Windsurfing Magazine

kristin
2006-09-28 14:00:00 | 463 views | 0 Comments

For '07, there are essentially two options for light-air cruisers – a Hybrid or a longboard. Recently, we matched the two board types up, and set out to find the pros and cons of each. Below are our findings, as well as some test session notes.

What is a Hybrid? A Hybrid's outline reflects a bit of then (long) and now (wide) design elements. Typically, Hybrids feature adjustable mast tracks and centerboards, are 80-90 cm wide, 290-310 cm of long and 200-plus liters. 

 Hybrid Pros
• Stability – Their width offers a stable platform for learning basics and for progressing.
• Planing – In 10-13 mph winds, Hybrids plane and ride like modern short, wide boards.
• Big wind range – Enough length for light-wind cruising; short enough to be manageable in higher winds.
• Unlimited progression – Learn basics, hook in, get in the foot straps and race all with one board.

 Hybrid Cons
• Sub-par light-air gliding – In light (sub 8 mph) winds, not as fast or smooth-riding as a longboard.
• Slightly physical ride – Wider, shorter outline requires more active rider tuning and trimming than a longboard.
 

What is a modern longboard? Simply put, it's longer and narrower than a Hybrid board. Most modern longboards are over 310-cm long, less than 75-cm wide, and offer an adjustable mast track and centerboard.

 Longboard Pros
• Light-air cruising — Longboards will typically outrun Hybrids in 2-10 mph winds.
• Effortless ride – The smooth gliding prowess of a longboard means less sail handling and board trimming demands on the rider – especially in light winds.
• Peak performance in common conditions – Longboards work best in the 2-15 mph wind conditions that most locations see most of the time. Don't underscore this. Here, we'll print it again.
• Peak performance in common conditions – Longboards work best in the 2-15 mph wind conditions that most locations see most of the time. 

 Longboard Cons
• Less stable for learning basics – Their narrow widths aren't as stable as Hybrids for newcomers.
• Less high-wind progression – Compared to Hybrids, longboards don't offer as much high-wind range, nor do they allow riders to progress their skills toward shortboard sailing.

Test Session Notes   
The longer board's speed advantage is in its glide – especially in light winds, lulls and to some extant, through chop. Its slender, sleek design creates less drag than the Hybrid – especially at lower wind speeds. Such things also meant a slightly less physical ride. The longboard glides more efficiently over chop – less jarring, less sailor adjustments, and steadier, smoother sail power.
     The Hybrid's advantage started with its all-welcoming stability. Anyone can stand on it, learn and progress. Its speed advantage stems more from its width, which allows leverage over a large fin to create lift and get planing. We felt the Hybrid's planing advantage started in the 9-12 mph wind range. The other Hybrid plus is in higher wind speeds, where its shorter length looks to offer enhanced control over longer rivals.