AXIS+FRANK MAKO 2 DOWNWIND BOARD

MAKO 2. Everything you liked about the MAKO, just easier, faster and more capable.

A true benchmark for Downwind SUP the Mako introduced a stability and ease of paddle up not seen before in the DW SUP foil world. Shaped by Francesco Maffei of Frank Foil boards and tested and refined by some of the worlds finest Downwind SUP foilers, the MAKO 2 raises the bar once again adapting to the constantly changing demands of this sport.

This board is all about subtle refinements and marginal gains that combine to create a significantly improved package, more stability, faster paddling, improved feeling and control over the foil and most importantly, easier take offs on smaller, faster, high aspect foils.

The MAKO 2 features a redesigned nose with slightly more volume carried forward while maintaining the board's overall balance, this prevents the nose from being pushed underwater during hard paddling, particularly when using smaller front wings. This new nose profile and volume distribution allow the rider to paddle up already standing in the ideal foiling position with no need to move or reposition the feet before take-off.

By refining both the rocker line and bottom shape speed, stability and acceleration have all been improved with a notable bonus being a faster release from the water when starting. The increased stability also provides for a more solid platform allowing stronger, more efficient paddle strokes helping the rider generate the speed needed.

Faster and easier to paddle, with less effort needed to release from the water, the benefits are clear from the first ride especially when launching the small, high-aspect foils used for racing. The new rocker and volume distribution also make touchdowns more forgiving, helping the board recover quickly and smoothly instead of slowing down or catching.

Whilst the improving the physical performance of the board was a goal, improving the rider feeling of control and connection was also a priority. A subtle reduction of thickness under the standing area of the deck provides an improved feeling of connection and directness without sacrificing overall volume and stability needed for paddling and the slight increase in width per size provides more leverage over the foil delivering greater control through the turns and further increases the riders confidence level to be able to push things harder.

The result is a MAKO 2 that retains the character of the original but is faster, more stable and easier to paddle up and release, particularly when paired with the latest generation of smaller, faster and higher-aspect foils that are defining the future of Downwind SUP foiling.

Which foil goes under it:

Three AXIS families make sense under a MAKO 2, and each gives the board a different job.

Tempo. The fastest and most race-oriented foils in the range. Tempo under a MAKO 2 is the combination for winning high-end races and for going as fast as a downwind board will go.

Surge. The surf wing. Surge under a MAKO 2 is for pure wave riding and for the kind of downwinding where you hunt bumps and surf them. Surges are very easy to ride, and any Surge size works with any MAKO 2: an 890 under a 120 or a 950 under a 90 are both good setups. Pick the Surge for the bump size and the conditions on the day, not for the size of the board. The small ones, the 830 especially, are incredible on the wave: lighter riders love them, bigger riders find them a little harder to pop, and once up the ride is pure surfing with enough pump to link sections. The new Surge 1240 is the easiest foil in the range to get flying, which makes it the one to learn downwind on under a MAKO 2 120 or 130.

Fireball. The balance between the two. Fast, but not Tempo fast. Turns well, but without the Surge's explosive surf feel. The Fireball is the all-rounder for riders who want one foil for downwind days, lighter days and everything in between.

Five sizes from 90 to 130 litres, all in AXIS carbon construction.