JP X CITE RIDE

Question
Hey Windlover,

     I weigh about 82kg and have decent sailing experience. I can water start and plane, and now most of the time get into the footstraps using a Bic Techno 2 148. I want to start nailing gybes and hopefully move to bump and jump sailing in the next few years. The Techno felt comfortable however I would really like to move to something smaller if possible, I feel 148 liters is too bulky (even more so too bulky for jumping). Im looking to buy a JP Xcite Ride (either 120 (69cm wide) or 130 (72cm wide)), however, I am unsure if I could handle the 120. Would I be able to even use it comfortably for light wind at my weight? I definately dont want a board that I cant atleast uphaul my sail on in real light stuff. Is the 130 my best bet even though its probably a bit more sluggish and wont jump as well, or would I be alright on the 120 after I got used too it.

Answer
Hey Christopher,

You should have no problem with a 120 if you can waterstart. You would still be able to uphaul it if really needed. As for sailing light winds, you could probably get away with sailing down to about 12-15 with 7.5. You may not plane much if the wind is on the low side of this range. But you could pull out the Techno for that light of wind. A 120 would be a good board for you to grow into and also an excellent board for b & j. I think the 130 is too close to the 148 and you would not get as much from it as the 120. When going to smaller boards, it is always better to get something your abilities can grow into rather than outgrow the board.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover