In the past, the JP-Australia Ultimate Wave was one of the most radical wave boards on the market - but also not the easiest to ride. The completely redesigned 2024 model seems mitigated, judging by its looks.
On the beach
The shape of the new JP-Australia Ultimate Pro has been significantly mitigated compared to last years. The tail is still quite narrow, but without the distinctive wingers of the previous model. Overall, the shape has been made a little more compact and slightly wider. The features include above-average soft and comfortable straps, all of which are double bolted with torx screws. Thanks to five built-in boxes, the Ultimate Pro can be used with all fin setups - it is recommended as a quad, but originally it comes without any fins. The bottom is rather exciting: with a slight V and double concaves at the front, this changes into a slight mono-concave at the back. Although the board is supposed to be very radical, it has hardly any visible tail kick on the centreline.
On the water
Even after the redesign, the JP-Australia Ultimate Wave Pro still feels a little smaller than other boards in this volume class, but the new board is not as tippy and demanding as its predecessor. The board planes surprisingly well, if you give it a quick tug and go downwind a little bit you are rewarded with great acceleration and a lively ride. The control has improved noticeably: while the "old" Ultimate Wave was still quite bitchy, especially in rough conditions, the new model offers a successful mix of sporty, free riding behaviour on the one hand, but also enough control to make relaxed turns in chop.
Fortunately, the exceptional turning characteristics of the board have largely been retained. Although the board still requires a slightly higher level of riding ability in the bottom turn than some other models in the test group or the sister model Magic Wave ( HERE is a test ), the new Ultimate also offers the best variability. Carve a long bottom turn over the entire rail, then pull tight and vertical up to the lip of the wave and hit a slashing cutback or wave 360 - the JP offers maximum potential for this.
JP-Australia Ultimate Pro 87 - conclusion
The new Ultimate has improved a lot and is a much better all-rounder than before. Planning & control are at a high level, the potential for radical turns is top notch. This makes the board feel at home on the North and Baltic Sea as well as in South Africa or Maui. Our recommendation: If you surf primarily in bump & jump conditions or in moderate North and Baltic Sea conditions, you are better off with the Magic Mave, which has even better planing abilities and offers a smoother ride. If wave moves and radical turns are on your wish list, the Ultimate has the complete package.
Variability, wave moves
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Comes without fins
Technical data JP-Australia Ultimate Wave (surf measurements)
- Weight: 6.50 kg
- Length: 225.0 cm
- Width: 58.8 cm
- Price: 2599 Euro
- More Info: jp-australia.com
