I currently have a JP RWW 91 and a Starboard Acid 80, which is not a bad combination for Port Phillip bay and the occasional trip to the coast. Problem is that I like taking off to WA for the odd weekend and at 93kgs the 80lt is not a great single board. Hence, I am looking for a 84/85'ish lt board that works well in the surf as a single board but also works well in the bay.

I am thinking about a JP RWW or a FSW. Obviously the FSW would be great for the bay but, judging by the reviews, I have concerns that is will piss me off in the waves. Is a RWW the answer? I want to buy second hand, so availability is an issue to consider.

Any advice?

at 93 kgs have you thought about a '10 91 L JP Twin Wave? Or perhaps a '09 84 JP Twin Wave (which seems closer to 86L).

The thing with WA is that around Geraldton you will get a heap of wind in January but if you are thinking about going up to Gnaraloo you'll have a lot more fun with something a bit more floaty.

I have sailed the '09 84 JP twin on flat water before and while it's not the fastest board in those conditions it certainly keeps up with other Freewave boards.

Thanks for that. I have thought about twins, but assumed they are really only for core wave sailing, not the the (unfortunate) compromise I am looking for. But it sounds like you believe the reduced planning/pointing ability(?) is not that big an issue for bump and jump type sailing(?)

I usually find myself doing a WA trip before Christmas and one around March. I suppose this is because it is out of the best melbourne sea breeze period and there is usually some swell in WA. I've been up to Gloo once (late season), but no wind at all - what a mission to not sail. Lesson 1 - take the freek'n surfboard. Next time I'll definitely go in Nov!

The perfect board would be the new JP 92 or 82 Quad! I sailed mine in the bay the other day and it was AWESOME. Great upwind, good speed and excellent to jump so great for the bay plus super manoeuvrable and made for the waves. I'm 86kg and the 92 floats me easily but was really comfortable and controllable in 30knots with a 4.7m sail.

I reckon these waves boards are awesome for the bay so perfect for you. Only problem is you want to go second hand - maybe an '09 twinser would be the go!

Thanks Fletch. I saw you have both a FSW and a twinser for sale - of the two, you would recommend the twinser for what I am after?

The FSW will be better in the bay than the twin but if you want to hit the surf then the twin is better. Based on your weight and what you've said I'd say an 84L FSW would be better for you than a 82L twin, however a 92 Quad would be better than both. Alternatively a high 80s/low 90s RWW would be a good option. Probably don't want to go a 91 FSW for what you're after - the 84 FSW will work well in the surf but the 91 is getting a bit too big in the tail...

BTW: I've sold both my boards - should get around to taking them off seabreeze I guess

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FletcHuz said...
Probably don't want to go a 91 FSW for what you're after - the 84 FSW will work well in the surf but the 91 is getting a bit too big in the tail...

I would second this comment... you need to have some really good weight behind you to use the 91 FSW in waves... yes it will work but it's not nearly as much fun.