SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 71

Getting in the section –
Loco 7.4ft

One for all – Naish
One N1SCO 12.6ft
http:// naishsur fing.com

www.loco-sup.com

With slightly off centre branding, allusion to American style
shock flicks of old, bright colours and dedication to the art of UK
wave shredding, straight jacket loving north east based brand
Loco are certainly winning friends. We got our grubbies on the
7.4ft, one of the smallest shapes in the Loco line, to try out.
Slight retro styling, wooden finish, fuller tail and
multiple fin boxes are now recognisable Loco traits
– the 7.4ft is no different. Straight out of the box
the plan shape is reminiscent of fishy style
surfboards and its generous 28.5” X 100 litres are
relatively unique for boards of this
length.

As waves rear up it’s time to spring into action. A
bit of propulsion is needed to generate speed
before careful positioning on the peak. Get this
right and you’ll be swinging into warp
speed drops and cranking bottom turns
– get it wrong and you’ll be in the
brine.

At 83kg I’m off the target user
weight – Loco’s spiel suggests
75kg as maximum. And yet, I
had no problems paddling,
provided the water state was
devoid of chop. Once the
breeze ramps up its brace
strokes ahoy just to stay
upright!

Projection off the bottom was good
and in no time you’ll be hammering
back up to the lip. Keeping speed for
vertical turns is a tad tricky with
such a small board, although drivier
fins will help – you’ll also need to be
ac ѥٔ