Inbound: RRD Beluga LTD & LTE

RRD recently dropped two new Beluga boards into the line-up (can we call this a pod of Belugas? – ed.), retaining their key position in RRD’s wing weaponry arsenal. We got hold of the team for a chat to find out more.

Two new Belugas then! Please firstly tell us what the difference is between the LTD and the LTE models…

The RRD Beluga LTD and Beluga LTE are two distinct models tailored to different rider preferences and conditions, sharing a foundation of high performance but differentiated by materials and construction.

The Beluga LTD is built using RRD's exclusive LTD technology, which incorporates a full carbon sandwich construction. This model prioritizes lightweight performance, stiffness, and responsiveness, making it ideal for advanced riders seeking maximum control and power transfer. The LTD’s design ensures optimal rigidity, crucial for high-level wing foiling maneuvers and precise feedback during transitions or jumps. This board is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize agility and efficiency in a variety of conditions.

The Beluga LTE, on the other hand, uses RRD's LTE technology, characterized by a durable yet lightweight epoxy sandwich construction. While slightly heavier than the LTD, the LTE offers enhanced durability and impact resistance, making it a more accessible and forgiving option for a broader range of riders, including intermediates or those venturing into challenging conditions. Its construction is more resilient to wear, perfect for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective alternative without sacrificing performance.

Both models retain the Beluga's iconic shape, optimized for stability, early take-off, and versatility, but cater to distinct needs: the LTD for cutting-edge performance and the LTE for durability and versatility.

Tell us more about what the LTE construction incorporates, and how that enhances durability and versatility of the board…

Sure. The LTE construction in RRD boards is designed to provide a balance of durability, performance, and affordability. It incorporates an epoxy sandwich structure with carefully selected materials and layering techniques to ensure reliability and stiffness while keeping the board lightweight. 

The board features a lightweight yet strong EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) core, which is precision-shaped for optimal hydrodynamic performance. This core provides buoyancy and reduces overall weight. Then multiple layers of fiberglass are laminated with epoxy resin to ensure excellent tensile strength and impact resistance, with the layers strategically placed to enhance durability in high-stress areas without adding unnecessary weight. In specific zones, such as the deck or bottom, a wood or reinforced composite layer is incorporated to increase impact resistance and evenly distribute forces, particularly underfoot or in areas prone to pressure from foils. The epoxy resin bonds the layers together, providing additional durability and a smooth, sleek finish that resists water ingress and UV damage. Then the bi-color deck pad features a thousand-groove texture, offering extreme grip while enhancing the board's aesthetic appeal, ensuring maximum control and style during sessions. Additionally, compact ergonomic carry handles are included, designed for ease of transport. The reduced size of these handles lowers the overall weight of the board while maintaining a secure and comfortable grip.

The Beluga has been in the RRD range since the genesis of winging – talk to us about its evolution as the consumer requirements have shifted over the last few years.

The Beluga has undergone continuous evolution, responding to the demands of wingfoilers and setting new performance benchmarks with each version. The Beluga Y26 offered a well-balanced design focused on stability and accessibility, making it a favorite for beginners and intermediates. The Beluga Y27 introduced a more compact outline, improved swing weight, and enhanced carving abilities, catering to riders pushing boundaries in freestyle and wave riding.

The latest Beluga Y30 is engineered for extreme performance, featuring the most refined shape to date. It’s ultra-lightweight, highly responsive, and designed for riders seeking ultimate control and precision. Paired with advanced construction options as mentioned before, the Y30 stands as the ultimate choice for high-end wingfoiling performance.

We were lucky enough to bump into one of your competitive freestyle team riders, Martin Tieles, in Galicia this year. Has he been involved in testing?

 Yes, Martin Tieles, like all our team riders around the world, plays a vital role in the development of our boards. At RRD, every rider, from the youngest talents to the most experienced veterans, is deeply involved in the testing and development process.

All our team riders receive the boards months before their official market release, allowing them to thoroughly test the prototypes in various conditions. This extended testing phase ensures that the boards are pushed to their limits and that every performance aspect is fine-tuned.

Roberto Ricci, owner and shaper, meticulously analyzes and filters all the feedback from the riders. He integrates their insights with his design expertise and collaborates with the laboratory team to refine the shape for each specific discipline. Through this detailed and ongoing process of research, development, and testing, they ensure that every adjustment is made based on the team's collective experience and technical knowledge.

This months-long collaboration and rigorous testing process are what make RRD boards, like the Beluga, the result of continuous innovation. Our boards reflect the extensive research and testing that have been done to guarantee top-tier performance, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of riders in different conditions around the world.

Materials wise, Innegra and carbon are a heady combination of materials. What does the Innegra bring to the party? 

The combination of Innegra and biaxial carbon in RRD boards results in a unique blend of strength, impact resistance, and lightweight performance. While carbon provides rigidity and structural integrity, Innegra adds shock absorption and flexibility, making the board more resilient and forgiving in extreme conditions. The exclusive orange filament woven into the biaxial carbon fabric reinforces durability while also emphasizing our signature brand color. This custom design ensures that RRD boards are not only high-performance but also stand out visually, offering a perfect balance of strength, resilience, and aesthetic appeal.

The EVA pad has a real feel of luxury about it, can you deep dive on this often overlooked, yet important board interface?! 

The EVA pad on RRD boards is a crucial yet often overlooked feature that significantly enhances the rider’s experience. It’s designed not just for grip but also for comfort and control. The luxury feel comes from its high-quality material and thousand-groove texture, providing excellent grip without sacrificing comfort, even during long sessions. This ensures the rider has a secure, responsive connection to the board while maintaining an aesthetically appealing look, enhancing both performance and the overall feel of the ride. The EVA pad on RRD boards is not only functional but also aesthetically striking. The bi-color design with a 3mm + 3mm layering adds a modern, sleek look while providing enhanced grip and comfort.

Other than two new Belugas, anything else sitting fresh in the RRD line-up? 

Yes, the RRD line-up is expanding with some exciting new additions! Alongside the two new Belugas, we will soon be introducing the Beluga Mid-Length, a hybrid board designed for easy take-offs with excellent agility and maneuverability. It's perfect for riders seeking a versatile performance in varying conditions.

Additionally, we’re launching a new range of light wind boards designed for winging, as well as the Narwhal, a board optimized for pumping and downwind with a paddle, making it ideal for SUP use. These additions will further enhance the versatility and performance of the RRD range, catering to a broader range of disciplines and riding styles.