Inbound: NORTH NOVA PRO 

North looked to strike the ideal balance between all round versatility and high-end performance with the new Nova Pro for 2026. Have they managed it? Well, we’re hoping to get it tested and get you the results soon… we do love a Nova. In the meantime, we had a chat with the North team to get the full flex on the new Pro model…

We read “Performance, meet simplicity.” Tell us what that means on the water!

It means you get performance you can feel straight away, without the wing feeling demanding or overly technical. The Nova Pro is built to stay intuitive in your hands, so you can cruise, carve, and progress with confidence. The aim is a wing that feels direct and connected, while still being forgiving and comfortable when conditions change or when you are trying something new.

Right, in one sentence: what is the Nova Pro 2026?

Here you have it: The Nova Pro is a high-performance all-round wing that blends powerful drive, surf ready handling, and effortless control across any wind range.

Lovely. And who would you recommend the Nova Pro to specifically?

It is for riders who want one wing that can cover a lot of sessions and a lot of styles. If your week includes freeride speed, wave carving, and the occasional boost or new trick attempt, the Nova Pro is designed to keep up. It supports progression with a feel that stays composed, not nervous, when you start pushing harder.

So what is the headline of the redesign for 2026?

We focused on how the wing delivers power, how it holds its shape, and how easily it moves through key moments like starts and transitions. The result is a more reactive structure with improved stability and response, paired with refinements that increase lift and efficiency without losing maneuverability.

Let’s talk airframe. What does Hybrid N-Weave45 change?

The Hybrid N-Weave45 leading edge gives the airframe the stiffness needed for efficient power delivery and big boosts, while retaining enough flex through the tips to keep the wing forgiving and comfortable to ride. That balance is what helps it feel tuned in when you load it up, but still easy and friendly when you are cruising or carving.

And what difference does Carbon UDi make when you are all powered up?

The anti-deflection Carbon UDi tapes run along the inside of the leading edge to add lightweight support. The wing holds its shape better and snaps back faster, which improves response and overall stability. On the water, that translates to a cleaner, more connected feel when you are powered, pumping, or changing direction through a manoeuvre.

And if it’s properly nuking out there, what keeps it calm in and controlled?

For surf and downwind, the wing uses stable geometry with uniquely shaped dihedral for neutral, balanced trailering. When the wind picks up, tapered Active Twist wingtips add extra top-end control, avoiding the tups to hit the water and allowing the wing to stay composed.

Finally, any comfort or usability details worth calling out?

Yes, an ergonomic contoured strut helps reduce fatigue, plus the ShiftLock Modular Track System lets you run handles or a boom (sold separately) to match your preferred feel as you can completely customize the experience to your personal preference.