why didn't you show me this earlier?
cause I was loving it and I knew you would want it
what, we cant share?
yes, we cant share, now piss off.
Thats how the 1001 began, Rory shaping one the most amazing boards ever and trying to keep it to him self.
What a prick!
In all seriousness, Rory had been working on a glider for our little slither of coast for some time, tinkering with rocker and plan shape until the generous distance of the deck was refined enough to take to the water. Rory had done the rounds at some of our bowlier, quicker waves that suit his lithe frame and was taking field notes on his findings.
On a routine afternoon decal drop to the shop, I was astonished to see a board so big that it couldn't stand upright in the showroom. Rory had just polished her up after some minor ding repairs and the board shone like the sun on the drab and dark carpet.
what is this?
the glider.
man, this thing looks insane, how does it go?
good.
can I take it out?
NO.
After some hard negotiations, Rory parted ways with the 10'01 demo board and I was already planning my maiden voyage. The idea of long distance surfing was at the forefront, deep water, groomed swell marching in, sitting WAY further than anyone else, committing to a line and letting it all unfold from there.
I had a couple of false starts with the glider and couldn't quite get the groove. First problem was I went for a fin that was too big and stiff in surf that required more manoeuvrability. The second was positioning at take off. In smaller waves I wasn't sitting far enough out and would nose dive in the pocket a lot. It wasn't until I got waves in what I really had imagined that the it all started to click. The spot is a long paddle, deep water, outer reef type set up that you can see the sets from a mile away when the wind is light offshore. The takeoff is super clear and the first wall is fast and fun, it fattens out for a fair chunk of the wave and then opens again through the inside and once more after that.
Once you are up and gliding over unbroken water, you have a chance to set your line before the wave eventually pitches and sends you flying at full speed into the unknown. This type of vision is so different as Im used to sitting close to or under the lip to get a shortboard into the wave. Your weight distribution is also unique as you only need to adjust slightly into the rails to get the board to angle when you are planning from the centre forward or if you need to redirect you need to get your weight and body to the tail to turn longboard style.
I now know why Rory didn't want me to borrow this board as it took me ages to bring it back to him and the only feedback I had was "why didnt you show me this earlier?".
This board is heavy, fast, mind altering and ready for anything.
If you want to see new lines in the water, this is the board for you!
We are working on some footage of the glider in action but if live in Vic and want to see it person, DM us on insta or hit me up mack@goestosea.com
