Length: 234 cmWidth: 61.0 cmTail Width: 38.6 cmWeight: 6.60 kgVolume: 94 litersThickness: 11.4 cmFin: Drake FreeWave 28 + Plugs (US Box + 2 x Slot Box 10)Sail range: 4.5m² - 6.5m²

Low Down:

The Kode 94 is the second largest in the Kode Freewave range and is tested here in Carbon construction. In addition to the Drake Freewave 28 cm fin supplied, we were issued with the thruster fin package - an MFC TF 19 cm fin, along with a couple of Drake thruster 11 cm side fins.

Performance:

Whilst not the fastest to plane in the group, once on top of the water the Kode Freewave 94 gathers pace quickly and winds up to an impressive top speed. In fact, a very impressive top speed! The Drake 28 cm fin provides plenty of traction to drive against and you find yourself racing against your peers, forgetting that you’re on a supposed crossover board, such is its directional composure.

And it is this combination of control and velocity-induced energy that can’t help but inspire the rider to throw themselves into the next trick, jump or stunt. Because, at speed, everything is more expressive and the fact that the Kode 94 releases from the water effortlessly only helps to encourage the aerial antics. Yes, there are conditions where this can be a downside; in short sharp chop for example, the lighter more nervous rider did find it hard to pin the board down. But that is where the optional fin package comes into play.

It doesn’t transform the board into an all-conquering wave-board, but it does temper the speed and help provide grip and fluidity through the turn. The bite into the arc is dependable and you can push hard through the back foot, confident the board won't stall or trip a rail on the top-turn.

It is a lot of fun around a wave break, particularly on those fluky marginal days when those on specialist wave-boards are struggling to make the most of the knee-high ramps peeling in. It is a fantastically tunable platform that fulfills its ‘jack of all trades’ job-description admirably.

Verdict:

The Starboard Kode Freewave 94 is all about speed, and with it comes the ability to flatter any rider with a more expressive and explosive sailing style. The optional fin package is a must, unlocking yet more potential!