MISTRALEXPLOSION-RD130

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

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

• The Explosion remains in the Mistral line-up for another season in the form of three models, ranging from this 130L version to 155L.

• The designs have been altered in order to increase their freeride performance range, speed and ease of gybing. Firstly there is now a removable Hydroblade supplied as standard to provide extra lift and release the board onto the plane at the earliest opportunity.

• The bottom shape has also been revised, with a mono concave in the nose initially, quickly transforming to vee by the shoulders and remaining present through the rest of the board’s length. This is tempered with a bevel that extends all the way from the nose of the board to the front of the back strap.

• There are also a variety of straps options to cater for every rider ability, including inboard and outboard straps as well as training positions.

• The Explosion is produced in composite sandwich construction and comes with the brand’s high standard of fittings including a large 42cm G10 fin designed by Kai Hopf.

• The Explosion is stable and easy at rest, feeling very secure with its flat section in the middle of its deck. The fin is of average size at 42cm but is positioned fairly far back in the board at 82mm and therefore helps to keep the board tracking in a straight line.

• As power is supplied the hull rises progressively from the water, whereby standing further back on the board sooner helps to use the good lift and grip generated from the fin to push the board onto the plane.

• The straps are easy to locate.• The board accelerates smoothly, being safe

and secure underfoot but not particularly alert or lively.

• In medium winds it is a well-mannered platform for the improving rider, but experienced rider will soon be craving more energy and feedback.

• Push more power into it by loading it with an efficient sail, and the board does respond a bit more, increasing its speed and capable of pointing well. Yet it does feel a bit forced, the board never really losing its composure or finding a new lease of life despite its speed.

• Measured, gradual response to changes in foot pressure.

• In the gybe the 130 is surprisingly easy to engage into the gybe and carves a smooth

predictable arc. It has a very steady progression through the turn, returning to a safe secure speed so as not to unnerve the progressing sailor.

• Very stable and easy in the tack.

Suitability: The Explosion is geared towards the intermediate rider, with enough stability to cater for any weight and guide their passenger smoothly into planing conditions.

+ Very measured and easy response. Safe secure and forgiving nature.- Range of performance limits user appeal.

The 130 is a very amicable and accessible for the progressing sailor and has the predictable secure temperament that ensures a safe journey into planing conditions.

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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.