Windsurf – August 2019

WINDSURF MAGAZINE 85

GA PURE FREE WS 10'7"

WEB WWW.GA-WINDSURFING.COM PRICE £969

THEY SAY

Our stand up paddling and windsurf-

ing hybrid, the Pure Free Windsurf, is

perfectly suited for relaxed SUP ses-

sions, but also windsurfing in lighter

winds and when just taking your first

steps with a sail in your hands.

WE SAY

GA have revised their iSUP range for 2019, with

two clear choices between the detailed Pure range

and the more price-pointed IQ series, including a

Wave, Free and Touring series. The Pure Free WS

lineup consists of three boards, this 10’7” being

the middle option, and each capable of being used

for windsurfing as well as SUP’ing. The two larg-

er sizes are 6” in thickness, which, combined with

the brand’s Fusion technology and new stringer

construction on the rails, is said to provide im-

pressive stiffness, even at low pressures. It comes

supplied with two plastic fins, fitting into the 10”

US boxes and fixed into place using hand-tight-

ened screws. The central fin is placed well behind

the mast foot position to provide more direction-

al stability, whereas the tail of the Free WS ta-

pers considerably to its rounded tail, making it

narrower than all the other inflatable boards here.

There is also some PVC piping fixed to the tail,

providing a hard release edge for quick water re-

lease – a feature we’ll refer back to later. Complete

with a towing eyelet and storage net on the nose,

the GA looks much brighter and eye-catching in

its new graphics, retaining the single carry handle

in the middle of the board and a linear grooved

deck pad, covering the majority of the deck.

Being 6” thick, the GA is certainly buoyant and

corky in nature, providing plenty of glide and

ease when paddled. Stand forward in the pad-

dling position and it tracks very well directionally,

the board sitting high on the water’s surface and

requiring little input from the rider to squeeze

forward. Its stiffness (even at lower than the rec-

ommended 15 psi pressure) is excellent, and com-

bined with the PVC edging, undoubtedly plays a

part in its efficiency. On long voyages the grooved

EVA provides plenty of traction, its linear pat-

tern liked by many, as it seemed to mitigate the

chance of pins and needles in the feet, which was

experienced when using others. Step back during

manoeuvres and the tail of the GA is certainly

narrower, feeling less stable than others here, yet

making it more responsive and pivotal as a result.

Ideal for all-round use in varied sea states, it will

suit most rider weights, its material quality and

construction capable of handling years of service.

Plugging a knuckle joint UJ into the GA, it was

equally comfortable and efficient in windsurfing

mode. The issue experienced on 6” thick boards

in the past was that they were easily influenced by

a strengthening wind, inducing sideways slip. Yet,

whilst the GA is 6” thick, the rearward central fin

and the PVC rail in the tail are ready to counter-

act, so rather than slipping sideways, the power

of the sail translates to forward motion instead.

With enough power delivered, the Free WS will

plane willingly, allowing the rider to play with

their stance and position

to keep the board released.

The narrower tail is also

useful when manoeuvring

as a windsurfer, stepping

back and sinking easily for

a more dynamic redirect.

Ideal for teaching younger

family members and pos-

sessing a wider wind range

than many, the GA is a great

all-round design, with an

outline and design features

that set it apart.

VITAL STATS

Volume (Quoted): 10’7”

Width: 33” Weight

(‘Naked’, Brand

Quoted): N/A

Thickness: 6”

Fittings: 2 x PE 19.5 cm /

2 x US Box 10”

Sizes Available: 10’4”,

10’7”,10’9”