ezzyfreeride7.0

OTC EQUIPMENT REVIEW 2008
EZZYFREERIDE7.0
ATAGLANCE
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The Ezzy Freeride was introduced in 2007,
sitting between the Wave SE and the Infinity to
offer a no cam option for straight-line sailing.
It uses the same high quality Spectra x-ply
and detailed engineering as found in its sister
models, including the brand’s Endo batten
system (intended to make the sail
symmetrical on both tacks), large ribbed mini
leech battens, a vinyl window, an industrial
tack pulley and padded tack fairing. The x-ply
in the foot is even denser with Spectra and
nylon to increase tear and impact resistance.
Designed for freeride blasting on flat water or
bump and jump coastal conditions, the
Freeride is available in six sizes spanning
from 5.5m to 8.5m and is said to be
compatible with either RDM or SDM masts.
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RIGGINGANDSET
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As with all Ezzy sails, the Freeride sets with a
massive amount of shape in its draft, which is
present all the way up to the second to top
batten. The battens themselves are
completely de-rotated from the mast
irrespective of downhaul, as there is minimal
tuning available on the downhaul tension. The
majority of tuning is on the outhaul, setting
the sail with minimal tension for a full belly,
to maximum tension when you see the vinyl
window go relatively flat (albeit still shape in
the sail).
The last thing to remember is the tack strap,
which should be tensioned forcefully to start a
crease in the foot of the sail.
RIDEANDHANDLING
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On the water the Ezzy gives a solid predictable
performance, ideal for those that want to be
assured years of performance. With such a
deep profile it is no wonder the sail doesn’t
feel neutral even at rest. Instead it continually
pulls, which in many respects (especially for
larger riders) is a good thing as it gives a rider
something to balance against.
As the wind strength increases the energy in
the sail is delivered to the board easily – the
centre of effort is very low and forward,
making the sail accelerate positively in the
hands.
That said the power comes on progressively
thanks to the slight stretch apparent in the
vinyl window.
With the addition of a second batten to ensure
its profile, there is a lot of sail area
underneath the boom, making ‘closing the
slot’ very easy and enabling the rider to adopt
the stance of their choice – upright and
relaxed, or more committed.
And despite its somewhat normal dimensions
it does feel like a tall sail, thanks to its
concave leech cut – a trademark Ezzy feature.
The sail is very comfortable for covering great
distances on, feeling super stable and
balanced. It is stunning off the wind and really
feels quite a performer, but with such a deep
draft it does struggle going upwind when
compared to others here, simply not being
able to point as high.
As the conditions become overpowered the
Freeride continues to maintain its stability,
using more and more outhaul to help reduce
the power return experienced. This sail has a
massive range as it seems to never lose its
structural stability; it is just a question of
whether you and the board you are using can
handle the extra energy supplied?
THEVERDICT
Suitability: A good freeride sail with a lot of range,
ideal for those heavier sailors that like obvious power
and want a sail that can withstand a nuclear holocaust!
+ Wind range and incredible build quality.
- Upwind pointing ability.
The Freeride is a marvellously engineered sail, which
with its solid dependable power delivery is ideal for
those looking for more obvious power and with the
sailing style that can use it to their advantage.
The Official Test Centre
Windsurf Holidays. With Purpose
El Médano, Tenerife
T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)
T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)
W: www.otc-windsurf.com
E: [email protected]
OTC EQUIPMENT REVIEW 2008
Harbour Wall
Cabezo
South Bay
The OTC
.
And again I can’t
recommend the OTC
enough. While I was there
I tried about 8 boards and
quite a lot of sails. The
range of kit and the lads
who run the place are just
brilliant.
Ken Morton
iwindsurf.co.uk Forum
What is The OTC?
CONCEPT
The OTC is a unique windsurfing centre offering the first
real opportunity for you to compare the boards and sails
from each major brand for yourself … and all in the relaxed
atmosphere of a holiday environment. It was the brainchild
of Tris Best, who, acknowledging the privileged position he
was in whilst testing all the latest windsurfing equipment
for magazines, wanted to extend the same opportunity to a
wider audience.
EQUIPMENT
The centre stocks the very latest equipment from all the
major board and sail manufacturers, including:
Boards: Exocet, F2, Fanatic, Goya, JP Australia, Mistral,
Naish, RRD, Starboard, Tabou, Witchcraft
Sails: Ezzy, Gaastra, Naish, Neil Pryde, North Sails,
Severne, Simmer, Tushingham
From wave to freestyle and crossover, into the expansive
realms of freeride, almost every discipline and equipment
category is represented, catering for all rider styles and
abilities.
The Harbour Wall is easily accessible from the centre, and
offers a clean smooth face at the right tide state. A good
introduction to wave riding for the uninitiated, it is a great
deal of fun to ride, with the added security of a safe exit
channel within easy reach at all times.
Cabezo is the northern most bay of the town, which, with its
typical European cross-onshore conditions provides the
ideal test arena for wave and crossover equipment. Hosting
World Tour events in the past, the sailing standard in the
bay is awe-inspiring and is sure to captivate even the
non-windsurfer’s imagination.
THE CENTRE
Contained in a modern building directly on the beachfront
of South Bay, the centre caters for a limited number of
clients each week, ensuring every opportunity to try the
desired kit.
WIND STATISTICS
Boasting over 250 days of planing conditions (force four and
above) a year, El Médano is Tenerife’s primary windsurfing
location and is well exposed to the influence of the Atlantic,
offering some of the most consistent conditions found in the
Canarian archipelago.
LOCATION
The centre is situated in the town of El Médano on the
island of Tenerife just ten minutes transfer from Reina Sofia
Airport in the south. With an average air temperature of 22
degrees Celsius, the OTC is open throughout the year, and
benefits from three fantastic windsurfing areas to cater for
every windsurfing ability and preference.
South Bay is a true windsurfer’s playground ideal for
intermediates and above, providing a large bump-and-jump
sailing area with the added benefit of having a safe,
enclosed sandy beach.
The Official Test Centre
Windsurf Holidays. With Purpose
El Médano, Tenerife
T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)
T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)
W: www.otc-windsurf.com
E: [email protected]