Stretch Boards blog for product reviews, team updates and factory news.
Benjamin Sanchis, a.k.a.- “Sancho” has the grueling task of traveling around the world to hunt down mind bending barrels for the enjoyment of your viewing pleasure.
WHERE IS SANCHO l KANDUI from FTR Films on Vimeo.
Buzzsaw 5’10.5″ x 19.35″ x 2.5″ bat tail CFT med. construction FCSII quad with “feathered brush fade” colorwork by Sandy.
Thing v2 6’2″ x 19.2″ x 2.5″ round pin CFT med. construction FCSII 5-fin with “vert brush fade” colorwork by Sandy.
Buzzsaw sk8 with Darshan Gooch from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.
Name: Darshan Gooch
Height/weight: 6’4″ 185 lbs
Board model/dimensions: Buzz Saw sk8 6’0″ x 19.5″ x 2.25″ vol.31.8L (straight off the stock board rack!)
Construction type: CFT std (1/8″ bamboo stringer, marko foam 2.1pcf compression molded EPS, deck channels, 45º bias weave S-glass and RWG) + striped carbon tail strips
Fins used: Futures Timmy Patterson (sides) with Fins Unlimited S2 Stretch fiberglass 4.25″ quad rear pair
Conditions tested: Point breaks, reefs and beachbreaks,. Average to good waves, from slopey / mushy, and into hollow barreling waves as well.
Background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors):
Just another working class parent from around the way. Continuing to remain passionate about riding waves, while keeping those kids fed and bills paid. 25 years surfing experience.
Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?):
This was actually a stock board that was sitting in the factory. Initially I was drawn to this board looking for a daily driver to fill a few places where my quiver was lacking. Although the volume was a little towards the full side for my comfort, I previously had really enjoyed my experiences with the Super Buzz and was interested in going further down the rabbit hole prior to our El Niño season of 2015/16.
What wave types do you imagine surfing when viewing this design? (full spectrum and size range):
Since this board is coming from the daily driver sector I would imagine this board to cover a wide range of waves / conditions from average to good waves.
Ride experience:
Perhaps due to new board excitement, I found my first wave to actually be one of the best waves I ever caught on this board. The Buzz Saw paddled very comfortably and with my feet slipping right into the sweet spot of the concave SK8 deck I was ready to dig in at first draw. Over time I found this board to fit and work best in the pocket or curvature of the waves face. Also having great tube riding capabilities, there were a number of sessions were I took the Buzz Saw into waves outside of what I perceived to be it’s preferred size range. More often than not, I was surprised at Buzz Saw’s capacity to adapt and conquer in good waves in the overhead range.
Likes/Dislikes:
The Buzz Saw thrives to fit and be pushed through turns in tight/round places on the wave where your standard shortboard might not fit. Perhaps my stubbornness to only ride this board as a quad made for times when I struggled or fought the extra volume of the skate deck in slopey or mushy parts of the wave. Considering my size 13 foot, I may have found my width limit for preferable SK8 deck options here.
General observations:
The Buzz Saw has an uncanny ability to be very adaptable from average everyday fun, into great waves that would be more performance oriented.
Summary (synopsis, recommendations or overall feeling you would tell a friend):
Lively daily driver that loves to be ridden in the pocket and also thrives in the decent to good waves category.
voluptuous curves deserve something to feast on. gooch nurtures the buzzsaw sk8’s voracious open face appetite. photo: chachi
“baby got BACK!” the butt tail is the default stock template off the rack. nice curves! chemically transformed image sharing courtesy of: darshan gooch
It’s summertime!!! Crowds, “so-so” waves and the pervasive struggle to get your slash on could use a good remedy. The “NO FRIENDS” model is your answer!
learn more about the NO FRIENDS model by clicking here
No Friends model ride review with Andrew Bennett from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.
check available NO FRIENDS models on our webstore or contact info@stretchboards.com to get dialed in on a new custom!
Name: Andrew Bennett
Height/weight: 5’10” 180 lbs
Board model/dimensions:
No Friends 5’4” x 21″ x 2.25″ vol.32.3L
Construction type:
EPS/EPOXY
Fins used:
Fins Unlimited custom hand foiled BUZZ template 4.875″/4.0″ fcs base with FCSII plugs and tab in-fill kit
Conditions tested:
The Hook, Chest high. Weak and crowded.
Background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors):
I typically ride much better, but still summer style CA waves on my 5’6” PU/CFT glassed Super Buzz with Buzz Quads.
Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?):
It felt like a lot of volume under my arm especially with the amount of width.
What board models come to mind when checking out this design?
I rode the Dominator model by Firewire and it was similar. The No Friends model felt like it wanted to turn in a shorter radius though. I never rode the Average Joe by Channel Islands but maybe that would be similar.
What wave types do you imagine surfing when viewing this design? (full spectrum and size range):
I think the board was ideal for the weak chest high conditions that I took it out in. It gave me a reason to paddle out.
Ride experience:
The board felt like it wanted to turn quickly/pivot. It was very buoyant and responsive so it made it easy to squeeze in a bunch of turns without any help from the wave.
Likes/Dislikes:
The board didn’t feel like it wanted to project and create any lateral speed. I notice my super buzz has much more drive in comparison so it wants to go super fast down the line. But the No Friends felt like it was designed to keep turning in a tight radius.
General observations:
It’s a worthy board to have in the quiver for really gutless waves that are chest high and under.
“If I could choose between this and one other model, I would get the (fill in the blank)
I think for completely gutless tiny waves this would be the right board to jump on. My G-Buzz worked in a little bigger surf than the No Friends model and had more projection. But I think they both have their place in different surf.
How well does this board match up to it’s model description?
The model name is definitely spot on. It was a “no friends” kind of session at the hook. Without bogging at all the board catches anything and turns on a dime.
Summary (synopsis, recommendations or overall feeling you would tell a friend):
The no friends model takes the struggle out of summer flat spells.
outline and volume comparison of G-buzz sk8 vs. NO FRIENDS built with same dimensions.
No Friends is fully customizable in CFT, PU/PE, or EPS/EPOXY construction options. Dimensions, logos and all options offered through Stretch Boards are just a phone call or e-mail away!
4 different model logo options available!
The THING v2 round pin with Darshan Gooch from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.
Height/weight:
6’4″ 185 lbs
Thing v2 round pin 6’2″ x 19.25″ x 2.375″ vol. 31.4L
Construction type:
CFT std with uni-directional carbon tail strips and duplicate CFT std glassing substituted with Varial foam for testing performance differences between foam types.
Fins used:
fronts: 4.73” deep by 4.64” base – flat foil
center: 4.49” deep x 4.63” base – symmetrical foil
Fins Unlimited custom Stretch Generation 2 quad set:
Fronts: 4.75” deep by 4.625” base – custom stretch inside foil
Quad rears: 4.25” deep by 4.25” base – symmetrical foil
Conditions tested:
I’ve taken this board through a wide assortment of waves and conditions from average 3-5 ft beachbreaks, to pumping sand / cobblestone points, and even hollow barreling waves.
What wave types do you imagine surfing when viewing this design? (full spectrum and size range):
One of the great strengths about this board is how it can handle the large variety of the wave types and conditions. I would ride the THINGv2 in an assortment of 4-6ft waves as a tri fin. When the surf gets into the excellent range or you may be considering a step up for additional down the line speed, riding the THINGv2 will give you the extra boost of confidence you may be looking for.
Ride experience:
Considering that these boards showed up right as we were trending into an active El Niño season, there was no shortage of days to get well acquainted with these two boards. Initially, I had these boards set up as tri fins. As soon as I jumped onto these boards there was a sense of comfort, flow, and control. Considering there wasn’t much of an adaptation process, I immediately felt that the THING would be my trusty new companion for the season ahead.
In good to excellent waves I found the quad fin setup to be the icing on the cake. It was like having another gear that allowed me to unlock some previously unseen potentials in a board that I was already very happy with.
Likes/Dislikes:
All likes here. The only dislikes worth listing would be trying to ride the THINGv2 as a quad in mediocre surf after having great success in good waves as a quad. I’m very curious to ride the 2X4 now and compare the differences and concaves in these two models.
Summary (synopsis, recommendations or overall feeling you would tell a friend):
The THING is your best bet for getting the most “bang for your buck!” and the most versatile shortboard that will allow you adaptability in a range of average to an excellent waves.
Thing v2 explained from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.
The Thing v2 can be custom ordered to excel in small wave conditions, used as a step up board, tuned for aggressive performance surfing or ordered with our stock configuration for all around daily driver duties.
Check out the Thing models in stock on our webstore or contact info@stretchboards.com to get dialed in on a new custom!
Marko core on the left. Varial core on the right. Although glassed exactly the same, the weight difference between them was 310grams or 0.68lbs with the Varial packing in the slight extra heft.
Wouldn’t you like to be the R&D guy in this instance? Darshan tests the relationship between bottom contours and rail profiles on the THING v2 for the benefit of us all. photo: Jeff Gideon @santacruzwaves
A surf trip south of the border can reset your mind, your soul and your perspective on the world we live in. Re-visiting childhood adventures as a new father brings a whole new meaning to the journey.
“…It’s a different world… and i like it!”
Herbie and Nathan Fletcher: Peninsula South from Nixon on Vimeo.
A glimpse of what’s been under Wiggolly’s feet during his 2015/2016 winter on the North Shore. Video by Marcos Nofuentes. Edit by Tim Marshall
Wiggolly Hawaii 15/16 from Stretch Boards on Vimeo.
In this “First ride impressions” piece, the featured board happens to be none other than the most under stated, longest continually offered and most inquired board in the Stretch model line.
Darshan really wanted to wrap his head around the IT and what the mystifying board design was meant to do, where it could go on the wave and how it fits in to a surfer’s quiver.
Stretch would sum up the IT model as longboard paddle and stability up front with control and maneuverability out the back. It’s got rocker, it’s got foil, it can be pushed harder than you may think. Over the past 20-something years since it’s inception the IT has turned heads and put smiles on every person who rides one.
The stock size dimensions for Darshan’s 7’0″ IT show a nose width of 17.8″ and a tail width of 15.1″. That’s loosely calling it a “not so pointy” Super Buzz nose width spliced onto a tail width the same as a THING v2!
The IT comes standard with a 5-fin convertible set up. Available in either Futures or FCS systems.
The IT really isn’t a down-sized longboard. It’s not an up-sized shortboard. It’s not really fair to call it a “funboard” or “mini-mal” or “micro HPLB”. The IT is so much of an anomaly we couldn’t come up with a more descriptive name!
I would’ve called it the “Surf Mullet” if someone had asked but i think that name was already taken. The IT has been around longer than i have so we’ll just leave it at that. “Business in the front, party in the back!” Makes sense to me!
Name: Darshan Gooch
Height/weight: 6’4″ 180lbs
Model/size/fin set up:
IT round pin 7’0” x 21.5″ x 2.65″ vol. 43.2L CFT std construction. Ridden as a quad with Firewire template (Futures)
Location/conditions:
Steamer Lane: Fairly clean, 4-6 ft waves off the slot and inside middle peak., a little challenging with the higher tide wobble and refractions..
Pleasure Point: 4-6 ft, North westerly slopey walls with lots of people/ obstacles.
Rider background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors):
Goofy looking regular footer, 25 years surfing experience.
Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?):
Considering this board is fairly different than the boards I usually ride on a regular basis, I tried to approach this particular board with an open mind.
Ride experience:
The first thing I noticed when I jumped off the cliff and onto this board was it’s incredible paddling abilities. It was almost like I had to wipe the smirk off my face once I discovered the advantages I was gaining.
Strengths:
Paddling! There was a huge advantage that opened up in the accessibility of catching waves I wouldn’t usually consider paddling for. Great down the line speed and maneuverability.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness that comes to mind might be the amount of people you may upset if you take full advantage of this boards wave catching abilities.
Summary (your best one sentence description, recommendations or overall feeling):
The IT : A very user-friendly board for a wide variety of waves and skill levels.
Check out the available stock IT models for sale at: store.stretchboards.com. As always, each board is made custom and individual.
Not seeing exactly what you are looking for? Choose from the “fast track” options in the pull down menu to put down a deposit and build up the stock dimensions with color, fins, logos, tail template and construction specs to your own personal preference!
There’s been a set of commonly asked questions in regards to the IT model i’ve encountered over the years. Darshan responds back after gaining some insight:
Can you duck dive it?
DG: At 7’0” I found the IT reasonably easy to duckdive in the 4-6 waves IT was tested. I think in bigger / more powerful surf or in larger sizes the IT could get challenging to push under waves unless you could over power it.
Quad or Tri?:
DG: I have ridden the IT both with quad and tri fin setups. Personally I have enjoyed quads more recently but trust the tri fin setup to be equally functional. It’s all personal preference in my opinion.
How does it work when the waves are pumping?
DG: If the surf was pumping the IT will open up nicely! In a perfect world I would enjoy this board in some overhead walls where you could get in early with an abundance of speed and push this board down the line and through it’s paces. Top to bottom waves might be a little more challenging of coarse.
What are your intentions?
DG: My intentions with the IT would be: taking a load off and cruising along like a sea bird. Long flowing movements, nothing to serious, just riding like the wind. Enjoy!
Would you travel with it?
The IT is a great travel board for easy locations where the consistency needle is trending to the lower end of the spectrum. It will cover all the bases and when the surf jumps up you won’t necessarily be scrambling for shelter since it has the rocker and foil to handle a bit more punch that the waves will throw at you.
Can you nose ride it?
Cheater 5’s, maybe. For sure in the longer lengths with a steep wall. Perching on the nose in full trim isn’t something that most people can handle on an over rockered longboard let alone a mid-length though.
Can it be ridden as a tri? Single? 2+1?
The IT was originally designed with a thruster set up. In the mid-2000’s when the quad craze went full tilt we were doing them as convertibles and also 4+1 set up’s with 8.5″ center fin boxes and even 10 1/2″ boxes if the length, width and rocker would accommodate it. This gave the most options for anyone who wanted 2+1, tri (with center box adapter plug for your normal FCS center fin) and yes, even a single if they wanted to get funky. Everyone raves about the quad set up in the IT but tri’s work darn well also! We make them 5-fin convertible so you get the best options to choose from.
Can you get a longer version and surf cowells on one?
You could….. We’ve made them long but the sweet spot is in the 7’0″ to 8’0″+ range. Groms, light footed proficient folks and smaller statured surfers could get away with it in large, slopey, slow moving walls but there’s a reason flat rockered logs dominate longboard zones. Paddling harder and getting less waves doesn’t sound super fun.
What construction would you prefer?
We’ve made them primarily in our CFT construction. EPS/epoxy gives a lively feel and adds the durability and longevity which is paramount in a board design such as the IT. Legacy cork/bamboo builds and funky color laminations are another way to spice things up. Custom builds are what we do so sky is the limit and is all about what your personal preference dictates.
Still have questions? Contact us at: info@stretchboards.com
Stretch explains the theory behind the “stinger”to Darshan.
Check out the groovy IT stylings sans verbage in the edit courtesy of Mike Cochran here:
Like Dejavu…
Dreamy Skeleton Bay instagram video post from Benji Brand
That familiar view featuring Koa Smith on his 5’8″ CFT LEGACY 2×4. Same wave, same stance, same model, same construction. They even had the same dims!
Hear Benji’s thoughts on Skeleton Bay in the Surfline feature here
To those who don’t pay much attention to the details this could’ve been the same thing as seen before. But for those who know, there’s a lot to be said about commitment, aspirations, confidence and fulfillment on the part of the 19 year old Benji Brand’s efforts to score one of the most epic POV tube videos the world has ever seen.
Taking a nod at Koa Smith’s vehicle for success, Benji opted for the exact same board. Granted, Benji wanted his board to be light green, he chose to ride his 2×4 swallow tail CFT LEGACY construction 5’8″ x 18.5″ x 2.3″ cork/bamboo with future quad set up through that Namibia tubefest with conviction.
Congratulations Benji!
Wanna follow in the same footsteps as both Koa and Benji?
Want the exact same board?
Does a replica CFT LEGACY 5’8″ x 18.5″ x 2.3″ cork/bamboo 2×4 fit your needs?
Well, we’ve got one with a granitic green deck that’s brand new and available for purchase now!
Just click on over to store.stretchboards.com to view the new 2×4 models available for sale
So how do they compare?
Koa recounts his experience from the inaugural GoPro of the World win on Surfline
you’d be this tired too if you just got slotted endlessly for hours on end…
Namibia support vehicle with Alex Smith, Koa Smith and Benji Brand.
Benji giving thanks for the grinders at Skeleton Bay.
“First ride impressions” is a new and ongoing feature showcasing one rider’s experience with a Stretch board model of choice. Here, Darshan provides and honest evaluation of the sk8 deck version of the Super Buzz model after his first few sessions.
Darshan is 6’4″. His Super Buzz sk8 is 5’8″. photo: D.Aumentado
Name: Darshan Gooch
Height/weight: 6’4″ 180lbs
Aipa 5.4″ twin fronts matched with Mulcoy HC 3.8 quad rears. photo: D.Aumentado
Model/size/fin set up: Super Buzz sk8 deck: 5’8″X 20.25″ X 2.1″ Future quad with Akila Aipa Fiberglass twin-fin fronts and Josh Mulcoy signature HC rear quad fins.
Location/conditions: Pleasure Point: 4-6 foot slopey faced walls with an occasional section here and there. Lots of obstacles, but a few moments of opportunity to open up and draw out some open face turns, lots of cutbacks.
Rider background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors ):
Passionate free surfer of sorts. Tall and lanky lackadaisical approach.
Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?):
Coming into this with no prior knowledge or experience of Stretch’s boards in the past, this was a great opportunity and a fresh starting point of interest for me. Mentally I can’t say I had many preconceived notions of how things would go, which allowed me to come from a natural and intuitive place.
Ride experience:
Immediately from the get go I found a great availability and sense of speed from the entry point of the wave. From the initial drive into my bottom turn, I noticed there was this exaggerated sensibility and projection which was being generated from my back foot. The thing just took off! Initially it took me a moment to mentally adjust into not having the extra length, surface area, and entry rocker of a standard shortboard. But it wasn’t long before this board found it’s groove and allowed me to see where I could weave into tighter places of the wave, quicker and easier than before.
Strengths:
An abundance of speed, control and maneuverability at your disposal. Great motivator for average to decent waves when you may be looking for a little extra excitement in the daily doldrums.
Weaknesses:
Easily influenced and sensitive under your feet. This board may keep you honest in your movements and subtleties. Low entry rocker may be challenging in some areas if you aren’t compensating with your back foot.
Summary (your best one sentence description, recommendations or overall feeling):
A great board to add into your daily drivers category when you may be looking for that extra spark of motivation and wanting to spice up your life with an extra little bit of excitement.
Super Buzz features a full outline, performance rocker and familiar foil that provide speed, control and ease of use. Even Niko the kitty likes it! photo: D.Aumentado
Willy has been haunting his local beloved sand bars this past summer on his new THING model. I asked him 5 quick questions to learn why he’s so enamored by the do it all daily driver… Continue reading