b o a r d s
Cruise control –
Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.
Classic Woody 11ft x 32.5” x 202L
s h e d : h a r d
As with paddling straight on the flat
riders will need to position
themselves further forwards
when taking off. Instinct
commands paddlers step to the
tail as swells lift and propel you
forwards. If you do this,
however, the Classic Woody
doesn’t rev up to full speed. In
complete contrast, standing
nose side injects FWBPC’s CW
with NOS and it’s whizzing off
down the line you go. For sure,
there’s every possibility to bang in
a few arcing turns but as a wave
riding SUP the CW adores a bit
of nose riding action.
For an 11ft SUP it’s not a giant log as this
size used to be a few years ago. Carrying is
much easier these days and the deep
recessed handle aids the process. Don’t
get us wrong, there’s a lot of foam here,
but wielding it around the beach isn’t
a chore.
Price:
£965
Info:
kg ie t a r
reflection and eyeing up their imminent next
wave. Here’s where things get interesting…
FWBPC’s Classic Woody 11ft is another fine looking specimen from
Charlie Cripwell and crew on the Isle of Wight. An all round sled it
boasts a very full nose tapering down into a fairly narrow square
tail. As with the brand’s Classic 9.11ft it mimics Californian retro
styling with a double stripe real wood veneer poking through
the top glass coat.
https://freshwaterbaypaddl
eboards.co.uk/standuppaddleboards-uk/
Once aboard the 11ft Classic
Woody cruises from a very forward
paddling position. Too far aft and
riders will experience a lot of
resistance as wind and chop get
underneath the nose and tries
to push you back. Flatten the
board off and it’s a different
story.
With the majority of width up
front it’s a much easier
process for newbie toes over
aficionados to creep along to
the front. Riders will need to
wax the naked zone,
otherwise it’s Ice Rink City.
Hanging five, however, is
pretty easy – even when
confronted with ankle biting
waves. Ten over is achieved
when swells have more punch
but in all scenarios it’s a great
tutor for this style or riding.
Protruding from the tail’s
underside are a well-made set
of 2+1 honeycomb thruster
fins. The tall central skeg
enables good tracking and it’s
swiftly out to any small to
medium waves. Once at the peak
the stability of the Classic Woody
11ft allows paddlers time for breath,
CONCLUSION
For small to medium size waves
Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s
Classic Woody 11ft is a cracking toes
to the nose tool. Full width up front
forgives clumsy footwork while
advanced nose riders will find it
almost magic carpet esque. While
arcing turns are possible the CW’s
forte is about utilising the wide
point, setting a rail and giving it
some soul arch action. All of this
with the added versatility of being a
good all round board for flat water
SUP shenanigans.
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