Boards: For light and planing winds - the JP-Australia Fun Ride in the test

265 centimetres in length, at times when such board lengths were en vogue are probably only remembered by the over-50s. Yet a classically stretched outline has many advantages - the old sailor's saying "length runs" is no coincidence. So is the new JP-Australia Fun Ride 2025 a board for nostalgics? Our test reveals it.

On land

The new model has a strikingly elongated outline, with parallel edges and a length of 265 centimetres. Only one size with a volume of 155 litres is available. The board is equipped with a large deck pad and has various strap options: A very far inboard and forward position for beginners to glide surfing as well as two options for freeriding that are definitely sporty and offset to the outside. The fact that the Fun Ride is by no means just designed for windsurfing beginners is emphasised by the fin equipment - a 48 mm Powerbox fin is intended to make sporty planing possible. This model also comes with a centre fin, which can be mounted in light winds to minimise lateral drift. If you leave this off, you can simply cover the fin box with the cover supplied.

On the water

The Fun Ride is pleasantly stable in the water, the flat deck and wide tail offer enough safety for even heavy surfers to stand on deck and launch the sheet. Equipped with a centre fin, the board converts sail pull into propulsion well even in light winds, pulling through the water at a reasonable hull speed even at five knots. Lateral drift is minimised by the centre fin, but of course a thoroughbred longboard with a large folding daggerboard on the cross pulls up much better. Nevertheless, the Fun Ride offers a suitable set-up for making short trips across the lake in light winds or honing your manoeuvres instead of sitting on the beach waiting for a gliding wind. The Fun Ride can also be used very well as a learning board for children and teenagers, as the board gratefully accepts steering impulses. However, if the board is equipped with sails smaller than 3.0 square metres, it is advisable to mount a shorter fin (30-36 centimetres) in the tail.

So is the Fun Ride a board for leisurely cruising in light winds? Yes, but not only. Because without a centre fin and with more wind, the board mutates into a veritable fun board. Thanks to its length, it converts sail pull into propulsion harmoniously and without a large planing threshold, even if you are not perfectly loaded. Once you've slipped into the straps, the JP-Australia Fun Ride can glide freely, becomes fast and always remains easy to ride and control. Those who know and love lightweight, compact freeride boards will find the Fun Ride a little too well-behaved - the board is not a free-flying, prancing ride with powerful acceleration, and the weight of 10.62 kilos is also a little high. Nevertheless, the board can be freeridden in a sporty manner and even wide power jibes are surprisingly easy with the Fun Ride.

JP-Australia Fun Ride 155 - the conclusion

The JP-Australia Fun Ride is a board with a wide range of uses: it scores as an easy-to-surf freeride board with sail sizes between 4.7 and 8.0 square metres, but is also great fun in light winds and for practising manoeuvres. Equipped with a smaller fin, kids can also learn on it without any problems. Only those who expect a maximum sporty, light or even racy riding experience will miss a bit of pep on the Fun Ride and should switch to the Magic Ride (HERE is a test) or Super Ride orientate.

JP-Australia Fun Ride - technical data

• Length: 265 cm
• Width: 75 cm
• Weight (surf measurement): 10.62 kg
• Scope of delivery: Board, straps, fin, centre fin, fin box cover
• Price: 1749 Euro
• Info: To the website