FEEDBACK: FIRST RACE ON THE COUINE MARIE RACE 12’6 L

Test of the Couine Maire Race 12’6 L in true racing conditions on a 14.5 km long distance course by Aurélien, GONG ambassador near Annecy, France.

SUPer: Aurélien, GONG ambassador, with the Couine Marie Race and a Carbon Pro 8” paddle.

Presentations of the SUPer and its equipment

“I have the following profile: 65 kg, 1m80, wing foiler (in slalom and freeride with a Cruzader 7’0) and my previous SUP was a First Cruising 12’6. For the paddle I had a Carbon Pro 8″. I have 2 years of experience in SUPing (40 outings) and I am learning to fly a SUP foil in totally flat conditions with a Curve H 6XL.

Last year I finished 8th/70 in the Glagla Race with the First Cruising 12’6 pack, my first Stand-Up Paddle board! This year I wanted to set myself a new goal with the Couine Marie Race 12’6 in L. I could have chosen the Flat Water version but I wanted to maintain a certain ease with the crowd and turmoil of the start. In addition, the wind can be powerful and generate significant chop. Another reason: to be able to test a SUP board that really glides but with which I can be comfortable in waves too.”

Discovery of a shape dedicated to the Race

Rigidity and lateral balance

“What is striking at first is the feeling of rigidity. I put the board on the water and I didn’t see it bend at all. Rock solid. Standing on the board we feel that we are in another dimension compared to a First Cruising regarding lateral balance. That being said, that’s exactly what I was looking for, less width for more speed without totally losing stability (which is the case with still enough comfort).”

The row

“Geez, it’s incredible, it goes perfectly in a straight line! Before I alternated the paddle from one side to the other because it sometimes went a little to the right and to the left, every 20 to 25 seconds or so. With the Couine Marie Race, I just switched sides to relieve my muscles.”

Speed

“It’s quite simple, I gain 1.5 to 2 km/h. It glides super well and I found it very pleasant to see the bow cut through the water, and make a nice little discreet noise.”

The U-turn

“Here we feel that we are no longer in the same category. When you move your weight to the rear it gets quite unstable. You have to be attentive. Not being an expert and considering myself only slightly above the average Joe, I think I was right not to go for the Flat Water model.”

The paddle

“Carbon Pro 8″ paddle cut to 1m90 does the job really well. It was great! It’s also the one I use for SUP foiling in flat starts.”

The day of the Glagla Race 2024

Atmosphere and starting line

“Between 700 and 800 participants, 286 going for the 6 km Short Race. Presence of France TV channel and 15 nations. Super good spirit, atmosphere and smiles. Water at 6 degrees, air temperature – 2 degrees.

700 participants lined up, that’s a lot of people. You couldn’t imagine the turbulence and waves at the start. And there I was, happy to benefit from the stability of the Couine Marie Race!!”

The race

“I had spent 10 crazy days at work sleeping only 5 hours a night…I was feeling very exhausted I must say. Yet I have beaten a lot of rigid racing boards from other brands. I must have seen around ten competitors fall into the water next to me, I saw one break his paddle blade (snapped in two!). The wing foiling and sail experience in regattas made me anticipate placement on the water while being upwind on the penultimate leg. Around me from the last quarter of the race I only had rigid boards with me or 14 feet inflatables. Mystery of what was in front of me… I gave everything on the last leg, a big development of power, with quite some errors on the paddle due to fatigue. But it was all okay, as long as I could stay on my feet.”

Ranking

“Scan of the QR code on arrival: I am 3rd behind a Russian on a 12’6 inflatable. Super happy ! An hour later, I see that I am 6th, with errors in the categories. 2 hours later I’m in 8th position, I don’t understand anything anymore. The organization changed companies for the results. To date, the official 12’6 inflatable ranking has still not been received. In the end I don’t care, I gave it my all and it was great, and deep down I know I’m 3rd in line 😃. My son was there counting the riders coming in.”

Conclusion

“After my first experience in First Cruising in 12’6, the transition to the Couine Marie Race size L in 12’6 is really a success for me. It remains easy to handle, it glides extremely well and in size L I maintain a certain comfort so as not to fall into the water. So I don’t stress out on cold waters or with a child on board. I was amazed by the fact that it naturally goes in a straight line, and by the wake wave that forms far behind when you push hard. In the context of the race it was great to have a board to play in front with those who push hard on the paddle.”

Take advantage of a 25% discount right now on the 2023 Couine Marie range to take part in a race near you!