Ask the Pro's

Just after the launch of the 2010 Angulo Magnum models, we had the opportunity to ask Kurosh Kiani the new team rider for Angulo (and Simmer), about his experience of the new Angulo Magnums. He didn't had the chance yet to use the boards during a slalom event but did test the new Magnum 82 and 72 in Cabo Verde where the Angulo HQ is located.

Like last years Magnums, the boards have been designed with the typical reduced nose area shape.

LOCALSAILING: Kurosh, can you tell something about your specific findings and tune and trim tips of these new Magnums?

KUROSH: In general, one of the first things you notice when stepping up on the boards is the lightness. You really feel that they have cut away some of the weight. Combined with the chunky tail of the board it gives you very fast planning and acceleration out of the jibes. I could imagine this would be great in a heat where you have lots of other guys around you.

 The riding of the Angulo Magnums is generally a smooth feeling, which makes it easy for you to stay in control. This also means that you can ride a powerful style as the boards are generally low riding.

What you also feel is the reduced nose area(RNA) which actually surprises you when you accidentally do that occasional sailing into a chop or a funny wave, and what it does is actually release easier than my previous boards when this happens.

Another thing is reduced tail area, and actually this is what makes the board ride smooth, and it especially helped me in the jibing feeling. To cut it short, you don’t have to work so hard to make this board turn, and it makes doing tight turns much easier.

I tested the Magnum 82 and 72, and the conditions were kind of like Fuerteventura with flat water on the inside and very choppy and swells outside. For the 82 I started off with the production Angulo fin(48) which felt very good and I tried fins all the way down to a G10 46, which also seemed to work for me. On this board I was very impressed. The stability and smooth ride was amazing.

On the 72 I also started out with the production fin(42) all the way down to a G10 38 which is the absolute lower limit of what I would use.

One more thing to put a remark on, is the great upwind abilities on these boards.

So what would I recommend? Well these boards are the kind of boards that you can ride with the track further back and push all you want on the fin without getting out of control. I started on both boards with the mast track in the middle and the same with the foot straps.

LOCALSAILING: How does your race agenda looks like this year?

KUROSH: For this year I will be doing the PWA tour, and potentially some other events including national events in Denmark and Sweden.

LOCALSAILING:  Thanks Kurosh, to share your experience with us. We wish you all the best with the upcoming PWA events, and speak to you soon.

In the "New stuff" part you can find the specs and more info about the Angulo magnums.