August West

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Say hello to a mat named August West. This is the second Grateful Dead themed mat I've built. People really are into that band aren't they?!

I'm not able to say who this mat is for right now and can't even say why I can't say, so how's that for a bunch of intrigue?

Annoying, eh?

I will update this post down the line when I'm allowed.

I can talk a bit about the mat though. August West is a first mat (or first modern mat at least) so we have gone for a 200/70 Ute, set up with free elastic rocker. The mat is a restricted breather too, so well set for a steady and dependable ride to cover almost all conditions.

I'm pretty pleased with the stencil too. It's always a moment of anticipatory anxiety when you come to peel it off. Has it worked? Has it bled? Can I fix it if it has?! Stressful business but worth it! Gives a clean and subtle pop of colour. (Perhaps I should avoid the word pop!)

Anyway, I'd love to say more but can't so I'll sign off for now.

Cheers

G

Happy Place

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Say hello to a G-Mat Ute built for Californian, David Connor. David came with a clear idea that he wanted a 200/70 Ute with a grey deck (this grey material really seems to be in vogue), but other than that gave me a free reign. He likes to be fairly low key so the seemingly popular colour combo of grey deck, navy bottom seemed a good fit.

As a contrast, I've added a bit of colour with a deep orange and yellow logo and dedication that I think pops nicely. I'm pretty pleased with it. I'm also pleased that David is pleased with it! The mat is a free-breather with free elastic rocker so a perfect all round mat. I love the Ute for it's versatility.

David has named his mat "Happy Place" and with all the turmoil and nonsense going on around the globe, we certainly all need one. If this mat helps David to inhabit his then I'm stoked.

Have fun David.

Cheers

G

Last Light

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This is Last Light. A G-Mat RB-JMC built for master potter, Gus McDiarmid https://panpottery.com/

This is the second mat built for Gus and is very similar. The key difference is slightly increased venting. Gus rides some fast waves and being able to get on a high line and down the line quickly is a real help.

Gus rides mats well (see my recent post of a shot of Gus by Nashy Surf Photos @nashysphotos), and this construction and venting hands much more fine tuned control to the rider.

Last Light has a negative elastic rocker and Hestered mini-Boston valve.

So, Last Light is heading off to Oz to hit some left hand points.

Have fun Gus!

Cheers

G

Chino Albino

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This is the other mat built for myself on my week off. A 70/70 Chino Racer named Chino Albino.

I love the Chino Racer. A definite all-rounder with a little more hold than the RB-JMC and a touch more drift through turns than the Ute. All in all, a nice addition to the quiver to sit between my Nouveau Racer, "Dusty" and my RB-JMC, "Snowflake" .

The eagle eyed will notice the valve. I used these on a few mats years ago and they worked well. My good friend Alex of Eyebeam Surfmats has been using them and I thought I'd give them a go as a couple of people have asked for bung type valves. Personally, I love the mini Boston valve but I aim to please. I want to get a fresh feel for these valves though, having not used them for over 10 years.

Anyway, as mentioned, Chino Albino is a 70/70 Chino Racer. She is a wheezer to help keep her shape and has free elastic rocker. I aim to use her for steeper, small to medium sized waves.

I'm hoping for a session or 2 on Chino Albino over the next couple of days. I'm assuming the valve is a goer and will be an option for people on custom mats moving forward.

Cheers

G

Executive Order

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So here we have Colin McCrindle's new ride named Executive Order (we did discuss Gulf of Matsico too ).

Colin is a very experienced mat surfer and has ridden my mats for many years now. He surfs around Santa Barbara and has a boat, meaning he gets about and is seen (or should I say not seen) dodging the crowds and surfing quiet reefs and points, tucked away from the masses. Colin's Insta page is worth a follow with some stunning photography, but you won't see shots of him surfing. I have some tucked away, but they come with a strict "do not share" attached, for good reason. Colin likes to keep his surfing low key and to that point, likes to keep his mats low key too.

EO is no different on that front. The deck is grey (after having this roll for years, this colour is suddenly becoming popular), with a navy bottom. The grip and branding are both in black and I think gives a really clean look.

On to the tech gubbins, EO is a 200/70 Ubercat free-breather. Colin asked for positive elastic rocker. What this means is that EO will be inclined to get up on the rail, have a tighter arc through turns and will be well suited to riding tight in the pocket.

EO sets off to the US today. Colin is one of my earliest customers and knew what he wanted and where it fits in the quiver. I'm looking forward to hearing how she goes and, maybe, seeing some photos.

Have fun Colin!

Cheers

G

Snowflake

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Another rainy-day project and the next addition to my monochrome quiver is a 70/70 RB-JMC named "Snowflake".

Showflake is a super-free-breather with negative elastic rocker. I have gone fairly light with the grip as top-ups take about the same time as re-waxing a board, so no bother, and the increased maleability is worth it.

There's not much more to say other than she's the perfect quiver mate for my new Nouveau Racer named Dusty, my 5 Star General and my BodyBag mini-mat. I have a couple more in mind and have a week off with strong winds and rain in the mix so might get something done.

I've just finished a mat for that I'll put up in a couple of days. Colin shares my love of the low-key. It looks slick...

Anyway, cowabunga and all that!

Cheers

G