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RussKraut said..
Awesome. Love mine too. Got the 135 board. Do you have your feet in the position they suggest or further forward? I tend to be on the mast or slightly back, and the front foot is quite a bit forward from where the straps would be. But this can be due to the fact that I am still at an early stage. Duck tacks are on the list, but this will take a while I recon. Not much use being able to do them on the sb as it is 100x harder on the foil. Did you see the 1m strapless board? Looks just beautiful.

I was initially gunho to go with the 135 board but when I demoed it the conditions were super marginal. This made it difficult to water start... new foil, small board, light wind. Consequently I went with the bigger board which is much closer to what I'm used to. I'm not unhappy with that decision but may revisit smaller boards some time in the future. My back foot is over the mast as was the case on my last foil. I've rigged a flat webbing strap from the front back strap hole to the front tuttle mount screw so my foot stays over the mast if and when I use the back strap (for boosting). When not in use the webbing strap just lies flat.

Nice. And your front foot? Mine is just at the very front of the pad. So if using straps I would not be able to mount it in that very spot.

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RussKraut said..
Nice. And your front foot? Mine is just at the very front of the pad. So if using straps I would not be able to mount it in that very spot.

My front straps are where they were supplied which I think is half way

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Gorgo said..

I always tell people to start with a cheap beginner foil, not because they're easier (they are a bit), but because you will probably damage your gear (mainly from trying to ride in too light wind). It's heart breaking to damage your beautiful, expensive foil. A bit less heart breaking to damage a cheaper foil.

Gents, any thoughts from J-Shapes owners on the suitability of a J-Shapes for a beginning foiler?

They really do look like the goods, and your comments are all positive. I have also been offered a lend of a short mast to get me going. I doubt I would ever need to upgrade from one of these; I just don't know how I'd go learning on one. Is it feasible to start from scratch on one of these? How likely am I to damage it? I'd be taking it out on those days when I could stay upwind on a 12m and twintip, but not do much else. My local spots are all deep, so no worries there.

It's an excellent package for the money, but it's still a lot of money. I appreciate Gorgo's recommendation, but second-hand LF/Cabrinha/Naish/Slingshot foils are pretty rare these days, and buying new is not that much cheaper than a J-Shapes, meaning I'd be paying for the J-Shapes when I upgrade, plus whatever I lose on the starting foil.

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TheGeneral said..

Gorgo said..

I always tell people to start with a cheap beginner foil, not because they're easier (they are a bit), but because you will probably damage your gear (mainly from trying to ride in too light wind). It's heart breaking to damage your beautiful, expensive foil. A bit less heart breaking to damage a cheaper foil.

Gents, any thoughts from J-Shapes owners on the suitability of a J-Shapes for a beginning foiler?

They really do look like the goods, and your comments are all positive. I have also been offered a lend of a short mast to get me going. I doubt I would ever need to upgrade from one of these; I just don't know how I'd go learning on one. Is it feasible to start from scratch on one of these? How likely am I to damage it? I'd be taking it out on those days when I could stay upwind on a 12m and twintip, but not do much else. My local spots are all deep, so no worries there.

It's an excellent package for the money, but it's still a lot of money. I appreciate Gorgo's recommendation, but second-hand LF/Cabrinha/Naish/Slingshot foils are pretty rare these days, and buying new is not that much cheaper than a J-Shapes, meaning I'd be paying for the J-Shapes when I upgrade, plus whatever I lose on the starting foil.

Hey TheGeneral Having used my new J Shapes for about 3 weeks now I can highly recommend it as a beginner foil. The front wing is a freeride medium/low aspect.... but not too low to disallow advancement. The total area of the front wing is quite large which helps for early planing . The combination of the area plus aspect I feel make it ideal for learning. I haven't pushed the top end speed too much cos thats not my interest at the moment, but I have had quite a few occasions of blistering speed and it stays rock solid. Thats actually what I like most- it is rock solid and smooth as silk.
I would say go strait to the tall mast. I think a shorter mast may help a little when learning but will have a very very limited life, and is probably more suited to schools. I learned on a 750mm mast which is only 200mm shorther than the J Shapes, but the 950mm J Shapes is alot nicer.

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TheGeneral said..

Gorgo said..

I always tell people to start with a cheap beginner foil, not because they're easier (they are a bit), but because you will probably damage your gear (mainly from trying to ride in too light wind). It's heart breaking to damage your beautiful, expensive foil. A bit less heart breaking to damage a cheaper foil.

Gents, any thoughts from J-Shapes owners on the suitability of a J-Shapes for a beginning foiler?

They really do look like the goods, and your comments are all positive. I have also been offered a lend of a short mast to get me going. I doubt I would ever need to upgrade from one of these; I just don't know how I'd go learning on one. Is it feasible to start from scratch on one of these? How likely am I to damage it? I'd be taking it out on those days when I could stay upwind on a 12m and twintip, but not do much else. My local spots are all deep, so no worries there.

It's an excellent package for the money, but it's still a lot of money. I appreciate Gorgo's recommendation, but second-hand LF/Cabrinha/Naish/Slingshot foils are pretty rare these days, and buying new is not that much cheaper than a J-Shapes, meaning I'd be paying for the J-Shapes when I upgrade, plus whatever I lose on the starting foil.

General, the J shapes will be great for learning and further progression. Compared to many other beginner foils out there, the J shapes is quite light which makes everything from walking in/out of the water, dragging out and general manoeuvrability far easier. Having said that, the board is still solid enough that it won't ding if you crash on it. The carbon foil is solid, if you're worried about it just body drag out an extra few metres so you're well clear off the ground. I learnt on a carbon race foil (spotz 2) and had no issues, and the J shapes is certainly stronger.

The reality is that unless you have a specific requirement for a shorter mast, eg because of shallows, you will probably progress to the long mast and never touch the short one again. If you can get the short one on loan for the first few sessions that's a great deal.

I used the kitepower demo J shapes (155) last weekend and found it super stable and great for cruising. It has a fairly low speed stalling point so it doesn't have to go too fast to take off. It doesn't have the top speed of a race specific foil but it can be pushed further than most low aspect "beginner" foils.

If it was me, I would pay the extra $ and pick the J shapes over the LF/Cabrinha/Naish/Slingshot, in fact I've just ordered a J shapes race board.

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TFS said..

Compared to many other beginner foils out there, the J shapes is quite light which makes everything from walking in/out of the water, dragging out and general manoeuvrability far easier. Having said that, the board is still solid enough that it won't ding if you crash on it. The carbon foil is solid, if you're worried about it just body drag out an extra few metres so you're well clear off the ground. I learnt on a carbon race foil (spotz 2) and had no issues, and the J shapes is certainly stronger.

I am curious to get an explanation of what makes it "solid"and "stronger" than others....

According to the description from the website, it is built around a PVC foam core. Alpine does it as well and I have seen a few split wings already although they have state of the art manufacturing.

For sure it is lighter, now saying that it is stronger, well time will tell.

Check this awesomeness

Thanks for the responses - and snalberski, that is some sweet kiteless foiling! Ten years ago who even thought that would be possible??

Anyway, you've given me both good and bad news; good to hear that the J Shapes is a goer for sure, bad because... well, here comes some more spending...

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Livit said..

TFS said..

Compared to many other beginner foils out there, the J shapes is quite light which makes everything from walking in/out of the water, dragging out and general manoeuvrability far easier. Having said that, the board is still solid enough that it won't ding if you crash on it. The carbon foil is solid, if you're worried about it just body drag out an extra few metres so you're well clear off the ground. I learnt on a carbon race foil (spotz 2) and had no issues, and the J shapes is certainly stronger.

I am curious to get an explanation of what makes it "solid"and "stronger" than others....

According to the description from the website, it is built around a PVC foam core. Alpine does it as well and I have seen a few split wings already although they have state of the art manufacturing.

For sure it is lighter, now saying that it is stronger, well time will tell.

This isn't a full on race foil, it's a bit bigger all around and is definitely better suited to freeriding. The fuselage is thicker than most full on carbon race foils (spotz, sword, kfa) and the wing profile is thicker, there is more area, and in general more material than in a race foil.

I've ridden the alpine 4.5 too and the build of this looks good, but it's still skinnier than the J shapes, we're talking an extra layer all around or something but it makes a difference! Split wings is a construction issue though, highly unlikely to be related to accidentally running aground or hitting a reef. Won't matter whether a learner is riding or not.

Personally I prefer a one piece fuselage/wings, connections are always weak points and with one piece there's just less to worry about (no play/wing wobble - in general, not bagging alpine). The alpine has a longer fuselage than most which helps with stability, but means far more effort needs to go into the turns, so it depends what you're after. J shapes and zeeko have better versatility in my opinion.

You aren't buying a carbon foil because you believe it's stronger than an alloy one and I don't want to start that debate. I do think that the J shapes is well strong enough to survive some abuse and that the benefits associated with the lighter weight and better performance justify the extra $ over alloy.

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snalberski said..

RussKraut said..
Awesome. Love mine too. Got the 135 board. Do you have your feet in the position they suggest or further forward? I tend to be on the mast or slightly back, and the front foot is quite a bit forward from where the straps would be. But this can be due to the fact that I am still at an early stage. Duck tacks are on the list, but this will take a while I recon. Not much use being able to do them on the sb as it is 100x harder on the foil. Did you see the 1m strapless board? Looks just beautiful.

I was initially gunho to go with the 135 board but when I demoed it the conditions were super marginal. This made it difficult to water start... new foil, small board, light wind. Consequently I went with the bigger board which is much closer to what I'm used to. I'm not unhappy with that decision but may revisit smaller boards some time in the future. My back foot is over the mast as was the case on my last foil. I've rigged a flat webbing strap from the front back strap hole to the front tuttle mount screw so my foot stays over the mast if and when I use the back strap (for boosting). When not in use the webbing strap just lies flat.

Would you happen to have a photo of the strap you rigged up- on the board?

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snalberski said..

Seriously?

That looks like a good recipe for ankle injury

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Livit said..

snalberski said..

Seriously?

That looks like a good recipe for ankle injury

I must admit it looks a little spartan but I was suprised at how well it works. Its only marginaly less comfortable than a strap with a 10mm neoprene cover over it and being loosish functions in the same way as a normal strap in regard to foot release. It has the added benefit of lying completley flat when not in use. It works for me but straps of any design can be a potential ankle twister. I may give a normal strap a go in that position and see if a permanent normal back strap floats my boat

Antoine at J Shapes recommends using the mast bolts to attach the foot strap if you want to bring it forward a little.

I am finding with practice it gets easier to get the back foot into the strap and ride in that position. It feels fantastic with smooth water and some extra power.

can you j shape owners give an updated review, now that you have had a few months on them?

Not sure I want to write a full review. It would tend to blur into a mess of fake technical gibberish.

Simply put, thought about selling mine recently, but all I would do is buy the same thing again so it seems to be a bit of a waste of time.

I use my J Shapes almost every day and have 105 hours on it. The foil looks brand new. I've probably sanded the tips twice. You spray a little paint on the tips and any scratches then sand it with a 800 grit wet paper. The board has a fair number of paint chips from harness hook impacts.

I did put a tiny crack in the board from one harness ding. I fixed it with epoxy paste and a lick of cheap white spray paint.

It's still a beautiful thing and I regularly get complimented on how nice it looks.

The video below is what put me onto J Shapes in the first place. I regularly try quite a few of the moves in that video and pull off enough to be happy. The board and foil stand up to the abuse just fine. The rider not so much.

I recently bought a 5m kite and it is so much fun to blast around in 20-30 knot wind swell.

I've had a couple of months on my JShapes and am now getting extra comfortable with it, although it took virtually zero time to get initially comfortable with it. I still keep progressing with it and am really discovering more potential in the board as my skill level improves. My boosting and duck tacks still mostly suck balls but I will on occasion ride away smoothly from both. As I've said before I would highly recommend this board to anyone. I bought the JShapes bag, mast bag and foil bag which make getting the rig down to and back from the beach super easy.

I've recently tried using a 'normal' strap in the normal rear foot position and discovered I no longer have any trouble with that setup. I tried over a couple of sessions putting my back foot in that position mid flight without a strap and had no difficulty. I now have no problem starting in that position either. Obviously it's down to technique and familiarity with the board. It also gives an extra dimension of control for edging and carving... will come in handy when I get the nads to try a backroll

Just to echo some of what has been sad here before, the J shapes package is an amazing product. I learnt on a Moses and then moved to Spotz 2, Spotz Tuna and KFA Mako, but recently got to try a j shapes at the beach. A guy wanted me to ride it because he was learning and wanted to confirm that it was riding ok (we've all been there). I was super impressed. This is by far the most stable foil I have ridden. The thing rides like it's on rails. It is definitely ok for a beginner foil and will then allow you to progress to do everything except race. I liked it so much I bought one for surf and free ride. It still has a good turn of speed but maxes out at about 22-25 knots but does not get twitchy at speed so you can push it as hard as you want. Anyone but a racer will find this well fast enough. I have mostly used it in high winds with a 6 m kite when the swells get up - super fun in those conditions, which is what I got it for because race foils are not so fun when it gets over 20/25 knots. I have ridden it in the light also. It has a low take off and stall speed and comes up onto the foil in a very gentle way so is perfect for those who want to ride in as light wind as possible. Personally I think race foils are more fun in the light because of the speed factor, but speed is not everyone's bag. I wish I'd had a foil like this to learn on. I'm surprised there isn't more about this foil on the other forums because imho Antoine has the best product out there for free ride by a long shot. I'm not usually one to wax lyrical about gear but there are a lot of guys looking to buy alloy foils for the same purpose and unless you are buying a foil purely to learn with the idea of upgrading within 6 months I think that is a mistake when the j shapes is carbon (no corrosion), with a board of appropriate volume for learning and light wind and a great price.

Hi J Shapes foilers
I am looking to purchase a J Shapes foil and board . Has any of you J Shape foilers traveled with your foil and did you have any trouble with packing the fuselage being 1 solid moulding . The foil fuselage is the beginner foil and the size is 600mm wide by 750mm . Thanks for your imput .

Swamp

I asked Antoine specifically about that.... he said he travels with his using a double surfboard bag. Although they're not on his site I purchased a custom made Jshapes wing bag and mast bag. I also got the Jshapes 155 free ride board bag. All are outstanding quality and well worth investing in. I reckon a double board bag with the mast and wing in side their Jshapes covers laying on th board would be bullet roof. You could add extra padding with you wetty. If you hit Antoine up directly he'll no doubt help you out.

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Slyde said..
Just to echo some of what has been sad here before, the J shapes package is an amazing product. I learnt on a Moses and then moved to Spotz 2, Spotz Tuna and KFA Mako, but recently got to try a j shapes at the beach. A guy wanted me to ride it because he was learning and wanted to confirm that it was riding ok (we've all been there). I was super impressed. This is by far the most stable foil I have ridden. The thing rides like it's on rails. It is definitely ok for a beginner foil and will then allow you to progress to do everything except race. I liked it so much I bought one for surf and free ride. It still has a good turn of speed but maxes out at about 22-25 knots but does not get twitchy at speed so you can push it as hard as you want. Anyone but a racer will find this well fast enough. I have mostly used it in high winds with a 6 m kite when the swells get up - super fun in those conditions, which is what I got it for because race foils are not so fun when it gets over 20/25 knots. I have ridden it in the light also. It has a low take off and stall speed and comes up onto the foil in a very gentle way so is perfect for those who want to ride in as light wind as possible. Personally I think race foils are more fun in the light because of the speed factor, but speed is not everyone's bag. I wish I'd had a foil like this to learn on. I'm surprised there isn't more about this foil on the other forums because imho Antoine has the best product out there for free ride by a long shot. I'm not usually one to wax lyrical about gear but there are a lot of guys looking to buy alloy foils for the same purpose and unless you are buying a foil purely to learn with the idea of upgrading within 6 months I think that is a mistake when the j shapes is carbon (no corrosion), with a board of appropriate volume for learning and light wind and a great price.

Try the alpinefoil v3, aluminium. Higher top speed, and upgrade is a new front wing only........easier transportation too...

well I have a Naish Alloy SUP foil, nice foil for the price but so much care needed to stop galvanic corrosion. Alpinefoil make sweet products but alloy is not for me, i see they now have a sacrificial anode for their alloy foils...thats gotta tell you something.
Each to their own :)

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swamp fox said..
Hi J Shapes foilers
I am looking to purchase a J Shapes foil and board . Has any of you J Shape foilers traveled with your foil and did you have any trouble with packing the fuselage being 1 solid moulding . The foil fuselage is the beginner foil and the size is 600mm wide by 750mm . Thanks for your imput .

Swamp

I travelled too Indo and Rote with my J Shapes all packed in with my surfboard and kite quiver bag and had no issues :) it is such a light yet solid set up.

We sell quite a few brands and i have had the opportunity to ride a fair few foils now and always come back to the J Shapes.

Recently got the new Cruiser wing set up and this thing is soooo much fun and still fast enough to scare you.

We have available for demo the 135cm Freeride and 100cm Strapless boards, 95 and 70cm Masts, Freeride and Cruzer foils.

Jason
0411 510 514

Just had my first shot on th 120 freestyle board with the cruzer foil.

And a 17m zephyr... in about 10 kts.

What a buzz.

Love the cruzer foil anyway. So well balanced and great fun. No shimming or adjustments.....

The smaller board made the foil so much more reactive. Bit weird to begin with as I could hardly see the front of the board but once adjusted , it felt solid , very light and comfortable. And great in touchdowns.

Really look forward to riding in waves and more swell. Woohoo!

Thanks to Antoine and Jshapes

The 120 is fun isn't it. Initially I found most things on the surface to be much harder. Even water starting was difficult. I would either over compensate with my back foot too far forward (and dig in), or put my back foot too far back (and go into orbit). I soon got used to it and it's been easy ever since.

If I was too slow on the touch down transitions then the nose would dig in and the board would bulldoze it's way under water.

I compensated by doing really fast foot swaps, and before I knew it I was doing fully foiling foot swaps. Now I can carve around to my hearts content. Love, love, love the 120 J Shapes.

I am toying with either keeping my 155cm as spare, or selling it. I removed the straps and put on the 70cm mast and Cruzer foil, and took it paddle surfing. I am more a SUP surfer, and pretty mediocre on a short board, so I didn't really try leaping to my feet. I did spend a very happy hour body boarding on the foil. Soooo much fun. It's dead easy to catch waves and get on the foil and once there it's not too hard to trim and steer. It's easy to duck dive and the foil seems to dig into the water and stabilise everything when paddling and sitting and going through or over waves.

I will follow up fitting the foil to my SUP and definitely explore using the 155cm for surfing. Such Fun!

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Gorgo said..
The 120 is fun isn't it. Initially I found most things on the surface to be much harder. Even water starting was difficult. I would either over compensate with my back foot too far forward (and dig in), or put my back foot too far back (and go into orbit). I soon got used to it and it's been easy ever since.

If I was too slow on the touch down transitions then the nose would dig in and the board would bulldoze it's way under water.

I compensated by doing really fast foot swaps, and before I knew it I was doing fully foiling foot swaps. Now I can carve around to my hearts content. Love, love, love the 120 J Shapes.

I am toying with either keeping my 155cm as spare, or selling it. I removed the straps and put on the 70cm mast and Cruzer foil, and took it paddle surfing. I am more a SUP surfer, and pretty mediocre on a short board, so I didn't really try leaping to my feet. I did spend a very happy hour body boarding on the foil. Soooo much fun. It's dead easy to catch waves and get on the foil and once there it's not too hard to trim and steer. It's easy to duck dive and the foil seems to dig into the water and stabilise everything when paddling and sitting and going through or over waves.

I will follow up fitting the foil to my SUP and definitely explore using the 155cm for surfing. Such Fun!

Gorgo , do you use straps ? How did you arrange them on the 120 ?
I have been using opposing front straps on the 155 which has 2 lines of holes for the back of the straps but the 120 has only 1 line of holes for the back of the straps .
I ended up just putting one strap at the front until someone suggest a better way . I don't really use it anyway except to start .

Had a great session yesterday on the 120 and 9 Neo . So light and manoeuvrable. I weighed it all at 5.7kg .
I feel much more connected to the foil now , much stronger sensation of knowing where it is and in fact ( once past the different sensation and making adjustment ) I think it has made it easier to ride the foil as the board has become less present . My transitions have been almost all while flying on the 155 but now it feels much easier .

The reason for going to a short board was because i like to ride sea swells and waves and cruise about , and felt the 155 was feeling too big and now fully understand why kitefoil free riders ride short boards . Now , taking the drop on swells and waves is much easier as there is less board at the front to touch down .... its all about the foil after all.
But hell , my legs and torso cane after a session ... all the turning and weaving .

Nor sure what to do with the 155 ... we dont really have set waves as such .

Cheers

I have just received a 120 free ride and have used a longer screw to overlap the front straps at the V point. Also got the 95cm mast with Freeride Foil. Looking forward to my first session .

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eddiemorgs said..

...

Gorgo , do you use straps ? How did you arrange them on the 120 ?
I have been using opposing front straps on the 155 which has 2 lines of holes for the back of the straps but the 120 has only 1 line of holes for the back of the straps .
I ended up just putting one strap at the front until someone suggest a better way . I don't really use it anyway except to start .

....

I have two straps at the front. The outside of the straps are on the middle position, and the inside of the straps share a single screw hole in the middle.

I have Dakine straps with the twist control plastic thingy. Where the two straps meet in the middle I replaced the twist control fitting with a stainless washer to accommodate the extra thickness from having the two layers of strap on a single screw. It works fine. I always have one foot in one of the front straps and jump quite a lot. I checked the screw the other day and it was nicely screwed in. No sign of it pulling out or anything.

I have the back strap in the most forward position behind the mast. When riding with the Freeride foil I have my back foot in the strap. It feels quite balanced. I tend to do a lot of jumps and larger radius turns.

With the Cruzer foil I feel more comfortable with the back foot in front of the mast. I do lots of carving and S-turns and tight radius turns. I am generally riding in fairly large chop or waves. It feels a bit less balanced with my foot in the back strap. Doable, but not as comfortable as the Freeride. I do put my foot further back when riding upwind. May favourite thing to do is swoosh around in the wave zone and back foot forward feels best for that.

PS Even better is to swoosh around in the wave zone near where the windsurfers are struggling to get off the beach.