The Kona ONE - in a class of its own

Since its introduction in 2006, the Kona One design class has grown at am amazing pace throughout Europe and in the US. So what are the secrets behind this “reborn” creation of the past, appearing to be a tedious concept at first sight, considering the hull weight and its basic rig with a soft sail design much unlike today’s modern performance foils.

My personal aim (as a founder of the class), together with Patrice Belbeoch, (shaper) and Joachim Larsson (Brand owner) was to re-introduce the adaptable concept that initially ignited the sport, and at the same time add in the best of today’s technology and design features, within specific soft and user friendly parameters. The result is an early planing and easy maneuverable board – as challenging to advanced sailors as it is uncomplicated and forgiving to beginners and intermediate windsurfers..

In contrast to all other windsurfing classes, the Kona ONE ideology and spirit have been purified to enhance tactical sailing. Propulsion (pumping) is strictly prohibited and due to its unique versatility and superb light wind performance – no minimum wind limit is required – which always guarantee successful events for sponsors and organizers..

The class is divided into four weight groups plus the ladies and cadet divisions –and with different sail sizes carefully tuned to match the (weight) divisions, ensuring even probabilities for all.
It makes the Kona One class the first in the history of windsurfing to eliminate a “sweet spot” or weight advantage of any particular group. This is significantly adding to the excitement – as it allows all weight groups to compete at equal terms in big fleets, rather than having separate starts for each division. Likewise, it simplifies the organization and boost the recognition of the overall and true champion.

Easy accessibility and fair tactical sailing without pumping are key factors attracting windsurfers of all ages and sizes, and obviously the non physical factor makes the Kona the ideal alternative for women and youngsters. Additionally the board performs extremely well in sub planning conditions, and become surprisingly playful and responsive on the plane, thanks to the duck tail concept.

Although the history of the Kona Class only goes back four years, it has been a very successful one with four very well attended “World Championships” in Thailand 2006, France 2007, Germany 2008 and Sweden in 2009. All events proved the class objectives right, attracting competitors from 10 to 60 or more years of age – from 40 kilos to super heavy weights – from professional PWA racers, ex Olympic and world champions to fresh youngsters, all in one class. This years Worlds will be hosted in Miami, Florida in November – and more than 80 competitors are expected to take part.

Remarkably the Kona Class got recognized by ISAF only in its 4th season as an established class, The philosophy, aim and focus have brought the Kona One Design concept from a notion to a renowned direction in modern windsurfing. A direction that is built on simplicity, fair tactical sailing and versatility.In contrast to technical and physical classes, the easy accessible Kona Class is being celebrated as "the open door" to windsurfing, and as such a potential feeder to all other classes.
Brian McDowell Windsurfer International September 2009;“For guaranteed family fun and high level racing, you can't fault the Kona Class for fail-safe action. With the ability to charter equipment, fly gear free and rub shoulders with both current PWA stars and former racing legends - the Kona concept breathes new life into windsurfing”.

National Kona Cups are organized in key countries around the world today, and communities with happy Kona sailors are quickly growing. Do we see a future mega windsurfing class taking shape? Time will tell.

All winds are Kona winds.