Iwa - Heading for Hawaii
/Say hello to “Iwa”, a 70/70 RB-JMC built for Tony Lum over on Oahu.
Tony wanted a fast mat. He currently rides a Neumatic “K-Mat” which for those who don't know are a really hard ride but offer the potential for going really fast. If you can master it. I built one and struggled. Gave it to my friend Ian Wraith who did better. I spoke with Paul Gross a few years back and he said that they are a horrible ride but make you into a much better mat surfer. Uncle George recently said the same and he mentioned that I should build one for myself to really get speed on slop… I’ve chickened out so far!
Anyway, this post isn't about me and my crisis of confidence, it's about Tony and Tony rides a K-Mat as his go to… Safe to say, Tony can ride a mat!
With that in mind we went for a neg elastic rocker and super-free-breather. The tail is a little squarer to let Iwa break loose easily.
Quick mat.
When I sent Tony photo's of his mat he said:
“Aloha G!
Iwa looks amazing! Your craftsmanship is outstanding! Thank you for putting so much care into my mat.
About 20 years ago I had the good fortune of being introduced to mat-surfing by Dale Solomonson. Dale’s generosity and wealth of knowledge gave me a deep respect for the art of mat making.
I surf mainly on the South and East shores of Oahu. With lineups in Hawaii becoming increasingly more crowded each year, I am drawn to surfcraft that will allow me to extract maximum enjoyment from lesser quality surf breaks. I basically look forward to the worst days with the smallest crowds.
I haven’t been able to find a better vehicle for shit surf than a highly sensitive mat moulding itself to the energy in a wave with minimal rider input.
The fact that surfmats flat out rip in good surf is a bonus! I can’t wait to run Iwa through her paces. Thank you for keeping the stoke of mat-surfing alive!
Mahalo!
Tony”
On the name, Tony went for Iwa which is Hawaiian for Frigatebird. A bird renowned for effortless and graceful gliding using each microscopic change in their environment to their advantage.
I can't think of a better name.
Have fun Tony.
Cheers
G
Great Frigatebird: https://ebird.org/species/grefri
FEEDBACK: 15th JUNE, 2022
“Aloha G,
I think we might have a problem with Iwa...
After two sessions, I’m beginning to suspect that you may have gone and designed the perfect surfmat! You might as well shut down the welder, roll up the nylon, and hang up the scissors. There’s nowhere left for you to go from here mate. You’ve achieved ultimate oneness with the spirit of the mat!
But in all seriousness, this is one bad ass surfmat! The speed that Iwa generates, even in marginal surf, had me laughing out loud. Despite being able to fly like a bat out of hell, she still has the ability to turn on a dime when needed.
I’m hard-pressed to think of anything I would change about the RB-JMC. When I opened the shipping package I was expecting to get blasted with VOC’s from the sealant. Thankfully I could breathe easy. Your non-skid application is meticulous. The strips are positioned exactly where I need them. The stippling itself feels pre-broken in, soft and grippy while still allowing for repositioning.
The negative rocker is an absolute swell magnet. The tail width and corner radius felt soothingly familiar to me. Dropping-in to the very first wave, Iwa banked into an arcing bottom turn, made a check turn under the lip, and then broke free down the line. I had the biggest smile on my face, feeling like I’ve been riding this mat for years!
The highlight for me is your super-free-breather I-beam design. Absolutely brilliant!! The airflow between pontoons is tuned perfectly. At low inflation I can get Iwa on the verge of skimming out of control, and still hold through carving turns with a squeeze of the rail.
All of these elements come together to create a surfcraft that is extremely sophisticated in its simplicity. I’m excited to see how Iwa shines in clean, pumping surf! I am deeply appreciative of all the thought and care that you put in to your work. You are an artist G!
More ride reports to come!
Mahalo!
Tony ”