North Nova

We got our hands on the latest North Nova for a week of testing. The Nova is available in 3.5, 4.2, 4.8, 5.4, 6.2 and a massive 7.0 m size. Given the forecasted conditions and the luxury of choosing, we opted for the 4.2, which proved to be the right call and kept us comfortably covered for almost the entire week.

One of the key differences compared to its Pro sibling is the fixed boom. As a result, the Nova comes with a longer bag designed to accommodate it. The material choices are particularly interesting, not because North has gone for the latest high-tech fabrics, but quite the opposite. The Nova uses traditional Dacron for both the leading edge and strut, paired with a high-quality 3×3 yarn canopy material and an impressively robust 6×6 fabric in the trailing edge. The wing features independent inflation valves that are also connected via a hose and clip, allowing riders to play with different pressures between the strut and leading edge. Overall, the Nova looks purpose-built for longevity and heavy use. Every detail appears carefully considered, giving the impression that nothing has been added without a reason.

One of the Nova’s most distinctive features is its compact shape and short wingspan. It immediately feels smaller in your hands and this was something we appreciated from the very first waterstart. We were riding a sinker board in light winds, yet getting up and going was surprisingly easy. Pumping required very little effort, as the wingtips rarely touched the water, and the combination of excellent low-end power and compact dimensions made the whole process feel intuitive and accessible. The short span and rounded wingtips also unlock another major highlight: massive upwind performance. The wing is exceptionally easy to position low and forward to lock in the best possible tacking angle. Furthermore, on the rare occasions a wingtip did catch the water, it skipped right off the surface instead of sticking and dragging.

If you've been following our reviews, you'll know that windows are not something we usually talk about. More often than not, they offer limited visibility and feel like little more than a marketing feature. The Nova, however, genuinely surprised us. During our first few runs, one thing stood out immediately: we could actually see what was in front of us. The window placement and visibility are among the best we've experienced, making it much easier to keep track of other riders and your surroundings. The fixed boom is comfortable in hand and features helpful reference marks for optimal hand placement to maximize different power levels. Up to this point, everything we've described points to a wing that is highly accessible and beginner-friendly. But what happens when you start pushing it harder and asking for more performance?

Transitions are remarkably easy with the Nova. The wing feels sleek and compact in the air, never giving the impression of excessive drag. Power delivery is direct and immediate, making acceleration out of transitions or after a wave almost instantaneous. For riders interested in freestyle, the Nova is more than capable. It delivers solid lift and predictable, controllable hangtime, inspiring confidence when trying new moves. While it can feel slightly slower through rotations and more technical tricks compared to some dedicated freestyle wings, we suspect that spending more time on it would have significantly improved our consistency and landing rate. We also managed to score a few waves during the test and the Nova behaved exactly as you would hope when flagged out. It remained stable and neutral, allowing us to focus on the wave without the wing becoming a distraction. One aspect we particularly appreciated was how well it stayed out of the way when riding fully downwind, maintaining a balanced and unobtrusive feel throughout the ride.

The final point worth discussing is the Nova's range. As already mentioned, the low end is excellent, making it easy to get up and foiling in marginal conditions. Through the mid-range, the wing truly finds its sweet spot, offering a comfortable and efficient ride for cruising and freeriding. As the wind increases, the Nova takes on a more lively and responsive character, revealing a sportier side that freestyle riders will appreciate.

Perhaps most impressively, despite being built with more traditional materials, we experienced virtually no noticeable flex or canopy flutter at the top end of its range. This is likely helped by the lightweight anti-deflection UD carbon tapes running along the leading edge, which contribute to maintaining the wing's shape and responsiveness even when heavily powered.

So, who will get the most out of the North Nova 2026? The answer is simple: beginners and intermediate freeriders. Beginners will appreciate its excellent wind range, especially its impressive low-end power, combined with a compact shape and incredibly easy handling. The wing is intuitive to position, goes upwind effortlessly and inspires confidence from the very first sessions. Add to that a robust construction designed to withstand both the test of time and the inevitable mistakes that come with learning and you have a wing that is exceptionally beginner-friendly.

Intermediate riders and freeriders, meanwhile, will be drawn to the Nova’s versatility. Its balanced, all-round character makes it easy to adapt to changing conditions and explore different disciplines, whether that means practicing freestyle tricks, riding waves, cruising long distances or even heading out on a downwind run. The Nova never feels limited to a single style of riding, which is one of its greatest strengths.

What did we like most about it? The Nova serves as a perfect example of how capable, performance-oriented and versatile a wing can be using traditional materials thanks to a thoughtful design and smart engineering.