Most mats don't use fins and they are ridden with low pressure because (counterintuitively) they perform better that way. I spent a winter trying to master it. Not easy and, imho, not nearly as good a tool as a well-designed sponge. A sponge (boogie board) is probably the best all around surfing machine for smaller to medium barrels and in the right hands will perform in very large, hollow waves. Not so great in huge waves where long distances need to be traversed and big chop is a factor. There are people who make the mat work very well. Mike Stewart designed a "big boy" bodyboard which works very well for us bull seals.
Surf Anarchy
- Thread starter Rasputin22
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Oh, doh! Churchills!
guerdon
Anarchist
Mat riding is to surfing what fly fishing is to drop lining. With a mat you may vary the shape, density, and torque of your vehicle while you ride. You can also control the drag positioning of your fins relative to the C.B. of the mat. It can also go so fast that your eyes hurt. I have been playing with them since the early 60s and still do not tire of them. George, and Paul, both have tried many types of wave riding vehicles and return to them because of the fun that they provide. Try one for a month ,then you will get a glimmer of why we love them.
veni vidi vici
Omne quod audimus est opinio, non res. Omnia videm
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How do they compare to belly boards , you are tempting my imagination for what I think I maybe could still do. I have not thought about body surfing in decades, 50 years ago I was at one with the ocean, I was passionate about free diving and could hold my breath 3 minutes static , never had a reason to try for longer but understand the sport of free diving as gone science and technique with double my static time.
… difference between air mat and board?
Willin'
Super Anarchist
Here's a pretty low energy video that explains things pretty well! I like this guy's attitude, especially since most of us are never gonna surf overhead, empty Rincon like all those pix of Greenough from the 60s and 70s.
guerdon
Anarchist
Veni, mats are like breasts, bellyboards are like shields. T, I have never seen George, on a mat with fins. Why would you do that. You might as well ride a belly board.
veni vidi vici
Omne quod audimus est opinio, non res. Omnia videm
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I subscribed to the YouTube link above, looks like a wonderful water sport for any age but especially older folks like me. I can see the answer to my own question about the difference between mat and belly boarding
guerdon
Anarchist
Contact Paul Gross at Fourth Gear Flyer, tell him hi from Guerdon.
Rasputin22
Rasputin22
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Looks like belly boards such as Morey Boogie boards could start needing air bags like in a car for such antics as this
guerdon
Anarchist
A mat is an air bag [don't ask me how i know].
veni vidi vici
Omne quod audimus est opinio, non res. Omnia videm
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hobot
Super Anarchist
where was the final shot on that video shot taken at?
Rasputin22
Rasputin22
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The wave at the end bouncing the boats at their docks was in Ventura Isles I believe.
Rasputin22
Rasputin22
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How is this for a quiver of watercraft?
Rasputin22
Rasputin22
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Is this an apparition or what?
guerdon
Anarchist
wonderful
sledracr
Super Anarchist
From Woody's FB page... (photographer unknown)
Rasputin22
Rasputin22
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I was in So Cal when all this atmospheric river train that brought all of this 25 year surf to the beaches. I drove to all my old surf spots after 50 years of being away and it was all breaking like no one had ever seen. I should have stuck around for another week!
