General question about gliders

I dunno.. maybe the longer ones 12'....
Turn harder..especially with too big a fin...
Mine is like butter..smooth..creamy..
Got it fromthe board source...jon
It was the george 10.6 x 24 x 3 3/8...
I use either a TA's 8" 4A..or 8.5" skip
The flater rocker ...and outline really
Highlight ..trim..glider..
But drop knee turns..
Regular turns..ok
Just becareful of steeper drops
With less nose rocker...
I guess is my take away..
But you will catch so much earlier...
On the wave..it usually is no problem...
Mine is aweome....so long are the rides..
It is deceptive..

 

Seems to me gliders are best for long rolling swells with a slopey face. Not so much for a beach break where the wave jacks up quickly and the lip throws out. I have seen them ridden locally with those pitchy lips BUT you have to be capable of getting in early and know how to turn them when the bottom drains out and a wall builds. Not for everyone or every condition. I don’t want one for our beach break locally even if it would get me into a wave outside of others in the lineup.

 

first things first, learn to surf.

 

I tried a 10'2" glider a few times, on a local point break, in no bigger than shoulder high surf.

It was pretty fun, but in no way it's a "go to" board. The board was very stable, very easy to catch waves, take off and turn. The pin tail really helps the maneuverability, but it's as the "name" states a glider... You just glide on an open face, toes on the nose and back, an occasional cut back and not much more. A ton of fun, but a very specific kind of board.

 

Here are my opinions on your questions:
-"Point and shoot, does it mean you really cannot turn it?" I have an 11' 2" pintail, it's turnable for sure, but the preferred mode is "Point and shoot"

-"Are they easy to paddle?"-Yes, the early paddle-in is really gratifying, but beware you need powerful deep strokes to get that momentum going. But momentum is what these birds are all about and what I find addictive about mine. Your shoulders will remind you of this by bedtime.

-"Everyday board or something special?"- I've surfed mine from NJ to ME and use it in the following conditions:
-Tiny conditions when you just need to get out.
-Mushy or high-tide conditions when you don't have the luxury to time your sessions based on weather, winds or tides.
-Jetty or rivermouth setups (ME state parks) where swells jack up over rocks and mush out over channels. Your momentum will carry you over these for incredibly long rides on days/tides which might otherwise be no-go's.
-Clean lined up days when you're simply in the mood just to feel that magic momentum and enjoy super long rides.

 

Anndddddd i want a glider again...

 

I'm actually in the preliminary stages of organizing a proper "trim" contest similar to what they have in Noosa. It'll be on the East Coast and it'll highlight the capabilities of a proper glider through objective judging based on length of ride and average speed.

Given that you live in Boston you'll probably be within a reasonable proximity to attend. Seeing the boards surfed by a bunch of very capable surfers might help clarify exactly what they're designed for.

 

slide the glide clinic

 

And even then, depending on the Glider not exactly user friendly for most folks coming off shortboards, hybrids or a modern longboard. Case in point: I have a 11' Hunt. All volan, a pintail with a 11" fin. Hard pinched rails on the nose and knife like on the tail. 50/50 in the middle. Weight; 38 pounds! If you haven't deduced by now, this board is challenging and I only ride it at select spots. No more at San'O nor Doho. Too many people and this board is a point and shoot, even on the tail you are going to be hard press to turn it. The plus side: set your angle on a wave, get the weight and momentum going by paddling early for the incomer and the board treats you to a buttery glide and connects through sections. I have ridden Christensen, Andriene and Mabile gliders. All a lot less demanding than my Hunt and you can turn 'em with less effort but still, the name of the game when riding a Glider is that you have to be slow, steady and planned out on your feet and moves your going to make. No pinball surfing on these crafts!

BTW, my next Glider (yes, I'm hooked) will be to find a Mabile or just throw down the $$$$$$ for a custom Andrienne EPS rehab Glider. Loved your board Tico!