5 days in the Wizard… where do I start?
A spontaneous trip to the River Tay in Scotland provided some consistent, awesome flows. Ranging from 3.6 to 5.2 metres, the river offered some incredible waves and play spots.
Two Boats in One
The Wizard is unlike any boat I have paddled before. Where I was initially apprehensive about trying this unique boat, the trip revealed it to be a positive mix of two boats. While the Wizard’s length produces the speed required to catch a wave one could only dream of catching in a modern playboat, the surf remains light, nimble, smooth, and speedy.
Old School or New School?
An old school design with the joys of modern outfitting! I have always enjoyed the old-school, longer-style playboats. However, they typically have a lower knee position and compromise on foot room. This makes it difficult to have longer sessions and distracts from the magical feeling of surfing.
The Wizard, on the other hand, not only comes with Pyranha’s new Elite outfitting, but leaves enough room for river shoes! I have said it many times already, but the novelty of wearing shoes in a boat you can blunt, is the BEST FEELING EVER! I had a full 4-hour session in this boat, and the only noticeable soreness was in my cheeks from all the smiling.
The Steepest and Most Terrifying Wave
Campsie Linn is an incredible wave, and this trip was my first time experiencing it. When in the right place, the wave allows for not only a great front-surf experience but also blunts and aircrews (although the latter I am in the process of dialling). However, a good wave usually comes with a downside, and for Campsie this lies in the ‘Horror Hole’ on surfers’ left. As successfully indicated by the name, the hole is rather intimidating, and the aggressive whirlpools behind it make for an intense surf.
The bow and stern rocker offered by the Wizard certainly gave me a sense of security when dropping in. It provides a confident bow that you can trust not to pearl on steep faces! While it did take me a day (and some persuasion from Joe), I began to lean into the feature and, once I had done so, control came easy.
Loose but Grippy
Once again, this boat does multiple things. You can make use of the rails and drive it to carve. Or, if you would rather slide around in a front surf, you can do so by flattening the edge. This makes linking moves super satisfying! The hull is almost flat but with a curve in the middle. Perfect for a spin and grind without catching too much on its edges.
I am blown away by this boat and cannot wait for others to experience it as well!