2009 alb mid-length boardguide

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Sure... ...people snicker you can’t manage to stay up past midnight these days, and rumours are you've developed a penchant for mid-strength beer. It's been unkindly suggested your mid-life crisis isn’t too far around the corner, and disparaging comments have been made about that slight expansion in the midriff areaWell, tell the naysayers to take a long jump off a mid-sized pier: here’s ALB’s comprehensive snapshot of some of the best

MId-Length BoArdS currently on the market... enjoy

Heritage SurfScorpionDimensions: 5’6” – 8’ 0”Comments: A slightly reworked version of a board designed by donald in the ’60s. Coming in lengths from 5’6” to 8’0”, this board will fly when ridden on the nose. With a true “pin” tail and a 2+1 or quad-fin setup, it will perform the tightest of turns when pushed to its limits. An excellent option for those looking for a shorter “longboard”.

Riley Balsawood SurfboardsAllrounder MiniMalDimensions: 7’0’’ – 8’6’’Comments: this MiniMal features a 100% recycled ePS core and balsa skin, making it very light, yet durable. A good wave-catcher, with low-entry rocker for trimming and enough tail rocker for high-performance surfing. A great board for small-to-medium-sized conditions, and perfect for all ages. Comes with a 12 month warranty and micro-tagging technology to prevent theft.

Riley Balsawood SurfboardsMarlin FishDimensions: 5’0’’ – 6’8’’Comments: the Marlin is a high-performance fish, made from 100% recycled EPS foam and balsa skin. the board features a deep, retro-style swallow tail and straighter rocker. the 2 ½’’ thickness of the board under the chest area makes this board a great wave catcher. As with all riley Balsa boards, the Marlin comes with a 12 month warranty and micro-tagging technology which prevents theft. enjoy responsibly!

0412 376 464 // www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au

0412 376 464 // www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au

(02) 9977 7623 // [email protected]

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Global Surf Industries7S Super Fish XLDimensions: 6’8” x 21” x 2 3/4”, 7’3” x 22” x 3”, 8’0 x 23” x 3 3/16”Comments: the Super Fish XL was designed because of the constant feedback we got from surfshops saying bigger surfers and longboarders wanted to get it on, but the 6’3” was too small. So we introduced the three larger sizes. depending on your size, everyone can ride a Super Fish XL. We have updated this model with the Quad option. this makes it go even faster and gives a new meaning to smooth turns. the 7S Super Fish is also now available in epoxy technology.

Global Surf IndustriesMcTavish SLX CarverDimensions: 8’1” x 21 1/2” x 2 7/8”Comments: the Carver is actually a shortboard with added wave-catching and comfort zones grafted on! Its engine is a stiff-rockered zone with double-concaves right under your feet in a turn, and the front fins pulled right up under your back foot, supplying speed, acceleration, looseness and comfort all from the one generous sweet-spot. Lightweight SLX construction adds a performance edge to an already exciting design.

Global Surf IndustriesModern MeyerhofferDimensions: 7’6” x 36” x 21 1/2” x 2 3/4”, 8’0” x 39” x 21/12” x 2 7/8”Comments: evolution? revolution? the Meyerhoffer is possibly the most radical design innovation in longboarding for decades. A shortboard and a longboard in one, with an organic shape that integrates the board with the wave seamlessly. the Modern Meyerhoffer is built in SLX construction to ensure lightweight and maximum responsiveness – a very fast and lively board.

IslandRinga High PerformanceDimensions: 7’0’’ x 22” x 2 1/2” – 10’0’’ x 24’’ x 3 1/4’’Comments: Custom made, high-performance longboard, handshaped by ex-WCt surfer glyndyn ringrose. Combines all the qualities of a great longboard with the innovation of glyndyn’s shortboard shapes, and is currently ridden by Vic State Champion, Sandy ryan. Features heavy double-concave through the tail, into a nose concave for when you’re up on the tip.

IslandKlemm-Bell Triple Stringer ClassicDimensions: 7’2’’ x 20 1/4” x 2 3/4” – 9’0’’ x 23’’ x 3’’Comments: triple-stringer with nose and tail blocks. handshaped by terry Klemm (Klemm-Bell). old school board that is as equally at home in the surf as it is hanging on the wall. A true collector’s item.

1300 368 428 // www.surfindustries.com



(03) 5952 2578 // www.islandsurfboards.com.au


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Mark Rabbidge Surf Design/Retro Longboards4PlayDimensions: 5’6” x 19” x 2 1/8” – 7’6” x 21” x 3”Comments: 4Play usually comes in as four fins and six channels, or can be three-fin setup with concaves. high-performance alternative to a Fish.

Mark Rabbidge Surf Design/Retro LongboardsRabbidge FishDimensions: 5’6” x 19” x 2 1/8” – 7’6” x 21” x 3”Comments: Usually three-fin Fish for high performance surfing, with rail channels for extra down the line speed. Can be a two, three or four-fin version. Custom to suit. Have been making these since 1994.

IslandSchlong (Short Long) Dimensions: 6’8’’ x 20 1/4” x 2 1/2” – 8’6’’ x 23’’ x 3’’Comments: Whether you’re a rank beginner or seasoned pro, a hoges Schlong can be designed to suit your long and short-boarding needs, all in one. With over 35 years experience, hoges can blend a good mix of foam, concave and vee’s to give you the performance you desire. If you want paddling ease and wave catching ability, but still want to throw spray, the Schlong is the board for you.

NaishMana 10’0”Dimensions: 10’0” x 31 3/8” x 4 3/4”Comments: Super stable board. Great for first-timers in the waves, or a big guy’s wave SUP. the Mana series boards are wide, short and stable. Standup paddling and catching waves has never been easier. the squared tail and single-concave bottom shape combine to catch you more waves, and for you to have more fun when you’re on them!

NaishNalu 11’4”Dimensions: 11’4” x 30” x 4 1/2”Comments: Combining the stability of a larger board with the progressive rail-to-rail handling of a much smaller board, this pintail design delivers excellent performance in a huge range of conditions. From dead-flat water to small waves or even offshore reefs this board does it all, offering rail-to-rail carving while retaining a classic longboard feel. Its volume-to-width ratio also makes it an ideal beginner board for lighter riders.


0427 767 176 // www.markrabbidge.com

0427 767 176 // www.markrabbidge.com

(02) 9982 6444 // www.windgenuity.com.au


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NaishHokua 9’3” Dimensions: 9’3” x 29 1/2” x 4 1/4”Comments: the hokua series boards excel at pumping down the line, tail slides and massive carving turns, yet still have enough float and glide to maximise your ride. this innovative design gives explosive turning characteristics and shortboard-like performance. essentially a scaled-up shortboard, with lots of rail curve and a progressive rocker, the board can create speed and power even in small surf.

McTavish SurfboardsBluebirdDimensions: 6’0” – 7’6”Comments: the Bluebird logo has come to embody the spirit of Mctavish – free as a bird, cutting edge, quick and agile. the Bluebird design model has no boundaries today, and encompasses both remakes of the original, elegant Bluebird boards, and modern incarnations dreamt up by customers and staff. Performance is always fun, and the boards are beautifully made.

McTavish SurfboardsTwinfishDimensions: 5’10” – 6’8”Comments: The Twinfish is a small wave special, and really shines in waves two-to-four-foot. the generous volume makes it a breeze to paddle, and getting the board flying on the face is easy. The Twinfish is loose and responsive off the tail, and has a flat panel vee-bottom for big sweeping turns. this one is a must for any quiver, to make the most of less-than-perfect conditions.

McTavish SurfboardsBobsledDimensions: 6’0” – 7’6” Comments: our new Quad Bobsled is the compact small-wave shape based on the snub-nose micro boards of certain leading pros, but blown up for us mortals. Wider for great paddling and planing, with softening bevels, and thicker but responsive rails, featuring the positive response “Bobtail” template. great for scooting around the summer mushies, as well as ripping a cleaner wave.

Redback MalibuDimensions: 7’ & 8’Comments: A low impact board with hi-tec features including 4 Stringers for maximum board strength and durability. A hdX Core provides added strength through the board while keeping the overall weight remarkably light. 2 sizes.


(02) 6685 6736 // www.mctavish.com.au



1800 226 328 // www.landandsea.com.au

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GBoardsMothership 10’6” OriginalDimensions: 10’6” x 26” x 3 1/4”Comments: great board for those small days when you don’t want to SUP. great for tandem with the kids.

BennettBennett Mid-length Performance ModelDimensions: 8’0” – 8’10”Comments: high-performance, mid-length board design, cloned off our very successful nine-foot comp model. It features a continuous-curve rocker which enables the board to maintain its speed in and out of turns. With tapered nose profile it’s less likely to dig a rail on cutbacks and re-entries.

GBoardsMothership SUPDimensions: 10’6” x 32” x 4 3/4”Comments: First full soft SUP, fantastic on both flatwater and in the surf. All-time family board.

(02) 9905 5157 // www.bennettsurfboards.com

(03) 5261 9013 // www.gboards.com.au




Land And SeaNoosa Malibu Dimensions: 7’ & 8’Comments: revolution noosa Series technology, coupled with 4 stringers, creates a super rigid, light weight, performance Malibu. the rails and tail are honed for greater speed and power in driving turns.

Land And SeaCalifornia Malibu Dimensions: 7’, 8’, 9’Comments: the ultimate high performance soft Malibu. Superior board and rail shape. the deck can withstand up to 80 degrees Celsius. 3 Stringers in 7’, 8’ and 4 in the 9’ for extra strength, giving greater speed and manoeuvrability. Available in 3 colours.

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GBoardsGBoards ClassicDimensions: 6’0”, 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6”, 8’0”Comments: these boards have been designed to get all walks of life into surfing. The Classics are stable, durable, buoyant and heaps of fun.

Zak SurfboardsThe FishDimensions: 5’7” x 20 1/2” x 2 3/8” – 7’2” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/4”Comments: the Fish is fun to ride for all, working well in one-to-four-foot. the amount of volume through the board makes it a dream to paddle. Flat-into-vee makes it responsive and loose. MR twin-and-trailer fin set.

Zak SurfboardsThe FreakDimensions: 6’4” x 20 1/2” x 2 3/8” – 7’0” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/4”Comments: the Freak Quad is a board designed for paddle and performance. A single into double concave and a chine rail gives the board a super-fast, responsive feel for any person who has wave-count in mind. the spoon deck offers more foam at the rail, allowing the centre thickness to be at a minimum, adding stability to the deck and making the board more forgiving. For waves two-to-five-foot.

Zak SurfboardsThe KingDimensions: 7’0” x 21” x 2 3/4” – 8’0” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/4”Comments: the King is a board designed for big guys who usually end up with boats. It offers plenty of volume, but doesn’t lack performance. the single into double gives it drive and response for such a big board, and it’s still easy to duck-dive.

Zak SurfboardsThe Hula-HulaDimensions: 8’6” x 21” x 2 5/8” – 9’6” x 23” x 3 1/2”Comments: If you want a board that is the best of both worlds, then here it is. offering shortboard performance, turns and pivots from the tail, and easy, stable noserides up front. our rocker and big single-into-double concave give you a fantastic feel under your feet. Come and try a demo today.


(03) 9416 7384 // www.zaksurfboards.com




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Ron Wade SurfboardsThe BugDimensions: 7’ 2” x 21” – 8’ 6” x 22 1/2”Comments: A Mini-Mal design that incorporates modern shaped rails. this design is very popular with the girls as well. this design incorporates a subtle concave in the nose, running through to flat trim section, and subtle vee with tail lift for added manoeuvrability. A user-friendly fun board design that allows you to throw it around. the board has a colour design, is glossed and polished.

Oxbow8’0” Mini-MalDimensions: 8’0” x 22” x 2 7/8”Comments: A great all-rounder that does it all. Ideally suited to those up to approximately 85kgs.

Ron Wade SurfboardsWildfireDimensions: 6’ 10” x 20 1/2” – 7’ 8” x 21 3/4”Comments: this larger Fish design is very popular. A classic swallowtail with strategically-placed flyers. The thruster-fin design allows the board to be fast, skatey and highly manoeuvrable. It has been finetuned for added performance. The board is easy to paddle. It will satisfy those who want a smaller Fish but need more flotation than the smaller F1-11 model.

Oxbow7’3” Mini-MalDimensions: 7’3” x 21 1/4” x 2 4/5”Comments: A great all-rounder that does it all. Ideally suited to those up to approximately 65kgs.

Oxbow7’6” Mini-MalDimensions: 7’6” x 21 1/2” x 2 7/8”Comments: A great all-rounder that does it all. Ideally suited to those up to approximately 75kgs.

(02) 9979 7071 // www.ronwadesurfboards.com.au

(02) 9979 7071 // www.ronwadesurfboards.com.au

1800 730 997 // www.oxboworld.com



2009 alb mid-length boardguide

Documents

disparaging comments

great board

highperformance fish

tail rocker

riley balsa boards

balsa skin

microtagging technology

great wave catcher