Rocks and logs may break my bones...but what about my board?

SPOT CHECKING:

Whitaker beach is not exactly known for it's "tropical" sands. In fact, 90% of the beaches in the area are either flat and have beautiful sand, or are steep but host a selection of ankle rolling rocks. These can be anywhere from the size of a pea to a football. At a lower tide (in-line with the rock we've affectionately dubbed the "tombstone"), a shelf forms and the landing under a foot of water consists of soccer-ball sized cobble stones. Some covered in sharp barnacles. On warm days even, some opt for neoprene as armor from the gnar.  At the higher tides, we have to contend with full sizes logs that will crush more than your pride. A heady pursuit at best. I've still yet to see a boardslide on one back into a wave, that takes a life worth living to try that shit.

The sand you run from can be nice but will change daily with the waves. Somedays you'll pull up to the beach and see a beach full of rocks, other times you'd swear your the luckiest bastard alive to have this place all to yourself.

Generally the wave direction switches with wind so we have the luxury of a spot that can be heel-side one day and toe-side the next, great for learning trick progression. The waves can come any time of year; all you need is a tide above 9 feet and your good to go for Whitaker.  That being said winter is the best time to go. Some waves I've seen can be overhead and some barrel in like 3or4 feet, the kind you have to crunch into and might be accused of eastern head dipping lol! But still big enough to get a smile.

What kind of skim will hold up to a 1000 lb log or rocks? Well so far we've discovered that Rory's Custom Akwa from a couple years back is by far the strongest. A full 7/8 inch core with a double wrap of carbon and a double of kevlar over that. Strong as shit no doubt but stiff. Great for the young kid with knees like steel pipes. I'll take my custom 53 e-glass, I like the flex and feel way better, Of course He'll own that board longer than I'll own three riding in these conditions.

     www.brycecasselman.com
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