Almost done with my full review on the Carver. Have ridden it in 6-43 knots with foils from 700-1150. Anything special people really want to see in a formal review that is commonly missed?
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..
85l Carver session 6:
100 minutes on foil.
7-17 knots (average 13)
Rider weight with all winter gear fully loaded: 99kg.
BAR+GF=4.36
BAR*GF=3
Foil: Cloud IX fs1150 with catalyst stab and 76cm mast.
Wing: Cloud IX Ho'okipa 4.2m
Phenomenal session. The Carver is fully capable of enjoying low and light wind conditions. Matched with my 4.2m and my fs1150 this will be my best lightwind kit to date I expect. I only had one period of slowish taxiing trying to get to a better wind takeoff location. On foil, the board pumps great and the fs1150 with the catalyst stab manages small swell beautifully. Great glide, very pumpable. Stoke continues on this gear.
Hi BWalnut,
I noticed you have been using a relatively short mast for winging on the Carver. Something similar to a DW SUP style.
Ive been using the Carver 5'6" board and enjoying it but feel that the mast Im using, which is the 93cm, is getting too long?
Any comments as Im thinking of getting a shorter mast, maybe to compensate for the board thickness, I dont know, just the longer mast feels too long?
Really nice board BWalnut!would you still use this board in light summer breezes between 8-12 knot over a DW board with more length?I am trying to decide if this style of board is the right compromise over a full DW as those are the conditions I encounter the most in summer and given that I windsurf in winds from 18knots up. I weight about 76kg and I am still a beg/intermediate.
Select to expand quotePoida said..BWalnut said..
85l Carver session 6:
100 minutes on foil.
7-17 knots (average 13)
Rider weight with all winter gear fully loaded: 99kg.
BAR+GF=4.36
BAR*GF=3
Foil: Cloud IX fs1150 with catalyst stab and 76cm mast.
Wing: Cloud IX Ho'okipa 4.2m
Phenomenal session. The Carver is fully capable of enjoying low and light wind conditions. Matched with my 4.2m and my fs1150 this will be my best lightwind kit to date I expect. I only had one period of slowish taxiing trying to get to a better wind takeoff location. On foil, the board pumps great and the fs1150 with the catalyst stab manages small swell beautifully. Great glide, very pumpable. Stoke continues on this gear.
Hi BWalnut,
I noticed you have been using a relatively short mast for winging on the Carver. Something similar to a DW SUP style.
Ive been using the Carver 5'6" board and enjoying it but feel that the mast Im using, which is the 93cm, is getting too long?
Any comments as Im thinking of getting a shorter mast, maybe to compensate for the board thickness, I dont know, just the longer mast feels too long?
Hey Poida,
I use a 66cm or 76cm mast all the time with the Carver. I've never tried anything longer on it. I am a huge advocate of riding shorter masts because they surf rail to rail so much better. Shorter will be tippier on the water when getting started, but the performance in the air is well worth it. What do you dislike about your longer mast?Select to expand quotemassi said..
Really nice board BWalnut!would you still use this board in light summer breezes between 8-12 knot over a DW board with more length?I am trying to decide if this style of board is the right compromise over a full DW as those are the conditions I encounter the most in summer and given that I windsurf in winds from 18knots up. I weight about 76kg and I am still a beg/intermediate.
Great question and I am addressing this a bit in my review. My lightest day on the carver so far was lulls to 6 knots, averaging 10. I used an fs1000 and a 4.2m wing this day (with all my winter gear sopping wet I am at 98kg).
I would argue I'm pretty good at lightwind takeoffs and think this board works really well in light wind. However, it should be noted that I find this board to be most tippy and unstable in light winds, not heavy winds. A full size downwind board will be much more stable for a beginner in light conditions.
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..
Almost done with my full review on the Carver. Have ridden it in 6-43 knots with foils from 700-1150. Anything special people really want to see in a formal review that is commonly missed?
A riding video would be great addition to a review. Often reviewers concentrate on the exact technical specs or measure the wind strength down to 1 knot precision, while a mere riding video would help putting the words in context.
Select to expand quoteTaavi said..BWalnut said..
Almost done with my full review on the Carver. Have ridden it in 6-43 knots with foils from 700-1150. Anything special people really want to see in a formal review that is commonly missed?
A riding video would be great addition to a review. Often reviewers concentrate on the exact technical specs or measure the wind strength down to 1 knot precision, while a mere riding video would help putting the words in context.
No riding videos yet. Small chance that I might get one Thursday.
Select to expand quoteTaeyeony said..
Here is my custom Carver. 5'10" 85L standard build with foot strap inserts. 5.6kg on the bathroom scale.
The color is so sick the dark wood deck with black carbon rail and gold logo is so nice.
I have 2 sessions on it in open ocean conditions with big messy chops. 15-20kt.
I'm 75kg dry with vest/waterbag/ board and foil weight, it just floats me on the surface. aka maximum instability condition.
You can see video of the sea condition on my instagram
www.instagram.com/p/C2jYP_JvHG8/?hl=en&img_index=6
The wind was blowing 20+ kts all night from left to right of the beach and this beach has strong tidal currents as it is on the south tip of Phuket island. Water flow in and out at about 3 kt at mid-tide on the high tide day. Sometimes I can't paddle back against the current when the wind drop completely.
This one is harder to start in the choppy sea compared to my DW (7'2" x 18" 103L) most come from fore-aft instability and lower buoyancy. The roll instability is a bit better since it 2" wider but it feels not very different.
It took me only a few minutes to get used to this board. I figured out the best method for getting up on your foot. Here is my detail on how to. This is easier than the stink bug method for the narrow board that roll from side to side easily.
Imagine you are in messy chop and strong wind with this board and want to start in regular stance.
1. Climb up the board and kneel low. Just focus on the balance. The wing should be on the right side of your board.
2. If you don't do anything the wind and wave will push the board pointing the nose downwind. this gives you bit a more stability.
3. Grab the LE handle with right hand and pass the LE handle to left hand and grab the front handle with right hand.
4. Twist the board using your wing to point the board to the beam reach (board perpendicular to the wind) the board should also moving forward a little.
5. Pass front handle from right hand to left hand and grab the rear handle with right hand. The board is now moving fast cross wind and you are very stable and can stand up and ride off.
Steps 3-5 should be smooth and fast. Step 4 is very important you should twist the board when your hands are on LE handle and front handle so the wind is not throw you off balance.
The Carver feels more agile on foil compared to the DW board. Glad that I get it. Will compare with DW in light wind day.
Do you use the 75 or 85 mast?
I only have one Code mast; 85cm.
But for North I have 72/85/95.
I ride mostly in open sea. 85cm seem the best overall but in really high wind with 1-2m wind swell 95cm help a lot but I think it is a bit too extreme.
72cm is too short for winging in choppy sea, I don't use it since I got 85cm.
Select to expand quoteTaeyeony said..
I only have one Code mast; 85cm.
But for North I have 72/85/95.
I ride mostly in open sea. 85cm seem the best overall but in really high wind with 1-2m wind swell 95cm help a lot but I think it is a bit too extreme.
72cm is too short for winging in choppy sea, I don't use it since I got 85cm.
So you don't find the extra thickness of these boards to effect mast length to much?
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
Took a leap of faith and preordered mine, so reading with interest!
You will not be disappointed!
I didn't feel anything.Select to expand quoteoskarhhh said..
So you don't find the extra thickness of these boards to effect mast length to much?
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
Took a leap of faith and preordered mine, so reading with interest!
What weight are you and what size did you go for?
I ordered the 6'2" 95l board. I'm 6'4", 94kg currently on a 5'10" 105l Smik. If there was a 105l version I would have picked it, but I reckon I'll get the hang of it eventually
Hi guys, I'm planning to get a Carver 5'10'' (85l) mainly as light wind wing board, from 8 to 15 kts approx. For that wind range I currently have a 78l 5'2'' x 24'' custom board and with the adequate foil and wing I can ride it in as low as 8-10 kts (I'm 80kg). But I would like to experiment new sensations, and all the reviews I could read are a big motivation for a Carver. Only doubt, is 85 not too small ? Based on volume only, it is more than my actual board, but I have the impression that these shapes are floating less than traditional ones. I know 95l would be better for the lowest wind limit, but I would really like to optimize the size of te board, not having unnecessary liters. Thanks for the advice !
Select to expand quoteGillesBCN said..
Hi guys, I'm planning to get a Carver 5'10'' (85l) mainly as light wind wing board, from 8 to 15 kts approx. For that wind range I currently have a 78l 5'2'' x 24'' custom board and with the adequate foil and wing I can ride it in as low as 8-10 kts (I'm 80kg). But I would like to experiment new sensations, and all the reviews I could read are a big motivation for a Carver. Only doubt, is 85 not too small ? Based on volume only, it is more than my actual board, but I have the impression that these shapes are floating less than traditional ones. I know 95l would be better for the lowest wind limit, but I would really like to optimize the size of te board, not having unnecessary liters. Thanks for the advice !
One thing I've noted in my review is that this board shouldn't really be the target for lightwind dedication. This is a high performance narrow board that can work well in light winds but I would argue that for a dedicated light wind board you might consider other options.
Select to expand quoteBWalnut said..
One thing I've noted in my review is that this board shouldn't really be the target for lightwind dedication. This is a high performance narrow board that can work well in light winds but I would argue that for a dedicated light wind board you might consider other options.
I've been on a 5'10" 85 L Amos Sultan for the summer as a single board. I agree with your assessment above (i.e. a size like that comparable to body weight is a high performace mid-length) and not a true light wind board (reason is that you need some wind to get the board moving - for me it's around 9-10 knots). So if you want a true dedicated light wind board, add 10-15 L of volume over body weight.
I'm tempted to have a 20" wide 6' long 95-100L board built to replace my Sultan as that would also be a true light wind board (in addition to being a high performance mid-length.)
Select to expand quoteArthurAlston said..BWalnut said..
One thing I've noted in my review is that this board shouldn't really be the target for lightwind dedication. This is a high performance narrow board that can work well in light winds but I would argue that for a dedicated light wind board you might consider other options.
I've been on a 5'10" 85 L Amos Sultan for the summer as a single board. I agree with your assessment above (i.e. a size like that comparable to body weight is a high performace mid-length) and not a true light wind board (reason is that you need some wind to get the board moving - for me it's around 9-10 knots). So if you want a true dedicated light wind board, add 10-15 L of volume over body weight.
I'm tempted to have a 20" wide 6' long 95-100L board built to replace my Sultan as that would also be a true light wind board (in addition to being a high performance mid-length.)
How much do you weigh out of interest? I'm 73kg and have a 60l Omen Flux and looking for a light wind board but torn between the 85l and 95l carver.
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
I ordered the 6'2" 95l board. I'm 6'4", 94kg currently on a 5'10" 105l Smik. If there was a 105l version I would have picked it, but I reckon I'll get the hang of it eventually
can you provide on any feedback on this board pls?
Select to expand quoteice said..Stretchy said..
I ordered the 6'2" 95l board. I'm 6'4", 94kg currently on a 5'10" 105l Smik. If there was a 105l version I would have picked it, but I reckon I'll get the hang of it eventually
can you provide on any feedback on this board pls?
Yes for sure, but I still don't have it yet. I pre-ordered, delivery not until July
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..ice said..Stretchy said..
I ordered the 6'2" 95l board. I'm 6'4", 94kg currently on a 5'10" 105l Smik. If there was a 105l version I would have picked it, but I reckon I'll get the hang of it eventually
can you provide on any feedback on this board pls?
Yes for sure, but I still don't have it yet. I pre-ordered, delivery not until July
First session on my 6'2" Carver today. I'm nearly two years into my winging journey and a slow learner so this is feedback from a novice's perspective. I was a bit apprehensive, stepping off my 29" 105l board I was expecting climbing on this 20" wide board to be somewhat challenging. I'd have preferred to start in flat water conditions but winter weather meant swell plus chop and intermittent wind, not ideal but this board needs to get wet! First launch, took me 3 falls before I got standing. Once standing the Carver then accelerated away nicely and I was up on my ART999 foil with ease, a pleasant surprise as this foil can be a bugger to get up in rough conditions. Volume being 10l less than I'm used to didn't feel too small.
on foil the board felt instantly comfortable and responsive. I was making more silly mistakes than usual, so I think I still need to get my balance on this narrow board dialled in. My foot switches aren't pretty and today was no exception, but I did one dodgy switch where I was able to save a fall by grabbing the leeward rail with my back foot - that felt cool.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase. This board is not too much for me, I think it's only upwards from here! 
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
First session on my 6'2" Carver today. I'm nearly two years into my winging journey and a slow learner so this is feedback from a novice's perspective. I was a bit apprehensive, stepping off my 29" 105l board I was expecting climbing on this 20" wide board to be somewhat challenging. I'd have preferred to start in flat water conditions but winter weather meant swell plus chop and intermittent wind, not ideal but this board needs to get wet! First launch, took me 3 falls before I got standing. Once standing the Carver then accelerated away nicely and I was up on my ART999 foil with ease, a pleasant surprise as this foil can be a bugger to get up in rough conditions. Volume being 10l less than I'm used to didn't feel too small.
on foil the board felt instantly comfortable and responsive. I was making more silly mistakes than usual, so I think I still need to get my balance on this narrow board dialled in. My foot switches aren't pretty and today was no exception, but I did one dodgy switch where I was able to save a fall by grabbing the leeward rail with my back foot - that felt cool.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase. This board is not too much for me, I think it's only upwards from here!
Well done! Can't wait to hear how the progression continues on it for ya. I'm 1800 miles (2900 kilometers) into mine and it's all I've ever wanted! I like the feeling of toes grabbing the rail too. Somehow makes me feel cool as well ??
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
First session on my 6'2" Carver today. I'm nearly two years into my winging journey and a slow learner so this is feedback from a novice's perspective. I was a bit apprehensive, stepping off my 29" 105l board I was expecting climbing on this 20" wide board to be somewhat challenging. I'd have preferred to start in flat water conditions but winter weather meant swell plus chop and intermittent wind, not ideal but this board needs to get wet! First launch, took me 3 falls before I got standing. Once standing the Carver then accelerated away nicely and I was up on my ART999 foil with ease, a pleasant surprise as this foil can be a bugger to get up in rough conditions. Volume being 10l less than I'm used to didn't feel too small.
on foil the board felt instantly comfortable and responsive. I was making more silly mistakes than usual, so I think I still need to get my balance on this narrow board dialled in. My foot switches aren't pretty and today was no exception, but I did one dodgy switch where I was able to save a fall by grabbing the leeward rail with my back foot - that felt cool.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase. This board is not too much for me, I think it's only upwards from here!
Hey there Stretchy & gday to the Carver crew.
Its Leigh at Silver Sands.Thanks for your review on your 6'2"Carver.Only just picked up my custom carver for my 110kgs 68yrs.Marcus Tardrew enlarged the Carver up to 6'6"x 22"-120Ltrs for me.
I only started winging in October 2022.
Yesterday in the estuary wasn't pretty to test my custom carver.Gusty nwester 10-25kts made getting started quite difficult .Trying a new PPC M1 3mtr didn't help.4m would have made getting started easier.
3-4 false starts but once up on Axis V2 999 Art Pro the carver felt an absolute delight.22" felt narrow but surprisingly doable.Only made a few gybes.
Will give it a go with the right size wing next time.
Looks nice Leigh I'm jealous you've got a v2 ART also!! Getting to kneeling with wing flying is the trickiest bit for me. I kneel more across than along the board, I lean on the wing on leeside of board while climbing aboard. The trickiest bit is then pulling up the wing with the front handle and grabbing a handle underneath. If I need to, I'll crouch back down again, bracing wing on water, while i grab the rear handle. I suspect that the NP Firefly, with pistol grip and boom, would be best for this.
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
Looks nice Leigh I'm jealous you've got a v2 ART also!! Getting to kneeling with wing flying is the trickiest bit for me. I kneel more across than along the board, I lean on the wing on leeside of board while climbing aboard. The trickiest bit is then pulling up the wing with the front handle and grabbing a handle underneath. If I need to, I'll crouch back down again, bracing wing on water, while i grab the rear handle. I suspect that the NP Firefly, with pistol grip and boom, would be best for this.
Hey mate & carver crew, do exactly the same start but wasn't pointing the board down wind thankfully mentioned by Walnut & others.Hopefully will try this method in the next day or so.That makes a lot of sense with the chop running along the board instead of rocking it around side on ,which was really unstable with the narrow carver.
Not sure whether you know Guy from Rockingham,Safety Bay Area.Wings with us at Dawesville sometimes.He has the 6'2" custom carver as well but he's 100kgs.Reckons now fifth session in now and he's happier than ever.Also using V2 Artpro 999 Advance + Short 700mm Biggest Skinny Stabiliser,HM 90cm mast.Great set up for 90kg + wingers.Thanks again crew for the tips to help understand the Midlength carver.
Select to expand quoteStretchy said..
Looks nice Leigh I'm jealous you've got a v2 ART also!! Getting to kneeling with wing flying is the trickiest bit for me. I kneel more across than along the board, I lean on the wing on leeside of board while climbing aboard. The trickiest bit is then pulling up the wing with the front handle and grabbing a handle underneath. If I need to, I'll crouch back down again, bracing wing on water, while i grab the rear handle. I suspect that the NP Firefly, with pistol grip and boom, would be best for this.
Stretch, you really need to learn the stink bug start, or a variation of it. My balance is poor so I always had problems kneeling on the board in chop. That went away totally once I got the stink bug down. It shortens the time you need to balance without power in the wing by a factor of 10. I just built myself a narrower (DW-style) board, and there is no way I could ever start this board without the stink bug start. I recently helped a friend to get started with winging. He had no foil experience, but also has much better balance, I showed him the normal start first, and the stink bug start after an hour or so on the water. He ended up doing only stink bug starts because he thought they were much easier.
Hi Leigh, yes I know Guy. Sounds like it's time for me for me to come up to Dawesville for a run with the Carver crew. V2 999, skinny and Advance fuse are all on my wish list!
Hi Peter, I think I'm dropping into an stinkbug if I'm unable to get to both handles on my first attempt. Boom (Slick) is definitely easier than handles (Nova). I'll study the stinkbug technique a bit closer.
