Hi All, I am getting back into windsurfing after a long time away. I used to sail old school one designs a lot when I was younger. I am after a board that I can go out in light winds and beyond. I like the idea of being able to sail in whichever direction I want to check out my surroundings regardless of the wind direction. I like to sail upwind as well as the other fun stuff. I wanted to get some feedback from people in regards to the Jp Explorer as a good place to start. I do intend to get a shorter & faster board down the track but I don't want to over-stretch myself with my progression. I did think that once I got better I could always still use the explorer for light days with the kids and for general putting about. Would love to hear some thoughts on this subject. Heres my stats. Central Coast N.S.W. Age - 42, weight - 90kg. Kids - 2 boys 3 & 6. Thanks to everyone 
The JP Explorer will be ideal, but looks like it does not have a soft EVA foam deck, so the kids might trash it. If that is the case (no softdeck) it will be tops for you - but modern boards are nowhere near as durable as what you'd be used to from the old days.
Given the high cost of a new 
or recently secondhand JP Explorer, plus your wishing to use it for the kids to sail/SUP etc on, I'd strongly suggest a secondhand learner board like a Starboard Go (150L to 180L size, probably the former as you know what you're doing).
They're way cheaper seconghand, much more durable, and if you want to get back into it you may well only do a few months on it before wanting your small fast freeride board
The JP-Explorer sure does have a soft EVA deck, had a sail of one in Hong Kong - will be a great board for learning or for anyone wanting to just cruise around "Exploring"
HI Mark, thanks for the response.
Here is the construction of explorer
ASA Sandwich Technology: ASA bottom and full EVA deck.
Cudge
The beauty of the Explorer over the Funster or Start is that it is a bit more high performance. It planes better ( faster and with less drag) yet still offers great stability. If your up on the Gold Coast any time soon then drop in and have a look as we have them on stock already.
Cheers
Damn it's wide though.
Does it have a centerboard, how high is it gonna point up for what you wanna do ?
I think 145L would be a bit small if you want a board for use in non planing conditions like this one is designed for. Of course 165L will feel pretty big in planing conditions.
However in planing conditions a 120L board will feel better than a 145L board. So perhaps it depends upon whether you have or are planning to have a smaller board. If you are then look at the bigger board, if not look at the smaller board.
These Explorers do look pretty good. It would be great to have a board you can get out on and have fun when its not too windy. We have an RRD Easy Rider which is fun but its so wide its not exactly exciting. Plus the centrefin is fixed.
