NAISH NALU 11’ GTW
NAISH NALU 11’ GTW TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
A classy refined longboard style surf SUP, a great nose rider, but still quick handling if you’re prepared to move around on it. Smooth longboard surfing combined with a versatile all round size, certainly a board that will stay with you for some time.
Overview:
Naish have produced a polished product with their 11’ Nalu, it comes with a deep ledge handle, textured ¾ deckpad, windsurf insert, (only in GTW) ) and it’s very light too (11.3kg). Gloss finish top and bottom with 3 glass Hexel fins. The bottom shape has a rounded vee through out. A very capable longboard influenced all rounder that’s great on a wave but stable enough not to punish you between sets or on a cruise.
Brand Claim:
The new Nalu 11’0” GTW features a versatile design for classic longboard surfing performance, touring and flatwater cruising. It has been fine-tuned with decreased volume in the nose and tail areas, resulting in an extremely responsive board with easy manoeuvrability. It features a wide outline and double concave deck in the stance area for optimal stability and comfort. This addition to the Nalu range offers riders the highest level of true longboard surfing performance, making everyday a great day on the water.
Performance:
The Nalu 11’ Feels well rockered and almost banana like when you first paddle it (it has the most tail rocker in the group). The Nalu doesn’t appear to have a straight edge on it anywhere giving it a slippery feel on the wave. Although the nose is really wide (same as the huge Fanatic) it paddles with ease on the flat water offering the rider a comfortable stable feel, great for all round paddling. In the surf it really comes into its own, super easy to glide into a wave and with its thinned-out rails it grips the wave securely if you want to run to the nose, making it a very flattering longboard in the surf. The Nalu came joint 3rd in our glide test (with the Starboard), which is very respectable for the shortest board in the group. So is it for you? If you want a refined long board shape which is as happy dropping into over head waves as it is catching ankle slappers then this stable all rounder from Naish could well be your perfect partner, the sort of board you’ll never want to sell on – in which case best treat yourself to the light one then.