Jan 26, 2017
Jan 23, 2017
Jan 19, 2017
Jan 16, 2017
From Jacksonville Rob ...
Paul,
We have been blessed with some swell and I have thoroughly enjoyed it! My feet are a little torn up from the last few days but it's been worth it.
Here's a little slide I took to the inside to get a baby barrel. It was pretty fast so I slowed the end down.
These mats give me so much joy! Keep spreading the stoke Paul!
Rob P
Jan 12, 2017
Jan 8, 2017
Tips From The Pros: Crowd Strategizing, Part One ...
Regardless of your age, level of experience, or choice of equipment...the number one hassle in surfing is dealing with crowds...
Mat surfers have an edge in that we tend to be non-competitive. For most of us, a lone wolf go out in junk surf is preferable to butting heads with the alpha-males at the local super-spot. And our choice of drug delivery, the humble mat, lends itself to poor quality waves.
So, we're a leg up on the deal to start with.
But what if, for some practical reason, you're going to crack a lineup peppered with a collection of Kelly Slater cultists with a surf mat under your arm? How should you approach it?
Rob from Jacksonville spent this past Tuesday morning in just such a position...and not only did he handle it well, he effectively verbalized it.
To wit:
Paul,
I surfed the North Side of the Jax Pier Tuesday in 2+’ clean conditions. It was so crowed on the South Side of the pier it looked like there were a couple water polo matches going on at the same time in the line up.
Here's some of the chaos off of Surfline's cam from the South Side that morning...
It was a totally different vibe from my usual spot, but it was the only place was breaking within driving distance. I chose the less crowded North Side.
I said a little prayer, suited up, and blew up the Fatty. As I walked down from the parking lot I was peppered with, "That's not a surf board, that's a raft" comments. I have thick skin, so I just smiled and kept walking. You have to remember this is probably the first time most of these guys and girls have seen a surf mat. I've never even seen another prone rider in the line up!
When I got to the water I felt all eyes on me, being on the North Side of the pier it was less crowded, but there where still about 10 guys in the water with me. I felt something I have never felt before mat surfing, pressure. I paddled out with the stink eye on me strong!
When I reached the line up I was greeted by some groms with stink eyes and some whispering between the four of them. I paddled out a little further than the rest of the lineup ;-)! I waited for a plus size set to roll through and snuck in out back on my first wave! It was a screaming high line right and I got to see those stink eyes look surprised, and those tight lips turn to smiles, as I let out a YEEEEEWWWWWW all the way to the inside!
I respected everyone's position in the lineup, and all the sudden I was just another surfer.
I caught every wave I paddled for, and had some rights so long I had to get out and walk back. The pressure I felt had nothing to do with me, or the other surfers out at the Pier. I felt like that because I was the only one in the water representing mat surfing, and I wanted to represent it well. I was so stoked on the session and had a tremendous amount of fun!
Happy New Year! Keep Spreading the Stoke Paul!
Super Stoked,
Rob Pollard
PS I would have taken some go-pro video but the vibe told me to leave the camera in the car :-)!
Mat surfers have an edge in that we tend to be non-competitive. For most of us, a lone wolf go out in junk surf is preferable to butting heads with the alpha-males at the local super-spot. And our choice of drug delivery, the humble mat, lends itself to poor quality waves.
So, we're a leg up on the deal to start with.
But what if, for some practical reason, you're going to crack a lineup peppered with a collection of Kelly Slater cultists with a surf mat under your arm? How should you approach it?
Rob from Jacksonville spent this past Tuesday morning in just such a position...and not only did he handle it well, he effectively verbalized it.
To wit:
Paul,
I surfed the North Side of the Jax Pier Tuesday in 2+’ clean conditions. It was so crowed on the South Side of the pier it looked like there were a couple water polo matches going on at the same time in the line up.
Here's some of the chaos off of Surfline's cam from the South Side that morning...
It was a totally different vibe from my usual spot, but it was the only place was breaking within driving distance. I chose the less crowded North Side.
I said a little prayer, suited up, and blew up the Fatty. As I walked down from the parking lot I was peppered with, "That's not a surf board, that's a raft" comments. I have thick skin, so I just smiled and kept walking. You have to remember this is probably the first time most of these guys and girls have seen a surf mat. I've never even seen another prone rider in the line up!
When I got to the water I felt all eyes on me, being on the North Side of the pier it was less crowded, but there where still about 10 guys in the water with me. I felt something I have never felt before mat surfing, pressure. I paddled out with the stink eye on me strong!
When I reached the line up I was greeted by some groms with stink eyes and some whispering between the four of them. I paddled out a little further than the rest of the lineup ;-)! I waited for a plus size set to roll through and snuck in out back on my first wave! It was a screaming high line right and I got to see those stink eyes look surprised, and those tight lips turn to smiles, as I let out a YEEEEEWWWWWW all the way to the inside!
I respected everyone's position in the lineup, and all the sudden I was just another surfer.
I caught every wave I paddled for, and had some rights so long I had to get out and walk back. The pressure I felt had nothing to do with me, or the other surfers out at the Pier. I felt like that because I was the only one in the water representing mat surfing, and I wanted to represent it well. I was so stoked on the session and had a tremendous amount of fun!
Happy New Year! Keep Spreading the Stoke Paul!
Super Stoked,
Rob Pollard
PS I would have taken some go-pro video but the vibe told me to leave the camera in the car :-)!
Jan 6, 2017
From Mat Max ...
In addition to being the originator this blog, Mat Max (Pahl Dixon) also lays claim to being the young mat rider featured in The Complete Book Of Surfing...
Pahl was also the very first customer of 4th Gear Flyer back in the summer of 1984! (He bought a Standard from me out of the trunk of my car...in the parking lot at the Ventura Raceway.)
His free-spirit takes him all over the globe as mat riding's numero uno worldwide ambassador.
A while back, he imposed his minimalist lifestyle on his mat model selection. I built him what he calls his ''Mini-Mat," which is essentially a 4GF Lotus that's been shortened a couple of inches. And that's pretty damn small!
Pahl is our most articulate mat tester, and this is the bi-annual report he filed a few days ago, via the World Wide Web Electronic Mail Service...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pahl was also the very first customer of 4th Gear Flyer back in the summer of 1984! (He bought a Standard from me out of the trunk of my car...in the parking lot at the Ventura Raceway.)
His free-spirit takes him all over the globe as mat riding's numero uno worldwide ambassador.
A while back, he imposed his minimalist lifestyle on his mat model selection. I built him what he calls his ''Mini-Mat," which is essentially a 4GF Lotus that's been shortened a couple of inches. And that's pretty damn small!
Pahl is our most articulate mat tester, and this is the bi-annual report he filed a few days ago, via the World Wide Web Electronic Mail Service...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4GF MINI-MAT ... TWO YEAR UPDATE
Howzit Paul and Gloria?
The 4GF Mini-Mat that I’ve been exclusively riding
turns two years old this month. It now feels normal and just right. The aspect
of change that has not worn off is increased excitement. It's a
minimal platform that’s easy to duck dive and ride in wild surf. It also
promotes an uncanny impression of flying across the water. I find that less
volume requires more attention to positioning and increased overall effort. The
payoff is a mat that does more of what I want with a few minor drawbacks.
Going smaller requires extra energy to tap
into increased performance potential. Catching waves on a Mini is a bit more
demanding. Finding the fore-aft sweet spot is somewhat trickier. Contrast unique
thrills, secure handling, easy maneuvering… and these trade offs equate
positively. Balancing precariously on a personal hovercraft that feels like an
inflatable postage stamp is next level fun. Like transitioning from a sports
car to a go kart. And after two years of traveling, the Mini going super-strong.
I weigh 175 pounds and have no issues with the
Mini even when wearing a full suit. From New Zealand to Australia to Hawaii and
back in NZ this micro-mat has dished out ample speed and reliability in all
conditions. The Mini’s main advantage is being able to utilize significantly more
inflation, due to its minimal wetted area, in order to very confidently fast-track
across gnarly waves with amazingly little surface drag.
The Mini is a step-up mat that experienced
riders might want to invest in for intense conditions and fresh sensations. It’s
also a clever choice for small people and kids.
The venerable oxymoron “less is more” aptly
applies to the Fourth Gear Flyer Mini-Mat!
Cheers Mates,
Mat Max
January 4, 2017
Jan 4, 2017
Jan 3, 2017
From Tomas ...
Omni table cloth...
Happy New Year!
Loved the Omni on the latest Puerto Rico holiday. Marti and I had a rare treat with no tree, no gifts, no family/in-laws, no kids this Christmas.
Packed 2 4thGearFlyer Mats in the space of 2 Pringles cans and took off. We are a short 4 hour flight to San Juan, PR, so we took advantage. Spent 4 days in San Juan -Viejo and got around by foot/ bike and had a blast on Winter surf and snorkle outings. Later we drove up to NW Coast and tried to sample as many beaches as possible over the next week....tons of options without people. Surf was romping!..... Ran into a crew of prone riders in Isabela and enjoyed their home break, Hustle, And their Aloha! Thanks to Govanni and crew for a great couple of days.
Loved the Omni on the latest Puerto Rico holiday. Marti and I had a rare treat with no tree, no gifts, no family/in-laws, no kids this Christmas.
Packed 2 4thGearFlyer Mats in the space of 2 Pringles cans and took off. We are a short 4 hour flight to San Juan, PR, so we took advantage. Spent 4 days in San Juan -Viejo and got around by foot/ bike and had a blast on Winter surf and snorkle outings. Later we drove up to NW Coast and tried to sample as many beaches as possible over the next week....tons of options without people. Surf was romping!..... Ran into a crew of prone riders in Isabela and enjoyed their home break, Hustle, And their Aloha! Thanks to Govanni and crew for a great couple of days.
Made a point to spend several days in old San Juan after missing it last trip. Whole area is 7 blocks x 5 blocks cobblestone streets made of ship ballast stones. 1500's Historical Architecture wonderland.
It was uncrowded in most beach areas, very peaceful and family oriented. Everyone was gracious and made us feel at home. Aside from Rincon area being crowded over Christmas, as usual, everywhere else was empty. We either snorkled, surfed or swam at Steps, Domes, Crashboat, Gas Chambers, Aguadilla/Ramey, Shacks, Jobos and a dozen other beaches over to Arecibo and Hallows. Try to make it back there if you can!
OK...pics of matting...well, we didn't do so good on that order. Nobody but the two of us most times in water. Here is the best I got!
Tom S
Jan 2, 2017
From Jeff ...
Hi Paul;
Hope all is well. Trying to figure out this Go Pro thing. Got one wave on film before the battery died.
Hope all is well. Trying to figure out this Go Pro thing. Got one wave on film before the battery died.
Underwhelming but a stumble in the right direction.
Love my new Vespa. Best mat period.
Jeff
Love my new Vespa. Best mat period.
Jeff
Jan 1, 2017
2016 Retrospective From Adam And The Scumm Crew ...
Hi Paul
Happy New Year!
All the best to you and your Family!
Not
a lot happening down here on the NSW South Coast. Summer wind dribble
combined with thousands of keen holiday makers, so those fantastic 4
months of winter bliss are just a distant memory for us now. Please,
can someone hit the fast forward button to May and hopefully let the
fun begin again???
This
is from 6 months ago, with Neal and I riding our Omni and Tracker RT on a
small and slightly windy, but uncrowded ( just us till one other
paddled out). So much fun and such a perfect wave for crossovers and
speed runs , Gilligans Island = maximum FUN!
We
also rescued a distressed seal, which was all tangled up in a old fish
net, the poor little fella must have been washed up into the scrub , way
back in the shoreline, this was just after that massive East Coast Low
we experienced back then , so he could have been trapped for over a
week. Lucky for him some visiting tourist heard him and asked us for
some help, so Neal with a pair of gloves and knife was able to cut him
free.
Regards
Adam
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