New S-Tec design: JP Australia boards will be up to 0.4 kilos lighter in 2025

The Ultimate Wave, Freestyle, Slalom and Hydrofoil board lines will receive a new coat of paint in 2025 - or not. Because one of the special features is the absence of a final, opaque coat of paint. JP shaper Werner Gnigler explains the new features of the S-Tec construction, which is reserved for the specialist shapes in the range:

JP Australia shaper Werner Gnigler on the new S-Tec construction method

What characterises the new S-Tec design?

The S-Tec design uses only high-quality materials that are specially adapted to the respective area of application. It offers an optimum mix of durability and low weight. For wave boards, the construction supports the desired flex behaviour, while a lay-up is used for slalom boards to give the most direct ride possible. The lamination process has also been optimised to avoid excess resin in the board. The finishing process dispenses with opaque colours and large stickers to save weight.

How does the new S-Tec construction differ from other "unfinished" boards?

S-Tec completely dispenses with additional opaque colours. Other "unfinished" boards often use a lot of colour, which is then partially sanded off again to achieve the look. Conventional lay-ups are often used so that these boards hardly offer any weight advantage. S-Tec, on the other hand, is light and stable.

How does the S-Tec design differ from the previous PRO design?

Only higher quality materials are used, which are used specifically where they are needed. This choice of materials, combined with the reduced finish, allows us to achieve low board weights while ensuring durability. We have also reduced the surface area of the base coat to save weight. The pads have also been adapted; they have become slightly smaller and thinner, which also contributes to the weight reduction.

The construction methods at JP-Australia 2024

You won't find the fifth (centre) box in the tail of the Ultimate waveboards in the 2025 model: the new board is designed exclusively as a quad. This saves weight - presumably without sacrificing surfing fun. We have already checked this: in the surf test in direct comparison with its unequal sibling Magic Wave.