Hi,
I am thinking about buying a second, smaller board and was wondering if I could get some advice on the size. I weigh 80kg, have a 111 FSW which works very well with my 7.0 and 6.0 sail, but it is too big for my 5.0 as the board generates to much lift. Essentially, the new board should serve as my high wind board bump and jump board in Botany, work perfectly with 5.0sqm (and be compatible for sizes below) and then ideally be my entry level wave board (I have no wave experience at this stage) which I am looking to get in Gerroa.
The JP FSW Pros and Starboard Kodes FSW have an optional Thruster or Single Fin set up, so they would work very well for this purpose I reckon. However, I am not sure to go with ~94 or ~86 liter sizes. The 94s seem more high wind Freeride/Freestyle oriented, while the 86s have more a wave shape. The 94s according to the manufactures have recommended sail sizes of down to 4.5 whilst the 86s have their sweet spot at 5.0 and go down to 4.0. So the numbers favour the smaller board. However, it is probably better to have a bit more volume to be able to get through the waves and this is why the 94 might be better. Any thoughts on which size would be better?
Also, I am looking to keep the cost low as the board won't realistically see that much use and will hence buy it used from a few years ago. The older Kodes do not have the optional Thruster set up - is it a huge advantage to have the TriFin set up to try out waves or does a single fin serve the purpose, too?
Thanks for your help.
I'm about 80kg and I've had two JP FSW 84s (2008 and 2010 I think).
I reckon the 86 is what you're after. They plane pretty early, jump really well, handle chop well. I went back to one (after having a more wavey board) to be able to get around the break a bit better and get myself out of trouble.
The 94 is starting to get reasonably big for a waveboard for someone who is 80kg. That's not to say it doesn't have it's place for lighter wind days, but if you're specifically after something for 5.0m weather then I reckon the 86 is the go.
I can't comment on the thruster set-up. If you're doing more wavesailing then eventually you'll possibly want a more dedicated waveboard than a FSW anyway (such as a Starboard Nuevo, which is what I graduated on to from the FSW), so I'd say don't worry too much about it and go have fun with the single fin if that's what is available / within price range.
The 86 would be a good size for you. If your looking at JP then the thruster board is the go. for me it feels smoother and slashier in the turns. the thruster provides better grip on a wave and in the straights. My 93 is happy with a grunty 6.2m and my 90 kg, the thrusters hold the power nicely when blasting the straights.
I am 75kg
I have the JP FSW 101 pro and tabou 3s 86l.
Both are single fins.
The 3s is very manoeuvrable on the wave and is early to plane.
I've sailed the 3s 86 and 96 on the same day in Maui. I could still wave ride on the 96 but turns were a little longer. Benefit of the 96 was earlier planning, meaning bigger jumps. But I bought the 86l cause it is bust awesome on the wave.
Buy the 86 FSW. They rock in high winds. And are awesome in waves
I will go against the grain then and suggest the larger of the two. You will get more use out of it and therfore have more days on a board a bit smaller and more manouverable than the big board. It will be absolutely fine with a 5.0 and have that little bit extra float which will help you feel secure as you get used to big winds. You can always add an 84 litre later and have the perfect three-board setup.
Personally I run a four-board setup for my 83kg: 116,104, 94, 86. I rarely uses the 86.
I hear you when it comes to getting more out of the board - however, I am aware that most of the time I will be on my 111 and it will just be used for 5.0 or below on when it comes to flat water conditions. The question is whether the extra 10 liter would make wave (entry) sailing better or harder? I won't take the 111 into waves. What are your thoughts on that?
