SIC Maui’s New Foil Board Launch – The Ka’a Lineup with Mark Raaphorst

As the foiling world continues to grow quickly, we were able to have a moment to speak with Mark Raaphorst from SIC Maui about the launch of the new Ka’a foilboard lineup! SIC was founded by Mark, who originally hails from the Netherlands. At 16, he left home to pursue his passion for windsurfing, a journey that ultimately brought him to the northern shores of Maui, Hawaii. There, he realized his dream of becoming a waterman, earning a living through board repairs while honing his shaping skills under the guidance of industry masters. Shortly thereafter, he founded Ding King Fiberglass Works, a repair shop that provided him with valuable insights into board construction, quality, and materials by dismantling boards. This experience quickly led him to begin shaping his own boards and constructing outrigger canoes in his facility. Mark remains at the forefront of design and shaping for SIC, establishing himself as a leading figure in the fast-evolving foiling market. His innovative approach and exceptional craftsmanship define the SIC brand, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and design in water sports. Today we wanted to know more about the Ka’a lineup, and Mark was able to fill us in on all of the details.

Hello Mark and welcome to TotalSUP! What inspired the design of the new Ka’a foil board lineup, and how does this board differ from previous models?

The previous more “soap box” outlined shapes derived from the surf SUP foil board. Now, these 6 mid-length models are a natural progression of the advancements in the sport.

SPEED:  Longer waterline provides better glide prior to lift off. A key requirement with modern ultra high aspect hydrofoil front wings. These wings have a high stall speed. So the long and narrow outline provides better speed while in displacement mode.

Photo: Charles Dasher

CLEARANCE: Narrower outline decreases touch down and rail drags in hard upwind reaches and radical transition.

Photo: Charles Dasher

NIMBLE:  The finboxes placement further forward provides the sensation of riding a shorter board because you now stand relatively further forward yourself. So what the rider experiences, the front of the board, seems shorter.

Photo: Charles Dasher

BOTTOM CHINES:  The hard accelerated chines in the tail eliminates the need for the hard chisel feature in the very tail. I feel the chisel tail is not required for modern wing foiling. It slows the board down. With the narrower tail the need of the chisel tail is simply not there any more.

Photo: Charles Dasher

Incredible! Can you describe the unique features of the new foil board that enhance performance for various skill levels?

The new features include speed, clearance, nimble, and bottom chines I just described. As for the more novice riders our bigger models are to be considered. They offer the same key features as I previously mentioned and have better balance and maybe the sometimes required higher volume.

Photo: Charles Dasher

That is good to know for the novice riders! What materials are being used in the construction of the Ka’a foil board, and how do they contribute to its durability and performance?

The standing area of the board features a robust and durable PVC high-density foam, providing excellent support and comfort for the rider. Additionally, the board is reinforced with ample carbon fiber, ensuring that it remains lightweight while maintaining structural integrity. To address the challenges posed by sun exposure, the flat bottom panels are painted in a light color, effectively reflecting heat and helping to keep the board cooler during use.

All of those materials sound sturdy and reliable! How does the shape and volume of the board impact its stability and maneuverability on the water?

Having the right volume is key. We got six choices there. When balancing on the board, I feel if it is too high on the water surface, it acts nervous. Even novices want about 2” of submersion to calm the side to side balance. Some bow volume helps with the pop out of the water as well as the knee start challenges. Our Ka’a models have this as well as the outline wide point is forward.

Photo: Charles Dasher

Amazing! What testing methods did you use to refine the design of the new foil board, and what were the highlights from those tests?

Our entire team came together in the beautiful location of Bonaire for a series of extensive and thorough testing sessions. In preparation for these production boards, I also dedicated significant time to shaping a variety of similar custom boards in Maui, drawing on my experience and expertise to refine our designs and ensure optimal performance for our customers.

Photo: Charles Dasher

Are there specific riding conditions or styles that the new foil board is optimized for?

Not really. These mid-length boards are truly superior in terms of versatility and overall performance, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of conditions and riders. Additionally, I have been receiving a growing number of orders for similar shapes from the para and hand wing community, indicating a strong interest in these designs among that particular demographic of water sports enthusiasts.

Photo: Charles Dasher

How does the new Ka’a foilboard lineup integrate with SIC’s existing range of foils, and are there recommendations for pairing?

Absolutely! Our new high-aspect iteration is exceptionally well-suited for this application, providing enhanced performance and efficiency on the water. However, it’s important to note that our mid-aspect 900 model also holds its own and offers a unique set of advantages. This versatile fun machine delivers an enjoyable experience, making it a fantastic option for a broad range of users, regardless of their skill level or riding style.

Photo: Charles Dasher

Can you explain any innovations in the design or technology that are unique to this board?

We utilize a high-quality EPS core in our boards, which is both durable and lightweight, ensuring optimal performance on the water. I specifically requested ample amounts of carbon fiber to be incorporated into the construction, which not only enhances the board’s strength but also contributes to a lively and responsive feel during use, all while maintaining a light overall weight that allows for easy maneuverability and excellent handling.

Photo: Charles Dasher

What feedback have you received from riders who have tested the new Ka’a lineup, and how has it influenced the final design?

We began our design process with a solid baseline that was derived from the insights and specifications of my custom boards, which served as a foundation for our development. Livio, Raz, and Ludo played pivotal roles in this collaborative effort, contributing their expertise to refine critical aspects such as the accelerated chines, bottom rocker, and hardware placements. Their valuable input greatly enhanced the overall performance characteristics of the boards, ensuring that we achieved the ideal balance of agility and stability.

Photo: Charles Dasher

We are so stoked to hear that the feedback from the SIC team was incredibly valuable to you and the design process of the Ka’a lineup! What future developments can we expect from SIC in the realm of foil board design and technology?

We utilize ultra-high modulus carbon in the construction of our masts, ensuring exceptional strength and performance while maintaining a lightweight structure. Our boards are designed to be both affordable and dedicated, making them an ideal choice for schools and educational programs. Additionally, they feature high-aspect tail stabilizers that enhance stability and control during use. Notably, our 5’8” Raptor board, which is thoughtfully crafted in France, stands out as a revolutionary option in the market due to its remarkable toughness, environmentally friendly low impact, and affordability, making it accessible to a wider range of riders.

Thank you so much Mark for joining us today on TotalSUP! We hope that the Ka’a lineup soars to new heights and is enjoyed by pros and novices alike!

Photo: Charles Dasher

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