After analysing two of the most stable surfskis: the BOOST LV model and the CRUZE model, it is time for Carbonology Sport’s most competitive boat: the FLASH LV.
FLASH LV surfski is designed for competitive or sea experienced athletes, specifically for lighter weight paddlers, in a range that could be between 65 and 85 kilos. If I had to say a characteristic that, in general terms, differentiates this model from other competition boats, is that this boat is very stable while maintaining a high speed.
Once you get on it, you will notice a big difference compared to the PULSE: the good primary stability it has. The new Carbonology Sport is a gentle boat, with a very good sense of control.
Regarding the sea condition, the FLASH LV has an excellent performance in calm seas: it goes very fast for a downwind boat. The speeds I have reached with it are the same with the PULSE, I have had no difference. Something that has also caught my attention is the ease with which you catch the wave of other canoes. I am very used to the PULSE, a more reactive boat, and I have noticed that it is much easier.
But no doubt, its main feature is how easy it is to catch waves in downwind conditions. You have the feeling that it guides you a bit to catch it, as if you were on “rails” when catching the wave.
¿How is PULSE different?
Jason and Hein have built a much gentler boat while still maintaining speed. The FLASH LV is a more multipurpose boat than the PULSE. Despite being 35 cm longer, you do not have the feeling of being on a huge boat. The ease of remount is also a strong advantage of the FLASH LV compared to its predecessor, the PULSE.
In fact, this is something we have seen a lot in Gran Canaria: paddlers who did not dare to switch from ZEST LV or FLASH to PULSE have not hesitated as soon as they tried this surfski.
Chloe Bunnet
One person who has done miles and miles on the FLASH LV is our friend Chloe Bunnet. Choe has paddled all of the Carbonology competition boats: PULSE, FLASH and FLASH LV. For her, there is no doubt, she loves these models because she feels the seating position is very comfortable, it makes her connect and feel in complete control of the ocean. As she says, the stability is what has really made a big difference for her.
It surfs waves like in a dream, the fact that it is a bit longer than the PULSE gives her more control and she can easily link waves. I feel like it surfs waves better and when you get to speed, you can maintain it with less effort .
After testing her FLASH LV in all conditions she feels that when the sea is heavy, it seems to ‘settle’ better and, with that extra stability, you can have a better grip on your paddle, which makes you not waste energy .
Sara Martí
Our favorite trainer has also switched to FLASH LV, because, after her shoulder surgery, she had to control her training load and saw her ability to balance weakened. Now she can’t do more than three weekly sessions and some downwind in doubles.
Thanks to the FLASH LV she has regained her confidence in the waves and is able to develop her paddling technique with comfort.
She agrees with Chloe on the comfort and height that the cockpit provides.
Víctor Rodríguez
In a downwind training last season, Victor decided to try the FLASH LV that the Club Amigos del Piragüismo had bought for his school.
That day, he surprised all his colleagues by taking the lead, being almost unbeatable (here the downwind training are almost competitions😅). Since then he did not want to go back to another model and he bought the two last FLASH LV we had in stock; one to train in Gran Canaria and the other one to compete in the peninsula.
In his case, it brought him determination when surfing, as he says “I notice that I enter the waves easily and can handle it without any hesitation and without abrupt changes of direction. It also allows me to link waves with less effort. .
And why am I still on PULSE?
At this point, and if you know me a bit, you may have wondered about it. The answer is very simple: my legs go numb a lot. Because of my (wrong) technical movement, instead of rotating on my glutes, my tendency is to push backwards a bit. That makes me tend to pull out and lose strength, causing that numbness in my legs.
In summary, the FLASH LV has quickly become an exceptional choice for competitive and experienced paddlers looking for the perfect balance between speed, stability and control in a wide range of sea conditions. The easiness with which it surfs waves, the extra stability that allows you to maintain an effective paddle and the comfort of the cockpit, have made it a versatile model that has gained fans among paddlers who have tried all kinds of models.
Reviews like Chloe’s, Sara’s and Victor’s reflect how this surfski can make the difference.
Do you want to try the FLASH LV? Come to the national surfski competitions with the Gran Canaria team and you will be able to try this model and all the others available.
