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.
If your sailing all on bay go for small Fsw <80 Jp pro version or trial the Jp quad.
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.
Thanks guys. At this stage I was planning on keeping my JP fsw 101 for light wind days and perhaps 75 litre for stronger days. Got caught out a few Sunday's ago when 30 knots. 101 was too big and didn't have a sail under 4.7.
Will I find this too big a gap 75 and 101 litre) and want to swap my 101 litre for something smaller as well???
I have only been sailing for a year so I like the comfort of the 101 litre for when the wind drops off and then can't waterstart but can't wait to get on the smaller board. (Now competent at waterstarts though hence the desire for smaller board).
Cheers Windaddict... appreciated.
In addition, I think Windaddict is on the money (and not just because he cancelled out the red thumbs!)
Let us know what you decide and how you get on.
Pepe47 - you might be right. Maybe I should recommend an F2 or Hifly and see where that takes me next time....
