It’s a special board. I am 98 kilos and have 20+ years of experience mostly in San Fransisco bay.

San Fransisco Bay – About the conditions of the surf spot

I typically sail in wind that is +30 kph which in San Fransisco means daily opportunity.  The bay is not very glamorous. It’s typically cold and foggy. The launches are usually off rocks or barriers designed to reduce erosion and covered with barnacles or mud. As SF is a crowded urban area most launches have issues with drainage. In fact some of the windiest spots are often at the convergence of drains that lead into the bay.  Currents are strong and wind occasionally shuts down at very inopportune times meaning you are swimming against both current and wind! Regardless wind is strong and most important consistent!

Fanatic 2014 Free Wave 116 – Impressive performance

I have only sailed this board 3 times and already I have mastered it. The Fanatic FreeWave CWS has it all. Light weight, solid construction and a powerbox! I use the rear straps in dual configuration. I use it with sails in the 5.5-6.0 range. The board planes up in a hurry. It has a lively fun ride. I never thought I could air out a boxy 116 liter board but this thing can handle jumps and has significant pop. You can slash down the face and then launch into the air. In the air you will notice it’s size but landing it off the wind properly delivers smooth landings. Tail slides are fun, even with dual straps. Jibes like it’s on rails. Considering the significant thickness around the front middle it gets around turns like a wave board should! You can bury the nose but it keeps carving. Fun in jumps, fun in the straight and easy to jibe. Very impressive~ // Bill Hilow