G-Mats 73 and 75

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I'm VERY proud to have had the opportunity to build a couple of mats for one of mat surfing's truly great guys.

Tim Ciasto Photo: Mike Holland

Swede, Tim Ciasto is a great film maker, Photographer and a very solid mat rider. If you don't know him, UK Mat Surfers published a Here & Now interview with Tim last year which is well worth a read:

http://www.ukmatsurfers.com/tim-ciasto

Tim recently asked me to build him a mat to film from, asking for a bungee fitting for leashes and, perhaps, to hang stuff off. After some discussion, Tim opted for a Rubber Bucky. And then one became 2, because Tim is a solid mat rider so why have a leash on those days when you're not filming, eh?  And so it was that Geburtstag Bonus and FunWell were born.

Both mats are 200/70 free-breathers and, as you can see, Tim is a fan of black on black for grip and logos.  Geburtstag Bonus has a blue bottom skin. Very nice fabric this. Super pliable. FunWell is the same but all black which has a slightly denser weave and has the bungee fitting..

Tim is coming over to see us and get some waves so will be grabbing these in person. I always love surfing with people on their maiden voyages of mats that I have built so I'm pretty stoked. 

Cheers

G

Objet Volant non Identifié

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There have been some strange events afoot of late. First off, the sighting from mat grom Joe Webster of the Matsquatch in South East Cornwall, UK.

Then, as if that's not enough, an OVNI (French for UFO) has been sighted heading south from the area towards South West France.

We have our best man, Peter Mission on the case.  He's going to take a good look into what's what with this phenomenon. Photo evidence seems to indicate that the OVNI looks very similar to a G-Mat Chino Racer. 

Who'd have thought it!!!

So,we await word from Pete for more info.

Believe...

G

Soixante Neuf

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Double Entendes are go!!!!!!!!!!

Here's Peter "Chiledub" D'Ewart's latest mat, a 200/70 Chino Racer with a Hestered valve and Sikaflex 11 FC deck grip.

This is G-Mat 69 (ooh er!) whom Pete has named "Fast & Bulbous" (yuk yuk!).

Pete tells me that he's planning to slip it into some glistening tubes (fnar fnar!!!) in So Cal in a week so the Courier is under strict instruction to GET THE MAT TO PETE IN TIME!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, that is the double entendre mat out of the way.

[The world breathes a collective sigh of relief]

Onward.

Cheers

G

Tees and Hoods

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I'm really stoked to say that customers are now able to add a quality tee or hood to their order when buying a mat. 

These tees are top quality Gildan garments with the G-Mat logo individually cut and vinyl printed by the good people of the Cornish T-Shirt Factory. What this means is that you can pick your colours for both the garment and the print.

Custom exclusive clothing!

Bar a couple of pressies that have gone out, the only way to get one of these is with a custom mat. 

Cheers

G

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


Warren's Other New Toy - "Trax"

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I've been working hard to get up to speed with the waiting list of late, since my illness a while ago. I'm back on track finally, having been working, perhaps a little too hard, having been working on two at a time. I know... Boo hoo!

I will slow down slightly though to my usual pace.

Anyway, enough whining. Here is the second mat in a pair going out for Warren Pfeiffer which he has named Trax.

Say hello to Trax.

This is another of the 4 pontoon design that I've been working on. I'm pretty sure that this will become a model in the G-Mat range, but I want to get a few more miles from able test pilots just to finalize exactly what the performance attributes of this design are.

There are few more able than Warren.

As you can see, Trax has a white deck and Warren lives in a pretty sunny spot. We've stuck some smooth black sealant on the deck to reduce glare back off the deck.

The bottom skin is the new 70d taffeta which I have in stock. This material is proving to be extremely popular with the next 3 mats in line looking to have green in the mix too!

Gentle elastic rocker and a Hestered valve.

As you can see from the shot above, Warren has opted again for a Hester Valve placement. I've also made a double bag for the two mats to be stored together. I'm giving some thought to how to build bags for more mats, should people want them when ordering multiple mats.

Double mat bag.

Black anti glare on the nose saves on snow-blindness!

I'm pretty excited to hear how this mat works out for Warren. Although wider than his new Ute, Max, this mat has a lot less volume so I'm really interested to hear about his experiences with Trax in solid surf.

Should be in Oz for next weekend.

Cheers

G

Warren's New Toy - "Max"

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G-Mat 60 (AKA "Max")


Meet Warren Pfeiffer's newest ride named Max.

There are a lot of similarities between Max and Warren's previous G-Mat, Zeno, 

There are a couple of differences though.

Like Zeno, Max is a 200/70 Ute with slightly squarer back corners than normal to enhance the speed. However, the front corners have the more usual Ute template with a slightly larger parabolic curve to prevent them from catching.  Max also has a  Hestered Valve with the grip on the middle pontoon going a long way forward.

The final difference is the subtle elastic rocker. I really think I'm going to start doing these as standard. Shaped rockers are OK, but you notice them when you really need to get that top gear out of a mat with the excess fabric and the natural propensity for the mat to settle into a curve causing them to red line on occasion. The elastic rocker really is the best of both worlds. There when you need it and flat when you don't.

Anyway, Warren has another mat in production so won't be getting his hands on Max just yet as both will go out together, but I'm hopeful he enjoys Max.

Cheers

G

Extended grip on the central pontoon.

Elastic rocker. There when you need it, flat when you don't.

Wiggleworm. The bungee that never was...

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G-Mat 64 (AKA "Wiggleworm")

I'm immensely proud to be able to say that I have just finished building a Ute for the genuinely heroic Scott Reeder. For more on why I say heroic, have a read of Scott's interview with UKMS.

 So then, on to the mat. Scott was pretty clear on what he wanted: a black decked, green bottomed 200/70 Ute. He also wanted a bungee at the nose.

All went well with the build and my new forest green 70 denier material is great, but I've recently re-stocked on stainless steel eyelets which are, inexplicably, razor sharp around the edges once fitted making them unusable for the leash fitting as they'll just push through the edge-lap and come out! Who the hell designed that!?

The first mat built with the new 70d taffeta

Anyway, I'm sure Scott will enjoy his decorative eyelet whilst terrorizing the San Diegan lineups on his new leash-free ride.  (If anyone knows of a good European based stockist who can supply sensible stainless steel eyelets than I'd be very excited to hear from you).

So, back to the bits that work, Scott's new mat has a mellow elastic rocker to help to project the mat off the bottom. The clue to this feature is in the name, using the elasticity of the bottom skin to create rocker at high inflation. This means that a slight rocker comes in to play when squeezing the rails on hard turns, but then springs back to being flat again on lower inflation to maximise speed on a flat plane.

Anyhoo, Scott has named her "Wiggleworm" which he tells me is because he likes the way G-Mats "wiggle" and also in homage to his wonderful wife Pam who he affectionately calls "Worm". 

Have fun Scott!

Cheers

G

Elastic rocker comes into effect at high inflation

Project Jeff

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Bonjour Mes Amis!

This is a post about a G-Mat Ute which has gone out to my Celtic Brother, Jean-Francois Mens (better known as Jeff) from Brittany.

Jeff has gone for a Ute which he has named "Redenn": the Breton word for "slide". He's opted for an all black 200/70 mat with plenty of grip. 

Right now he's on Belle-Ile, an Island off Brittany so Redenn has gone there in the hope of waves.

G-Mat 63 (AKA "Redenn")

I really enjoyed building this mat because she is going to surf waves which are very close to my heart, namely the breaks around Douarnenez, Audierne and La Torche. I've taken a couple of trips to this area myself and will be going back more. The people are amazing countryside is reminiscent of my beloved Cornwall 20 years ago and the waves are varied, high quality and quiet.

Here are a few shot I took on our last trip in 2011:

So then, the first G-Mat to hit the European Mainland is due to surf some of my favourite places. That makes me happy.

I hope Jeff and Redenn have a blast. 

Cheers

G

Clearing Out the Quiver

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Although mats clearly don't take up much room, I'm letting one go from my quiver because she's just not getting a look in.

G-Mat 34 (AKA "Bongle")

Bongle has seen some action, having gone on loan to a few people in California for a while. She was built with a subtle rocker and has hooked rails and concave.

The Glider has now been superseded by the new Rubber Bucky design but is still a very good mat. It is really quick and super loose, having a slidy, skatie feel. 

This particular mat would suit an experienced mat surfer of 5' 10" - 6' 1" looking for a lively mat to make the most out of medium sized surf.

Bongle was built as part of a test of a change to my welding table and as a result one of the welds has a very slight wobble to it. This has gone as far as it ever will and certainly will not cause a problem or affect performance. Due to the wear on the I-beam weld I'm going to let this mat go for £90 plus shipping.

The grip is warn as I type this but I'll freshen it up before I ship it so that will be like new.

Cheers

G

​PS Here's Kendog on a mat of the same size and dims:

Kendog - Photo: Lance Smith

4 More...

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This is G-Mat 61 (AKA "Turd Surfer"). I've named her in honour of South West Water to thank them for the gnarly gastric infection they gave me recently.

G-Matt 61

There are some slight changes from the last 4 pontoon mat. The cant has been dropped on I-beams 2 and 4, thus loosing the main pivot points and slightly reducing the concave. It still has a solid concave though.

Turd Surfer Concave

This is a low volume, flatter mat with rounded corners. Hopefully lots of hold too so should be better for solid waves, both paddling out and riding them. 

No shortage of swell on the way. Me hooking up with it is another issue but I shall try my best.

G

Catching Up with the Master

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I've just spent 2 1/2 hours on the phone to my Sensei, Dale Solomonson.

For those who don't know (and I guess I'm talking to the minority here), Dale is the man behind the legendary Neumatic Surfmats and the man who pioneered the use of lightweight, weldable nylon. 

Dale Solomonson Photo: Ken McKnight

It was so good to finally hook up with Dale after so long. For the many who will surely ask, he sounds pretty good. Focused on getting healthy after his illness and sounding pretty positive about life in general.

As always, Dale has shared some info with me. To be more precise, he re-shared some info but some 40 mats down the line it made a lot more sense and has changed some over-complicated thinking for me.  I'm not going to go into anymore detail than that and apologise for being cryptic. The key lesson today is one that I so often preach in other areas of my life... The solution to compexity is simplicity.

Thanks again Dale.

G

Dale Solomonson Photo: All About Surf

Introducing the Rubber Bucky

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I recently posted about "Hestered" valves on a new mat. Well, now I've ridden the mat in question in conditions ranging from walled up solid peelers to rippy junk and now it's time to go public...

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! I give you, the G-Mat Rubber Bucky. 

ASB's Rubber Bucky Proto's: 200/70 top, 70/70 bottom.

Apart from having possibly the funnest name to say out loud of all the G-Mat range (I bet you just tried it too) the Rubber Bucky is a contender for the Ute’s all-rounder crown. Developed in partnership with Santa Barbara mat-meister, Andrew Stephen Buck, this mat emphasises traditional high speed mat surfing, quickly finding a plane and favouring controlled drifts and subtle rail control, whilst still holding well enough on steep walls to get your fins out of the water and let loose.

This three pontoon mat is slightly narrower than the Ute, but has a fuller feel due to having slightly more depth (thickness). The I-beam positioning draws heavily from the Ubercat giving a deep concave and pronounced rail hook. The overall feel is very different though with a greater width to length ratio and slightly enhanced bottom contours.

Photo: Jon Shafer

ASB Photo: Olivia Sabedra

Slightly rounder parabolic corners fore and aft work together with the bottom contours to give a clean progressive curve to aid hold. Well vented internal structures allow easy air transfer letting the mat to change shape rapidly, increasing speed and responsiveness.

The Rubber Bucky works well with a 200/70 configuration (200 denier deck and 70 denier bottom skin) or 70/70 for increased sensitivity.

Check it out in action from 1:10 in the following video.

Cheers

G

Hestered Away on an ASB... Erm... Paddow?

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OK. I will be the first to admit that the pun in the title of this post is flatter than one of Andrew Stephen Buck's mats, but I have some early feedback of my own on my scaled up version of ASB's favourite G-Mats. Namely, the valve position.

Hestered Away Valve

This valve has been tucked away under the edgelape at the nose to give a clear deck so as to reduce the likelihood of unwelcome union during duck dives and wipeouts. This positioning wasn't my idea. My first go at this was on a mat for the living legend that is Henry Hester on his mat "Stinkles", so I call this "Hestering" the valve away. 

I don't know if Henry is keen.

Stinkles

Stinkles Valve

My initial concerns were that the valve would catch but, as you can see from the shots, the valve is clear of the water at full inflation and the nose of the mat is always fully inflated. It's easy enough to get at the valve to reduce air by twisting the valve and the air pressure during deflation seems to prevent water from getting into the mat.

All in all, I think it works pretty well. Henry has given positive feedback as has Ian Wraith regarding his mat "Badger of Honour". I think my personal preference is still to have the valve on the deck but this is certainly a valid option for those who are into it.

Ian Wraith's "Badger of Honour"

Back to the ASB mat, I've ridden it once in very nice walled up glassy reef surf and she went really well. I need more sessions but am confident that it's a good design. To be honest, if I thought it was bad then I would be questioning my riding rather than the design as ASB is a far more able mat surfer than me.

More to come.

G