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Litewave Wing
TESTED: 161 cm
AVAILABLE SIZES: 146×45, 153×45, 161×45
TESTED IN: San Diego, 8-12 knots, flat water and small waves
FROM THE MANUFACTURER:
The Wing has evolved into a mind-blowing machine for 2011. The tip-to-tip radical concave smoothes out chop and makes for a very positive carving feeling. The tips are very thin and flexible with built-in torsion bars to maximize carving performance under load. This board is truly a session saver. Wide tips and the unique parabolic sidecut enable planing and rocket you upwind. The wider tips give unbelievable load and pop even in light conditions.
THE KITEBOARDER REPORT:
Out of the Box: We tested the big boy of the 2011 Litewave Wings, the 161. This is a light wind specific board and it stands out when compared to other twin tips. The board features wide tips, a reverse sidecut outline, and a very deep tip to tip single concave. There are two fins on the heel edge and two near the tips of the board close to the centerline. This board has more rocker than last year’s model and is fairly flexible.
On the Water: We tested this board in San Diego, the light wind capitol of the world and were pleasantly surprised by the light wind abilities of this board. Out testers usually ride surfboards, and they thought that the Wing was at least as efficient at staying on a plane and getting upwind as their largest (6’0”-6’2”) directionals. It does feel strange to have such a large tail on a twin tip, but the added surface area makes this board go when others can’t. The Wing can even be ridden toeside and works well for small light wind jumps.
THE VERDICT:
If you want a twin tip to ride in the lightest possible conditions, you should try the Litewave Wing. We found it to work as well as a large surfboard in light wind, but without the need to switch your feet when jibing. The board goes through chop surprisingly well for such a large board and will even allow you to do tricks like backrolls and frontrolls when other riders are sitting on the beach. If you aren’t excited about riding in light winds, consider looking at the Litewave Storm instead.
TIPS:
- Choose the size based on your weight. Big boys (200+ lbs.) should get the 161, lighter riders (under 165 lbs.) should get the 146, and those in the middle (165-200 lbs.) should get the 153.
- When riding in ultra light wind, let the board travel slightly downwind and build up speed before trying to edge upwind.
TESTER COMMENT:
“In both chop and flat water, the Wing takes hardly any power from the kite to get up and riding.” ”“Paul Lang, 200 lbs., Surf Kiter