96 SPOTLIGHT
GET some!
Patrik f-cross 112L GET 2019
Info: http://patrik-windsurf.com/f-cross/ Price: £1,350
WORDS: JAMES JAGGER PICS: JEFF OWEN
EVER THE MULTI-TALENTED INDIVIDUAL USUAL WSUK CAMERA
GENIUS JAMES JAGGER ALSO HAS A FEW WINDSURFING SKILLS OF
HIS OWN TUCKED AWAY. AS SUCH, FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS TEST
OF THE PATRIK F-CROSS 112L GET CONSTRUCTED FREESTYLE WAVE,
JIMMY TOOK THE REIGNS – OVER TO HIM FOR THE LOW DOWN.
Constructed in softer feeling GET
construction the f-cross 112L is the
second Diethelm shape to grace the
pages of WSUK’s test section. The
112L is essentially a freestyle wave
board, but one with leanings towards
older school designs. That’s not a
criticism, in fact, far from it.
The extra length, which bucks current
shaping trends that favour shorter,
rounder outlines, helps with speed,
manoeuvrability and flow – all
glaringly apparent from the off. It
planes super quick with the board’s
glide properties helping reach top
speeds sooner. Cutting through chop
and flotsam, tracking efficiently speed
is effectively maintained. If you’re a
bigger rider, looking to make use of
more marginal winds, then this will be
welcome. The GET construction then
ensures it delivers a softer ride across
choppy waters.
uk
WIND
SURFING
It provides a stable platform for float
and ride sailing thanks to its ample
volume of 112L. Its rocker line enables
punch outs through the whitewater with
no issues and once on a wave Patrik’s
f-cross holds its rail well in the bottom
turn whilst remaining loose in the top
turn. Down-the-line wave riding is a
pure joy on this board. All this from a
supposed all round design, proving that
looks and dimensions don’t tell the
whole story.
At full power the f-cross feels balanced
and lively underfoot and responds
extremely well to foot steering. Through
gybes it slices a line efficiently and
maintains its speed beautifully, due in
part to the board’s additional length. The
rider can push the board as hard as they
like without the fear of tripping a rail and
if you’re looking to exit transitions on the
plane then you’ll be highly likely of
achieving this aboard the 112L.
Taking to the air is easy with the f-cross
112L. The squared-off tail releases and
aids lift off – whether from waves or
chop. Light construction and speed
means getting air time is almost
inevitable. In the air it’s controllable
and balanced.
Conclusion
Whilst some may be put off by the
high volume, the f-cross 112L
actually remains balanced and
controllable in higher winds and
rougher sea states. As such it’s
more than just a heavy-weights
light-wind wave board. The benefits
of the f-cross’ overall shape, such
as additional length helping with
early planing and planing gybes,
means it’ll find favour with anyone
who’s been missing these traits.