We’ve been wanting to get out in the surf on this newer JP board, and put it into a SUPboarder Pro video for some time now. Over the last few years we’ve reviewed many surfing iSUPs and seen them improve since 2017. So we were intrigued to see how the same JP Australia SurfAIR shape […]
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Michael Wood
2 years ago
Thanks for a great, fully comprehensive review of this board. You covered everything I needed to hear after going out and buying it a few months ago. I know I made the right decision. I can’t find the result of the deflection test though? Like you 15psi seems too low for a board of this quality, so I’ve been using it at 17psi. However, I now feel confident to take it up to 20psi. I also think JP Australia could have included better fins, at least removable side fins. I’ve been unable to source a spare/replaceable centre fin from within… Read more »
Hey Michael. So glad you found the video useful. Im doing the deflection test this morning. I ran out of time at the end of the week to get the results done, sorry. And Sorry again for the long wait for the video too.
I will have a chat to JP about the fins and the issues that type of fin box causes. Really good to hear that you are happy with you board choices and SB pro has helped with it… Wicked!
Have fun Reuben
Olivier Decroly
2 years ago
Hi Reuben. Great great video ! The starboard would probably better fit my weight of 95 kg. I am looking for an Inflatable surf sup to take in a plane, for the more powerful and steeper waves of southern Europe (I used to take my 8’ hard hypernut in the past) Side fins definitely, any idea on how the JP or Starboard would behave in these types of waves ? Thanks Olivier
Hey Olivier, These would be the boards I would go for.They both have good rocker and are mid 9′ in length. This is what you need in those faster steeper wave for sure. The Starboard would be the one for you at your weight.
micheljansens
2 years ago
Hi Reuben, I feel that the analysis you made for the Gong is not completely accurate: the Gong “Longbard” you looked at actually does have release rails at the back. Gong iSUP range is really not easy to grasp because they have a such a large range with for each model different sizes. You should maybe have a look at the Couine Marie ShortSUP, they come in 7’5, 8’5, 9’5 and 10’5, have a tri fin setup (one US Box and 2 FCS II ), release rail and all… It looked interesting and there was a sale of their last… Read more »
Hey Micheal, Thanks for the comment on this. TBH I saw one pic of a 3 fin set up board but I couldn’t find any info saying about it…. BUT TBH I have just gone on their website now and seen it as clear as day. Im sure that wasn’t on there before! Im going mad! I have added a note on words of post above also.
Hi I had the chance to try a JP surfair in the (small) surf. The board feels reactive and turns easily, the rocker is quite good indeed. It is not as stable as the measurements would make you think: its 9’7 x 32″ felt less stable than a 9′ x 31″ I use. I think mainly because of the narrow tail. The shape really matters for stability. The bag is a bit of a shame for me: it is a little small and partly composed of a mesh on the side. Enough to take it to the beach, but to… Read more »
Good feedback Michel. Yes the thinner tail will make it feel smaller. I like the bag but agree with what you are saying. Glad you have surfed it and commented. Thanks
JohnnyChaos
2 years ago
Good review Reuben. As a heavier rider I was comfy on the 8.5 Loco Aztec Air. PVC Rail and FCS fins.. pretty flat rocker though. My bro has the old 8ft Itiwit. At 100kg I can barely even kneel up on it! but he does ok. ha. But at the moment I’ve got rid of any iSUP surf sups. They feel far too corky for me, I guess that’s just practice, but will stick to hard boards in the waves. Would be interesting to see some more isup surf comparisons though.
JP definitely has performance elements that better the Honu Bondi, such as the rail edge at the tail. If you’re serious about surfing iSUPs, JP would be the pick. Honu Bondi is great for all round fun in the waves, but you won’t get that extra performance.
JohnnyChaos
2 years ago
I’m 100kg and ride a 9.5 Widepoint. I had a go on my mates JP Surfair this weekend in similar size waves to what you had. I was impressed with how it surfed. Like you said, no worries about nose diving, easy to catch wave & turns really nice. I’d say it felt similar on the wave to my hardboard which was really surprising. I’ve not ridden isups for a long time so felt wobbly when not surfing. But then any isup does in the sea for me. I’m just not used to them.
Thanks for the comment Johnny. The JP isup really does feel comparable to a hard board and that’s because of the rail edge and stiffness. Glad you’re getting some good water time.
Jooles
2 years ago
A great rambling yet informative and expert assessment. A kind of fireside chat with the expert. I’ve had two ITIWIT Isups. The 3” 10ft which at 77kg was less stable than my Cotan 7’11” wide at 130 L. In choppy conditions water washes over the deck requiring a lot of paddle bracing techniques. Well for me anyway. However remarkably stiff for a 3” board. I dont know how itiwit do it. I’ve also had the 9’ newest version. This is a different beast to the 10’ …more volume, easier to paddle very very rigid. Takes time to dial into it… Read more »
Hi Jooles, thanks for sharing your deep insights into your board purchases and how they feel for you. Very informative and I’m sure a lot of readers will be guided by it. Itiwit do have some great boards available in their range and it’s good to see they have adapted to suit wave riding too. Glad you’re enjoying it!
Cheers Beau; likewise many thanks for your very honest reviews it shows how Supboardermag are genuine in their opinions and unlike many less skewed by brand loyalty. Enjoy.
Joe Cattaneo
2 years ago
Hi guys thanks for a great review really full review and honest opinion, I like the format of 1 vs them all review!.. I went ahead and bought this board over the 8’10 whip I was considering alongside this. I have paddled many years mainly my 11’3 sport and but this is my first iSup surf having only ever borrowed hardboard surf sups. I am really pleased with the finish of the board very nicely finished comparable to my red. I really like the graphics and colour brought through from the rest of the range, a good different look to… Read more »
Hi Joe, huge thanks for the comment and we’re so happy you are enjoying the board. Your insights into how it feels is very helpful for other readers too. Many thanks
Andreas Kopp
2 years ago
great review, as a normal wave surfer. As a beginner I sup wave rider I think there’s no real video out there were someone points out all the good stuff out there. like what paddle to use, what board for which weight etc. I just got into isup surfing for the easy holiday with kids, smaller waves. I bought the it itjwit 10 / 140 l, with 90 kg the board was way to unstable. even with good balance, its not quit right, But I was able to paddle surf it like a normal surf board :-). I think the… Read more »
Hi Andrew, thanks for taking the time to write your great comments. Good idea about a video, will do that for sure. I hadn’t ever seen the new lightboard corp board yet. But this is for sure one to try. We are try to start riding all our iSUP surfing SUPs for the next SUPboarder Pro test now , when swell is here. So you should look out for that one. Over ten boards in that one. Thanks again
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Thanks for a great, fully comprehensive review of this board. You covered everything I needed to hear after going out and buying it a few months ago. I know I made the right decision. I can’t find the result of the deflection test though? Like you 15psi seems too low for a board of this quality, so I’ve been using it at 17psi. However, I now feel confident to take it up to 20psi. I also think JP Australia could have included better fins, at least removable side fins. I’ve been unable to source a spare/replaceable centre fin from within… Read more »
Hey Michael. So glad you found the video useful.
Im doing the deflection test this morning. I ran out of time at the end of the week to get the results done, sorry.
And Sorry again for the long wait for the video too.
I will have a chat to JP about the fins and the issues that type of fin box causes.
Really good to hear that you are happy with you board choices and SB pro has helped with it… Wicked!
Have fun Reuben
Hi Reuben. Great great video ! The starboard would probably better fit my weight of 95 kg. I am looking for an Inflatable surf sup to take in a plane, for the more powerful and steeper waves of southern Europe (I used to take my 8’ hard hypernut in the past) Side fins definitely, any idea on how the JP or Starboard would behave in these types of waves ? Thanks Olivier
Hey Olivier, These would be the boards I would go for.They both have good rocker and are mid 9′ in length. This is what you need in those faster steeper wave for sure. The Starboard would be the one for you at your weight.
Hi Reuben, I feel that the analysis you made for the Gong is not completely accurate: the Gong “Longbard” you looked at actually does have release rails at the back. Gong iSUP range is really not easy to grasp because they have a such a large range with for each model different sizes. You should maybe have a look at the Couine Marie ShortSUP, they come in 7’5, 8’5, 9’5 and 10’5, have a tri fin setup (one US Box and 2 FCS II ), release rail and all… It looked interesting and there was a sale of their last… Read more »
Hey Micheal, Thanks for the comment on this. TBH I saw one pic of a 3 fin set up board but I couldn’t find any info saying about it….
BUT TBH I have just gone on their website now and seen it as clear as day. Im sure that wasn’t on there before! Im going mad!
I have added a note on words of post above also.
SORRY ALL, CHECK THIS BOARD OUT ALSO https://www.gong-galaxy.com/en/product/gong-sup-inflatable-couine-marie-shortsup-3/ . looks pretty good but I feel still needs more rocker!
By the way, I really like this approach of comparing the board with all others and the technical details to look at.
Thanks a lot
Michel
Great review Reuben. Yes a head tot head iSUP surf video will be highly appriciated… :o)
Wicked thanks Brian
Hi I had the chance to try a JP surfair in the (small) surf. The board feels reactive and turns easily, the rocker is quite good indeed. It is not as stable as the measurements would make you think: its 9’7 x 32″ felt less stable than a 9′ x 31″ I use. I think mainly because of the narrow tail. The shape really matters for stability. The bag is a bit of a shame for me: it is a little small and partly composed of a mesh on the side. Enough to take it to the beach, but to… Read more »
Good feedback Michel. Yes the thinner tail will make it feel smaller.
I like the bag but agree with what you are saying.
Glad you have surfed it and commented.
Thanks
Good review Reuben.
As a heavier rider I was comfy on the 8.5 Loco Aztec Air. PVC Rail and FCS fins.. pretty flat rocker though.
My bro has the old 8ft Itiwit. At 100kg I can barely even kneel up on it! but he does ok. ha.
But at the moment I’ve got rid of any iSUP surf sups. They feel far too corky for me, I guess that’s just practice, but will stick to hard boards in the waves.
Would be interesting to see some more isup surf comparisons though.
Thanks for your comment Johnny . Yeah its a great board but its still an iSUP!
How does it compare with the Honu Bondi?
JP definitely has performance elements that better the Honu Bondi, such as the rail edge at the tail. If you’re serious about surfing iSUPs, JP would be the pick. Honu Bondi is great for all round fun in the waves, but you won’t get that extra performance.
I’m 100kg and ride a 9.5 Widepoint. I had a go on my mates JP Surfair this weekend in similar size waves to what you had.
I was impressed with how it surfed. Like you said, no worries about nose diving, easy to catch wave & turns really nice. I’d say it felt similar on the wave to my hardboard which was really surprising.
I’ve not ridden isups for a long time so felt wobbly when not surfing. But then any isup does in the sea for me. I’m just not used to them.
Thanks for the comment Johnny. The JP isup really does feel comparable to a hard board and that’s because of the rail edge and stiffness. Glad you’re getting some good water time.
A great rambling yet informative and expert assessment. A kind of fireside chat with the expert. I’ve had two ITIWIT Isups. The 3” 10ft which at 77kg was less stable than my Cotan 7’11” wide at 130 L. In choppy conditions water washes over the deck requiring a lot of paddle bracing techniques. Well for me anyway. However remarkably stiff for a 3” board. I dont know how itiwit do it. I’ve also had the 9’ newest version. This is a different beast to the 10’ …more volume, easier to paddle very very rigid. Takes time to dial into it… Read more »
Hi Jooles, thanks for sharing your deep insights into your board purchases and how they feel for you. Very informative and I’m sure a lot of readers will be guided by it. Itiwit do have some great boards available in their range and it’s good to see they have adapted to suit wave riding too. Glad you’re enjoying it!
Cheers Beau; likewise many thanks for your very honest reviews it shows how Supboardermag are genuine in their opinions and unlike many less skewed by brand loyalty.
Enjoy.
Hi guys thanks for a great review really full review and honest opinion, I like the format of 1 vs them all review!.. I went ahead and bought this board over the 8’10 whip I was considering alongside this. I have paddled many years mainly my 11’3 sport and but this is my first iSup surf having only ever borrowed hardboard surf sups. I am really pleased with the finish of the board very nicely finished comparable to my red. I really like the graphics and colour brought through from the rest of the range, a good different look to… Read more »
Hi Joe, huge thanks for the comment and we’re so happy you are enjoying the board. Your insights into how it feels is very helpful for other readers too. Many thanks
great review, as a normal wave surfer. As a beginner I sup wave rider I think there’s no real video out there were someone points out all the good stuff out there. like what paddle to use, what board for which weight etc. I just got into isup surfing for the easy holiday with kids, smaller waves. I bought the it itjwit 10 / 140 l, with 90 kg the board was way to unstable. even with good balance, its not quit right, But I was able to paddle surf it like a normal surf board :-). I think the… Read more »
Hi Andrew, thanks for taking the time to write your great comments. Good idea about a video, will do that for sure. I hadn’t ever seen the new lightboard corp board yet. But this is for sure one to try. We are try to start riding all our iSUP surfing SUPs for the next SUPboarder Pro test now , when swell is here. So you should look out for that one. Over ten boards in that one.
Thanks again