But how did we come up with the idea of building the Kona Carbon Hollow? Over the recent years, we've been experimenting with various materials and techniques to create other SUP boards with a lighter, hollow design. The thought arose: if it works for other boards, why not for the Kona One as well? And so it was. The result was an incredibly lightweight and nimble board.
We've noticed quite clearly how the flat shape of the Kona Carbon Hollow benefits from its hollow design, eliminating the need for an EPS core inside. This means the board sits higher on the water from the start, resulting in quicker 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 still improving performance. It's truly fantastic to see how much easier it is to get on the plane, maintain speed, and execute maneuvers without the board sinking into the water. There's definitely room for further refinement in both the fin and mast base settings.
At KONA, we take great pride in what is arguably the smartest design in the windsurfing world, featuring our step-tail and one of the few longboards worldwide that can be sailed solely on the fin, even while tacking.
When we embarked on this project, we weren't entirely sure if it would succeed, but now I can confidently say that what we've achieved is the next best thing, only surpassed by the remarkable Kona One development itself. I am incredibly proud of Kona Carbon Hollow.
Please note that this board cannot be used in the Kona One class! As for the future, we cannot predict what it holds, but we firmly believe that enjoying windsurfing does not necessarily require a foil.
Kona CarbOne is currently exclusively available for purchase on our own website, with shipping from Northern Europe. If there are several of you interested in buying the board, come together and reach out to us. Right now, we have a waiting list for the board that is steadily growing, so the sooner you place your order, the sooner you'll receive your board.