100% surfing in Indonesia: real-world board testing
“At Newave, we’ve been working like crazy for three years… this summer, we finally have the final version of our boards. But they had never really been tested for several weeks straight by a very good surfer to get precise feedback on the shapes and the feel of the ride. And that’s really the goal of this video.” Ewen Mahevas
The answer was built far from France , in Indonesia , during 15 days of intensive surfing with Jao Errera . Discover his story now, as it unfolds over the course of the sessions. Enjoy your reading!
1. Who is Jao Errera?
"Hi everyone, my name is Jao, I'm 25 years old, I was born in Casablanca, Morocco and grew up in the Landes region of France. I love surfing."
Jao is not here to do promotion.
He is there to surf, observe, compare, and feel the Newave modular boards.
Contacted by the Newave team , he agreed to go and test our full range of boards , without filter .
"I was contacted by Ewen and Adrien to come and try out their new range of boards in Indonesia. That's it."
2. Two weeks, seven boards, in all conditions
During the surf trip, Jao surfs seven different boards , from the 5'10 until 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 just a simple board test.
It's a complete immersion : long sessions, fatigue, mushy waves, fast waves, reef, beach break .
"I really enjoyed the entire surf trip."
Discover the sessions 100% surf by Jao Errera in Indonesia in our NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO AVAILABLE . The Drifter is a raw and immersive surf short film, shaped by movement, chance, and the salt of the waves, where every board is pushed to its limits.
3. 6'6 and 6'7: total versatility and paddling comfort
The numbers 6'6 and 6'7 come up frequently in Jao's story.
These are boards he has surfed in almost all conditions .
"I surfed a small 6'6 and a 6'7 which were really fun in different conditions, whether the waves were big or small."
He particularly enjoys the 6'7 long fish :
- the oar
- the ease of picking up speed
"She was very comfortable rowing, she wasn't pushing water, and I picked up speed quite quickly."
He also tests different shape combinations .
"I kept the same tail and put on the nose of the 6'6, a little more pointed, a little lighter, which gives me more maneuverability. There, I was able to hit a few turns and get three bars in."
4. 5'10: Rebound, volume up front and immediate fun
The 5'10 lazy fish surprises Jao with its balance between compactness and responsiveness .
"I tried a 5'10" board in twin fin setup, 2+1 setup, and even thruster setup. Not too bad, because I had volume in the front, a bit of width in the tail, so I could push hard, there was good acceleration."
This is not an elitist board, reserved for the most skilled surfers.
It remains accessible, playful , and allows you to have fun even when conditions are not perfect .
"I managed to catch some other pretty nice waves and enjoy myself a bit."
5. 6'6 on a quad: Jao's favorite board
At one point during the surf trip, Everything is falling into place : a slightly hollow right, the right setup , the right timing .
"I tried the 6'6 for the first time with a small swallowtail in a quad fin setup, and I think it was my favorite board, with the right fin setup."
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 some tail flips without being held back by the rear fin."
And what about the 7'6 then?
"And so, yeah, super fun. I really enjoyed this little drag. I loved this Mini-Mal'. Plus, the idea of warming up in the morning on this wave. On the dock, picking up speed, always the 7'6 Mini Malibu , hop, I settle in, small barrel, still picking up speed, and then I get boxed in. »
6. Immediate reactions: jao's analysis of his sessions
The second part of the video shows Jao reacting to his own images .
Each wave becomes a specific memory .
"This is a small left-hand wave, nice setup... I think I'm on a 5'10" thruster. It was cool, there was a bit of power, the spot was really nice."
He speaks without a filter , with humor , sometimes frustration , often enthusiasm .
"I tried two or three acid drops, I didn't succeed, I'm a bit bummed."
On another wave:
"Honestly, nothing to say about this right-hand wave. The setup was magnificent, the island was beautiful, the water crystal clear, the board perfect."
You are wondering Which Newave board is right for you? Check out our YouTube video, where Jao tests the entire range for two weeks and shares his honest opinion: sensations, strengths of each model and his favorite board.
6. Longboarding: fun and self-deprecation
Even on the longboard , Jao remains lucid .
"I'm not a longboarder, guys, I'm just trying to copy you. You guys do some really cool stuff, I just tried to do my best."
But the pleasure is definitely there .
"Super fun, I loved this little drag performance."
Final verdict: a board head and shoulders above the rest
At the end of the surf trip, The question arises naturally .
What is Jao Errera's favorite Newave board?
"It's the 6'6 all round fish " On a quad bike , and in a swallowtail."
Why does she stand out?
"I was surprised by its responsiveness. It works well in big waves, when the surf is strong, but also in everyday waves. And in the end, I realized I just needed to surf it a little further back. And I loved it."
Honest feedback and avenues for improvement
Jao gives us his opinion.
"Perhaps we should reduce the width and thickness a bit, make the boards a little lighter... but at the same time they are so strong. We surfed some really heavy waves and only one board broke during the trip."
Key takeaway: The best of Newave surfing, tested in real-world conditions
This surf trip in Indonesia is not a shop window .
It's a field test , long , demanding , sincere .
"At least it's taboo-free. That's really what I thought about all the boards I tried."
Find the full story and surfing sessions of Jao on YouTube in our videos :
- The Drifter NEWAVE SURF FILM
- Which Newave board is right for you? (Full review)
And now, the rest is up to you. Send us your photos and feedback.
To go further and choose your board With complete confidence , discover all our models on newavesurf.com or explore our tips on the Newave blog .
Come and try a board for free!
Leave us your contact details and we'll arrange a personalized trial. You'll discover the simplicity of the assembly, the exceptional rigidity, the different possible configurations… and above all, the freedom to surf wherever you want, whenever you want. See you soon!
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85180 Les Sables-d'Olonne
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📞 07.82.86.43.84
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