Naish Thrust WS1 and Hover 142 2018 Test Review

NAISH SAYS

An all-round freeride foil, the Naish Thrust WS 1 was developed with Robby Naish to be the ultimate easy access fun foil system. Thanks to its modified delta planform, it launches early, provides excellent flight stability, yet never becomes unmanageable at speed.
Designed specifically for windsurf foiling, the Hover 142 board is the larger brother of the 122 and is aimed at the heavier foiler. It features a flat rocker, which planes easily in light winds.

WE SAY

With its narrow span and long chord, the Thrust WS1 front wing is as low aspect as they come andgenerates plenty of low-end lift to get you goingeasily. Shift your weight back, placing your feet in the straps to work the foil and it respondsinstantly, providing flight even at very low speeds. Using the Thrust on its base plate, the position of the lift can be fine-tuned beautifully, withmillimetres making a big difference – bring it backfor more obvious lift and further forward for lighterriders or for more control in stronger winds. The integrated screw-adjustment in the tail wing was also very useful, varying the angle of the stabiliserand enabling the pitch of the board to be changed in an instant, according to rider weight or preference. With the setup finely tuned, the overriding sensation whilst using the Thrust WS1 is of ease and enjoyment. The quoted length for the fuselage is short at 64cm, but this tells onlyhalf the story as the front wing is mounted out in front of the fuselage, making the true length of the foil more like 82cm. Combine this with the rudder fin that sits above the tail wing and the Naish is very directionally stable, helping to channel the forces and flow of water uniformly over the wings.

The inset footstrap positions of the Hover boardwere a good compliment for the Thrust as it encourages a more upright stance over the foil. Comfortable for long periods of use, whilst itsstraight-line speed isn’t an embarrassment by any means, it is definitely more freeride and manoeuvre-oriented than blasting/race focussed. Loose and playful, it responds to changes in foot pressure in an instant, feeling lively yet predictable at all times. This becomes more evident than ever in transition, the Thrust’s slowflight speed and stability making it a fantastic tutorfor full flight gybes. It can adopt the tightest arc, its ability to sustain flight and speed at the steepest