Had a couple of the guys from TX Shreds come up to the north end of Lake Austin to demo some boards for our neighborhood. I really like these boards, they are great. I am getting used to the Thresher and now think the Mako might be a little big for me. <BR> <BR>I rode in the boat with Jack Oman one of SS local "pro riders". He is a cool kid and he is pretty good. He had a brand new custom SS that was 4'8" long, blunt nose, grab channels on top and quad fins. I got to ride this thing a little later in the day and it is WICKID!! SUPER FAST, cuts left and right like the pedal is to the metal. Took a while to get used to the quad fins, but it is one crazy board! Gotta get one!! Here are some pics of Jack in action. <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6216.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6216.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6193.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6193.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6211.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6211.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6217.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6217.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6224.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6224.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6238.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6238.jpg</a>[/IMG] <BR> <BR>[IMG]<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6240.jpg" target="_blank">http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f90/Derek-DS3/IMG_6240.jpg</a>[/IMG]

Not sure that everyone understands the "grab channels" concept. In the picture below (last one linked above) the grab channels or deck channels are shallow concaves cut in the deck. I was talking with Chase at the worlds in '06 and he indicated that they helped him hold his grabs longer. <BR> <BR>They also offer a structural enhancement to the board, they stiffen up the rail line without the added cost or weight of a stringer. <BR> <BR>It's very similar to a piece of aluminum. Flat stock can bend in either direction if it's long enough. However, channeled stock is significantly harder to bend in either direction. This simple but elegant solution via the groove reduces the rail twist-off. <BR> <BR>Really like the way you handled that Jerry. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/588459.jpg" alt="Upload">

Great info surfdad. Also how do I post up the pics on this site instead of just the links? <BR>Thanks, <BR>Derek

The upload attachment button at the bottom of the screen - right next to the post message button. It should bring up a popup screen for you that will allow you to upload the picture from your computer.

Not sure how I missed that, seems pretty obvious. I'll give it a try, thanks. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/559019/588522.jpg" alt="Upload">

cool pics, maybe a life jacket! Sorry- just don't want you to get a ticket.

He always wears his vest, just didn't happen to have it in the truck that day. I wear mine while surfing too! No reason not to! If I had any Photo shop skills I would have painted one on him!!

Yeah I ride with him all the time, and he usually wears a vest, he even gets pissed at me because I don't wear one. <BR> <BR>Thanks Derek for all the write-ups, Jack appreciates it I'm sure he will call you soon, so we can ride again. <BR> <BR>PS- It's not illegal to ride without a vest here. Not that I'm promoting riding without one.

awsome pics, love the board, are they available?

I think you can get them, but it would be a custom build, so there will be some wait time. I know these guys carry Shred Stixx, it you contact them, I'm sure they can figure out how to get it ordered. The regular Shred Stixx boards are awesome too! The Thresher and the Ja Mako are my favorites. <BR> <BR><a href="https://generalstore.wakeoutlaws.com/sstixx.php" target="_blank">https://generalstore.wakeoutlaws.com/sstixx.php</a>