I have recently turned back on Tabou Da Curve 88, in the 2025 model. It was again love at first sight. In my recent trips to Chile, Spain and France, I had the chance to deeply test the board, and I report about it in this review.
Windsurfing, board test: Tabou Da Curve 88 2025
Fabien Vollenwieder (Tabou's shaper) never designs run-of-the-mill boards. His boards always possess a distinctive character that sets them apart from many other models on the market. The 2025 Da Curve is no exception. For years, I have appreciated this board model designed for waveriding (see the review of the 2020 Tabou Da Curve published here on Waterwind); it adapts well to both ocean conditions and the ones found in the Mediterranean spots. Before diving into the details of my impressions based on using the board in various conditions, let’s look at the model's technical specifications and a summary of the features highlighted by Tabou.
Sizes
69 | 76 | 82 | 88 | 96 | 106
1 – THOMAS TRAVERSA PRO MODEL
Inspired by legendary wave sailor Thomas Traversa, this board is ready to tackle any wave in the world with extra style and finesse.
2 – AGILITY OUTLINE
The Da Curve features a round pintail outline, a more parallel center and a tapered rear section, which enhances the board’s agility and responsiveness.
3 – SINGLE CONCAVE HULL
A single concave hull with redesigned continuous curve scoop and no flat translates into a smoother and more dynamic ride.
4 – COMFORT AND GRIP
The Da Curve features comfortable and grippy double density EVA pads as well as premium foot straps to stay in control in the most critical sections of the wave and when landing huge jumps.
5 – CARVING RAILS
Rather thin rails in the tail section make initiating turns and adjusting the radius super easy and controlled.
6 – PREMIUM FIN SETUP
The combination of the versatile shape and the K4 Thruster fin setup helps utilize the Da Curve’s full performance potential.
7 – ADAPTABLE FIN SETUP
The Da Curve now features five fin boxes, enabling all fin setups imaginable.
TECH SPECS
SIZE | LENGTH (cm) | WIDTH (cm) | VOL (Ltr.) | WEIGHT (kg) | FIN BOX | FINS | QUAD ALTERNATIVE | SAILS RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 221cm | 53.5 cm | 69 Ltr | 6.2 | 5x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 10cm 1x K4 Scorcher 15cm | 2x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 8/9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 14cm 2x K4 Leon Back 14cm (for snappy) | TBA |
| 76 | 223cm | 55 cm | 76 Ltr | 6.2 | 5x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 10cm 1x K4 Scorcher 16cm | 2x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 14/15cm (for drive) 2x K4 Leon Back 14/15cm (for snappy) | 3.5-5.2 |
| 82 | 223cm | 56 cm | 82 Ltr | 6.3 | 5x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 10cm 1x K4 Scorcher 17cm | 2x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 15cm (for drive) 2x K4 Leon Back 15cm (for snappy) | 3.7-5.7 |
| 88 | 226cm | 58cm | 88 Ltr | 6.4 | 5x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 11cm 1x K4 Scorcher 18cm | 22x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 15/16 cm (for drive) 2x K4 Leon Back 15/16cm (for snappy) | 4.2-6.1 |
| 96 | 229cm | 59.5cm | 96 Ltr | 6.7 | 5 x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 11cm 1x K4 Scorcher 19cm | 22x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 16cm (for drive) 2x K4 Leon Back 16 cm(for snappy) | 4.2-6.1 |
| 106 | 230cm | 61cm | 106 Ltr | 6.8 | 5x Slotbox | 2x K4 Incinerator 2° 11cm 1x K4 Scorcher 20cm | 22x K4 Incinerator 1° or 2° 9cm 2x K4 Scorcher 17cm (for drive) 2x K4 Leon Back 17cm(for snappy) | TBA |
Test results
Waterwind, for us, is not free. It costs time and money. For this reason, the full preview of this article is reserved for Waterwind.it Supporters, who contribute to keeping it alive, and making it more beautiful! To become a Supporter, click here.
The board test was conducted at various spots, such as La Coudoulière (side-on wind, waves up to 2–3 meters), Matanzas in Chile (side to side-off wind, 2–3 meter waves), and San Xurxo in Galicia (side to side-off wind, waves up to 2–3 meters).
Ciao. Fabio
Without your Support, Waterwind wouldn't exist. Become our supporter!
Listen to this article podcast. Leave a comment on this article below!
Read the article with the wind forecasts (Med sea, mainly) for the next days!
If you want to advertise with us, read here, or contact us.
Buy our Gadgets! Visit our YouTube channel!