94 SPOTLIGHT
Time well spent
Witchcraft Karma 4.7m wave sail
Info: https://witchcraft.nu/sails/karma/ Price: £630 €725
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: JAMES JAGGER
WE’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND WE’LL SAY IT AGAIN: HAVING TIME
TO SPEND WITH A PRODUCT TRULY GIVES AN IDEA AS TO ITS
PERFORMANCE AND WHAT A ‘THING’ CAN OR CANNOT DO. IN
THIS INSTANCE WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO PLAY WITH
WITCHCRAFT’S KARMA 4.7M FIVE BATTEN WAVE SAIL FOR A
NUMBER OF MONTHS. THIS HAS ENABLED USE IN MULTIPLE
SCENARIOS THEREFORE MIMICKING WHAT REAL WORLD
SAILORS WILL ENCOUNTER.
Anyone setting eyes on Witchcraft’s sail
range will notice just how bombproof
they are. For both the brand’s Slayer
and Karma range they’re as tough as
old boots and will therefore stand the
test of time. This is also key for us when
being used at the various locations we
find ourselves – think dumping shore
break (especially at high tide).
Once rigged the 4.7m rotates with a
very dependable and secure pop.
There’s belly in the sail – especially if
you set with minimum downhaul (which
is our preferred method or rigging). This
also means you can be using a size
smaller than other sailors sooner. It’s
also handy to have that low end grunt
when punching through white water
uk
WIND
SURFING
during onshore sessions and boosting
the rider higher into the air for decent
jumps. Of course if you want a flatter
profile then whack on more tension.
Whilst all this chat of power, grunt and
boost performance is well and good
what of wave riding I hear you ask?
Well, we’re happy to report the Karma
4.7m is super balanced and composed.
It doesn’t miss a beat and allows for
elegant surf sliding – either onshore or
side shore. In side shore conditions the
4.7m will perform in a more neutral
fashion (if desired) whilst in bang
onshore it keeps its shape, doesn’t
backwind and allows a decent amount
of spray chucking through the top turn.
Conclusion
Balanced, powerful yet smooth and
controlled Witchcraft’s five batten
Karma 4.7m is a sail that most riders
will find favour with – from freestyle
wave, bump and jump riders to full
on down the line, side off rippers. It’s
got plenty of early planing get up and
go but won’t bend sailors out of
shape. Partners well will onshore
riding boards, FSWs and even good
for windfoiling. Combined with its
bomb proof construction you have a
sail that’s fit for purpose in almost
any windsurfing scenario.