NAH SKWELL PADDLE BOARD REVIEW | SNAP 8’5
NAH SKWELL
PADDLE BOARD REVIEW
| SNAP 8’5.
NAH SKWELL PADDLE BOARD REVIEW | SNAP 8’5
Verdict
The Snap is a fast, responsive board which in the 125 litre version we tested, brings remarkably easy handling, paddling and wave catching to conditions that may have you questioning whether or not to paddle out (read: bumpy!) In the quad fin configuration the Snap has great speed down the line and release above the lip for fast redirections. We found the thruster configuration the better option when swell picks up, giving great hold through bottom turns and control of speed.
Overview
At first glance the Snap doesn’t seem to be hiding any secrets – with a fairly forgiving surf outline with perhaps a bit more width in the tail drawing your eye. Underneath however you’ll find a double concave that starts just behind the nose and runs down the board to blend into a vee between the five fin boxes. This had us picturing speed and water jetting out to the fins. On top the ledge handle has a generous undercut and the deck pad rolls comfortably into it. The ¾ deck pad is fairly low profile and rolls slightly over the top side of the rails assumedly to protect them from the paddle when climbing back on after a wipeout. Rails are pinched at the nose and tail with a thick soft buoyant 50/50 line in between. The Snap is clean and unfussy, with a discreet air-pressure valve serving as the only embellishment.
Brand claim
Pinched to the nose and tail the SNAP displays an obvious surf thumbprint. SNAP boards are characterised by their lively and radical behaviors but remain accessible thanks to a wide beam. Available in one length only, your choice will be made on 2 different width and volumes to adapt your level and size.
Performance
Let us first say, this board can handle some serious bounce on the water. If the wind and chop are your sup surfing nemesis, the Snap could be your answer. I weigh 90 kg in a wetsuit and 125 litres is not a huge board, but the distribution of foam is spot on in achieving a stable board. The tail feels buoyant and positive when paddling and this increases your success rate when paddling into a bumpy take off. The Snap accelerates to high speeds pretty soon after take off but it never has you feeling ‘stuck’ down in the trough; foam climbs and impressive lip assaults seem to be an automatic conclusion after holding the speed through the bottom turn. There is a very satisfying release and redirect through the top turn without the rail bog you might expect from a board as wide as this. This is a practical surf shape that at 125 litres would suit bigger riders or those faced with perpetually rough seas at their beach. In conclusion, I would say the Snap had the ability to make my surfing look better than it actually is!
www.nahskwell-sup.com / www.kaisports.co.uk