100% surf in Indo: full-scale board testing
"At Newave, we've been working like crazy for three years... this summer, we finally have the definitive version of our boards. But they had never been really tested for several weeks in a row by a very good surfer to get precise feedback on the shapes and glide sensations. And that's really the objective of this video."Ewen Mahevas
The answer was built far from France, in Indonesia, for 15 days of intensive surfing with Jao Errera. Discover his story throughout the sessions now. Happy reading!
1. Who is Jao Errera?
"Hi everyone, my name is Jao, I'm 25, I was born in Casablanca, Morocco and grew up in Les Landes. I love surfing."
Jao is not here for promotion.
He's here to surf, observe, compare, and feel the modular Newave boards.
Contacted by the Newave team, he agreed to go and test our full range of boards, without filters.
"I was contacted by Ewen and Adrien to come and try their new range of boards in Indonesia. That's it."
2. Two weeks, seven boards, in all conditions
During the surf trip, Jao surfed seven different boards, from the 5’10 to the 9’0 longboard, in absolutely all possible conditions.
"I tested the range over two weeks, seven boards in total, from 5'10 to 9 feet, in all conditions: small waves, hollow waves, short breaks, big breaks... and with different fin setups: twin, 2+1, thruster, quad."
This is not a simple board test.
It's a complete immersion: long sessions, fatigue, mellow waves, fast waves, reef, beach break.
"I really enjoyed the whole surf trip."
Discover Jao Errera's 100% surf sessions in Indonesia in our NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO AVAILABLE. The Drifter is a raw, immersive surf short film, shaped by movement, chance and the salt of the waves, where each board is pushed to its limits.
3. 6’6 and 6’7: total versatility and comfortable paddling
The 6’6 and 6’7 often come up in Jao's story.
These are boards he surfed in almost all conditions.
"I surfed a small 6'6 and a 6'7 that were super nice in different conditions, regardless of whether the waves were big or small."
On the 6’7 long fish, he particularly appreciates:
- the paddle
- the ease of gaining speed
"It was very comfortable to paddle, it wasn't pushing water, I was gaining speed quite quickly."
He also tests different shape combinations.
"I kept the same tail and put the nose of the 6'6, a bit more pointed, a bit lighter, which gives me more maneuverability. There, I was able to hit some turns and get into a few barrels."
4. 5’10: boost, volume at the nose and instant fun
The 5’10 lazy fish surprised Jao with its balance between compactness and drive.
"I tried a 5'10 as a twin, 2+1, and even a thruster. Not too bad, because I had volume at the nose, a bit of width at the tail, so I could push it, there was good drive."
It’s not an elitist board, reserved for the most skilled surfers.
It remains accessible, playful, and allows you to have fun even when conditions aren't perfect.
"I managed to catch some other nice waves and have some fun with it."
5. 6’6 quad: Jao's favorite board
At one point during the surf trip, everything aligned: a slightly hollow right, the right setup, the right timing.
"I tried the 6'6 with a small swallow in a quad setup for the first time, and I think that's the board I liked the most, with the right fin set."
Why this choice?
"It gave me speed easily, I could turn well, it gripped the rail well, while remaining maneuverable. It was a good mix between a thruster and a twin."
In the fast waves of Indonesia, the quad clearly makes a difference.
"The waves were fast, I needed speed. And even in smaller waves, I really liked the quad because I could do turns off the tail, without being slowed down by the rear fin."
What about the 7'6?
"And so, yeah, super fun. I really liked that little drag. I loved this Mini-Mal'. Plus, getting warmed up in the morning with this wave. In the pocket, gaining speed, always the 7'6 Mini Malibu, hop, I settle in, a small barrel, gaining speed again, and then I get enclosed." »
6. Immediate reactions: Jao's analysis of his sessions
The second part of the video shows Jao reacting to his own footage.
Each wave becomes a precise memory.
"There, it's a small left, nice setup... I think I'm on a 5'10 thruster. It was cool, it was pushing a bit, the spot was really nice."
He speaks unfiltered, with humor, sometimes frustration, often enthusiasm.
"I tried two or three acid drops, I didn't succeed, I'm a bit annoyed."
On another wave:
"Honestly, nothing to say about this right. The setup was magnificent, the island super beautiful, the water crystal clear, the board perfect."
Are you wondering which Newave board is for you? Watch our YouTube video, where Jao tests the entire range for two weeks and shares his honest feelings: sensations, strengths of each model and his favorite board.
6. Longboard: fun and self-deprecation
Even on the longboard, Jao remains lucid.
"I'm not a longboarder guys, I'm trying to copy you. You do some super nice stuff, I tried my best."
But the fun is definitely there.
"Super fun, I loved this little drag."
Final verdict: one board stands out
At the end of the surf trip, the question naturally arises.
What is Jao Errera's favorite Newave board?
"It's the 6'6 all-round fish in quad , and in swallow."
Why does it stand out?
"I was surprised by its responsiveness. It works when there's size, when it's pushing, but also in everyday waves. And in the end, I realized I just needed to surf it a little more from the back. And I loved it."
Honest feedback and potential developments
Jao gives us his opinion.
"Maybe we should reduce the width a bit, the thickness, make the boards a bit lighter... but at the same time they are so solid. We surfed some super heavy waves and only one board broke during the trip."
To remember: The best of Newave surfing, validated in real conditions
This surf trip in Indonesia is not a showcase.
It's a field test, long, demanding, sincere.
"At least it's without taboo. It's really what I thought about all the boards I tried."
Find the full story and Jao's surf sessions on YouTube in our videos :
- The drifter NEWAVE SURF FILM
- Which Newave board is made for you? (Full test)
And now, the rest is up to you. Send us your photos, your feedback.
To go further and choose your board with confidence, discover all our models on newavesurf.com or explore our advice on the Newave blog.
Come and test a board for free!
Leave us your contact details and we will organize a personalized trial. You will discover the simplicity of assembly, the exceptional rigidity, the different possible configurations... and above all, the freedom to surf wherever you want, whenever you want. See you soon!
Find us:
📍1 Rue Amédée Gordini
85180 Les Sables-d'Olonne
Or contact us:
📞 07.82.86.43.84
✒️ contact@newavesurf.fr