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Our friends at Tabou recently got in touch with us, offering the chance to test their new freestyle-oriented board, the Twister. We could choose between 42, 52, 62, 72, and 82 liters and since the Twister is designed with freestyle in mind, we went for the 42L version for this review. Just a couple of days later, we were unboxing it in our garden and getting it ready for the next session.
Right out of the box, the Twister impresses with its lightweight construction and compact design. The setup process was straightforward – while mounting the footstraps, we noticed the thick, durable screws: a clear sign of the board’s freestyle focus. The straps themselves are comfy, adjustable and feature a clever V-shaped front strap design. Since it’s a single-piece setup, both feet share an identical stance without having to overlap or re-align one side. Within minutes, everything was ready and we were heading to the beach.
At 42L, this board is definitely a sinker board for our weight and the Twister's unique volume distribution was immediately apparent during the first waterstart. With more buoyancy concentrated toward the nose, the board naturally wants to lift to the surface. It took a few tries to get used to, but this design choice proves extremely helpful not only for waterstarts but also during touchdowns and trick landings. Once on the surface, gaining speed and planing felt very efficient, making the entire process of getting up and flying surprisingly straightforward for a sinker. The Twister turns one of the main weaknesses of sinker boards into something that feels natural and surprisingly easy.
Heading upwind in search of steadier wind, we noticed right away that the board feels fast, direct and responsive. The first jibe required a bit of adaptation because of how reactive it is to input, but once dialed in, control and feedback were excellent. In freestyle mode, the Twister feels extremely agile and lively, reacting instantly to movements. But it’s on imperfect landings where it truly shines. Thanks to the extra nose volume, rocker line and parallel outline, even sketchy landings turn into recoverable ones, greatly increasing the success rate of tricks. We also had the chance to catch a few small waves in a later session, and as expected, the board felt playful, nimble and perfect for carving or enjoying smooth downwind glides.
Who is this board for? The Twister (used as a sinker) stands out as one of those boards that manage to minimize the usual drawbacks, especially when it comes to waterstarts – typically the most challenging aspect. If you’re looking for your first sinker board, this is an excellent choice, as take-offs feel easier and more forgiving than expected. At the same time, more experienced riders will appreciate how it allows the use of a slightly smaller wing than usual, enhancing both freestyle control and surf maneuverability during sessions.
Overall, the Twister is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a high-performance, compact shape that effortlessly adapts to any conditions – freestyle, waves or a mix of both. It’s a true Swiss Army knife of a board: fast, playful and versatile, delivering progression, fun and a guaranteed smile after every session.
