2018 North WAM 6.0

So a quick run down on my new WAM 6.0
Its standard bamboo vacuum (there is a pro level construction but I went standard)

Its been a few years since I bought a board, and it was about time.

this year I decided to go larger board (6.0 28 litres) which is larger than recommended for my body weight, however the plan was to go larger board and smaller kite yet again (my largest kite now an 8m Neo) in order to get more of a surfing feel.

I was ready to compromise on the extra float, but as I found out it was not an issue:

So the board has a new shape - a beveled edge along the deck rails and a concave deck - this was for grabbing and tricks but I found that it gave the board a lower to the water feel on the rails and the concave gives more grip. all in all this seems to make the rails bite better and removes any corky feel that a higher volume rail would give.
The board has more width forward and in the square tail. The more forward width provides a smoother ride when normally you might dig into chop when under powered, the board seemed to recover easier when normally you might go over the handle bars. The wider tail adds to the early planing but still seems to allow for carving and bite and a nice hit off the top of the wave.

the surprising thing was the board was not corky at all and for me felt like I could easily ride it in higher winds and still feel under control and able to dig the rails in.

At 28 Litres it allows for paddle surfing as well which I can't wait to test out.

This is quite simply the best board I have ridden to date, and has rejuvenated my love for wave riding

Rider: 74kg Kite: 8m Neo Wind 14 - 20 knots (but up and down) waves mixed days 2-3 ft and day 2: 3-4 foot full onshore and marginal wind.
Disclosure: I ride for FSR Industries our local distributor of North who I ride for under a mates rate. If you want to know more see my profile. I have ridden North for 10 years now.

So quick update on this board, sorry I did not get back to you slpknot my social media attention is poor, I weigh 74kg and I still went for the 6.0 as I want to ensure my smaller kite selection this year (6 and 8m Neo) fit the board - less kite and a bit more board. However as stated to me the board does not have any really boaty or corky feel - its just a perfect size for most conditions.
Yesterday we had 25-33 knot winds and a fair bit of chop. the board was so smooth and reliable - with the gusts and lulls over the hill at this spot they did not present much issue as the board still rides well through the lulls and then performs on the rails under high wind and chop.

now if you are not convinced essentially I bought one, one mate said can I buy your old red board (2014 Proseries) I said sure take it out for a spin, hes out on the proseries - clearly loving it, my other mate says well you have a sale there. then I go out on the water on my new 2018 Wam and said mate testing the proseries says can I have a go on the new one. sure, we swap, then after that its all over. Umm sorry Daz but I have to buy one of these! - then thats not enough the next mate can't take the hype anymore so he gets one and yesterday we had 3 on the water: Team 2018 North WAM.

We are 3 dudes with different body weights and yet we all have 6.0 North Wams. I can assure you that there was such a hype on the beach afterwards - Never had that happen before - not anywhere to this level over a board.

I have now ridden it strapless and strapped and it goes well either way, I have ridden it in light winds, strong winds, clean and choppy conditions, medium swell 3-4ft (Not in what I would call big swell yet) and it performs so well.

this board is the BOMB - no questions asked

Thanks for the report Dazza, you have got me interested!
My WAM is in its 6th season now and getting near the end of its life.
Did you try a shorter model? At 80kg I've been happy on the 6.0 but was thinking of the 5.10 given the North guidance on weight / length.
It's quite windy here, have you ridden the 6.0 in strong winds and big waves yet? Am wondering whether it still holds a curve well.

AS you are lighter than me, if your 6.0 handles OK in full-on conditions I might go the same as the extra volume would be handy in lighter winds.

Cheers

Gee Andrash, I'm now totally convinced I need a new WAM, but what size do I choose! One of lifes more pleasant problems to resolve. Dazza loves the 6.0 and you the 5.6. I'm not going to have a chance to demo all sizes, so may just go the 5.10 as sounds like they are all good.

Thanks Andrash! Yup I like straps, powered and boosting as well as wave riding so I think smaller will be the way to go. I have a nugget for light wind so the WAM is not normally used when its marginal.

Out of interest what kites are you using with it? You mentioned fast kites. I use Neo's, am not sure you would describe them as a fast kite but work well for me.

Cheers

Hi guys, really interesting thread. Has anyone tried the 2018 WAM in overhead waves yet? Any feedback on bigger waves? Cheers!

Dont buy the north pro wam if ur into airs or anything to heavy.
Snapped mine within a month or so, north and the shop that is was purchased from said they arent covered for warranty if ur doing airs.