. However, the performance model also needs to be stabilised on the edge with more skill and steered into the turn with a template so that it can bring the speed up to the wave lip. In slack wave conditions, the board pays tribute to its narrow tail, and in the bottom turn you run out of breath earlier than with its sister model, the Global Quad, for example.
Naish Hookipa Quad 84 - the conclusion
If you ride safely downwind, are looking for a lively, easy-turning model for tight turns and surf exclusively in surf waves, you can choose the Hookipa Quad and get a wave board with almost limitless turning potential and lively acceleration to boot. Ideally, you should choose a board one size bigger. If you only surf waves occasionally and want to use your waveboard in flat water every now and then, you should choose the Global Quad - it has a little more glide and is more forgiving and easier to carve when riding waves.
Variability; acceleration; turning
Suitability for wave beginners
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Naish Hookipa Quad - technical data
- Test model: Naish Hookipa Quad 84
- Volume: 84 litres
- Length: 222 cm
- Width: 56.7 cm
- Weight (surf measurement): 5.98 kilos
- Finns: 14/8 (Slotbox)
- Price: 2599 Euro
- Available sizes: 78/84/88/96 litres
- Contact: Naish website
- Special features: -
