WINDSUP BOARD REVIEW
88 AUGUST 2019
JP FOIL SLATE PRO 8'10"
WEB WWW.JP-AUSTRALIA.COM PRICE £1899
THEY SAY
In addition to the dedicated Foilboards we have also introducedthe full line of Foil Slate boards thatcombine the proven Surf Slate shapeswith the foiling option. The Foil Slatesalso have long track boxes for addedwindsurf foiling option.(^)
WE SAY
The largest in a four board lineup, the 8’10” car-
ries the Slate’s now familiar ‘compact concept’ we
see in the associated windsurf boards, with parallel
rails and squared-off nose and tail, giving it a boxy
outline. The idea is to provide, stability and speed
in paddling and glide, becoming ultra responsive
once pushed into transition. It comes supplied
with FCS fins, and massive 34cm US box tracks
for use with a pedestal plated foil, its length mak-
ing it capable of use in both wind foiling and sup
foiling. There’s an ergonomic handle in the middle
of the board, a mount for a GoPro camera on the
nose, and plenty of grippy deck pad across much
of the flat deck in the rear, albeit no footstrap op-
tions and only a single mastfoot location option.
Used for stand up paddling, the JP is supremely
stable despite its relatively narrow width, the wide
tail and broad shoulders helping to provide the
security, even to the nervous pilot. Directionally
stable, it glides well enough, so as to not be out
of place for flat-water cruising. Used for catching
waves, we did find ourselves stepping back soon-
er than you would on a conventionally shaped
board, to keep the shoulders high and clear. Hap-
py to cruise along the face akin to a longboard,
we were impressed with how it kept its speed, the
tail shape feeling wide and stable underfoot for
the light to medium weight riders in the team. Yet
force the issue (which will be less of an issue for
heavier riders), and the thin rails combine with
the FCS fins to provide the grip required. Partner
the Foil Slate with a sail and it works well for light
wind freestyle and covering distance in comfort,
the parallel rails aiding directional stability and
mitigating any deficiency in the small fins. Whilst
not really suited as a beginner / novice platform,
it would be a good addition to a experienced rid-
er’s quiver for those light wind days in practicing
transitions and technique. The ability to use a foil
with the JP however opens up a whole new dimen-
sion. We used it with Neil Pryde’s Glide Surf foil,
screwing the nuts onto the tips of the bolts, before
offering them up to the track. The vast track pro-
vides plenty of tuning variation, although we soon
established that for wind foiling, the foil needs to
be placed right at the back to maintain flight con-
trol. Accelerating across the water before lifting
early, the Slate was a pleasure to use, feeling bal-
anced and controlled with an upright stance over
the board. It makes an ideal tutor for the novice
wind foiler, the board releasing easily, under the
influence of the sail before the foil can be brought
to life. And if you get a little too much height and
breach, the length of the Slate means you can eas-
ily recover from a nose landing. The Glide Surf
foil comes with a short 65 cm mast, which worked
well with the strapless and relaxed foiling posture
the Foil Slate encourages. Some may find the foil’s
response time too quick and immediate for their
liking, yet it can be tempered through the use of
the longer fuselage of the Glide Wind foil – some-
thing we were lucky enough to be able to try first-
hand. There isn’t an option to fix straps and load
the board; nor is there the
ability to move the deck
plate position, relying
more on the movement
of rider’s stance along
the uncluttered deck to
achieve the right balance.
But for simple, uncompli-
cated fun, from SUP’ing
in all environments to
wind foil cruising, the JP
has much to offer.
VITAL STATS
Volume (Quoted): 145 L.
Length: 269 cm / 8’10”
Width: 79 cm / 31”
Thickness: 10.4 cm /
4.1”Weight (‘Naked’,
Brand Quoted): N/A
Fittings: Centre R7 FCS
+2 x Thruster R7 FCS
Sizes Available: 7’4”,
7’8”,8’2”,8’10”