Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Back from the dead...

My wetsuits are like my quiver, full of holes. This has been the coldest dawn patrol winter in recent memory. It just so happens that it's my "stretch" year for wetsuits, where I'm trying to make older suits last just one... more... season.I've been freezing. In the midst of my chattering and shivering I have the luxury of looking around and seeing every toasty geo-neo-eco-limestone suit keeping fellow surfers comfortable in the lineup. "Sorry, I can't feel my torso anymore so I had to drop in on you." Hee, hee.

I sent in a 4/3 Rip Curl suit in horrible shape hoping for a miracle repair. A couple days later I get a quote for $41 to repair a tear and some seamwork. Ok. A month or so passes and I haven't heard a word about said suit. I call and a nice dude tells me they totally forgot about my suit. Damn. So I'm expecting my $41 charge and a crappy suit back really late. I pick up the suit last Sunday. It is almost better than new! Newly taped and sealed seams, new fireskin liner (which was not even on the original suit), new back and front panel. No Charge!

I had sworn off RIp Curl after this suit self-destructed but thanks to a little costumer care- they may have a return costumer. Still, I think next winter may be bite the bullet Patatuse time.

8 comments:

brownfish said...

Glad to hear you are toasty again. I am doing the same, trying to get through the year on last years suits, but, I have a feeling the wind might be a changing for me soon.

Ryan said...

I've been trying to stretch my suit too and i've had some harsh dawn patrols. At one time it took a lot to make me cold but not lately. Hoods are looking less dorky every day.

You still on for a trip up north? I got those days cleared if you're still up for it. I'll give you a call sometime this weekend. Need a trip to bring me back from the land of the working dead.

pranaglider said...

A. You were fishing (couldn't help myself) for some info on the Wibbulator. What did you find? I am thinking of getting something new for the summer. Thanks Oh btw hoods are unreal, even earplugs make you warmer

borntoloser said...

Prana- still working on it. I handled one and it seemed not much different than an epoxy fish. I really need to hear from the horse's mouth. I'll let you know what I hear. Looking for a summer toy? What about a 4gf?

borntoloser said...

Ryan- dates moved due to brother's visit. I'll email you.

pranaglider said...

A - The more I use the mat the more it seems that flexibility is the key. It seems that Stan's Wibbulator is built around the same concepts. The board flexs to maximize the speed you can get out of the wave. Very good design. I am looking closely at what will be coming out of the Resin-X boards as well. The 4GF is interesting in that it is a 3 chamber design vs my 4 chamber Neu. Dale makes a 3 chamber as well. Since the great thing about the mat's is you can reshape the craft during the wave the organization and number of chambers matters. Has your's arrived yet?

borntoloser said...

prana- unfortunately, no. I am borrowing one occasionally and biding my time. When it comes we can meet at san-o for a slide:)

pranaglider said...

Sounds great let me know