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...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 area Well, 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 Riley Balsawood Surfboards Allrounder MiniMal Dimensions: 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 lowentry 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.
0412 376 464 // www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
Riley Balsawood Surfboards Marlin Fish Dimensions: 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
Heritage Surf Scorpion Dimensions: 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”.
(02) 9977 7623 // heritagesurf@bigpond.com
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1300 368 428 // www.surfindustries.com
Global Surf Industries 7S Super Fish XL Dimensions: 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 Industries McTavish SLX Carver Dimensions: 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. 1300 368 428 // www.surfindustries.com
Global Surf Industries Modern Meyerhoffer Dimensions: 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. 1300 368 428 // www.surfindustries.com
Island Ringa High Performance Dimensions: 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. (03) 5952 2578 // www.islandsurfboards.com.au
Island Klemm-Bell Triple Stringer Classic Dimensions: 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 (KlemmBell). Old school board that is as equally at home in the surf as it is hanging on the wall. A true collector’s item.
(03) 5952 2578 // www.islandsurfboards.com.au
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Island Schlong (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. (03) 5952 2578 // www.islandsurfboards.com.au
Mark Rabbidge Surf Design/Retro Longboards Rabbidge Fish Dimensions: 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 fourfin version. Custom to suit. Have been making these since 1994.
0427 767 176 // www.markrabbidge.com
Mark Rabbidge Surf Design/Retro Longboards 4Play Dimensions: 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.
0427 767 176 // www.markrabbidge.com
Naish Nalu 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. (02) 9982 6444 // www.windgenuity.com.au
Naish Mana 10’0” Dimensions: 10’0” x 31 3/8” x 4 3/4” Comments: Super stable board. Great for firsttimers 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!
(02) 9982 6444 // www.windgenuity.com.au
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Naish Hokua 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. (02) 9982 6444 // www.windgenuity.com.au
McTavish Surfboards Bluebird Dimensions: 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.
(02) 6685 6736 // www.mctavish.com.au
McTavish Surfboards Twinfish Dimensions: 5’10” – 6’8” Comments: The Twinfish is a small wave special, and really shines in waves two-to-fourfoot. 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.
(02) 6685 6736 // www.mctavish.com.au
McTavish Surfboards Bobsled Dimensions: 6’0” – 7’6” Comments: Our new Quad Bobsled is the compact small-wave shape based on the snubnose 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. (02) 6685 6736 // www.mctavish.com.au
Redback Malibu Dimensions: 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.
1800 226 328 // www.landandsea.com.au
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Land And Sea Noosa 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.
1800 226 328 // www.landandsea.com.au
Land And Sea California 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.
1800 226 328 // www.landandsea.com.au
Bennett Bennett Mid-length Performance Model Dimensions: 8’0” – 8’10” Comments: High-performance, mid-length board design, cloned off our very successful nine-foot comp model. It features a continuouscurve 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.
(02) 9905 5157 // www.bennettsurfboards.com
GBoards Mothership SUP Dimensions: 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.
(03) 5261 9013 // www.gboards.com.au
GBoards Mothership 10’6” Original Dimensions: 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.
(03) 5261 9013 // www.gboards.com.au
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GBoards GBoards Classic Dimensions: 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.
(03) 5261 9013 // www.gboards.com.au
Zak Surfboards The Fish Dimensions: 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.
(03) 9416 7384 // www.zaksurfboards.com
Zak Surfboards The Freak Dimensions: 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 superfast, 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. (03) 9416 7384 // www.zaksurfboards.com
Zak Surfboards The King Dimensions: 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 duckdive.
(03) 9416 7384 // www.zaksurfboards.com
Zak Surfboards The Hula-Hula Dimensions: 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 Surfboards The Bug Dimensions: 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. (02) 9979 7071 // www.ronwadesurfboards.com.au
Ron Wade Surfboards Wildfire Dimensions: 6’ 10” x 20 1/2” – 7’ 8” x 21 3/4” Comments: This larger Fish design is very popular. A classic swallowtail with strategicallyplaced 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. (02) 9979 7071 // www.ronwadesurfboards.com.au
Oxbow 7’3” Mini-Mal Dimensions: 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.
1800 730 997 // www.oxboworld.com
Oxbow 7’6” Mini-Mal Dimensions: 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.
1800 730 997 // www.oxboworld.com
Oxbow 8’0” Mini-Mal Dimensions: 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.
1800 730 997 // www.oxboworld.com
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