JL 12'6 distance board

[Eric]

I was lurking onJ JL websites when I saw that :

http://www.jimmylewis.com/shopexd.asp?id=63

Any feedback on this board ? any pics ?

[motopilot]

I rode a buddy's board last summer.  He bought it for the NYC paddle.  I did not have any boards with me so we were trading off on his JL11' and the 12'6.  After using both for a couple of days (8-10hrs) we both felt the 12'6 was slow for what it was.  Its very stable and easy to paddle but felt like it was stuck in a gear at some point.  We even tried with different fins (was some weed in the back bays) and then went over to the ocean side and still the same results. 

If you are looking for a stable, easy to paddle board for cruising, then this is a great board.  But if you are going to use this to compete with these other race/touring boards, I think you would be disappointed.  Can ask my buddy as he is getting rid of his.

[stoneaxe]

I had the same impression as Moto. I wonder though how it might work as a downwind board. I only rode it briefly in some flats and then in some small waves. It caught the waves easily but like Moto said it felt somewhat slow in the flats. I'd love to try it downwind though..the shape and volume seem well suited to it.
http://www.kenalu.com/forums/showcase-index/jimmy-lewis-distance/
If you click on the picture you can zoom in on it for a better look.

[TitoRincon]

I think it's a great beginners board. I keep one in my quiver as a loaner for my friends. It handles bigger guys like no other board I have used. It makes a great fishing platform also. Surfs ok on smaller waves.

[noa]

i've had mine for nine months now. have paddled it in many conditions and if you want something easy and userfriendly it's quite good. if you want to go fast you'll have to look elsewhere. in flat or slight chop it's pretty slow for it's length. for downwinders it's much better, but still, don't expect miracles.
i think Jimmy just wanted something that anyone can jump on and paddle around or go touring slowly.

[motopilot]

I think it's a great beginners board. I keep one in my quiver as a loaner for my friends. It handles bigger guys like no other board I have used. It makes a great fishing platform also. Surfs ok on smaller waves.

Give you an example of how stable this board is.  I am 190lbs, and was jumping off the dock onto the board.  Felt like I was jumping onto a floating dock.  If you are big or want something as stable as the QE2 this is it.  For the windsurfers, it looks like the old Lechner D2 boards, LOL