This is an overview of the present JP Race boards that were raced on last weekend at the Foster Island Paddle Festival
The 12'6 x 25 was used in the BOP by Chloe Walkerdene, there was a solid shore break which made it interesting to get the boards out but once in the surf the board glided thru the surf going out and around the bouys with easy for a kick turn. The board came into play on the small runners with nose wanting to run straight. Also coming into the impact zone was easy for her to get back and ride the waves into the shore break.
The same board was used in the 10Klm flatwater race by Vanessa Caley, first place in Over 40s women. This board comes into its own in these conditions with the volume in the nose and the way in comes to a point like a race ski it cuts thru the water on the flat but especially up wind you do not get the bopping over the waves it cuts thru the chop. There was a solid cross wind also in parts of the course and the board still tracked straight. This board could be used for any level person as comes in a wider 28 version also.
Also used over the weekend were the 14ft in 24.5 & 27 wide race board. Chloe Walkerden paddled the 14x24.5 in the 200 meter dash for cash (right on the pace with the top paddlers) and the 10klm flatwater (5th Open Women) . The same as the 12'6 these boards run very true and cut thru the water either up wind or downwind.
I paddled the 14 x 27.5 in the 10klm and enjoyed the way the board paddled straight and cut thru the chop on the upwind sections of the course.
If you are looking at a board to enjoy on the flat water and with some chop this board is one to put on your list. Keep an eye out for young Chloe racing on this board over the next few months.
