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Starboard Carve 122
Windsuf Magazine, UK April 06 |
 
At a Glance
The 122 has undoubtedly been one of the most successful sizes in the Carve series over recent years, and enters the new season with a noticeable face Iift. Like its smaller sibling, the 101, tested last month, it has a new rail shape - gone are the characteristic bevels in favour of a more conventional tucked rail design. At 68.5 cm wide, it is certainly one of the largest boards in this group, yet doesn't seem on the big side visually due to the thinned rails that extend along its length. With a bulbous nose and a clean round outline, it is every bit the modern design, being available in either Wood or D-RAM construction. The fittings supplied are fantastic, with easy adjustable footstraps, supportive fish-scale deck-pads and a very high performance Drake freeride fin.
Ride and Handling
On the water the Carve 122 gave a very rounded performance, offering an excellent blend of ease and performance to make it suitable for all rider abilities. One of the quickest in the group to get on the plane, it releases early to sit high on the water's surface, driving off the fin. The ride is instantly lively and exciting, bestowing just enough feedback to involve the sailor, but not too much so as to upset the nervous passenger. It is easy to sailwell, trimming itself instinctively and requiring minimal input whilst gliding over chop effortlessly. There is also a great deal of versatility in the riding style it can adapt to - partnered with a bottom-end oriented freeride sail it can be used to cruise around at half speed, presenting an easy forgiving platform to guide the intermediate sailor into stronger winds. Plug in an efficient sail with a stable top-end though, and the Carve will respond, happy to be loaded and driven to explore its impressive performance range. It has a superb top end speed, releasing fully to offer excellent feedback through the fin. In extreme conditions the 122 likes be sailed with en assertive style, keeping the board planing on its tail and lifting its shoulders high from any confused chop. With such a stiff fin, it is inevitable that spin out will occur on occasion when pushed too forcefully, yet we believe the Drake 38cm is an excellent compliment to the 122, offering plenty of warning before losing traction.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe the Carve is one of the most versatile boards in the group, offering the ease and control to tutor the intermediate, yet the response to be driven in confidently. With its low planing threshold, the 122 can cruise through a long progressive arc in a steady forgiving manner, providing the time and stability to learn the mechanics of the manoeuvre. Drive the board in with conviction however and it will react, willingly engaging a lot of rail as it cuts a tight powerful arc. You can really sense the rails biting through the tum, which inspires the experienced rider to drive more energy into the board on the next gybe.
For: Versatile riding style, combining ease and control with performance.
Against: A freeride board that is hard to fault.
Verdict
The Carve 122 is a fantastic freeride board. Composed for the intermediate, yet sharp and involving for the experience, it has a stunningly wide user appeal, coming very highly recommended by us.
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