Kalama Barracuda 7’10
- Dimensions – 7’10” x 19.5″ x 102.25Litres
- Weight – 5.6kg
- Track Boxes – 10″
- Centre of Gravity (Board Only) – 103/238.76cm (43%)
- Position of Boxes (From Tail to Centre) – 69.5/238.76 (29.1%)
- Made in Vietnam (Kinetic Factory)
- Construction – EPS CORE, PVC & Carbon Moulded Skin
- Foils used on this board – GoFoil, Axis, Armstrong, Code
I use this board for Downwind Sup, Stand-up Surf Sup, Light wind winging, wake thieving and flat water paddle up. A great multi-sport quiver killer board and if I could only pick one board to keep on a desert island it would be the Barracuda. The construction is holding up very well and showing almost no signs of wear despite being used 2-3 times per week for the past 10 months. The deck pad is great and has a good degree of grip and durability.
Downwinding the Barracuda
I’m mainly ocean downwinding in Perth, Western Australia, where we get regular summer seabreezes over 20 knots. I would consider myself a seasoned advanced foiler of 3 to 4 years. This board is suiting me very well. I have no issues paddling up higher aspect foils in the 850-1300cm2 range and I weight 85-88kg. I think I am at the very upper weight limit for the 7’10 Barracuda board, but this is balanced by having a solid Sup paddle background and putting in the hard yards to develop my paddle-up technique. In the air the board feels amazing light and responsive. I have tried the bigger 8′ Barracuda and this size is very stable. I am happy using on the 7’10” as my one board all-rounder.
Surfing the Barracuda
This board is the best board I’ve used in waves for stand-up foil surfing. It is easy to paddle up on the smallest of bumps. When flying down the wave face it has great pitch stability and holds carves through turns.
Winging the Barracuda
I have used the board for light wind winging in flat water or clean offshore wave riding conditions and it pops onto foil with minimal effort. It allows me to ride a small foil and 4 metre hand wing in almost all wind conditions. For cruising along in calm conditions the barracuda is very good. The nose of the board is very pointy and I have pierced the canopy on my wing by accident on an upwind/downwind foil session.
What I Like
- Strength, Durability and Weight of the Board is Excellent
- Colour and Barracuda stripes look awesome
- White underside paint to reduce heat when left in sun is a must!
- Good grippy deck pad that covers at least half the board
- Designed by Dave Kalama – Foil and Surf legend
What Could be Improved
- Longer track boxes for those forward geometry foils such as Armstrong and Code
- Move the Goretex valve further forward. (I’m always putting my big toe on it).
- Supply the board with a high quality padded bag
GoFoil R20 Race Tail
The newest tail in Go//Foil range.
- Span – 20″ (507mm)
- Maximum Chord – 50mm
- Weight – 200 Grams
- Max Thickness – 4.5mm
- Estimated Surface Area – 240cm2
- Made in China (GoFoil Factory)
- Construction – Full Prepreg Carbon Fibre
Who is this tail for?
The best tail choice for any Sup Downwinder using GoFoil gear. The R20 race tail provides great glide and speed once up on foil and reduce the pump effort required to link between bumps. I’d say this tail is a great step up from anyone using the 14.5 or 17″ fixed tails for downwind sup.
Can you Cut it?
Try it in stock mode first. The tail is solid carbon and can be cut down to a reduced span. I’ve cut my personal race tail down to 15″ wide and it improves the turning but this comes at a sacrifice to reduced lift and glide when on foil.
PFDs and Impact Vests
Viakobi V3 Ocean Racing PFD
The Specs
- Rating – 50N
- Dry Weight – 750 Grams (Large)
- Wet Weight – 1200 Grams (Large)
- Front Pockets – 2OFF 220mm High x 120mm Wide
- Back Pocket – 320mm High x 230mm Wide
A top choice PFD for downwind foil paddling and available in a range of sizes and colours (Orange, Pink, Blue, Yellow). Straps are easy to adjust on the go and it is well suited to hot climates. Load of space in the pockets on the front and back for phones, water and tools. All pockets have mesh so water drains out fast.
Forward WIP Flow Neo Impact Vest
The Specs
- Rating – 50N
- Dry Weight – 840 Grams (Large)
- Wet Weight – 1500 Grams (Large)
- Front Pocket – 170mm High x 300mm Wide
A great vest option for winging or tow foiling. The full neoprene PFD provides good flexibility with some side rib protection. You can feel overheated in hot climates wearing this vest, however in colder waters is definitely adds an insulating layer to the core body and takes some wind chill factor off.
Foil Seeker 