surf: Super Sport, Magic Ride and now Super Ride - while the trend in many places is towards a streamlined range, JP-Australia is following suit with another freeride model. What's the idea behind it?
Brandner: We are not introducing an additional line, but the Super Rides are replacing the All Rides and the X-Cite Ride line. So we are actually reducing by one line. Freeride is by far the area where the most boards are sold. We want to offer all freeriders the perfect board for their requirements. The three board lines are easy to distinguish, and the names of the lines also give an indication of the main area of use. Super Sport: The boards for very sporty freeriders who love to fly over the water, who like to compete with friends on the water for fun and who are masters of sporty racing and carving jibes. Magic Ride: Magically easy to ride freeriders that plane extremely early, ideal for shortboard beginners and jibing students. Thanks to the typical JP sporty touch, they should not be boring for experts either. Last but not least, the new Super Ride: The boards lie exactly between the Super Sport and Magic Ride - for sporty, ambitious riders who want to go really fast but appreciate a lot of comfort, control and the best jibing characteristics on a board. We took our time developing the Super Rides to take a real step forwards. After extensive testing against all competitor boards, I am certain that Werner has achieved a really great success.
What do you think the new board can do better than the previous Magic Ride and Super Sport models?
Gnigler: As Martin already mentioned, each of the three lines has certain advantages: The new Super Ride is the perfect all-rounder in the freeride segment. It is the best board for carving jibes and can even keep up with the Super Sport in the race jibe. In terms of top speed, it is very close to the Super Sport, but is much easier to ride. In addition, the Super Rides are the front runners in terms of comfort and control in choppy conditions in the upper wind range.
To what extent is the concept reflected in the shape? Can you categorise the board in terms of its characteristics compared to Magic Ride and Super Sport?
Gnigler: As already mentioned, the Super Ride is positioned between the two lines. Due to the new, more parallel outline, the Super Rides are the shortest and slimmest shapes of the three, guaranteeing high comfort in choppy conditions and for carving and power jibes. The underwater hull has the most pronounced V at the front of the board. This improves comfort because the board starts softer and allows us to incorporate more curve in the rail area. The differently pronounced V at the front and rear is also responsible for the very free water position.
"The Super Ride is perfect for ambitious sporty riders who want to go really fast but appreciate a lot of comfort, control and the best gybing characteristics on a board"
The strap options also determine whether intermediates and experienced freeriders can feel equally comfortable on a board concept. How is the Super Ride equipped here?
Gnigler: The Super Rides have different strap options: To match the deck shape, a slightly more sporty option that is positioned further outwards and a position further inwards for less experienced riders. The harmonious deck camber enables a comfortable hold with optimum power transmission. The deck shape lies between the slightly flatter deck of the Magic Ride and the voluminous railshape of the Super Sport. The mast foot position is roughly the same for all board lines. Due to the stable pressure point of modern sails, fin size, board width, footstrap position and outline influence the riding behaviour much more than, for example, the mast foot position.
What sizes and designs will be available?
Brandner: The new model will be available in the two construction types PRO and Full Wood Sandwich with 102 (233 x 63 cm), 116 (234 x 68 cm), 132 (235 x 73 cm) and 146 litres (240 x 78 cm). In addition, the two medium sizes with 116 and 132 litres will also be offered as a sophisticated Gold Edition and in a more affordable HRS design and will be available from mid-May 2018.
Editor's note: Prices had not yet been finalised at the time of going to press.