FEEDBACK: NOTW 8’3 EPS PRO

A learning journey in SUP foil Downwind told by Tytouan equipped with the new NOTW 8'8.

SUP foilers: Clément, Malo and Patrice, with Intruder and NOTW EPS Pro.

Getting started in SUP Downwind

“Hi everyone! For the first time in SUP.... I flew!!! 😄

Review of the NOTW 8'3 120 liters!

My experience in SUP was limited to casual paddling on an inflatable SUP! But I wanted to try SUP Downwind, so I bought a NOTW 8'3 120L. Weighing 90kg, it’s about +30L over my weight.

I should note that I have a good level in surf foil, wing, dockstart, surf, so I'm not starting from 'zero' in foil sports!

My first impression upon receiving the board was: what is this toothpick, there's no way I'll be able to ride this! But in the end, thanks to the foil acting like a keel, a few sessions later, it all came together!”

Step-by-step progress

“First session on a really flat spot, just to get familiar with the paddle, find a length that suits me, and get my balance on the board.

Second session on a small 2km downwind, where I couldn't stay standing for more than 10 seconds.

Third session at Moulin Blanc in Brest, with the first signs of takeoff.

4th session today, where I finally managed to take off! 😄”

Equipment talk

“What I can say about the board: light, rigid, a pad with great grip, a harmonious shape, incredible glide, long and well-positioned box... It's clearly a top and highly efficient shape! Watching others use it before my eyes, like Pie Rem, it really takes off with almost no wind, even with 'reasonable' sized foils and larger builds.

I decided to go for it with a foil setup that isn't necessarily perfectly suited, in order to limit the size of my quiver.

HM85 14mm V3 Mast

Curve XL-H V3 FW

Fluid M-H V3 Stab

Titanium Pro Fuselage

I was advised to go for a shorter mast, 70 or 77cm, for better take off and pumping efficiency, but I wanted to limit myself (for now) to just one mast for surf foil, wing, and downwind.

Why the Curve XL-H and not a bigger one, as I was also advised? Because the HM85 14mm mast is recommended for a maximum wingspan of 100cm.

Why the Fluid M-H stabilizer? Simply because I already owned it! 😅

All of this to say that yes, having the right equipment for the situation is great, and it’s certainly more efficient, but whatever happens, it's better to get in the water and try to make the most of the gear you have, to push yourself, than to not go at all just because your gear isn’t 'really suited.' You might just need to hang on a little longer!"

Paddle length

"When it comes to paddle size, opinions were divided. I heard and saw all sorts of things at the spots, with some advising 'my size' and others saying 'my size + 20cm'!

Each time, the arguments were perfectly logical—more efficiency and power at take off, or more comfort and the ability to relaunch once in the air... I tried with an adjustable GONG Carbon Mix 100% paddle, found a setting that worked for me at +10cm, and then I bought a Carbon Pro 8” which I cut down to 200cm!

Ultra-light paddle, very efficient, the handle is comfortable, I find it really great in every way!"

Conditions of the day

"Conditions of the day for these first flights: 20 knots in the lulls, and just over 40 knots in the gusts. The swell wasn’t very organized, but it pushed well once underway, with a few crosswaves hitting the harbor, though they weren’t too bothersome.

"Now, all I want is to do it again!!! Work on takeoffs, stability, and try to quickly switch to a Veloce, to gain in glide and cut through the swell with more speed and efficiency!!😄 ”