Mentawais boards

[Jeff]

Benny,

I see you out at Freshi and N. Steyne all the time. I am enjoying the clips! Anyway, I am average surfer riding a 5-11 TLow CI (prob slightly too small for me) and a 5-6 HS Hypto Krypto in 3-5′ N. Steyne. I am 5-11 74Kg. I am going to Mentawais in May, and just ordered a custom Psillakis A2 Rocker at 6-4 19 2.38. Is this gonna be a decent quiver? I saw your post on 4 boards etc. I am not sure if my TLow I will be able to ride there? I wont ride waves over 6ft. You thoughts? -Jeff

[Anonymous]

Jeff, thanks for your question and feedback! The Ments, Benny is jealous!

I think your quiver will be ‘decent’ but not optimal. Note, there is only one wave in the Ments I would ride over 6ft, too, so I’m no hellman. But the waves there are powerful, curvy and it rarely gets small (flat in the Ments is head high) so it’s important you have the right equipment to get the most out of your trip.

A mate took his Hypto Krypto on our last trip and he had some cracking sessions on it but I personally wouldn’t bring that type of board to the Ments. Too flat, too wide – not the right shape for the waves there. However, if you feel really comfortable surfing solid waves with it, comfort is really important.

Assuming the Psillakis is your step-up board, this is the right shape and should serve you well but I would bring another step-up, too. The Stacey Werewolf step-up, Simon Anderson SXE or even the CI Fred Rubble with a round tail come to mind as good options.

The TLow may work as your step down board but if you think it’s too small for you while surfing in Sydney, I think you’ll struggle even more there so perhaps switch it out for something bigger.

As I mention in the post, ‘Best Surfboard Quiver: Mentawais‘, you will spend most days on a step-up board, occasionally reaching for your Sydney all rounder when it’s smaller.

In summary, I recommend:

1) Take the Psillakis (be sure to ride it in solid surf before you go so you’re comfortable with it)

2) Get another step-up with some rocker, preferably a round tail

3) Bring a Sydney all rounder that you feel comfortable surfing in bigger, better (read: hollow) waves. Maybe the Hypto, maybe a bigger TLow, maybe a Fred Rubble – you must decide

I hope this helps you and be sure to say g’day next time we’re out in the surf together!

Best regards,
Ben

[Jeff]

Thanks Benny!

I just went to Aloha and talked to Timmy. I unloaded the TLow, and ordered a bigger board. Tim suggested JS Evolution at 6.0 x 19.38 x 2.38. It’s wider, 1″ longer and 1L bigger than TLow. Comes round pintail. It seems like a good Sydney all rounder, rated 2-6′ waves, but is it too wide for Ments? Would a 6.0 19.25 2.38 round pin rubble be better? I can’t afford a second new step up, but will take my friends 6-3 CI Rookie in case I snap the 6-4 psillakis step up I’m taking. R u from the US? If so, how do SoCal waves compare to Northern beaches and will my boards work there? I am moving to San Clemente in 6mo.

-jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi Jeff,

I haven’t surfed the JS Evolution but Timmy is really knowledgeable when it comes to boards and he has surfed everywhere! That said, I know the Rubble will work in the Ments because I surfed mine there and I know it will also work in Sydney so that would still be my pick.

I am from Southern California originally (San Diego) but I have surfed more in Oz than the US. In my experience, the waves in California are more powerful in winter – more long period groundswell – but summer there is really small and inconsistent (weeks of flatness I’m told). Sydney is more consistent – we get waves here year round – but less long period stuff and more wind swell.

I hope this helps!

Cheers,
Benny

[Paul]

Hi guys,

after some information. I live in wa and surf any where from good to shitty waves ( per usual for everybody ). Want a new board what would you suggest. I’m 56 years old have been surfing for 46 years. Weight 83kg. Height 5’9″. Looking for something different. Have been riding fish and anything else that comes along. The mind is active the body is slowing a (little) Something that rips. I have a 13 year old son. Keep up with him. Anyhow appreciate a reply.

[Anonymous]

Hi Paul, have you considered the …Lost V3 Rocket? It is a great, versatile all rounder and the V3 is more refined versus past Rockets!

[Author]

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