With the Naish Windfoil Crossover 131, the US manufacturer is expanding its portfolio in the area of crossover boards, i.e. boards that are designed to offer a dual use for wings and windsurf foiling. We asked the Naish product manager, Michi Schweiger, about this in a short interview.
Michi, how does the Crossover 131 differ from the other models in this board category, the 125 and 145 Hover Windsurf?
The 131 is a lot more compact (202 x 77.2 centimetres) than the more traditional and longer 125 and 145 shapes. The Naish Windfoil Crossover 131 is therefore shorter, with a lot of width that also extends into the stern and bow. Compared to the Hover model, the rider needs a little more experience, but in return gets a compact board with less swing weight.
What type of surfer do you see as your target group?
The board is aimed at windsurf foilers who don't want to foil with huge sails (up to around 7.5 square metres) and who are thinking about getting into wing foiling. The board offers loop positions that are ideal for windsurf foiling and another option for wings.
Hand on heart: Where is the centre of gravity? Windsurf foils or wings?
I find the board ideal for sporty windsurf foiling. For wingsurfing, it is more of a good beginner's board. The compact shape suits both applications very well.
Does the setup fit with all foils or only with Naish foils?
If the foil used has a foil plate for the double rail and no tuttle box, the board offers all the options for riding with foils from other brands. The longer "Foil Track Box" makes this possible. And we have provided enough adjustment options for the straps.
Which Naish foil do you recommend if you want to practise both sports with a board-foil combination?
To do both sports with one foil, I would recommend the Jet 1650, which works equally well for windsurf foiling and wingsurfing. The Jet 1650 setup( HERE to the test, the ed.) For windsurfing, you would then ride approximately in the centre of the foil boxes and the rear foot would be just behind or slightly above the front edge of the foil mast. To tack with the Jet 1650, you would push the foil all the way forward and now use the front and more central loop positions.
Thanks for the interview, Michi!
More information about the Naish Windfoil Crossover 131 is available HERE on the manufacturer's website.
Are you interested in boards with multiple uses for wings, windsurf foiling and even SUPing? Then you will find HERE a test of several crossover models. Click here!
