Marc From The Netherlands...

Hi Paul,

Just came back from France (Anglet). We had very good waves and weather!

It's great to surfmat on ocean waves instead of the Dutch North Sea. I had really good rides!! French surfers were looking pretty weird when they saw my mat. One guy came up to me and asked about the mat. He had never seen such a vehicle before...he liked it a lot!!!

I send you some pictures. We couldn't take proper mat pictures cause the camera was to small...

Anyway: stoked!!!

All the best

Marc

The Heart Of The Matter

Ten Miles From The Nearest Pavement

Although I don't question why I like matting so much, this is a good subject to post on. Well... the big kick for me is the Zen aspect of no ego. Mat riding is what it is. An engaging pursuit of hard-earned direct knowledge with no payoff except for the pure act in itself. I tell people it's the nerd version of surfing. But that's just an easy way out of trying to explain an unrelateable hardcore pursuit.

In reality, there is no simple explanation, due to the subtle complexity of shaping the craft to fit the environment. And lately, the huge realization is that with PG's help, I have arrived at the point of finally owning a surf vehicle that requires no further development. After over 200 surfboards and 20+ mats, the current 4GF Standard leaves me with no hunger for improvement. For the first time in this life I don't want more or different in the lineup!

My pod PF2s work more than fine. Good heel savers and fin leashes do the job. And my 4GF Standard performs flawlessly. From solid 10' third reef Boilers to 1' inside Babies. Even though I have a great brand new surfboard, plus Hybrid Fatty #1 and a late model Gen 1 XL, I'm hooked on the current Standard. My friends in the water all ask where my board is, and I come up with something like, "I'm going old school," or whatever comes to mind. The reality is that cranking turns and gliding walls on a perfect mat is way way better.

I finally encouraged some extra-good surfer buddies to go matting with my spare mats and flippers, and they exclaimed along the lines of, "Now we know what you are experiencing! This is really fun!!!" They thought I was from another planet until they tried it, and now they are asking for more. Of course, they balk at the price, but their sticks all cost over $500.00.

The big lesson here is that there is no way to get to the heart of the matter without going matting! So there you go...

There's Something About Bob...

Paul-

The Standard arrived in Friday's mail delivery. USPS protocol varies from state to state, but as you can see...in TX, if it makes it to the mail box (3/4 mile from the house) it meets government standards!


Bob, the resident semen specialist, was there to confirm delivery...


12 hours later I had the mat in the water. Another timely swell arrived Saturday with offshores all day - shoulder to head high and water warming to 70. Rode your mat all day and got 5 hours of uninterrupted, roping A-frames.

It's resting comfortably this evening.


Mil Gracias,

Tom

From Uncle Grumpy in San Clemente...

PG,

Time and tide were against me yesterday, but I got out this morning before the breeze came up. 2-4 foot SSW and pretty clean. I JUST got back from the beach...

WOW! Seriously. WOW! I LOVE MY NEW FATTY!

This is what I have been wanting in a mat. The shape and especially the new stiffer deck material makes it sooo much easier to handle, move around on and paddle.

I'd pretty much given up riding a mat in the local beach breaks just because I spent too much time wrestling with the mat between waves, but this new gem certainly changes that!

I am stoked!

I even got a little barrel this AM!

Also, when you have some time, please have a look at our website. http://www.glassicsart.com/

Again THANK YOU! Stoked!!!

Hal

Thoughtful Post From From Tuesday's 23 Breaths Blog...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Locals Only

I read a lot of stories about
locals and loyalism

I consider of myself as a local
of several spots really
but more than just surf spots
as much as
the small strip of coast where
I grew up
and still reside

I like to think a local is someone who works to develop,
over a period of time,
some personal sense of place of an area

With some knowledge of the history of a place.
A feeling for the geology of a place
how it is moving in geolocial time

In terms of the meeting of land and ocean
how is that interface changing?
Since it is always in flux
always moving
there is quite a bit to take in

Then there is knowledge of the
flora and fauna of a place,
as well as
things like climate.
Are we in a drought this year?
Last year?

Explictly important to surfing and surfers
but equally important to fisherman, boaters etc
What swells reach the coast? What directions do they come from
Where are the swells born and what seasons produce which swells.
Oh and how is the wind that time of year?

So a more than passing knowledge of
the characteristics of a place

not just where the locals park
(although thats good too)

not just a drinking relationship
with the current pack of
supposedly Alpha males

should characterize
a true local

but that's just me

I hope the next thing
I read about locals
is that they organized

a local
"Clean up the Beach" day

or
maybe

saved
someone
from drowning
by paying attention
to some visiting non-locals
an by using their "local knowledge"
to identify a dangerous situation
and safely extracted a visitor from harms way.

As to behavior in the water
try to keep in mind
that no one owns the waves
not even the locals
and that everyone out
is there
for the same thing you are
so share
smile
hoot!

When you develop
a sense of place
you can appreciate
the beach
the water
the day
as much as the waves

Posted by pranaglider

And then I woke up!

I sleep well and almost never have nightmares, but the other night I had a very uncomfortable dream where I was on some sort of surf trip and discovered that my main mat had been sliced or cut as if by a long pair of shears. Then as I inspected each of my backups, I learned that they also had long clean cuts in their sides. I lay there in bed, half asleep, with this weird feeling of distress.

What happened to my mats? Who would do such a horrible thing?? How the hell can I fix these awful leaks? I'm so physically addicted to the flying rush of riding fast waves on a mat that I literally shuddered with dread over losing my power...

Tom From Texas

Paul-

Test drove the Classic before mailing it to a friend. These were Halloween Day 2009 on a little ground swell from a passing front - Port Aransas, TX.

Tom

From JettyGirl Online Surf Magazine

"Surf Mat to the Rescue "

Perhaps one of the more ridiculous days in the short history of JettyGirl was the first time I met up with Schuyler McFerran. It was a clean, crisp day at Cardiff and Schuyler showed up with her favorite board, a big 'ole orange single fin that just screamed "PHOTOS!" when set against the deep blues brought on by the Santa Anas. Not to take anything away from the regal lineage that has passed through it's lineup over the years, but Cardiff also suffers from a larger-than-average ratio of middle-aged buffoons who should probably be learning elsewhere. On a decent day, the spot can be downright dangerous due solely to the crowd.

Schuyler had just paddled out and in the course of 5 minutes, no joke ...this is what happened. First wave comes in, Schuyler turns around and gets her feet wet on a clean inside right. Second wave, a SUP snakes a shortboarder and holds his oar against the poor surfer's chest so he can't get past, and continues to do so for 100 yards or so ... the worst rip-off job I've ever seen. Third waves rolls in as Schuyler paddles by me. Lo-and-behold three out of control gents jockeying for position fail to get to their feet but succeed in running over Schuyler and end up putting a large gash in her board.

Fast forward a few minutes, an unfazed Schuyler sprints to her car, pulls out a surf mat and saves the day with laughs and smiles to spare.

UDT Modification Update...

I've been fiddling with my latest pair of Voit UDTs for about 4 months now, making changes in the length, flex, foot pocket padding, and heel strap padding in small increments.

I finally got the foot pocket padding right, so I committed the combination of two full length 3mm wetsuit pads, one 3/4 length wetsuit pad, and one plastic top stiffener to a more permanent state.

As you can see, I sandwiched a thin sheet of water-jug-plastic between layers of neoprene using a spot bonding technique. No easily obtainable adhesive (that I know of) will stick to that plastic material, so I allow the neoprene layers to bond to themselves through holes punched in the plastic and a narrow rim around the perimeter. This firmly holds the plastic between the neoprene layers. (The bonding glue was Barge contact cement.)

The plastic was pressed onto one side of the neoprene after the contact cement had dried to the point where it was ready to be fit onto the other layer of neoprene. (About 20 minutes.)

After the neoprene/plastic sandwich was complete, I tucked the "tongue" back into the foot packet, yielding this result...

I began using the plastic inserts on the inside/top of foot pockets when Voit Duckfeet started putting softer rubber in the foot pocket area of their fins back in the 80's. UDT's have very good foot pocket rubber, but over the years I've learned that I like a really stiff foot pocket (which is padded with neoprene) and a more flexible blade.

I've used as many as three layers of plastic on some poorly made fins, but one layer is sufficient on UDT's.

Another 4GF Tip...

Hello Paul,

Here's yet another trick 4GF owners can try at home!

If you're lazy like me, and you drag your suit, fins, and mat into the shower after a surf...you can paste your deflated mat onto the tile wall afterwards. It'll stick perfectly!

When you hear it flop on the floor, she's ready for the shade outside!

Try that with any other vehicle...

JJ

From Satoshi...

Hello PG,

My email is coming from Japan.

Before I bought your Mat from your website.

Last February I tripped to Hawaii (Maui) with your Surfmat. Japan is winter and cold but it was very warm on Maui. I really enjoyed the Mat Surfing on Maui. Mat is very compact in my baggage, it is easy!

Now I enjoy the Mat Surfing in the Japanese cold water.

Thank you very much for the nice Mat.

About photo...I made these hand boards. They are compact. And big waves is ok, too. Fins, Mat and handboards, very small baggage no over charge.

Thank you,

Satoshi

Happy Mat Riders...

Make happy moms!

Welcoming Nat Morlat into the world...our newest mat rider! (And, it would appear, future Oktoberfest participant!)

Jan Valsvik...

...from winter in Norway to the balmy climes of the Indian Ocean!

Another Mat Mystery For The Ages...

This cryptic mat riding photo turned up in my yahoo mail box this afternoon. The only provided information was that the outer wave is being surfed by a mat rider, and it's a left. (The latter I figured out on my own.)

Any further details would be greatly appreciated! :)

Glide-In Mat Take Offs

Mr. Dirk and I were surfing together a while back, and as I was paddling back after a ride, he executed a virtually perfect glide-in mat take off. It was a delight to behold!

Not limited to conventional surfboards by any means, a glide-in take off is well within the grasp of mat riders. Here's how it works...

The rider aggressively kicks/paddles into position to catch a wave. As the wave approaches, he/she takes a few hard strokes towards shore, then stops paddling just before the wave reaches them. At that moment, they slide forward on the mat, into riding position. As the wave picks them up, their positioning relative to the cresting wave and their forward momentum due to the nose-ward slide allows them to catch the swell....and off they go, already in the right spot on the deck of the mat.

After you practice this move, it's possible to catch waves further and further out before they break.

Great fun!

Inflation Levels Revisited

Occasionally, we get emails from mat riders asking about inflation levels. Sometimes they're experiencing a touch of frustration riding their mat at the softer settings preferred by surfers like George G.

After riding the often powerful and disorganized conditions along the Central Coast of California for the past 7 months, I can relate to their predicament!

The lower inflation levels (a 90 degree bend, or more) that work so well in point surf can be a liability in dumpier surf. If you're lacking the smooth, linear power line of a point break, riding a softer mat can be haphazard at best.

Because so many factors go into the "correct" inflation level on a given day, it's important to keep in mind that the variable nature of a surf mat should be used to it's fullest extent. There are no hard and fast inflation rules!

In point surf, I usually ride a mat which is bent around 90 degrees. But my experiences this winter on the Central Coast have resulted in a 45 degree bend most of the time. Meaning, a lot more air. This is because, in the punchy waves I ride, I don't need the delicate skimming ability generated by a flatter mat. And the extra hold of a firmer mat helps me track across uneven, backwashy shorebreak walls with a lot more authority.

Again, inflation is a personal choice...determined by your experience, mood and the waves you are immersed in. The correct setting is the one that works for you!

Molokai Report

Art by Kimi Werner

Aloha from Hawaii. Right, well I've found out firsthand that Molokai is definitely not surf mecca. Which is a blessing these days. Luckily, every real surf spot is scary and treacherous in one way or another. I've yet to see a perfect wave without either the wobbles or lurking nasty hazards. I have had some good rides but no real tubes or flawless peelers. The surf so far is a bit random because this island's waves generally break over jumbled rocks and chaotic lava flows. There is one deadly four mile beachbreak but no classic points. The name spots are on risky reefs with a few having sandy shorepounds inside. I'm generally intimidated by the dangers, have had some really fun go outs, and also some frightful hold downs and reef inspections.

Massive 20'+ tiger sharks patrol offshore. Powerful currents abound because tradewind swells race along both of the long sides of the island. Small days are easier, but the waves are usually still unpredictable and distorted. It's fun but challenging, with a fair bit of staunch localism to cope with as well. I won't even go out at the heavy local spots because they are just that. They can see Maui, with it's thousands of surfers just a few miles away, so often it's not advisable to go out at the core breaks unless you are are invited. The two breaks at the mothballed hotel on the west end, Babies and Boilers, are fairly safe and playful, mushy fun that is open to all, and therefore the most popular surf beach, except that summer is usually dead flat on that coast. Out of the way spots exist, and can get good, but most are quite are fickle due to intense winds, and swells can be shadowed by nearby islands. Plus, only half of the coastline is accessible by land. As a surf destination Molokai is mediocre. As a friendly, behind the times place, definitely.

Because there are few attractions and no upscale establishments, Molokai is an undeveloped environment that suits just being happy (if you follow the local rules). Put on your smile every day, make a quiet entrance, accept what you are offered and strive to give something back. Show respect always, be courteous about eye contact. When meeting people, make it known who you are, where you are from, and when you're leaving, then give appreciation for whatever transpires. True island style requires acceptance, compassion, sharing, humor, warmth, coolness... Aloha is a state of mind, as it doesn't matter who you are, as long as you have the Polynesian vibe.

Polynesia has a lot to teach the world. Poly meaning many, and nesia implying interwoven island nations. This name for the peoples of the tropical Pacific seas does indeed serve to evoke an image of one mega-tribe, from Canada to Australia, united by following the same basic principles of what we outsiders know as aloha spirit. Molokai's population is still around 50% Polynesian, so there's lots of aloha, and a strong will to keep things the same.

Anyway... Get over here (and follow the above) because it will help the locals to continue with their jobs and businesses due to your tourist dollars coming in. No one will resent you if you don't try to take over anyone else's trips. And there is surf, but don't have overly high expectations. BTW, just about every paying job on the island is immediately taken by Molokaians, and the town near to where I'm living on the west side has the highest rate of unemployment in the state, which actually appears to be another good thing in some respects. There are workstay opportunities on people's farms.

Gear follow up: Based on my experience over here, the latest generation Standard 4GF is by far best mat I've ever ridden. And pod PF2s are the most comfortable fins yet (for me). I had to add heel savers and flipper leashes, and they work great too. Now, I don't lose my fins, get no blisters, and the tall side rails allow riding the latest model Standard with high confidence in up to 6' or maybe 8' (but not barreling), at which point I might take out my 7'9" shortboard with a beefy leash, or more likely just won't go out. Oh, and my brother gave me a reversible O'neill neoprene surf shirt with nylon on one side and sort of rubbery traction fabric on the other side that grips 4GF canvas too well for shifting around on the mat in small surf, but provides high security in rough conditions.

Matting here can get really gnarly quite fast, with thick waves on shallow rocks and coral reefs, plus rugged lava shorelines directly inside of some breaks. Also, solo missions to outer reefs make me a bit nervous while flippering around 1/4 mile out in waters frequented by territorial sharks bigger than a Cadillac. (I did mat one 10' third reef peak in front of most of my locale's locals. That was a hoot.)

Overall, I am preferring matting to boarding here, as it is quite fun...

60,000 Views!

I never thought that so many people would be interested in something as esoteric as mat riding...stoked!

Keiron Lewis...

Which one are you ?

:) :) :)

More of Keiron here...

Ben Goes Left!