The 2012 Naish Glide Board Review and Highlights
I’ve been meaning to write this review for some time, but simply have been too busy catching glide after glide and bump after bump down the famous Maui Maliko downwinder stretch of ocean on Maui. Not too bad for a testing playground!
This 2012 Naish Glide handles well in calm conditions, side chop, and head winds and completely incredible in wind gusts up to 50mph with 8-10 foot wind swells. I also noticed that if I happen to start to nose dive on a big swell, it easily punches through and recovers without slowing me down or throwing me from one side or the other.
I must add, “wow” what an innovative design change from a year prior! I recognize one board cannot accommodate all conditions around the world, but Naish nailed it this year with the new lines and new attitude. Pros and weekend warriors are grabbing this board for their quiver and like myself, I am truly impressed. The comfortable “ledge” carrying handle sure makes a difference for someone like me with smaller hands and after a long run, it’s easier to carry.
Specs: 14’0” 27” ¼ wide & 5 ¾ Construction Options: Carbon construction with wood reinforcement in the stance area and a more durable option called AST, a glass construction also with wood reinforcement in the stance area.
Glide Highlights and Performance Review:
- The Glide 14 is a new shape and the second generation 14 suitable for open ocean conditions.
- This new version has less nose rocker, which makes the board better in lighter air and flat-water conditions. It gives it a longer water line and allows catching glides with less effort.
- It now also has softer rails further back. This makes it more forgiving and easier to steer in rough water.
- The slightly sunk in deck ads stability and the thinned out tail section gives the rider better control when on a glide.
- In general the Glide 14 in our opinion is the best compromise between a top performing but user-friendly board. With all the changes that we made since its first version it improved speed but got easier to ride at the same time.
- Available in both carbon construction for ultimate performance and lightweight, and AST construction for a better price point.
I’m totally stoked about this board and also noticed how it releases if I want to zig zag and catch bumps faster. It can also hold a very steep drop and doesn’t mind me getting way back literally on top of the fin if I need to. The deck is comfortable with a diamond pattern texture.
This board is sexy for sure in so many ways. Technically speaking and in performance, it’s very responsive and will really help you push your limits.
Be sure to check one out in your town or if on Maui, stop by and see Coach at the Naish Maui Pro Center.
Thanks for stopping by. See you on the water!
Aloha,
Suzie Cooney, CPT Owner of Suzie Trains Maui Naish Team SUP Rider
Check out my training tips for stand up paddling, surfing, windsurfing and more:
http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com and http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com
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