Dane’s Review: North Pacific Round Squash Wave
Rider: Dane
Gender: Male
Height: 5’5″
Weight: 135 lbs
Skill Level: Advanced kiteboarder
Board Tested: 2008 North Pacific Round Squash Wave 5’3″
Kite Used: 2008 Cabrinha Switchblade 3 8m
Date: June 4, 2008
Location: White Salmon Bridge, Columbia River Gorge
Conditions: 18-28 mph, huge glassy swell
North Pacific is a local Hood River surfboard company run by Art Colyer, who has been hand-shaping custom polyester boards for over twenty years. For many years he has been working with local and international professional kiteboarders, tirelessly refining his shape for the perfect directional kiteboard.
Yesterday I got a chance to try out my new 5’3″ North Pacific Round Squash Wave, and let me tell you what a fun time that was! This board is incredibly maneuverable, and is designed to slash in the waves and swell. The 5’3″ is a small board, but I’m a small guy. We’re perfect for one another.
When I went out for my session, I soon found myself riding in some of the biggest, glassiest swell I have ever seen at the White Salmon Bridge. I would ramp up to catch a good wave, snap a tight off-the-top, and ride down the face in the complete opposite direction. I’ve never been able to slash turns like that in my life.
The thruster fin placement on the Round Squash Wave is absolutely perfect, giving this board incredible grip despite being so slashy. There were times where I would turn so aggressively that my body would be nearly parallel to the water, and I was sure the board was going to slide out from under me. Before I knew it I was out of my turn and upright again, riding along as if nothing happened.
The Round Squash Wave charges upwind with unbelievable efficiency. If you’re not comfortable jibing the board you can simply ride toeside for an entire reach, and easily keep your place by edging upwind. That’s right, you can edge upwind while riding toeside. Even so, yesterday was my first day with this board, and I’m already feeling confident enough that I’m trying to jibe it. With its huge deckpad the board is easy to ride outside the footstraps, and I’m excited to try taking the straps off completely and riding it strapless.
I was riding the swell hard that day, and even so I could feel that I was barely scratching the surface as to the full potential of the Round Squash Wave. A board like this you will never outgrow, and will own for many, many years if you take good care of it. I guarantee you, the only thing you will ever want to replace it with is another North Pacific.
