The F4 freeride foil looks very solid on land and just as strong and stiff on the water. The total weight of 5.9 kilos obviously includes highly compressed carbon fibre in the mast, because the 97-centimetre mast, like the overall construction, is particularly stiff - in both bending and torsion. The workmanship of all parts is of high quality and flawless.
The riding characteristics of the freeride foil are just as impressive. The tested 900 front wing (900 mm span, 950 cm2 surface area) lifts the board early on and becomes really sporty and fast even in light winds. The board is particularly easy to edge upwind and you can quickly reach the 40 km/h mark, but there is still no real limit to be felt at this speed and control remains very easy. The foil glides very stably through the water and reacts very predictably even in gusts - without any tendency to suddenly shoot out of the water.
The 103 centimetre long fuselage with the small 210 stabiliser does a really good job. The foil provides very little resistance and only purrs very quietly, even at high speeds. It is just as stiff as it is on land, converts every steering impulse and feels very direct underfoot. It does not glide through the gybe with the tightest of radii, but in normal gybes it is particularly stable and holds its course well - and with what feels like an eternally long glide, even if the sail drive is briefly absent in the gybe. Jibes can be flown safely, easily and quickly.
Surf summary of the F4 Freeride Foil
The F4 offers a very successful combination of performance, jibing and riding comfort with high-quality equipment. The price of 2990 euros (without bag) therefore seems reasonable.
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Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
