Windsurfing Equipment Tests - American Windsurfer

Sails: Naish Hawaii @ Maui

Control Bump Speed Style King Surf

Naish Hawaii Hokua

Very much the power-oriented wave sail, the Hokua is drafty and tight-leeched for great pumpability and low end. Punching out through white water is when the tight leech and pumpability really comes into play, as a quick pump on the boom activates the springy leech and propels the board through the surge. We tended to rig the Hokua with more downhaul and looser leech than hard core wave sailors might like, but in this configuration we kept most of the power and added a little more stability for good all-around sailing. Medium-to heavyweight riders, both pro and guest, seemed to like the Hokua fine, while lightweights tended to judge it heavy and jerky.

Size tested 4.6
Mast 430–21
Boom 5’4”
Weight 7.6
Durability A
Downhaul Ease 9
Rig Ease 9.0
Speed 4.5
Power 6.5
Stability 6.0
Waterstart 9.0
Rotation 10.0
Luffability 9.5
Price $519.00

Control Bump Speed Style King Surf

Naish Hawaii Koa

Mark Schapper called the Koa “the best Naish,” and Steve Hutchinson praised its speed, range and pumpability. We’re not surprised that testers raved about the Koa’s speed and range. After all, it has two stiff tubular battens to complement its total of six, and is clearly one of the most speed-oriented sails in the test. Heavyweight sailors liked it best, but medium-weights had plenty good to say also. Construction is solid, but the weight from all those battens makes the Koa a little on the heavy side for lightweight sailors.

Size tested 5.5
Mast 460–25
Boom 5’10”
Weight 9.1
Durability A
Down Ease 9
Rig Ease 8.0
Speed 7.0
Power 6.0
Stability 7.5
Waterstart 8.5
Rotation 8.5
Luffability 9.0
Price $485.00

Control Bump Speed Style King Surf

Naish Hawaii Nalu

The Nalu is one of those versatile sails that’s perfect anytime the wind is over about 15 mph and the water has more than a light chop. It offers great adjustability together with a good combination of power, speed and handling. It’s not a particularly light sail, but lightweight pro tester Renatta Fuzetti liked it, saying, "it’s good for beginners because of its stability and definitely good for pros because of its power and control."

Size tested 5.0
Mast 430–21
Boom 5’5”
Weight 7.9
Durability A
Downhaul Ease 9
Rig Ease 8.0
Speed 5.5
Power 6.0
Stability 6.5
Waterstart 9.0
Rotation 9.5
Luffability 9.0
Price $509.00

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