JS Schooner Surfboard Review

Just like the beer, this board is all about foam up top and performance in the back. It's been a firm favourite with customers and team riders, and the feedback has been exceptional.

The Schooner covers a wide spectrum, serving as both a performance shortboard and a solid step-up option. It handles a range of wave conditions with ease, from good waves to the higher end of the spectrum.

How's the shape?

With plenty of width and thickness up front, it bears similarities to the much-loved Raging Bull. However, it sweeps into a more refined, thinned-out round tail, providing excellent bite and hold. The combination of a knifey tail and low rails offers high performance surfing, but when combined with the ample width and thickness in the front, offers fantastic paddling ability and loads of drive and speed off the front foot.

Looking at the bottom, you'll find a single to double concave, intensifying through the fins. The rocker line features a medium-performance rocker similar to the Monsta 10, facilitating a high-performance approach. These boards are designed to turn hard and excel in the pocket, rather than just pointing straight.

Feedback So Far

The feedback on the Schooner has been overwhelmingly positive, especially during this winter season, with surfers loving its performance both locally and on trips abroad.

In particular, a memorable run of swell on the south coast last winter saw the Schooner shine under the feet of two of our team riders, Reubyn Ash and Tom Lowe. Both scored some mental tubes, and Reubyn got aerial as usual. 

One interesting observation is that many riders are opting for increased volume with the Schooner. With its refined rail and knifey tail, adding a bit of extra volume provides added stability without compromising performance. Both Reubyn and Tom have increased their board volume by about a liter to a liter and a half and are thoroughly enjoying the results.

Fin Choices

When it comes to fins, the ideal setup for the Schooner is the FCS JS Thruster template, offering a bit of rake for optimal performance. These are a PCC construction fin, so fairly stiff. A great attriubte for bigger days, but maybe try another Carver template in a regular PC construction for more flex if you're looking to use the board in a more rounded capacity. Fins with a carving capability, such as MF or AM template will be good here.