waggles56 said...

Looking at getting a smaller board but would appreciate others opinions. I sail 98% of the time in Port Phillip Bay so plenty of chop, but during annual holidays I will head to the ocean waves.
I currently use a 101 l JP FSW but now am considering something in the 75 to 80 l range. Am I going small enough? ( I weigh 65kgs) Thinking about the JP fsw or the JP Wave but will consider other brands if I can do better. Opinions appreciated.

Hi Waggles, I am around 70 - 75 kgs and currently use a 68l JP RWW board (now known as the JP wave) for my small board, its super light and small. If you are competent in water starting and feel comfortable in 25 - 30 knots I would recommend you go for something around 75l. Best to demo a board and see what you like and what feels good to you. How much of a hurry are you in ? The 2011 boards will be launched in a few more months so you will be able to get a cheap brand new 2010 board, or a new 2011 if you want that.

With my weight I can get going in around 22+ knots on my 5.0 and 68l board, so I would definately not go bigger than 80l.

You don't want to go too small if it's going to be your one board for 18 knots on the bay...

If you're looking to buy new I'd suggest paying SHQ a visit - they've got the new RRD FSW in, plus the new JPs. Some of them (I think the new JP FSW) has got super long double concaves, which should give a super smooth ride on bay chop.

RRD looks awesome - not ridden it or the new JP FSW yet, but the shapes look brilliant.

I tend to use a JP FSW 84 (I'm 78kg) on bay chop - I also use it in the waves - very easy to sail in the waves and lots of fun. Got a dedicated wave board this season as well (Starboard Evil Twin 80) which is awesome, but simply doesn't get enough use. Will probably sell it to stick with one crossover board - can't justify the van space for a board that is only going to come into it's own 5 or 6 times a year.

Go demo something and see how you go!

It all depends how much wind & how reliable your local spots are. If you only have a 75l board there will be plenty of days you'll miss out because it's too light. I'm 80kg and have a 69l & an 80l which means I can sail as light as 17/18kts and then obviously when it hits 23+ I've got the 69l. I'd say if you can have 2 boards, if you can't then have something around the 80 - 85l range.

And I used to have a few JP RWWs 69l, 75l, but now sail starboard evos, which I prefer.

FlickySpinny said...

Again, why the Red Thumbs?????

If you disagree, just post your view!

I'm ignoring them in future, there seems to be a pattern forming around one individual's preference in boards. Kind of like "this is the board I chose and I just can't be wrong".
Insecurity most likely, you know, closet kiter, used car salesman..who knows

FlickySpinny said...

Again, why the Red Thumbs?????

If you disagree, just post your view!

I just green thumbed them out for you and H20.