From Boards Mag (UK)
Goya Wave 78
Goya makes three wave lines, the Wave, Wave XR and FreeWave. The Wave is their side shore, trad riding board in four sizes- 66, 72, 28 and 84L. The XR is their new generation board for more onshore riding, also tested here, while the FreeWave is for earlier planing and light wind riding and comes in three sizes 77, 85 and 95L
Design and feel
Being the longest board on the test (245cm) with relatively high rocker throughout, very tucked , very soft rails and a narrow tail, the Goya is clearly much more of a traditional board than most. It feels quite long in the water, has good control in stronger winds and is very secure in the carve. In many respects it is therefore one of the least “reformed” of the more conventional style boards. Nevertheless, the concave underwater shape definitely give it extra liveliness and excitement along with decent early-planing, good speed and somewhat flighty feel in a straight line, the flightiness disappears though when the rail in engaged and it grips very securely through the turns.
Jumping performance is enhanced by its high nose scope. For riding it is moire secure than snappy. It loses speed a bit quicker than most when turning tightly in onshore conditions, but at high speed the grip is excellent, and the boards clearly feels most comfortable in bigger, side shore surf (Francisco Goya’s favourite terrain!)
Fittings
Comfortable under foot with nice dome and comfy pads and straps. The Velcro outer flap of the easy-adjust strap system is prone to undoing itself. The fins works fine.
Overall
A nice board with a lively feel, very much of the “traditional waveboard” style, giving decent all-round performance but best suited to proper cross/cross offshore down the line riding – ideally in decent waves.
In Brief
Style: Trad/cross-offshore waverider.
Strengths: Good carving ability on the rail, lively feel, high nose scoop for steep re-entries and jump take offs, good top end control.
Weaknesses: Not great speed and snap in onshore frontside, slightly long feel.
Best Sailor Weight” A good weight carrier working well for 73-88kg riders
Best sail size: 4.0-5.0 – primarily a board for strong wind.
Ciao!
A*
