LUXE SURF - Hydro 5'2

Rider: 85kg dry,Level: Advanced
Style: Surf and Freestyle surf
Weather: 20 - 30 knots cross off
Build Quality: 10/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: Friend of the designer and agent

About LUXE SURF.

Luxe Surf is born from the desire to explore a different design paradigm and provide a unique set of riding haracteristics to its customers.

Traditional design can put limitations on ones riding and can deny progress. Luxe Surf is the brainchild of Ian Ponting who has previously designed for the larger brands in the kitesurfing industry and has been responsible for roundbreaking surf board designs, accessories and twin tips. Luxe Surf is focused on the future.

The Luxe Range consists of three diverse surf shapes. Ranging from the Quasi traditional HP to the Ultra Modern Hydro and the retro futuristic ?The New Black?. The designs all feature elements of hull theory and are coming from the concept that micromanaging water molecules is serious work.

A pioneering construction complements the design. Specific treatments of laminates and sustainable materials will give the boards feel and durability that is unparalleled.

Luxe will transform the way design and feel are defined. The goal is to provide unparalleled design and service to the discerning surfer. The Future is Pointless....

My Comments:

After chatting to Ian at depth about his designs I soon realised that we can take his conventional surf shape, beef up the construction and offer it to the kite surfers as a wave board and flat water freestyle board. The short length means that the swing weight is reduced waking shove-its and air tricks easier.

Surfing this thing is where the true design features come out. Based on a planning hull design, speed is going to be your friend. Turns are sharp and the ability to get vertical is there due to the parallel rails.

TecFlex Construction:

EPS core - ultra-light sealed core
Inlay - 2mm balsa deckpatch for durability
Bamboo Wrap - Integrated sandwich layer for durability
Spot reinforcment - maximized targeted reinforcment for durability
Alutex rails - aluminized fiberglass parababolic reinforcement promotes
flex and durability

how much?

Save 500 bucks, get a second hand 5 foot 5 board and snap the nose off.

For the last few years I have been riding a Cab skillit 5'6. I got one of these things for something different. I have now had 3 good sessions on this board. 1-3ft

Board feels really good under your feet, Solid. You have to ride it a bit flatter and faster than a normal surfboard this is due to the planning hull design. Must admit it took a little getting used to but had it down 10min into first session.

My board is stock NO straps, So it came with pads and Luxe fins (3 Thruster). So my test is based on this. You can go quad as it has 5 boxes built in.

Board holds well on the face of a wave. Turns with ease and you can really push it hard. My board is 5'4, 27litres. IM 85KG mid to advanced rider. Its fast, faster you go the better it feels. Punts are amazing on this board, Just point and shoot. Lands very smooth (I was surprised) expected it to shutter due to the shape.

Construction, Board is a parabolic rail design with aluminium tape around the rails to give it strength. Have not seen any other board made this way yet. But I'm sure they are around.

Overall its a solid board that you can push to its limits and have a sick session. If you are keen to break the mould and try something different give these designs a go. I will be trying a few different fins in the board over time to see if it makes any difference. (Quad and Thruster)

Danny

Maybe the Vanguard is a rip off of this??