Kona 380 Elite
November 15, 2009
This pure raceboard is an evolution of the Exocet Warp X380, a proven concept and top contender in the Raceboard class.
The “blueprints” inherited from the prominent Warp X380 was key when developing this exiting concept. All the positive characteristics of the previous design have been preserved and the conclusion is outstanding.
The Warp X380 was a board with astonishing speed and stability upwind, – yet we have succeeded in adding to the performance by moving all the appendices (fins and dagger ) further back. As a consequence the footstrap and mast track positions have been moved as well – giving the board a free feeling and blistering up wind speed. Although working well, the step tail was eliminated in the process – which admittedly makes the board better suited for today’s upwind -downwind courses.
With the fin positioned far back into a standard set up we also managed to decrease the size – adding speed both up and downwind. The Kona 380 E rides high and effortless through chops in rough conditions.
The volume has been increased by 15 litres and the VE has been altered to coincide with this innovative concept. A complete new package, delivering uncompromised speed and pointing abilities, being produced in a new high tech construction and delivered with a top of the line racing daggerboard.
We hope you will enjoy the board as much as we enjoyed developing it.
This press release was taken from kona-windsurfing.com
Specs;
Volume 310 litres
Length; 380 cm
Width; 65 cm
Weight; 13 Kg
Fin size and box; 40 cm Tuttle box
Mast track; Adjustable
Sail size; 6.5 to 9.5
The 2009 Kona Gold Cup had it all
September 4, 2009
| The 2009 Kona Gold Cup Motala, Sweden – August 16th. 2009 The 4th. Kona Gold Cup had winds from 4 to 40 knots, extremely competitive racing, a record number of 86 competitors from 11 countries, great parties and a fantastic organization – both on and off the water. Additionally, and for the first time in the history of the class, – the Cadets (U14) was included with a separate start.
As day 2 developed – with perfect conditions in winds between 8 and 15 knots – the veteran and ex Olympian Hans Nystroem had the day of his life with 4 impressive bullets, while the defending champion Bjorn Holm and his now “experienced” and super talented son Adam (15) climbed up to 2nd. and 3rd. after consistent sailing with several top 5 finishes. [Read more] |
A Year of Longboarding
November 13, 2008
Every newbie to windsurfing asks this same question: What board should I get? When I started windsurfing the answer I got most often was a Starboard Go. It’s stable, got good floatation and it planes easily. It even has little side fins you can attach when the wind is low.
I started having problems with the board soon. I sail on the Hudson River, and my launch site is small. When I’d get blown downwind without realizing it, it would take an hour or more to work my way back. When the wind was low, the board wasn’t much fun. It was like sailing a pancake.
Being a bit of an equipment geek [Read more]
Grassroots Longboard Event
September 1, 2008
When can an event be fun for all? I was alerted to a video on the Kona website which demonstrated how far longboards and Kona has come since the return on the longboard. The Kona has without a doubt restored to windsurfing a spirit which was really only a memory a few years ago. In July in the northern hemisphere summer season the 18th Aber Wind Cup 2008 was held. While I did not go to the event I saw a link to some great [Read more]
Mahalo Pluses and Minuses
July 22, 2008
We got one of the first Mahalo’s in the US and after using it a season would like to comment on it. We’ve been using that Mahalo as a big boys (read fat mans) (sometimes racing) board, general all around beach toy and standup paddle board for the family. For reference I am 118kg and a local B Fleet quality sailor/racer, my primary sail is a 10.5 Sailworks Retro, I weigh 265 lbs. and over the years have owned and sailed several of the earlier generation WC Race Boards and have sailed the *board Serenity.
Kona One – Thoughts and Views
March 30, 2008
Arguably the Exocet produced ‘Kona One’ started the longboard revival which has seen a number of other manufactures follow. The Kona has quickly gained popularity and momentum as an all weather cruising board and as a One Design Class in its own right. LBWS thought that it was timely to investigate the board and take a quick look at a few opinions from various users of the board. Please feel free to add your experiences in the comments below.
Review by an anonymous LBWS member
“For those who want an all-wind recreational board”.
Some think this board should have been named the [Read more]