On Maui is a shed full of Taka-3 prototypes that we will neither sell nor sail. Influenced by both the scientific method and the intuition gained after 35 years of making wave sails, we tested and tested and re-tested tweaked versions of last year's sail trying to make it better. A bad prototype taught us what not to do. And we followed the ones that felt great until we had a sail worthy enough to carry on the “taka” tradition of being a lightweight, easy-to-depower, 3-batten wave sail. We called it the Taka-3.
The most obvious of the technical changes made to the Taka-3 is the strategically placed scrim luff panel for a softer, more forgiving feel.
“Oh behave, baby!” The Taka-3 does just that in strong wind: no flutter, no movement of draft--just a well behaved, super smooth ride.
But what really sets the Taka-3 apart from any other sail is the awesome low-end. We found ourselves moving around on the 4.5 when other sailors were sinking on 5.3's. Just set the downhaul to the “min 2” with our calibrated downhaul gauge and use the shortest outhaul guide cord to make the Taka-3 ride like a sail one or two sizes bigger. You get the power of a larger sail with the control of a smaller sail. What more could you ask of a wave sail?
Funny you should ask... We did too, and we focused our R&D on finding just the right amount the profile should adjust during wave riding. The Taka-3 luffs when you sheet out, so you can smoothly kill the power in a cutback and push harder on your board. When you drive into your next bottom turn, the Taka comes back to life with power.
We meticulously cut, stick, and sew the Taka-3 in our very own factory. After sewing, we rig, calibrate the downhaul gauge, and thoroughly check every sail before we slip it in the bag.
If you are as serious about wave riding as we are about making wave sails, the Taka-3 is for you.
Cast: Ezzy Sails