Even as the new Wavesport Project was still in its Prototype test phase this spring, one thing was clear: this boat was not built to take the place of the Zero Gravity. The Project was its own, independent project, and, despite the seemingly similar design, the boats' differences were easily noticed during paddling.

Wave:

In reference to its measurements, the Project 52 (at 185cm long) is one of the shortest boats of its kind. Compared to its length, however, the Project is relatively wide (63 cm) and has quite a long water line (the rocker begins quite late). Due to these design qualities, the Project gains above average ratings for speed and looseness, but decreases its proclivity to bounce.

This plus is particularly positive on steep, green waves. The Project surfs, spins and blunts in one place, practically without effort, where other kayaks struggle just to stay on the feature.

And the bigger the wave, the greater the potential!

On the other hand, it does react somewhat stubbornly when you're trying to start a blunt on the last push, deep in the base of the wave.
As noted above, the Project's higher speed did certainly decrease its capacity to bounce. This does not necessarily mean that you'll be getting less air. It simply means a slight change in your paddle-style. You'll need to paddle more on edge to get the boat to release from the water; and you'll need to start moves earlier in order to take full advantage of the boat's potential for increased top-speed and minimal length.

The Project is certainly most at home on a wave. Once in the air, moves like the Air Blunt or Pan Am can be thrown easily; and the boat is practically thrown into the air by an explosive pop (caused by the speed and the wide hull) when its throwning moves such as the Flip Turn or Helix.

Hole:

The Project shows its true talents when playing in a hole. Loops, be they forwards or backwards, go almost without effort. Due to the added concentration of volume in front of the cockpit, the boat practically jumps out of the feature.

The fact that a good loop boat isn't necessarily a good cartwheeler is no surprise. The Project also has a tendency to wheel slightly less than roundly in smaller holes, but this can be compensated for somewhat with cental seat positioning.

Due to its very slight rocker, the Project (as opposed to other butt-bouncers) allows cartwheels to be set up very precisely.

It may not be as stabile on edge as less wide freestyle kayaks, but the boat's short length helps make up for this and makes the boat second to none when it comes to moves such as the Splitwheel or the Tricky Woo.

Flatwater:

For those that like to spend their winters in the pool, the Project is a great boat for moves like the Zero-to-Hero, the Party Trick, or plain old flat water cartwheels. Even without a current, the ends slice effortlessly into the water. Due once again to the boat's short length and volume dispertion, flatwater loops also benefit from the resulting added pop in your bounce. On the other hand, you will have to get used to a bit of added instability when it comes to bow stalls.

Inner Fittings:

The Project doesn't just impress with its performance at play spots. As usual, Wavesport has made sure that the Project comes with highly comfortable and easily adjutable inner fittings. Hip pads with zipper pouches make adjustment child's play, and there's plenty of foam available to fit the foot pads. And both the extended thigh braces and the seat are easily adjusted with the boat's included screwdriver. The version tested is the middle of the three available sizes, and is built for paddlers weighing between about 70 and 80 kg.

Summary:

Head designer Robert Peerson has once again put a great effort into his work on the Project. Although the boat is specially made for the new generation of freestyle moves, beginner playboaters need not fear giving it a try. Hardly any other boat offers such balanced qualities for both waves or holes while at the same time being so forgiving.

More pictures can be seen in the gallerie section or on Doubleyouess.com. Not to forget additional video clips showing the Project on Garberator, Ottawa River.

Test Spots: Kuchler Schwall, Austria; Eisbach, Kraftwerk, and Floßgasse features in Munich, Germany
Report: Simon Strohmeier

Translation by Ian Brown - thanks a lot.