Anacapa glider board?

Question

Has anyone ever ridden this board? I know that they are mass-produced, computer-cut made in china boards, but it seems like a great board, especially in my small surf, and knowing it wasdesigned by Al Merrick. I was looking to buy one so if you have one, how does it ride and is it a good board worth buying?

Thanks!

Answer 1

the best thing to do is go into your local shop and see what they have to say.  they know your local waves better than anyone on this site and will be able to tell you what will work at your favorite local spots.  most shapers use computers in one way or another now a days.  if you dont know exactly what you want down to the 1/16th of an inch there is no use in ordering a custom board. even buying a "shaped" board doesnt mean that your getting one from the shaper whose name is on the deck.  if you think the board will ride well in your surf try it out and if you like it for the price its at then buy it.

Answer 2

I've ridden similar mass produced, machine shaped, glassed in china boards and I'll let you in on a little secret: they ride just as good as any other board and save you money. It is definitely worth buying. The greatest innovator of surfboards, Al Merrick says, "there is no soul in a piece of fiberglass". He's right. The soul is in the rider, not the board.

Answer 3

Matt,

Everybody needs a job. Even the folks in China and Thailand who mass produce surfboards. Those boards are cool for somebody who is buying their first board. Young or old, the mass produced, sleazy popouts are okay to learn on. Then it gets sold when the surfer buys his or her first real board. Or, if you run a surf shop, and want a supply of cheap rental boards, they help fill that void too.

However, they are not good for surfing, or the surf industry if they become the norm and not the exception. Take the time and read the Link I attached. The fact that Mr. Merrick is responsible for the design is not surprising. Unfortunately, there are dozens of big name shapers crafting the templates for these pieces of c%&p for a bunch of popout mills. They too, deserve a job. I am not sure how old you are, or how well you understand economics, either personal or global, but a guy has to eat.

I don't know where your 'small surf' is. Small surf is more common than big surf. There are lots of good boards that are perfect for small surf, that are made by legitimate shapers. There are are also great local shapers who would love to shape a board, just for you to use in that 'small surf.' In 42 years of surfing, two of my most favorite boards were custom shaped for me by local guys, who are real artists. Don't buy it, pal, read the link. No popouts!

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm