The Da Curves are totally new shapes for 2010 and are still available as singles or twin-fins (though not as a three-boxed optional). Tabou believe that both single and twin-fin set-ups work on the same shape. The new boards have a more compact outline and new central rockerlines, which supposedly allow for more speed. Tabou shaper Fabien Vollenweider comments: “We went all out and started completely over for the 2010 Da Curves. We had a lot of fun developing them over the last two years, and we wanted to make sure everything was perfect.” They are available in four sizes from 67L to 85L.
Design: The Da Curve is one of the narrowest boards in this test with a maximum width of 57cm – but it has a quoted volume of 85L, so isn’t the smallest. The board has an average amount of tail rocker at 9mm, and an average length planing flat with the 2cm point at 135.5cm. It has plenty of vee in the tail going into double concaves and then single concave as you move forwards.
On the water: One of the greatest things about the Tabou is that it’s possible to leap on and immediately enjoy sailing it. It gets up and going early, which may be down to the slightly larger fins, but these really don’t hinder its ability to turn. It’s not the most radical board in the line-up, but it’s dependable and easy. It carves a nice arc with all of that vee in the tail, and holds its rail well enough to ensure that you don’t ever have to worry about it. The board is also fast enough to get you some good airtime and therefore r reduces the need for a freestyle-wave to partner it. Our only criticism would be that it becomes a little bit of a handful when fully powered, but it doesn’t take much to change the fins for a smaller size in this situation (by which time it may well be time to move down to your smaller board anyway).
Fittings: It comes with two 17cm G10 Zinger fins, which are the largest of all of the twins on test. They have a nice flex throughout, with more than average flex at the tip. The straps are comfortable and the pads fairly spongy and thick, cushioning the ride well. The deck is actually quite domed, but when riding you don’t notice this because the pads make it feel quite flat.
Overall: It’s a bit of a no-brainer with this one. If you don’t get a huge amount of time on the water and need something that you know you’ll have a good time on, then the Da Curve is for you. It may not be as loose as other boards on the market, but you’ll still feel like a legend because you won’t trip a rail on your bottom turn and you’ll be hitting the lip every time. Instant plug-&-play.
Click here to read the BOARDS 256 Multi-Fin Waveboard test in full…
