Anyone on here riding their mats in winter? Still working out a shoulder injury for another couple weeks...probably the longest I've ever been forced outta the water (month and a half). I'm absolutely frothing at this point and planning on jumping in. I have a 4th gear flyer tracker RT... It's usually my go to in small weak summer crap surf... anyone riding one of these in heaving beach break?
Haven't seen a surf mat in years. Brings back fun memories from long ago. It's great if it will get you back in the water while still recovering. Don't want to sound like a mom here, but take it slow on that shoulder. You don't want to re-injure it and be laid up even longer. Been there more than once.
I had to look up what a surf mat was. We used to call them inflatable rafts... Not slamming them, I haven't seen one since I was riding them summers in middle school at OCMD mid '70s. I've never seen anyone seriously riding one at any breaks in the last three years, other than a kid on "Wings" model. I had no idea you could spend $200 or more on one. I guess I'm a clueless surf mat kook...
Good advise. Take it! I didn't surf or even enter my church (the ocean) for over a year and a half. I didn't walk a single step for over 6 months and had to re-learn. "Life is a b!tch" and you have to deal with it head on, no matter how much it sucks. If your anything like me, you'll come out on the other side appreciating your body, ocean, and the gifts they have to offer much more. Stay strong, at least mentally for now.
the surf matt will really give you a core workout, I have rode them in OBX (shoulder high) and small sunset (head plus), they are quite tricky to get the hold of, but fun, you squeeze one end the the inside edge changes shape to become a rail that will hold and get you going down the line nicely. and the rubber matts in the store will blow out in one session, leaving the chambers lopsided, the higher end matts are needed if a full sized human wants to ride it more than once
Thanks for the feedback all... Zippy...yup its his Tracker Model. Surfed it a number of times over the summer just for kicks and giggles and as MIS stated squeezing the rail makes a world of difference when turning. I still am trying to determine how much air I like in it. However, a great addition to my general quiver as I love the fact that it is so compact...plus its just ridiculous when it gets on plane. As for the mat itself, I bought it used off 'erbb. Guy was selling it for his friends wife as his friend/husband died. He wanted it to go to someone who would use it...tragic story, but a great buy. Doug/DosXX...hear ya on the shoulder--basic impingement of the bicep tendon. I've been in PT for the last month rehabbing it and in a good place in terms of movement (no pain, stiffness, etc.)--but had the same issue a year ago on the same shoulder. Feel 100% better than last year, but overused it and got worried about dealing with it for the next few month...further going to Nica early summer and wanted to take care of this professionally prior to surfing 2 a days over there. Although im feeling better the tissue is still tender and planning on rehabbing for another few weeks until 100%. But I hear ya on taking it easy...Thanks for the encouragement...guess I'll just dust off the planer and shape something...
His brother is one of my clients. He comes down to the beach every year and rides them all the time. There is no better feeling than floating down a wave on a mat. The sense of speed and glide is nuts. Always thought it was too bad they stopped renting the old fashioned mats at the beach, they were so much fun. Do you ride it soft where you squeeze it to stiffen an edge on a turn? That's really fun.
