More from Canada

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The stuff coming from Graham Gidden is making me insanely envious. This part of the world is now firmly on my to-do list. Here's what Graham had to say:

Was at the beach today and dragged along the only other matter in Canada with me so I could get some action shots. The shots are of our day at a few different spots. Willie took out Phileas and had some great rides. 

We both concurred that we could use some more volume since we are both six feet tall or more and 220 lbs [Ed: Phileas is scaled to a rider around 5' 10"], but we do love the responsive ride and grip. 

I let Willie hold on to Phileas as he will be at the beach over the next few weeks every other day so maybe he will manage some shots. 

Great stuff. So glad to see her getting so much water time in such beautiful surroundings. I've asked Graham to ensure that Willie adds his art work. 

Stay tuned!

G

PS. Graham has sent a stack of shots so I've stuck them in a galery:

The Hidden Session

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We have word from Graham Gidden on Vancouver Island and it appears that Phileas is fitting in well. It looks like her kind of surf over there. Like me, she is a fan of cold, glassy and empty so she is right in her element.

 I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of this part of the world. Somewhere I would love to visit myself one day.

Anyhoo, here's what Graham had to say:

[Here are] a few photos from the beach tour this weekend. Unfortunately no riding shots because nobody to take pictures for me. 

Anyway Phileas is happy and had some excellent rides and coverups. I am not use to such a grippy top deck. It was difficult to shift body positioning, but when it was the right spot it stuck amazingly.

The photos are from three different spots and few of the journey. 

This is installment one of the Canadian - Vancouver Island leg. Hopefully I will get you some riding shots and video soon.

Graham

Can't wait Graham. Personally, I am gagging to see some footage of these waves being surfed on a mat. What a place!

Cheers

G

Missing in Action!

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WHERE ARE YOU PHILEAS?!

pHILIAS sURFMAT m.i.a.

The last we heard, our intrepid explorer had left Santa Cruz and was en route to Vancouver Island. The trouble is, she's not got there!

Have the US Postal Service abducted her? Has Phileas' shady history come back to haunt her and seen her picked up by customs?

Phileas Coke Fiend

We want answers!

Stay tuned for news as things develop. Gawd be with you Phileas, ol' gal.

G

Goodbye to the USA

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After some struggles, Jason MacMurray has finally got Phileas out in some surf. Here's what he had to say. 

"Time to send Phileas out of Santa Cruz and packing to Canada.  Interesting run of surf while it was here.  No surf for the first couple of weeks and only managed a short session with my kids. Then, last weekend, we got our biggest swell thus far this year.  Decided it was mat time.  

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Despite the continual paddling and occasionally getting blasted, I managed to secure a few on Phileas, including one that was solid double overhead (standing up, that is).  Happy to report that the mat did as well in the big stuff as it does in everyday waves.  Unfortunately, the photo documentation is lacking.  There are a couple from that session but they don't do much justice.  Ultimately, I was just happy to bring the mat home in working order.

Liking the UTE design.  Probably the best one I've ridden though I have heard rumors from down South of a certain yellow mat that might be the best mat yet.

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As is custom, you will notice Phileas has a few more tats than when it arrived.  That's how it works in Santa Cruz.

Looking forward to your visit.

Cheers."

Thanks a lot to Jason for hosting Phileas. She's spent just over a year on the US Mainland and has been through a lot. It looks like she needs a grip top up so hopefully someone is up for doing that along the way. 

Next stop Vancouver Island. 

Eh!  

G