Length: 230 cmWidth: 60.5 cmTail Width: 38.1 cmThickness: 12.2 cmWeight: 6.80 kgSail range: 4.0m² - 6.0m²Fin: 2 x MB Twinzer 17 (US Box + 2 x Slot Box 13)Available Sizes: 67, 72, 77, 82, 87 and 92 liters

On Land:

The Kode Wave is the signature board of Philip Köster and can be used with a twin fin or single fin setup. A plug for the US Box is provided for the best twin fin performance.

The Kode 87 is the second largest board in a 6-board range. The range has been expanded in 2014, with the arrival of a high-wind board of 67 liters and a light-wind board with 92 liters. In 2014, the board was made a bit shorter to reduce swing weight and allow tighter turns. The bottom shape features a mono concave which merges into a double concave forward.

The board comes with Starboard's standard dual-layered footpads and offers three rows of footstrap inserts in the front and two insert options in the back. The Kode Wave is delivered with a set of MB Twinzers 17 cm G-10 fins.

Performance:

Everyone knows that in order to land planing forward loops like Philip Köster does at Pozo, you need a specific board characteristic: acceleration and speed. And that's exactly what the board does, and does it like no other waveboard. In the medium wind range, the Kode Wave is in a league of its own. It's easy to control in gusty conditions too but requires a bit more technique and concentration to control in over-powered conditions.

The turn radius aren't as variable as its brother the NuEvo for example, but most windsurfers will not be affected by this, especially if their focus is on jumping. However, compared to the most agile boards in this test, the Starboard needs to be pushed with a bit more power to produce tight turns. If you are going for the trendy new-school moves, the Koster Kode is a lot of fun: the fins can be pushed to release easily, and the taka comes naturally. Even backside 360s or aerials are easier thanks to the excellent speed and acceleration.

Despite the incredible speed, the Kode don't feel out of control in choppy conditions and the shape provides confidence to boost high jumps. In the airs, the Kode Wave feels surprisingly small and compact, which will have you feel a bit like 2 x PWA Wave World Champion Köster.

Verdict:

The Kode Wave is the classic Euro waveboard with excellent planing performance and no real weak points.

It doesn't matter whether you are practicing double forwards or need to get over a mast-high white water wall in Denmark, the board suits riders from all level in those wave conditions. The shape also accommodates current new-school riding in difficult side-on shore conditions.