I broke out my Fourth Gear Flyer the other day for the first time(bought it in 1984) I got 5 or 6 waves and was generally happy with my efforts, although I was never sure if my body was in the right place on the mat. Where does one´s head belong in relationship to the front of the mat. Does it vary with the wave or ?
Roger
A relaxed posture with head near the front edge of the mat seems to be the most effective riding position.
Hi Roger,
When paddling?
While surfing, your chin will generally be down low near the front edge.
Roll from side-to-side through turns, sliding around on the deck is not usually necessary.
Modern surf mats involve completely different technique and sensations from prone riding solid objects.
The learning curve is all about “unlearning”.
Try adjusting air volume so your mat easily folds on center to about 90 degrees.
Find some nice, long, uncrowded waves where theres time to think about whats happening… reforming, flat-faced, choppy walls are fine.
Curious… does your 4thGF have carbon rubber nonskid or the smoother canvas strips? Your height and weight?
20 years for you to try it out??? Congrats! Procrastination has achieved a new level.
Thanks for the replys. The 20 years is not procrastination…just a choice to ride foam and fiberglass. I bought the mat from Greg Liddle when purchasing a board from him when he was still in Agoura.
Dale,I am 6 foot even and about 195. Is there different body positions for riding and paddeling. It seemed to paddle better farther forward. It has some strips of some blue non skid material. Not sure what it is, but it is heavier than the mat material. Ultimately I would love to get good enough to ride early AM Malibu before the surf police get there. I know there is a learning curve and muscles to build etc.
Roger
Roger,
Once your mats air volume is tuned, try paddling off the back of the mat, w/arms extended... the effective waterline is increased and youll be able to catch waves farther outside.
Your 4thGF has Sunbrella (acrylic marine canvas) nonskid glued to the deck, so you`ll be able to easily slide forward from paddling to surfing. There are other techniques, too.
Although we experimented with many variations, commercial 4thGF`s ended up about 42" x 5" x 18 1/2" (100% inflation),
ideally suited to George Greenough`s 135 pounds.
Last but not least… a powerful pair of swim fins will allow you to fully exploit your mat`s potential.