Jeff & Nate's Review of the North Downwind 900

Jeff is joined by Nate, a North ambassador and the "Tri-Cities semi-pro", to do a breakdown of a new foil in the North lineup. Nate has spent the last couple of years riding the SF 830 in almost all conditions, occasionally switching to the 1080 for lighter winds. Overall, the SF 830 is an amazing surf wing that turns sharp and hard while maintaining balance and a nice feel. It offers better glide and pump when connecting waves compared to other front foils in the 830 size range.

Transitioning to the Downwind 900

Jeff has also been a dedicated SF lover, riding everything from the 1080 down to the 600 range. The SF foils stay in the pocket of the wave very well and are incredibly stable and easy to ride. However, while in La Ventana, they were pushed to try the North Downwind 900. While the SF series sits at a 9 aspect ratio, the Downwind 900 takes it up to a 13 aspect ratio.

Performance and Efficiency

Nate was initially shocked by the performance of the Downwind 900. Expecting it to feel slow, he instead found the speed and pump to be amazing. It is highly efficient when you start to slow down and need a power boost to connect waves. Nate noted that after about 20 to 30 minutes of adjustment, he was getting the tips out and carving up waves. The glide is effortless, allowing for 30 seconds to a minute of pumping just for fun.

Jeff described the foil as an "easy button" for pointing and riding swell. The glide feels like an escalator, where you don't have to worry as much about where you are in the power of the swell. It just continues to glide efficiently.

Dialing in the Setup

The setup makes a significant difference in how this foil handles. They initially started on the 650mm fuselage but found the 700mm fuselage to be the better fit for this wing. Nate felt that the 700mm fuselage combined with the 158 tail was "money."

• 650 Fuselage: More pitch sensitive and can feel a bit tipsy.
• 700 Fuselage: Provides better balance, comfort, and efficiency for hard turns.
• 158 Tail: Complements the 700mm fuselage for a stable, high-performance feel.

Who Is It For?

If you have been riding the SF lineup and are looking for a foil that excels at riding swell and offers incredible glide, the Downwind 900 is a great addition to your quiver. It is also a foil that has been discussed for use with Foil Drive systems, offering a highly efficient ride. If you want a foil that makes connecting swell effortless and efficient, this 13 aspect ratio wing is the way to go.

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