FEEDBACK: COUINE MARIE FLAT WATER 12’6 IN SIZE L !!!

Charles shares a feedback on the Couine Marie Flat Water 12’6 in size L which he tested before adopting it for a 24-hour relay race.

“Great workmanship, well thought out boardbag, I love the wheels. The bag opens completely so it’s easy to fit the folded board in.

Gliding side

At 29′ wide, it is very comfortable and very stable on flat water. When there is a little choppy water you have to stay focused but it’s still very accessible.

The glide is really excellent, I broke my 5km record of 2mn (before I was on another brand, a rigid board in 12’6×28′) So rather very very pleasantly surprised by the performance. The rigidity is very good, but let’s be clear, it’s still an inflatable so you shouldn’t ask for the dynamic qualities of a carbon board. While paddling you don’t feel it but if you jump on it (for example quick change of feet) then you can feel it a bit.

In light DW it works very well on small waves. Buoy turns require a bit of technique but it’s not too complicated on flat water. It doesn’t turn super tight but it turns well. With technique I think it’s possible to turn tight.

Very little row effect (or even zero) and very good course holding. Top for an inflatable.

“Versatile and fast”

I love the colors but it’s very personal.

The small minus is the fin which does the job but in my opinion is a step below the finish of the board … it looks a bit “plastic” and moves a bit in the box. I didn’t notice it when on the water, but I think I will buy a slightly more upscale fin in the future. The Couine Marie Flat Water deserves it.

In conclusion, this is a board that does 100% what the program says. Versatile and fast, great for training, and for occasional runs for fun. It is very stable so the rest of the family can use it as well. Lots of fun and very pleasant performance, but let’s be clear, little chance of beating a 22” wide full carbon gun, we are here in the field of pleasure sport practice and not in pure performance.

Next stop this weekend with the Red Bull Midsummer Vikings challenge… 24h SUP race in relay (team of 5). I plan to use my Couine Marie Flat Water.”