Speed Testing

Ever wondered what it looks like when the pro’s go testing new prototypes? Well, now you can with lots of coverage of Andy Laufer (JP / NeilPryde) testing with 25-time PWA World Champion - Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde). 

Andy Laufer: “La Palme Occitanie: 3 days of perfect Tramontana with winds between 20 and 45 knots. Perfect conditions to test the new speed sails in 5.8m. The beach along Le Rouet was not perfect so we decided to test those speed machines on our JP Slalom Pro 55 and 29 cm fins. 

The white/yellow sail is the latest proto from the Neil Pryde Development Centre/Maui. Robert Stroj designed a perfect new speed sail with lots of changes. Can't tell the details right now but the sail has got more power, better acceleration, more stability, better speeds in those “wind holes" and most important for speed - more top speed!

Going in a straight line we have reached speeds between 41 and 42 knots, in slingshots up to almost 44 knots (81 kmh). Good numbers as the beach was not perfect.

Another big step forward, I hope he can transfer this progress to the other sizes. We had lots of fun out there, always an honour for me to test with the 25x World Champion Antoine Albeau. His "Groundspeed" is incredible, especially when it gets gnarly and choppy. Always reminds me, why he got all of those titles :) 

At the end, I had a beautiful spinout ending up in a big crash. Think I landed about 30 meters from my equipment. Was still hooked in but fortunately those harness lines cracked immediately. Didn't hurt, just hit the water.

Special appearance: Sam Esteve - If you see this guy freestyling in real life, you won’t even believe that those things are possible!!

All shots taken by GoPro Hero9black”

You can see Laufer and Albeau testing @ youtu.be/nA7TBXECWKM