G-Mat 70 - Keep the Faith

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Here is my first mat of 2015. I'm honoured to have been able to build G-Mat 70 for So Cal Surf Photographer, Joe Ewing who has named his new ride "Faith".

G-Mat 70 (AKA "Faith")

Faith is a 200/70 G-Mat Ute. Joe wanted an easier paddle so she has a flat rocker to help on that front and will also see this mat get down the line in a hurry.  The grip is Sikaflex 11FC+ in white with a grey logo. 

Joe has opted for a bungee leash attachment too.

Anyway, back to Joe, those who know him lill be aware that he's a talented surfer great photographer. You can see his work here:

http://joeewing.printroom.com/pro/ewing/default.asp

Have fun Joe.

Cheers

G

 

An Unexpectedly Low Bottom

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Word has come in from Warren Pfeiffer that his Chino Racer, named Trax, is finding good lines in some weaker surf. Although not having quite the bottom end glide of his other 2 G-Mats, Trax is finding her way through  some weaker inside sections, getting far more water time than expected in over the Aussie summer.

Warren Pfeiffer - G-Mat Chino Racer

I've found similar results over the last couple of sessions. I've ridden my Chino Racer, Turd Surfer, in some of the recent solid swells and found myself getting into a good glide as waves backed off on the inside. I initially put this down to the experimental rocker profile that Turd Surfer has has, but Trax has a full on elastic rocker. The conclusion, then, is that this model actually has a much better bottom end than we initially thought. As a result, I've edited the Slide Guide to reflect this.

With our solid run of surf continuing in the Northern Hemisphere, I'm looking forward to testing the top end a bit more over the coming weeks.

Cheers

G

Introducing - THE CHINO RACER

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You will have seen pics of the latest model before, I'm sure. I'm pleased to announce that this 4-Pontoon model has now been tested thoroughly. The verdict... It loves good powerful waves (hence the pun on "Rhino Chaser" for which I make only a moderate apology). Here's the blurb:

G-MAT CHINO RACER

The 4 pontoon Chino Racer is the “gun” of the G-Mat range, being the choice for waves overhead and bigger, or heavier and hollow smaller surf. Tested in solid conditions, the feedback has universally been that this mat needs a decent wave to get going but when it does, it is really quick from the off, giving a very assured and predictable hold. Warren Pfeiffer has described this model as “feeling like it is locked on rails”.

The mat is relatively narrow and the 4 pontoon design reduces the overall volume making it easier to get under waves.  The I-Beam configuration through the middle pontoons features 2 lower I-beams with a slightly taller central I-Beam giving a concave through the bottom and increased stability through the centre line.

200/70 configuration (200 denier deck and 70 denier bottom skin). 

Pretty much all conditions covered then.

With a number of models of mat now in the G-Mat range, I've knocked out a wee diagram to help customers to think about what might best suit their needs. I call it the "Slide Guide".

Happy New Year!!!

G

Signing Off with a Wee Gem

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G-Mat 68 (AKA Buckwheat)

So, here's my last post of the year as I pack up G-Mat Towers to spend some quality time with family, friends and waves.

I'm signing off with some shots of my latest build, a G-Mat Rubber Bucky built for cold water mat legend, John "Bagjuan" Mann of Washington State, USA.

John is what we mat builders refer to as "compact". As a result,  his mat (named Buckwheat) is comparatively small.  I would be a happy man if I could see Buckwheat and Matt Pierce's mat,  California King side by side. It would look like a mattress and pillow combo!

Anyway, Buckwheat is en route and John tells me that he and his son are awaiting arrival.

Les BagsDeux

So, back to the wrap up, it's been a great first full year. I'm so stoked to have been able to build mats for so many people. The waiting list is currently going to keep me busy for the next 6 plus months so it's onwards and upwards!

Thanks to all my customers for all their support.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

G

California King - A Big Mat for Big Matt

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I have just built a monster. This is "California King", a G-Mat Ute for the 6' 7" wookie that is Matt Pierce, OC mat charger. California King is Matt's 3rd G-Mat and this time he's going BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG!!!!!!!!

Matt asked for this 70/70 monster to have added grip at the nose to save unwanted separation, hence the snow-capped corners. This is a very lightweight mat  which has been scaled to fit Matt's colossal dimensions.

As you might expect, Matt has largely learned his mat riding on craft which are comparative travel pillows so this will be a new experience for him, which which may require some adjustment. I know he's relishing the challenge and I know that a rider of his immense talent will do it with ease.

I'm hopeful that California King will open up new waves for Matt.

This has been a real fun build and I'm really looking forward to hearing the feedback.

G

California King next to an average sized mat.

Matt and his Mat

RAMBO!!!!!!!!!!

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With the Approaching Lines Slyder Cup approaching this weekend I thought I might treat myself to an early Christmas present.  

This is G-Mat 67 (AKA "Rambo").

Rambo is a 70/70 Ute, gripped with Sikaflex 11FC+I've been toying with the idea of creating camo for some time and the recent acquisition of green fabric seemed to be the perfect opportunity.  As for the jungle pattern, well maybe that was overkill but I'm pretty pleased overall.

So then... Off to the Slyder Cup I go and it sounds like quite a few of my UK Mat surfing brethren will be going along too so it promises to be a blast. You can keep up with all that here:

http://forum.ukmatsurfers.org/post/slyder-cup-the-slydie-bit-7160969?&trail=15

If you're in the south west of the UK over the weekend then come along.

Cheers

G

Adrian, Ripley... Ripley, Adrian...

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UK matter, Adrian Paterson has taken the plunge with a Rubber Bucky. He likes a glidy mat so he and "Ripley" should get along just fine.

Ripley is 200/70 and very well vented. She has Sikaflex EBT grip (rather than Sikaflex 11FC+), providing a significantly more robust type of traction to keep things together in a wetty during what looks like it's going to be a cracking UK winter.

I hope to be surfing with Adrian at his first outing. I love the way these ride so can't wait to see it.

Cheers

G