The Wave Cults are marketed as RRD’s range to suit the broadest variety of wave conditions. They’re also said to excel in choppy water and onshore conditions, with more potential for jumps thanks to their early planing characteristics. This 75 is the smallest board in a range comprising four sizes up to a volume of 90L. RRD reckon that the wider outlines, tails and noses make for easier all-round sailing.
Design: The Wave Cult has a maximum width of 55cm – fairly standard for a board with a quoted volume of 75L. It has an average amount of tail rocker at 8mm, a relatively long planing flat with the 2cm point at 145.4cm, and features vee throughout.
On the water: The RRD was quick to accelerate, great for getting up and going and in a good position to hit that first ramp. This trait would make it great for those onshore days when you need to get planing quickly to enjoy any airtime. It was also smooth and fast through chop, making it an excellent choice for bump-&-jump style sailing in strong winds. And it went upwind fairly well, which helped a lot when sailing to different breaks. Although not as loose and slashy as some boards, the Wave Cult had heaps of grip for ultimate confidence in the bottom turn. Despite lacking snappy turning characteristics, it was still fun off the top. Get your timing right and it’s as satisfying as any other board on the market.
Fittings: The board was supplied with a 22cm MFC fin, which had nice flex. The deckpads appeared thin compared to previous seasons’ RRDs but still featured well-cushioned heel areas. And as per all RRDs, the straps were very comfortable.
Overall: As a fairly standard sized 75L waveboard the RRD was liked by all for blasting, jumping and a bit of riding. Lighter weight sailors could happily put a 5.3m sail on it, and heavier sailors still had enough float to return to shore if the wind died. The Wave Cult isn’t as loose and lively as some, but gets planing early and is more than capable of hitting lips both frontside and back. A great out-of-the-wrapper package that will appeal to many.
Click here to read the BOARDS 257 Single-Fin Waveboard test in full…
