Over the last few weeks (spring 2023) I have had the opportunity to sail Carb One, and I must say that it has been an absolutely outstanding experience. The feeling and result have exceeded all my expectations and left me more than satisfied.
But how did we actually come up with the idea of building a Kona One board in carbon and in a hollow model? In recent years, we have been experimenting with different materials and techniques to create SUP boards with a lighter, hollow design. The idea came up: if it works for other boards, why not for Kona One too? And so, it was. The result was an incredibly light and flexible board.
We have clearly noticed how the flat shape of the Kona One benefits from a hollow design, which eliminates the need for an EPS core on the inside. This means the board sits higher in the water from the start, resulting in faster acceleration and a gentler ride for the body.
The lighter design also makes sailing easier and more efficient. Now we can use smaller sails and fins while improving performance. It's really amazing to see how much easier it is to get into planing, maintain speed and perform manoeuvres without the board sinking into the water.
At Kona Sports, we are very proud of what is probably the smartest design in the windsurfing world, with our step-tail and one of the few longboards in the world that can be sailed solely on the fin even when cruising.
When we embarked on this project we weren't quite sure if it would succeed, but now I can confidently say that what we have achieved is the next best thing, surpassed only by the remarkable Kona One development itself. I am incredibly proud of Carb One.
Please note that the Carb One cannot be used in the Kona One class! We don't know what the future holds, but we are confident that enjoying windsurfing does not necessarily require a foil.
The Carb One is currently exclusively available for purchase on our own website, with delivery from Northern Europe. If several of you are interested in buying the board, please contact us.
All winds are Kona winds!