Anticipation

Anticipation...it's a helluva drug, or something like that. Currently, I have on order a 9'7" diamond tail sled as well as a 5'7" bat-tail frodo quad, courtesy of Eric Christenson surfboards (check it - www.ecsurfboards.com). They have been in the works for quite some time now.

For the most part, I have been able to keep them out of sight and out of mind. Until this past week. I am getting the itch. New shred sleds are a wonderful thing. They are much more than things, it is a whole experience...similar to having a child I would assume.

The experience involves the phone call that you receive from EC, or whomever is your craftsman of choice. Excitement kicks in and you rush to the bank, withdraw a fat wad of cheese and exhaust your checking and savings account (cash is the preferred form of payment...gotta stay under the radar. Leaving a paper trail is foolish.) Now it is the mad dash down the congested and hellish wasteland known as the 405.

Arrival. I have made it in record time to meet EC. We engage in small talk and other formalities before he unveils the newest additions to my quiver. This is where the "drug-esque" feelings kick in. A 'high' if you will. The gnarliest high off some AK-47 sticky kush that you just scored from the local clinic for your glaucoma. Now, put the board/s in your rig and get 'em home and begin the ritual.

First, I take the board in as a whole and give it a good groping...rails, check...nose/tail/width/thickness, check...color, check...on and on.

Secondly, it is sticker time. A time to pay homage to those companies that help you out in the never ending quest of wave slaying. Katin Surf Shop is my core shop of choice. They get nice positioning next to EC's logo. Vans kicks also scores a strategic placement next to Katin. Top and bottom for these bad boys.

Next, a thin yet bumpy layer of tropical Sex Wax (Always use Quick Humps. Although Original has nostalgia, it has too much paraffin in it and this inhibits nuggety wax formation and optimal traction.) as a base coat. Nose to tail, rail to rail. Nice and easy, too quickly and the friction will heat up the wax and you will lose your bumps. After the base coat, another layer of preferably cool or cold water Sex Wax. Keep it sticky.

Fin positioning and installation is next (If it is not a glass on.) This is a continually evolving placement due to desired feel and the conditions at sea.

Finally, the maiden voyage. Take the new sled to south bolsa: destroy and enjoy.


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check it and wreck it EC Shred Sleds