Words: WSUK
Pics: James Jagger
Think you know BIC and their Techno range? Think again…
For 2019 BIC introduce their full carbon windfoil/windsurf board: the Wind Foil 130L And yes, it’s that way round. Rather than have a windsurf board that’s foil ready, instead BIC are calling their new school sled a windfoil board that’s windsurf ready. In conjunction with the brand’s full carbon windfoil, designed by the very apt Foil & Co, it’s a machine we were very much looking forward to getting to grips with.
Out the box and it’s a very attractive board, with lines echoing a modern trend. Short and stubby (relatively) there’s no mistaking it’s a windsurf board yet it’s nowhere near the BIC Techno shapes of a few years ago. Instead this is a high tech looking vehicle that screams performance yet is still aimed at the recreational sailor.
Meanwhile the carbon foil is a typically well thought out piece of kit that leans on the higher aspect types currently available. Modular in nature you can break it down for easy transport and storage. We also noted how light it is, which is no bad thing.
Having attached the foil via standard mechanisms (two bolts) it’s a package that’s a doddle to get to the water’s edge. Existing foilers will appreciate the cumbersome nature of moving connected windfoils and boards around so anything to alleviate the strain is welcome.
On the water BIC’s Wind Foil 130 is stable at rest yet doesn’t feel its actual size (81.5cm width). The scooped out deck (up front) brings you closer to the water and gives a very ‘in touch with surroundings’ ride off the foil. With a bit of power, and the odd pump or two, the foil generates progressive lift which gets flyers elevated efficiently. It’s not a bucking bronco like some which newbie or progressing foilers will appreciate.
Once at height it’s a twitch free ride that remains composed even in the face of gusty conditions. Favouring a slightly back leg flying position it’s more windsurf in terms of stance which a lot of users will also appreciate. Round corners isn’t too anxiety inducing with the board’s width giving a secure platform for anyone with fumbling feet. Experience foilers will be able to ramp up the speed to a moderate set of revs and find fulfilment with upwind and downwind runs.
Conclusion
In foil mode BIC’s 2019 Wind Foil 130 and carbon foil are examples of performance flying kit that delivers on its promise of getting you airborne without hassle. Designed in France it’s an impressive package that delivers on the pure free foiling front sitting somewhere between total beginner and outright race face – everyman then. We loved it and found it to be one of the easiest (new) set ups to pilot as a newbie foiler and those advancing.
Prices:
C-Tech board – £2150
Carbon wind foil – £1500
Info:
https://world.bicsport.com/windsurf/boards/techno-pro-wind-foil-130.html
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