Naish Momentum 2011 Kiteboard Review

The 2011 Naish Momentum has all the hallmarks of a great Freestyle board. Insane pop, forgiving landings and a stiff mid-section that allows for super upwind ability. The increased width on the 138 gives the wakestyle rider the ability to stomp new tricks on a daily basis.

Technology  – The long lineage that sits behind the construction on Naish boards mean that you can guarantee that your getting a tough board that will stand up to the test of time. The new NASA/TECH-2 construction combined with High-Ten Response Flex allows for premier resistance to the poundings of Wakestyle and allows for the board to do its job every-time you throw a trick. The load and pop is great and the desire for kiters to achieve the same edge and pop each time is brought closer to reality with this board as the slightly wider profile and stiffer design allow for massive loading against the kite. I wouldn’t be surprised if this board would be a cable machine as well.

On the water – Like it says on the tin, the board is wicked, loads of drive upwind and insane pop. Landing a trick from height with no aid from the kite you really get the feeling that the wider profile helps landing no end. It will absorb big kiteloops as well and that’s key if you’re taking long sessions over the summer. Overall with this in mind it is one of this year’s top boards. My only slight gripe would be against the footstraps. Riding this board in boots you can’t go wrong, however if you want to take it out with the provided footstraps then prepare to go for some supermans!! I could not get them to hold even in flat conditions. Maybe it was just the shape of my feet but it seemed hard to get the same pop from the footstraps.

BOOM! One of the best boards out there this year and if you haven’t picked up a new board this year then this is the one for you. Freeride up to aggressive wakestyle you will love the Momentum 138cm Park. Get on it!!

Toby D