Basecurve said...Hilly that is awesome! Any thoughts on the 9'6 ripper on the trip?
I'm having a love hate with the 9'6 wide AA. This morning all the "Jerry Lewis" crew were having a ball in small but perfect conditions at 2nds.I on the other hand was floundering for an hour and a half.Would have fallen off 30 times I reckon.I'm just not convinced it works for a 98 + kg 6'2 frame in local conditions.Not that I'm giving up on it.....yet

Great footage Hilly, you are surfing really well, I reckon!!
BASECURVE, regarding the differences between the 2 boards - 9'6 wide AA & Ripper.
From my experience, I found the Ripper to be not as stable as the AA. THis is mainly due to the finer nose and tail which makes for a smaller 'stability sweet-spot' on the Ripper, which if I was to put a figure on it would be approx 10% less stable than the AA.
We have plenty of crew around 100kg loving the 9'6 wide AA, it just depends where you are in the progression curve. The best suggestion I have for anyone who may have bitten of more than they can chew is - paddle, paddle, paddle in all conditions (pref flat water) to get your skills up before heading into the waves. If by Summer it is not right, as mentioned, lets see how we can help.
Good on you for persevering - it will pay off!
Andrew.A