Hooksey, I was in the same boat about 10 years ago. I was a froffing bodyboarder for about 10 years before that. But I eventually grew tired of it.
My wave knowledge and judgement was spot on, and I was a very competent body boarder. Shared waves, loved surfing, loved surfing with all surfers.
But, I was struggling with the jump down from a McT 9'1, to a Keyo 6'6 Egg. Then I got a really full volume 7'0 Merrick Single Fin, and I was away.... Flat rockered. Paddled almost as good as a malibu. And a 5 year love affair with single fins began.
But 5 years into things, I was really happy with my progression, the old school way. Malibu, then big volume single fin, smaller volume singles fins (about 3), then a beautiful purple fish with timber skegs. I was in heaven.
And not much has changed really !!
I still have all of those lovely boards... I'm a collector.
www.cisurfboards.com/surfboards/legacy-lineup/msf/My board is the 7'0 x 21"1/2 x 3"1/8 that is listed here. When I asked for it, it didn't exist in the computer models. They got back to me pretty quick, and they were very confident they could do it, but they were honest and said they need some time to source a suitable blank, and review the design. 8 weeks later my baby was born. I loved it straight away. It was the missing link between the 9'1 and 6'6. A couple of crew in Avalon had a try, and the feedback was sufficient enough to confirm that it could be offered. And the 7'0 as listed on the web-link above, is actually a result of my request. So I was actually responsible for helping out the "up size" model. And today, the 7'0 x 21"1/2 x 3"1/8 is offered on the official CI site, and yes, it's the USA site, and CIA (CI Australia) do a great job too.
Surf rage highlight moments while bodyboarding....
Had less than a handful of "unsavory" incidents in the surf in over 10 years. Sure, I had a maybe 100-200 blatant drop-ins... But I would usually just paddle up next to them, and very politely say something like, "I know you saw me, just don't do it again". That pretty much worked every time. Failing that, on the second time, I would scoot up behind them and grab the legrope - instant face plant !! But they had been warned!!
Coped an absolute verbal bashing only once, and I simply said, "oh, f@#k off, that was your second drop in", in a serious tone 10% sarcasm joke. And that was the end of that... no trouble at all...
I even had a fair time surfing at Maroubra before work at Sydney Airport. Only 1 incident early on, actually with another bodyboarder.
with the egg, bb again you are right, a fun board,but i would only buy another one if i had a 7 board quiver. mmmm it is a super fun board though
