BTW, my fish had a regular SQUARE tail, not that split tail. Somehow, the idea of hanging my cojones there, isn't that appealing, unless I wished to sing high tenor..... Also, it was a quad, that I really liked!!
Gotcha, thanks for the feedback. I’ll consider that when making my decision, which won’t be for a little while but trying to get some ideas together.
If he started Kane Garden with another guy, it's the brother of Bob Carson, who started Cane Garden Bay Surfboards in Tortola. According to Bob, his brother left the business to start his own line in CA. He couldn't call it Cane Garden, so he changed it to Kane Garden. Bob still builds boards today for local rippers all over the Carrib. That old Mabile (if it really was) RIPPED. I remember doing my first real turns on that board, and throwing big rooster tails into the air. Everyone was like, WHAT?!?!?!?!?
Yea... they're not grovelers. In small, weak surf I still like a log. Small waves with some pop, a mini sim. Waist high and up is fish territory... soft or hollow... at least for me... on up to around head high.
I'll second what LB said about that flip in the first couple inches. My mini has that. The rocker is still flat. It's just a little flip in the nose. Seems to help. Iv ridden it in steeper stuff than i thought i would and it performed. Still can't take a super steep drop with it though. At least not consistently with confidence. But steeper than you'd imagine for the shape
Pretty sure that Stu Kenson was the other half of Kane Garden, and also makes a decent fish. Also pretty sure that guys like Frye and Steve Seebold were cranking out fishes for G&S initially and were probably keys in bringing along guys like Mabile sometime later. I agree with adding slightly more entry rocker but not fiddling too much with the inherent parameters. I also agree that Pavel is one of the greatest fish practitioners, having been under the direct tutelage of The Man Himself. I currently own different variations of the Fish by Pavel, Hank Warner and Richard "Mez" Gomez.
^^^ I use his "double barrel" bottom design on all my fish, and it works well. Better than just a traditional flat to vee bottom.
Seebold has made 2 boards for me from G&S, over the last few years. A very good shaper. And you are right on the historical facts, I believe. Time fades ones memories....
Seebold also makes some killer Geppie marine ply keels too, don't remember offhand where to buy them...Bird's maybe?
By the way, I got the Walden, fins, leash and bag for $300.00. Thing is in excellent shape. If I try it and don't like it, I can always sell it and I am sure I will make a little more than $300 back.
I have a feeling the first time I try to turn this thing i'm going to eat sheet. LOL I am kind of excited to try a different style!
Just remember to get back on that tail when turning and let your footwork and the wave do most of the work. If it feels stiff push the fin all the way up in the box to loosen it up.