TABOU3S97

T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)

W: www.otc-windsurf.comE: info@otc-windsurf.com

• The 97 is the middle sibling of the three board line-up and has also been completely re-engineered for the new season.

• Following the same design brief as the 87, the intention was to improve the board’s turning capabilities as well as its’ acceleration and speed.

• To achieve this the 97’s tail has been made narrower whilst the rails have become slightly thinner. In addition the rocker-line has been refined to increase the board’s early planing and speed.

• The bottom shape is the same as its’ smaller sibling, displaying vee throughout as well as a spock spoiler.

• The 3S is available in two different constructions – standard and limited, with only 100 units made of the latter in each size.

• The fittings in general are good with the adhesive deckpads incorporating dual density bumpers to cushion the ride, although only one fin is provided with the 97 unlike the 87 – a power box 32cm Freeride foil. The footstraps are again the let down.

• Wide and rounded outline makes the 3S quite stable and easy at rest although it does feel relatively compact underfoot – quite corky and buoyant.

• Planes impressively early even despite the tail spoiler. Very smooth rise onto the plane – just gathers momentum instinctively.

• Straps are incredibly bad yet again – too small, fiddly and diificult to make to the right size. On top of this the pads were somewhat slippery. Didn’t really feel very secure on the board.

• In harsh chop the hull performs very well, riding over trouble easily, the feedback provided masks over the worst of the impact.

• Not particularly fast, but very controlled and easy, which in harsh conditions helps the rider to retain control and goes as fast as the next person.

• In the gybe the board is again smooth and steady, and can go through the turn still planing at a low speed – secure for inexperienced and helping to provide time to finish off manoeuvre.

• It wasn’t so versatile in the bottom turn – if you try to plough it in aggressively, the board seemed to stall on its rail and tram sideways.

• Much more appropriate for measured response and use in small to moderate waves, although directed back up the face, the

bulbous nose does deflect off white water well to redirect the board.

• In freestyle the board pops well, but the fin is far too big to be useful. This is also very evident in the wave ride – a smaller more swept back fin will undoubtedly help to vary its its carving angle. At 32cm the fin supplied is too upright and freeride oriented.

Suitability: Easy progressive freeride potential for progressing intermediate, although the board’s range could be significantly extended by the provision of a second fin.

+ Smooth ride through confused sea states.- Fittings are a bit of a let down on this board.

The 3S 97 does have a great deal of potential, planing early and feeling very measured and controllable in response. With a change of fittings it could be tuned to perform in various roles.

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THEVERDICT

The Official Test CentreWindsurf Holidays. With Purpose

El Médano, Tenerife

What is The OTC?CONCEPTThe OTC is a unique windsurfing centre offering the first real opportunity for you to compare the boards and sails from each major brand for yourself … and all in the relaxed atmosphere of a holiday environment. It was the brainchild of Tris Best, who, acknowledging the privileged position he was in whilst testing all the latest windsurfing equipment for magazines, wanted to extend the same opportunity to a wider audience.

EQUIPMENTThe centre stocks the very latest equipment from all the major board and sail manufacturers, including:

Boards: F2, Fanatic, Goya, JP Australia, Mistral, Naish, RRD, Starboard, Tabou, Witchcraft

Sails: Ezzy, Gaastra, Neil Pryde, Naish, North Sails, Severne, Simmer, Tushingham

From wave to freestyle and crossover, into the expansive realms of freeride, almost every discipline and equipment category is represented, catering for all rider styles and abilities.

LOCATIONThe centre is situated in the town of El Médano on the island of Tenerife just ten minutes transfer from Reina Sofia Airport in the south. With an average air temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, the OTC is open throughout the year, and benefits from three fantastic windsurfing areas to cater for every windsurfing ability and preference.

South Bay is a true windsurfer’s playground ideal for intermediates and above, providing a large bump-and-jump sailing area with the added benefit of having a safe, enclosed sandy beach.

The Harbour Wall is easily accessible from the centre, and offers a clean smooth face at the right tide state. A good introduction to wave riding for the uninitiated, it is a great deal of fun to ride, with the added security of a safe exit channel within easy reach at all times.

Cabezo is the northern most bay of the town, which, with its typical European cross-onshore conditions provides the ideal test arena for wave and crossover equipment. Hosting World Tour events in the past, the sailing standard in the bay is awe-inspiring and is sure to captivate even the non-windsurfer’s imagination.

THE CENTREContained in a modern building directly on the beachfront of South Bay, the centre caters for a limited number of clients each week, ensuring every opportunity to try the desired kit.

WIND STATISTICSBoasting over 250 days of planing conditions (force four and above) a year, El Médano is Tenerife’s primary windsurfing location and is well exposed to the influence of the Atlantic, offering some of the most consistent conditions found in the Canarian archipelago.

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I can’t recommend the OTC enough. While I was there I tried about 8 boards and quite a lot of sails. The range of kit and the lads who run the place are just brilliant.

Ken Morton iwindsurf.co.uk Forum

T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)

W: www.otc-windsurf.comE: info@otc-windsurf.com

The Official Test CentreWindsurf Holidays. With Purpose

El Médano, Tenerife

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South Bay

Harbour Wall

Cabezo

The OTC.