I have fallen into deep research of the surf mat. I have never personally ridden one, but I am so interested in what they feel like. I am very close to just saying the heck with it and ordering one. Does anyone have any mat experience whether positive or negative? It seems like everything I have read talked about a feeling of glide where one is more connected to the wave itself than stand-up surfing or a boog.
Surf Mats... What's the Deal?
- Thread starter 5finFever
- Start date
LeroyZ
Active Member
Just got back from a mat shesh. I take it out to my local reef breaks and usually catch quite a few fun waves on it. I've yet to hit 4th gear on the mat but that may be because if it's that good, I'll choose stand-up. I'd say it's more like a surfing a hull as far as learning curve goes, lots of technique involved.
Last edited:
shadydave
Well-Known Member
Surf mats
Anyone here riding them (or views on them?) Just saw on the 4th gear flyer site they've a sale on. Iv always been tempted to try one and I was thinking recently if could come in handy for a few off shore spots for photography where I could deflate it after the paddle out and re inflate it for...
dubhulloh7
Active Member
Don’t think too much. Just do it.
Ricksurfin
Well-Known Member
Loved riding mine, but hated trying to paddle out with it. I only rode it in pretty heavy beach break where surfing wasn’t an option, but it was impossible to duck dive and I was victim to any waves on my way back out after a ride. Ended up selling it, as it was just too much with my bad back.
They are a lot of fun. They work great. They are not easy to master though. January memory: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKGJV0fneHX/?igshid=yf9v62ysm2pz
T
tuskedbeast
Guest
Don't miss this epic thread!
jamboards.com
Especially the ride report from the OP, Icecreamheadache... classic!
Well let's see... I got one 11 years ago and it became what I ride 98% of the time since
Endlessly rewarding and challenging. I never seem to get it dialed the way you do a surfboard... constant surprises. They seem to have a life of their own. Yes, they glide in a unique way and you feel it through your body in a unique way too.
Pretty clumsy and slow to paddle. You're one of the more vulnerable ones out there when it comes to getting out the back. You get twice as thrashed in duck dive situations.... dragged.... If you pull the trigger, try to take your baby steps at a place with a good channel.
Mat surfing is Hull-like in that less-is-more, don't-overthink-it is key. It can be whatever you want but IMO it's not about hotdogging, moves, ripping. Very "holistic" surfing. Not for everyone, much as I wish it was... 'cause... it's pure fun, it's ridiculous, it's egoless in a way. Imagine more of "that" in the lineup!
Go for it!!!!!
The truth about surfmats?
I have something of a burning question for those of y'all who ride mats... or rather a grip of questions. All input will be much appreciated. 1) Are they really that fun? As in, I would choose a mat over a surfboard on certain days? All days? 2) Do y'all ever travel with them? Do they fit in...
Especially the ride report from the OP, Icecreamheadache... classic!
Well let's see... I got one 11 years ago and it became what I ride 98% of the time since
Endlessly rewarding and challenging. I never seem to get it dialed the way you do a surfboard... constant surprises. They seem to have a life of their own. Yes, they glide in a unique way and you feel it through your body in a unique way too.
Pretty clumsy and slow to paddle. You're one of the more vulnerable ones out there when it comes to getting out the back. You get twice as thrashed in duck dive situations.... dragged.... If you pull the trigger, try to take your baby steps at a place with a good channel.
Mat surfing is Hull-like in that less-is-more, don't-overthink-it is key. It can be whatever you want but IMO it's not about hotdogging, moves, ripping. Very "holistic" surfing. Not for everyone, much as I wish it was... 'cause... it's pure fun, it's ridiculous, it's egoless in a way. Imagine more of "that" in the lineup!
Go for it!!!!!
T
tuskedbeast
Guest
What sparked this curiosity was actually seeing this video on Instagram of you hauling absolute ass down the line and holding a perfect trim line! Thank you!
