We have already shown you the Futurama model from Norden Surfboards in a Test report presented. At the time, our test verdict, roughly summarised, was: "Strong gliding, but also somewhat less compact and light". In this respect, it will be interesting to see what the lighter carbon version can do.
On land:
The Norden Futurama Foil Pro Carbon has been slimmed down by a few hundred grams (measurement: 6.72 kilos) and comes with an adapted outline. The bow has been made significantly narrower and, inspired by surf shapes, it now also looks more appealing. In order to still achieve good tipping stability, the front section of the board has been made thicker. The rear of the board has a hard tear-off edge to ensure a clean water break when starting off. No straps are included in the scope of delivery, but the board is still attractively priced at 1399 euros. Despite all the changes, the manufacturer has retained the basic concept of the Futurama boards: A moderate width and slightly more length (5'4) than usual for the volume class should enable easy take-off and also have a positive effect on touchdown behaviour when chopping or downwinding. The deck area is equipped with a non-slip pad and has a slightly concave design.
On the water:
Despite the aforementioned changes to the outline, the shape is still quite stable in the water. The only slightly concave deck allows a comfortable stance. When it comes to planing, the shape concept is a complete success: narrower, but slightly longer than average 90-litre boards, the Futurama V3 effortlessly reaches the required take-off speed. This means that you can take off with noticeably less pumping than with many other boards on the market - or, with the right wind strength, you can even be sent into the air harmoniously with a very passive riding style without pumping. Once you've taken off, you immediately feel at ease on deck, with the fairly flat deck offering enough space to change feet during manoeuvres. The Norden Futurama Foil Pro Carbon also generously forgives involuntary touchdowns on the straight or when surfing swells; the appropriately shaped edges ensure that you don't get stuck, but get back into the air gently.
Due to the weight reduction, the board is now even more suitable for jumps and first freestyle tricks, although you will notice the longer length and the board simply doesn't rotate quite as powerlessly as short stubby shapes.
North Futurama Foil Pro Carbon V3 - the conclusion:
In the test, the Norden Futurama V3 impressed above all with its very good planing behaviour and easy-to-ride overall characteristics. This makes it perfect for wingfoil beginners, ambitious freeriders and downwind fans. Only those who focus more on freestyle tricks will want a board with more compact dimensions and will not be 100 per cent happy here.
Gliding, user-friendliness
No loops
