CONSTRUCTION
Full Bamboo Sandwich Construction: The foam core is wrapped in composite laminates, which overlap on the rails. Over these laminates, the board is wrapped again in high-density, closed-cell foam. After laminating additional layers of reinforcement, the board is finished with the layers of bamboo and composite laminates. The bamboo laminate provides outstanding heel dent and pressure resistance and adds overall strength. The end result is a board with the perfect strength-to-weight ratio.
Naish Fish Kite Surfboard 2012 Review
Introducing
The 2012 directional kiteboard line introduced by Naish is quite impressive. It seems hard to believe, but the Naish team has thought about all the wave riders out there and has crafted boards to suit all of their specific needs. One of the best in the lineup is the light wind Naish Fish Surfboard. It really is one of a kind.
Build and Construction
The board is very light but durable at the same time. It is constructed using a Full Bamboo Sandwich Construction. The structure of the board is based on a light foam core wrapped in composite laminates and then again in high density foam. This gives the board a feather like weight, easy to pick up and carry on the way down to the beach. It is reinforced with additional composite laminates and then finished with bamboo layers and additional laminates. Besides providing a high amount of strength and toughness, this structure also provides a high amount of stiffness.
The new Naish Fish is equipped with a Honeycomb Bamboo Mesh Torsion quad fin setup which gives the board amazing grip, prevents any drag whatsoever and assures a smooth entry and exit in and out of waves. The board nicely glides through the water with ease. The Naish Fish 2012 also features a larger surface on the board as well as improved flotation so there is no need to worry if the board will sink and lack in performance. These features also add stability and have given the Fish 2012 improved upwind performance. Even in 10knots, you are able to tack up wind. As said, it’s one of a kind.
The Naish Fish 2012 includes an 8 Piece Diamond Grooved Deck and Vario foot straps which provide ultimate comfort throughout the entire session and the Deck provides super grip and there is no need to worry of the board slipping away.
Performance
I really enjoyed riding the Naish Fish, it’s got plenty of float and gets you up riding nicely and quickly and it just feels ‘right’ under the foot. The board is super light and The Fish is snappy, fun, and easy to ride and redefines the concept of lightwind waveriding. The shape and quad fin set up deliver continuous drive and the board just glides through the water. Even in less than ideal conditions, the Fish was happy to lay down plenty of turns. As said earlier, there are no problems with the upwind ability at all, the rails and larger surface really comes into work and you can really load the board up and make plenty of upwind progress even in lighterwinds. The new Fish is for anyone, you can just jump on and the board will do the job even in less than ideal conditions. I was initially put off by the larger surface but really accustomed to it straight away; it gives more movement and space when switching the feet and improves the upwind ability massively.
The Look
The Naish Fish 2012 board looks quality built with a hint of vintage in it. I like it. Everyone who notices it likes it. With a simple wood look design, it gains quite a few onlookers when taking it down the beach. It looks something special and the foot straps enhance that “special look”.
Final Words
It’s an easy, fun, snappy yet super progressive wave board that pretty much anyone can step on and smile about. It really has boosted the lightwind kitesurfing aspect, the upwind ability is one of a kind and Naish have really thought about all wave riders out there and have suited the Naish Fish to suit all of their specific needs.
Tested & Review by Joe Taylor
