Severne Stone

I recently found myself in possession of a production Stone 94 for a few weeks. It is not my board, I was getting some sailing consumables and was asked if Id like to have a go on some new kit. Would've been rude to say no. Hopefully those with more time on the boards can add to this thread.

On land.
The board looks like a classic. Outline, length, the bottom shape, rails... it's all there. The finish of the Severne products keeps getting better, this is a thing of beauty on the rack. For a 94ltr product it's weight is impressive, its almost raceboard light and feels great in the hands.

On water.
I'm a quad/twinnie guy, so not a very good judge of thrusters and weigh in at 93-95kgs. I used the Stone 4-5 times, two lengthy sessions at Lancelin and the rest high wind, bump and jumpish at Dutchies. Unfortunately no serious down the line or down south but I've little doubt the board is made for those conditions, we've all seen the videos.
First saiI set up was with my usual quad fins, 14+10s and was overpowered with a 5.0 at Sth Passage, usual head to maybe 1/2 mast. The board was faster than expected and went upwind very well. Getting into position, bottom turns, top turns all feel natural and effortless. The board went exactly where I wanted and felt confident from the first turn. Just supremely capable without being radical, all in full control. I really noticed the weight, it makes everything easier which might be part of why it's being sailed so well by others. Shape wise is does everything you ask, the light weight just allows you to do the stuff you do better. A second session at Sth Passage was 5.0, a bit shifty, a little onshore now and then and got light. The float and ride was completely unexpected. Very stable slogging around, gets upwind off the plane and that little extra length combined with excellent volume distribution really allows good glide into waves when pumping for wave of the day. Once in the straps you're in a thinner part of the board chuck'n buckets.
I changed the fins to a 18+11 thruster set up, the wind filled back in and it became side shore. Certainly went well with only real difference being I thought the board had more drive off the top as a quad, but probably more to do with my technique than the board/fin arrangement.
At Dutchies I used it as a quad overpowered with a 5.3 and 4.5, also as a 19.5+11 thruster with a 5.6 S-1. It handled the lot with ease and was never fazed.

Thoughts
I have 2 Pyros and sail them a lot. Certainly the 94 Stone was fine with 5.6 to 4.5 as a thruster or a quad. Its surprisingly happy floating around in 10-15knts or having the hammer down in 25-30knts. Having handed the board back, the 2 key aspects of the Stone that sit in my mind are the length and ease of sailing.
The length maybe limits the Stone where the Pyro excels in smaller stuff. With the Stone you get serious all-round wave board performance, it's only upper limit in waves is probably decided by how big your balls are.
Secondly, I found I sailed at my local longer than usual on the Stone. When you step on a Pyro, it's game on, everything is happening fast and you need to be in control or it can chew you up and spit you out. Just blasting around enjoying what the day offers up, the lightweight Stone is almost relaxing to sail compared to a Pyro.

The Stone is a capable, proper wave board and the 94, or even the 88, would more than likely make a great one board solution for me in WA. A very good addition to the Severne wave board line up.

Thanks for the review. These boards seem to be popping up everywhere in WA now, give me one! Will see if I can get my hand on a 74 or 80 demo.

I had a quick spin on a 94 Stone on a flat but windy day. Completely agree with the ease of use comments, very smooth and immediately feels comfortable. For a DTL board I I was expecting it to be a bit draggy and slowish, but definitely not. Loved the wide strap positions too, great for us taller sailors. They are a good thing

Please do.