The 135 is one of six models in the X-Cite Ride
series, each available in Full Wood Sandwich or
Epoxy Sandwich construction (as the one tested
here). With a now very familiar graphic appearance
that has altered only marginally over the last few
years, a JP board is immediate distinguishable at
just a glance, this 135 being no exception. With
steadily increasing vee from nose to tail, it
incorporates the brand’s trademark channel in its
hull, the rails thinned significantly and experiencing a
good deal of tuck from the front straps onwards.
Possessing a rounded plan shape and domed deck
throughout, it has most of its volume concentrated in
the middle of the board, tapering off towards the
nose and tail. Supplied with the brand’s standard
Velcro straps (without their new spacers in this ES
version) and a 44cm fin, it is a very clean attractive
looking board.
Ride and Handling
Stable and dependable underfoot at idle, the 135
rises up onto the plane progressively in a very
controlled and easy manner. With a variety of
footstrap options, the board can cater excellently for
the improving sailor, fixing the straps inboard and
forward to make them safe and practical to locate for
the first time. Even when placed in their outermost
settings the footstraps are still relatively inboard and
help the rider to adopt a relaxed upright stance over
the board – an ideal position to take advantage of
the board’s smooth easy response. Once on the
plane the board has a measured predictable
character, doing nothing untoward to upset the
nervous passenger. The straps and deckpads
provide a secure connection to the board, the back
deckpad providing a firm edge to rest the backfoot’s
heel against and drive the board upwind.
Accelerating to a comfortable cruising speed, the JP
is best partnered with a light freeride sail rather than
an efficient freerace foil, which will overpower the
board. Once it has reached its respective cruising
speed, the board cant be pushed any faster, so any
extra power will only serve to pull the rider’s stance
out of shape. As such, the 135 is ideal for the
intermediate, providing a safe, secure and
dependable platform for a rapid progression into
planing conditions.
Manoeuvres
Like all of its X-Cite Ride siblings we have tried this
year the 135 is a simply stunning board to gybe,
engaging easily and holding its rail in beautifully,
even in harsh choppy conditions. Confident in its
ability, the rider can really drive the board into the
turn with conviction and expect to come out of the
corner dry, rewarding good technique with a level of
grip a board 15L its junior would be happy with.
Versatile and forgiving, it is also smooth and easy to
carve up to the eye of the wind, making the tack a
very achievable and fluent manoeuvre for the
improving sailor.
For: Steady, dependable and an excellent tutor for
the intermediate, especially for gybing. A great
looking board.
Against: Not for experienced sailors looking for
light-wind performance.
Length (cm) 258
Width (cm) 72
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 9.35
Fin JP Ride 44cm (Power)
Sail Range 6.0-8.5m
Price £799.00/£899
