The Futurama model is available in six sizes between 4'8'' (41 litres) and 6'4'' (130 litres). We have extensively tested the 93-litre version (5'5'').
On land:
1099 euros - that sounds like a more than fair price for a wingboard. This makes it all the more exciting to see whether the Norden Futurama is competitive in the practical test. Measured in terms of size at 93 litres, it is a little more elongated than many competitor models with a length of 5'5'' (165 centimetres). However, at 7.50 kilos, as measured by us, the weight is absolutely within the green range. According to the manufacturer, the board has a "double wood sandwich construction" with several layers of fibreglass fabric, a layer of bamboo in the underwater hull and two layers of bamboo on the deck of the board to ensure good stability. The board is supplied without straps. The bow area is rather narrow and a non-slip deck pad has been glued to the deck.
We also briefly present the Norden Futurama Foilboard in a clip. Take a look and feel free to subscribe to our YouTube channel Here you'll regularly find new tests and riding technique tutorials.
On the water:
The Norden Futurama 5'5 is quite well trimmed in the water when bobbing and launching, and the length provides additional stability, especially around the transverse axis. Even after standing up, you benefit from the stretched outline, which forgives the occasional loading error when starting off. In general, the board gets up to speed excellently, the transition from bobbing to take-off speed is harmonious and with low board resistance. This characteristic helps to get up to speed even without a sophisticated pumping technique, a characteristic from which not only wing beginners benefit.
We also liked the characteristics for unintentional touchdowns: if you hit a chop with the edge, the board is gently sent back up without digging in. The flat deck gives you enough space to reposition your feet during manoeuvres. Despite its user-friendliness, the Norden Futurama is by no means just a board for beginners and intermediates: even if it is not an absolute featherweight at 7.50 kilos, it still allows for all kinds of tricks and freestyle moves.
North Futurama - the conclusion:
The Futurama impresses above all with its uncomplicated riding behaviour and covers a wide range of uses. Wing beginners will get up to speed quickly, and the concept is also ideal for freeriding or first foil moves. Only those who are fully focussed on freestyle will probably want an even more compact and somewhat lighter board in this volume size. The position of the box is suitable for most foils, only foils with a very short fuselage and where the front wing sits directly on the mast and therefore very far back will reach the front limit.
Easy to glide and easy to ride; price-performance ratio
No loops
