MATOS: HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A KARMEN AND AN ALLEY?

For those who want to shred on a shortSUP, our range offers two models tailor-made for the job with the Alley and the Karmen!

These boards are intended for a radical practice but are far from being too exclusive to an intermediate level rider who wishes to experience the ultimate pleasure of having an ultra-responsive shortSUP underfoot. The small sizes of the Alley are clearly designed for Pro riders or featherweights, but riders with SUP experience can without complex turn to the Alley and the Karmen in a size that suits them.

We give you the keys to choose the shortSUP that will allow you to tear waves apart! 🙂

SUPers: David and Moritz, GONG team riders, with the Karmen & Alley FSP Pro.

The new Karmen!

The Karmen, whose shape has just been revisited by L’Ours, is designed for conditions that would be ideal for a shortSUP, had the wind not complicated your balance by creating chop or had the waves not lack a tad of power. To cope with these conditions, the GONG shaper did widen the nose and tail of the board to gain stability on the one hand, but also to gain speed and power on the softer sections. It is therefore essentially aimed at two type of riders, the SUPer of a very good level who wants a board to perform in imperfect conditions, and the SUPer of an intermediate level who dreams of the performance of a shortSUP but does not dare to give up the comfort of a his first SUP board.

The Karmen makes radicality and accessibility meet. It’s a board for committed turns that leaves room for comfort when paddling or waiting at the peak. Either you are very good and you can go down in volume, or you want to take it easy by choosing a comfortable volume.

The large choice of sizes and volumes allows you to select a Karmen that is either perfectly adjusted to your weight, or very easy, even with a beginner level, by going to the larger sizes for a 100% surf program (or to alternate cruising and surfing). The Karmen will have the particularity of functioning in a maximum of conditions, a good surfer will be able to use it almost daily.

SUPer: Moritz, GONG team rider, with the Karmen FSP Pro.

A new shape

The new shape of the Karmen affirms the intentions of this flagship model of the range: shred while having paddling comfort. L’Ours has therefore imagined lines that promote radicalism without harming accessibility. The result is a Karmen with expanded potential with a new round point nose that is lighter, livelier, and sexier. ? The GONG shaper has also revised the line of the rail on the back half which is now lower for more grip and power. Finally, the hull develops less V, which together with the lower rail line, offers more stability at high speed.

Modularity of the fin setup

The very wide range of use of a Karmen is also supported by the modularity of the fin setups. Its 5 FCS II boxes make it easy to switch from one assembly to another without having to carry a tool on the spot. You can just unclip a setup and switch to another. The tri fin is the best option for long curves on the Karmen. The quad works very well, especially on larger sizes to maximize tail grip and boost top speed and acceleration.

SUPer: David, GONG team rider, with the Karmen FSP Pro 7’3.

Compared to an Alley which has an outline close to a “teardrop”, the Karmen has a “rectangular” outline at the tail, so it is super stable on the rail with an important immersed length in the turns. It is also super stable when flat on its hull. So it’s a board that accepts significant commitment in the bottom turns, even on turbulent ones, either caused by the surfer’s technique, or caused by chop in the wave’s surface.

SUPer: Moritz, GONG team rider, on the Karmen FSP Pro.

All-in with the Alley!

The Alley FSP Pro is the shaped SUP board to push the limits of surfing. It’s the competition shortSUP to radicalize your turns. No holding down, it’s all-in on all sections! The Alley is a demanding board in the 3 small sizes (magic sticks for the Team) but accessible in the larger sizes so that everyone can experience the ultimate sensations of surfing a shortboard. For those familiar with our surfboard range, the Alley SUP compares to the Lethal. This the hollow waves board or the one for very good surfers who want no limits whatsoever in the curves. ‌ The Alley is uncompromising, a sharp shape from tail to nose. The objective is simple, to surf in the most radical way possible. You need an advanced level at least and a good physical shape will be necessary. The Alley will truly express itself in sufficiently powerful and hollow waves. In light conditions, you will have to be very technical and light on your feet.

The Alley has a “teardrop” outline with a round tail and a point nose, which makes it super maneuverable. You can reduce the rail length at will by turning on a smaller portion of the curve of its outline. It will therefore be able to go for vertical and very short turns.

SUPer: Moritz,GONG team rider, with the Alley FSP Pro.

Choose your shortSUP

The Karmen and the Alley have in common to be responsive, fast with an excellent pivot. The Karmen is easier to master but if your surf conditions are generally glassy and powerful, the Alley is probably a very good choice without having to have an expert level. However, be sure to choose the correct size by following our recommendations of the buying guide:

The 7’2 is best for pros up to 65kg.
The 7’4 is best for pros up to 75kg.
The 7’6 is best for pros up to 85kg.
The 7’8 is starting to settle down, ideal for those under 90kg.
The 8’1 is cool for those under 90kg who are not very sporty and want comfort.
The 8’6 is “easy” for those under 100kg who are not very sporty and want comfort.

If you want to give priority to paddling comfort or/and your surfing conditions generally lack a bit of power or are made complicated by wind, the Karmen is a no-brainer. A pro can choose a reduced volume and we advise a SUPer of an intermediate level to follow the recommendations of our buying guide:

The 6’10 is best of the line for pros up to 65kg.
The 7’3 is best for pros up to 75kg.
The 7’8 is best for experienced riders up to 85kg.
The 7’11 is best for experienced riders weighing up to 95kg.
The 8’4 starts to be more gentle, perfect for athletic riders up to 90kg.
The 8’9 is cool for those under 90kg who are not very sporty and want comfort.
The 9’2 is “easy” for those under 100kg who are not very sporty and want comfort.
The 9’10 is super easy for everyone.