In the past the JP Freestyle series has offered
some of the most versatile flat-water boards
around, possessing real freeride performance on
top of an ease and potency for new-school
manoeuvres. Intrigued to see how the latest
freestyle designs compare to other manoeuvreoriented
boards of this volume, we have chosen to
include the JP in this category to represent the
dedicated freestyle hull. Signature model of world
champion Ricardo Campello, it is the middle
design of a three-board range, and has a very
short round outline with a distinctive boxy tail bevel
and domed deck. Available in Wood and Pro
construction, it comes supplied with a 26cm
freestyle fin and looks like it means business.
Ride and Handling
Whilst not releasing onto the plane as quickly as
we have come to expect from a JP Freestyle
board, the 100 responds instantly once its
threshold is reached, accelerating purposefully to
an impressive speed. Compact and light underfoot,
it provides an exciting and controlled ride, sitting
high on the water’s surface and skimming over
choppy sea states. Happiest when comfortably
powered, the fin begins to provide enough
feedback to drive against it and trim the board flat,
reducing the board’s waterline and increasing its
responsive riding sensation. As power increases,
the 100’s manners never wane – even in confused
conditions and violent gusts, it remains supremely
composed and forgiving in a straight-line.
Manoeuvres
Although its carving abilities are nothing
extraordinary, the 100 cuts a smooth predictable arc,
the rails biting confidently whilst its width provides
the stability to recover from any mistakes made. Not
surprisingly though, it is in a freestyle mode that the
100 excels, keeping low and sliding back on its nose
with such ease and control that it will have you
conquering that elusive new-school manoeuvre in no
time. It does take a little while to get used to the
board’s pop, the extra volume in the tail giving it
some noticeable swing weight as you rotate…
although you soon get accustomed to it. Get the
slide a little wrong and the 100 will provide plenty of
warning and margin for error, the tail buffering off the
water’s surface so that the rider has every chance of
completing the stunt. With the control and manners
to be used in confused sea states, the 100 is a
practical and fun freestyle machine, inspiring the
rider to try that next manoeuvre.
For: Controlled slide, compact and lively riding
sensation when powered.
Against: Early planing isn’t as potent as
anticipated, but as a freestyle specialist weapon,
it cannot be faulted.
Verdict
Whilst undoubtedly more dedicated to freestyle
than ever before, the Freestyle 100 is a wellmannered
and practical board for flat-water and
coastal chop, best suited for those that are keen
to push their freestyle boundaries.
