Saturday In Holland ...

Hi Paul,

I hope all is well.

Spring has started in the Netherlands. Some Dutch sloppy waves, but fun, today at my home spot. I'm riding the standard + 1 inch you made for me a couple of years ago. Works great!

Say hi to Gloria.

Have a good weekend!

Marc

Don't Try This At Home ...

The double canvas, twin finned rafts crafted by Woody Woodworth in the Newport area back in the 70's are legend in the mat riding community.

This photo shows why, in some situations, uber-grip and ultra-durability have their place!

From Peter ...

Hi Paul,

More than a few people have asked me if i sleep on my mat. Now i can tell them where to go for a proper bed!

Peter C

4GF Sale Wrap Up ...

Our sale this past April netted almost 70 orders! (This time of year, 40 or so during that time span would be average.) I'm just now caught up with the back log. Thank you all for your patience.

The ratio of new mat riders compared to established riders looking to back up their quiver with an extra mat or two was roughly 3-1...which is just about the norm during non-sale periods.

The breakdown of models is also similar to most months. Trackers and Omnis dominate, with Fatties and Vespas coming second, and XLs, UDTs, Standards and Classics  making up the rest of the orders in about equal numbers. One Lotus order came through as well.

The neatest part, for us, is to hear the responses from new mat riders who've been on the fence about trying a mat, then going ahead and getting one during the sale.

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Hi Paul,

 

Got the matts and rode them for first time this weekend. They are so awesome. We had the time of our lives.

 

Thank you for such a great product!

 

Mark

 

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Paul,

Used the mat for first time today.  Had a blast and am looking forward to
more fun with it.

Thanks!

Chuck

 

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Hi Paul

Got the mat Monday and a nice 3-4 ft swell arrived Tuesday so got some nice rides on it right away.

Really impressed with the quality and the way it rides.

Looking forward to learning how to ride it better so I appreciate the info you sent.

No points in these parts but when the conditions are right we do get some fast walls and the extra speed will come in handy.

Thanks  Very Much,

Paul

 

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Paul,

 

Mat arrived on Friday. It's 40 ounces lighter than
what I've been using which is better than I'd hoped. Looking
forward to many trips with it. Beautifully made.

 

Thanks,

Art

 

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Hey Paul,

This Joe, used my mat 1st time today and had a blast. It was a learning experience but never a dull  moment. Got some good waves and really enjoyed it. Getting to the outside, I was using lifeguard rescue techniques with the mat as mu victim and instead going toward the shore, I was going out.

Started with a 90% bend and let out more air until it fell really comfortable.

Used DaFin kicks but I think, I will try the regular DaFin or Duck Feet. I felt not enough thrust with the kicks.

The rides were just pure fun, really enjoyed it. My wife was a little shy still but I will get her on it.

Thank you again,

Best regards

Joe

 

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Also, my bother Dan and I would like to thank all the people who sent us their well wishes after our mother's passing. It meant a lot to us...

 

PG

 

 

Beach Boys Followup ...

For sale at Rockaway Records, the record store around the corner where I live...only $100 Grand!

Cheers,
Florian

From Art ...

 

Paul,

 

Thanks for the quick service on the surf mat. I plan to use it like it shows me in this picture. This is in a narrow granite canyon in central Arizona that I've been going to for more than 40 years. I sit on the mat and stay out of the cold water. The air mattress I've been using is worn out and I'm looking forward to about 15 more years going there with your surf mat.

 

 

 

I'm sure the surf mat will provide plenty of buoyancy for my technique. Besides, I'm

thrilled to be soon owning something that was NOT made in you-know-where by Communists.

Photo from the first trip through in 1973 with no-longer-made Stebco air mattresses.

 

Art

From Jonathan ...

Hi Paul,

When I saw this my ears pricked up, being a fan of the Beach Boys, The Ranch and 1968 in general. Probably not blogworthy, but it does have Thee Content.

I wonder about the motivation for this shot. Credibility construction? Seems a little superfluous by 1968.... Anyway, Bruce Johnson and Dennis Wilson catch-a-wave while Al Jardine is shown flailing on some kind of mat.

And Mike Love doesn't bother.

Hope you're well, and happy being home. I'm now halfway through what will now be an 7-8 month dessication period... doin' alright.

Jonathan

From Mark ...

Hi Paul,

I saw on your website that you have a sale on at the moment. It gave me the impetus to
consider a new mat.

Since I got the Standard last year my daughter has grabbed it and loves it. She's better than me on them which grates a bit but it has led to some great dad daughter experiences. We even had some good waves in Indo last year.

Thanks,

   Mark

4GF Sale Ending ...

 

Hi Everyone,

First of all, thank you all so much for your kind words regarding my mother's passing. Gloria and I were overwhelmed by the condolences we received...and believe me, you made a difference in our lives over the past month.

The 4GF sale that's been going on during the month of April will end Friday, May 8th.  Orders received Saturday and beyond will reflect our usual retail price...but with the upside that those orders will go out ASAP. (Sale orders are all on a 3-4 week delay as we address the backlog of orders we received...over 60 of them!)

Thank you all again,

Paul and Gloria