JPSUPERSPORT127

T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)

W: www.otc-windsurf.comE: info@otc-windsurf.com

• The 127 is the second largest of the SuperSports and like the 118 is designed to provide the performance of a slalom board with the ease and gybing potential of a freeride contender.

• It comes available in two different technologies – the Pro Edition with biaxial carbon on both the deck and hull, as the one tested here, and the FWS version. Both are provided with a very big fin for this volume of board, at 46cm.

• Its shape is noticeably wide at 75cm, which is the same width as some of the 145L boards tested!

• The outline of the SuperSport is described by JP as ‘modern’, with a volume to width ratio more commonly associated with racing machines such as Formula boards! They are wide and thin, with a reduced thickness throughout thanks to a reshuffling of volume.

• The underwater shape of the 127 is very clean and uncomplicated, with slight vee throughout and an extended channel that starts before the mast track and finishes by the back straps. There are also small crafted cutouts in the tail.

• The fittings are as you would expect from JP with familiar Velcro straps and comfortable deckpads, placed right on the edge of the board for when you load it.

• The Super Sport 127 is 75cm wide making it easily the widest in this group and possessing a great deal of stability at rest. It can take an 8.5m sail effortlessly with bags of buoyancy to spare.

• That said it is not one of the easiest here to get planing and requires a bit of coaxing technique from the rider. You need to turn it off the wind and be more precise with your weight distribution, timing your move rearwards well.

• The straps are really only of use in their most outboard settings – this is not a board to be sailed at half speed but is design to be loaded.

• Acceleration is reasonable, but not electric. The board does feel quite special and it feels as if it should really perform, requiring the rider to concentrate in trimming it. It is efficient and fast, but for the amount of extra effort you put into it compared to the 120, you are left wanting more really.

• In properly powered conditions there is good feedback from the fin, whilst the rail shape and fittings make it a delight to try and drive hard, but again, it is not overwhelming how

much better it is. Get it flying and really find its’ sweet spot, the 127 does cruise through lulls, out point most and begin to feel slippery, but it is not as obvious a leap in performance like the other Super Sports in their respective groups provide.

• In the gybe the 127 is quite typical of this type of more dedicated style board. Entering the turn at speed it requires good commitment from the rider and a strong will to keep it engaged, to which it replies best. The carve is quite predictable from here and the extra width helps a great deal for the foot movement in the exit. Tacking is not an issue, as this board has loads of stability head to wind, although it doesn’t carve up so smoothly, since your feet are right out on the rail.

Suitability: For more experienced sailors looking for that extra bit of performance to drag race their mates.

+ Fast and slippery once its’ sweet spot is discovered.- Is performance gain for amount of input required compared to 120 X-Cite enough?

The Super Sport is a fast freeride board, requiring more technical input from the rider for an involving and absorbing ride.

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THEVERDICT

The Official Test CentreWindsurf Holidays. With Purpose

El Médano, Tenerife

What is The OTC?CONCEPTThe OTC is a unique windsurfing centre offering the first real opportunity for you to compare the boards and sails from each major brand for yourself … and all in the relaxed atmosphere of a holiday environment. It was the brainchild of Tris Best, who, acknowledging the privileged position he was in whilst testing all the latest windsurfing equipment for magazines, wanted to extend the same opportunity to a wider audience.

EQUIPMENTThe centre stocks the very latest equipment from all the major board and sail manufacturers, including:

Boards: F2, Fanatic, Goya, JP Australia, Mistral, Naish, RRD, Starboard, Tabou, Witchcraft

Sails: Ezzy, Gaastra, Neil Pryde, Naish, North Sails, Severne, Simmer, Tushingham

From wave to freestyle and crossover, into the expansive realms of freeride, almost every discipline and equipment category is represented, catering for all rider styles and abilities.

LOCATIONThe centre is situated in the town of El Médano on the island of Tenerife just ten minutes transfer from Reina Sofia Airport in the south. With an average air temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, the OTC is open throughout the year, and benefits from three fantastic windsurfing areas to cater for every windsurfing ability and preference.

South Bay is a true windsurfer’s playground ideal for intermediates and above, providing a large bump-and-jump sailing area with the added benefit of having a safe, enclosed sandy beach.

The Harbour Wall is easily accessible from the centre, and offers a clean smooth face at the right tide state. A good introduction to wave riding for the uninitiated, it is a great deal of fun to ride, with the added security of a safe exit channel within easy reach at all times.

Cabezo is the northern most bay of the town, which, with its typical European cross-onshore conditions provides the ideal test arena for wave and crossover equipment. Hosting World Tour events in the past, the sailing standard in the bay is awe-inspiring and is sure to captivate even the non-windsurfer’s imagination.

THE CENTREContained in a modern building directly on the beachfront of South Bay, the centre caters for a limited number of clients each week, ensuring every opportunity to try the desired kit.

WIND STATISTICSBoasting over 250 days of planing conditions (force four and above) a year, El Médano is Tenerife’s primary windsurfing location and is well exposed to the influence of the Atlantic, offering some of the most consistent conditions found in the Canarian archipelago.

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I can’t recommend the OTC enough. While I was there I tried about 8 boards and quite a lot of sails. The range of kit and the lads who run the place are just brilliant.

Ken Morton iwindsurf.co.uk Forum

T: +44 (0)121 288 9965 (UK)T: +34 922 179 401 (Tenerife)

W: www.otc-windsurf.comE: info@otc-windsurf.com

The Official Test CentreWindsurf Holidays. With Purpose

El Médano, Tenerife

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South Bay

Harbour Wall

Cabezo

The OTC.