Description
HARLEM LAUNCH: COMFORT MEETS PERFORMANCE
The Harlem Launch is the “everything” board in the Harlem lineup. It’s designed to be the most versatile twin-tip for the widest range of riders. Whether you are working on your first upwind tacks or sending your first backrolls, the Launch provides a stable, predictable platform. By using high-quality Triax glass fiber instead of carbon, Harlem has created a board that feels “alive” and springy, offering a smooth ride even when the water surface is far from perfect.
See the Launch in Action:
LAUNCH VS. ASCENT: WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?
We get asked this constantly at the shop. While they look similar, they have very different “souls”:
- The Harlem Ascent (Carbon): This is a stiff, aggressive Big Air machine. It’s built for riders who want the most explosive pop possible and are willing to trade a bit of comfort for that “snap.” It’s a specialist tool for hunting WOO records.
- The Harlem Launch (Glass): This is the freeride master. It has a softer flex, meaning it absorbs the impact of chop much better than carbon. It’s more forgiving on landings and much easier to ride for four hours straight without your legs feeling like jelly.
OUR HONEST TAKE: THE REALITY CHECK
We believe in matching the board to the rider, not the price tag. Here is our genuine opinion: If you aren’t focused on sending massive 15m+ jumps and technical kiteloops, the Launch is actually the better board for you.
Carbon boards like the Ascent are amazing for pop, but they can feel “nervous” and chattery if you’re just cruising or doing moderate jumps. The Launch is “plug-and-play”—it tracks upwind effortlessly, feels locked-in on its rail, and won’t punish your knees if you don’t stick a landing perfectly. It’s the board we recommend to 90% of freeriders because it makes kiting feel easy.
TECH SPEC (IN PLAIN ENGLISH)
- Paulownia Wood Core: A high-grade natural wood core that provides the best balance of strength, weight, and “springy” flex.
- Triax Glass Fiber: This multi-axis glass layup allows the board to be stiff where you need it (for upwind tracking) but twist where you want it (for comfort in the chop).
- Medium Rocker & Flex: The Launch features a moderate rocker line that helps it plane early in light wind while still providing enough “curve” to handle waves and kickers.
- Deep Channels: Like its big brother the Ascent, the Launch has deep bottom channels for insane grip, allowing you to hold an edge even when the wind picks up.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 3D Shape | Optimized thickness throughout the board for the perfect flex-to-weight ratio. |
| Eco-Resin | Built with bio-based materials to keep the oceans clean while you ride. |
| Boomtag NFC | Built-in digital tag for security and “lost and found” peace of mind. |
NOT SURE WHICH HARLEM BOARD FITS YOUR STYLE?
The best way to choose is to feel the difference between glass and carbon for yourself. We have both the Launch and the Ascent in our demo fleet. Come down to the school, take them both out for a back-to-back session, and see which one puts a bigger smile on your face. We’re here to give you an honest answer!
