G-Mat Blog - G-Mat Custom Surfmats

Lesser Black Back

Graeme Webster — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:29:00 +0000

Here's a new ride for Kernow based mat surfer, Tom Carter.

Tom lives in West Cornwall and has really into mats for a while. He got a Ute from me last year, named Black Back, which has been his go to since. This time he wanted something to fit the profile of a low volume, narrow mat he has. With that in mind, we agreed that an Ubercat would be the way to go.

It's been quite some time since I've built one of these. The narrow profile and deep concave makes for a mat that locks in and goes rail to rail really well, but will straggle more in the flats than designs with a wider aspect ratio. But then, Tom has Black Back for those days. In punchy waves, the Ubercat feels lively and a lot of fun to whip back into the pocket, particularly in wedgy waves.

With less volume, we have gone with a 70 denier deck. As the Ubercat is narrow, Tom will be covering the deck more so the material doesn't need to be as heavy to still give some stability. We have gone with a restricted venting set up. "Wheezers" keep their inside rail shape more through turns. We've also gone with a free (flat) elastic rocker.

So what has Tom called his new mat? Well, the colour scheme and grip pattern of Tom's G-Mats are in keeping with each other, so sticking with the gull species, Lesser Black Back of course! Well there is less of her!

Have fun Tom!

Cheers

My Guy

Graeme Webster — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:02:00 +0000

Here's a quick squeezed in build for Andrew Buck.

I've wanted to build a Chino Racer for Andrew since relaunching the design. Having had such strong feedback from James Tanner on his CR name Toblerone, I was keen to get Andrew's take. With the relentless sh*tty conditions we're having in South West Britain, it wasn't too tricky to make time for an extra-curricular build.

The model is very different to the RB-JMCs that Andrew usually rides, giving more hold and directional stability. I've also gone with a free elastic rocker and restricted wheezy venting so it will be a very different ride for Andrew. At the very least, a good option for the big days but I'm really interested to hear the all round vibe Andrew gets from it. There is a possibility it's not for him... Let's see.. M

In terms of aesthetics, this mat has a navy deck, black grip and kind of desert colours for the logo. As you can see, the bottom has a camo-esque splattered tie dye type thing. I've recently switched to a new brand of dye and wanted to use up some left overs of the old stuff and Andrew was game. These splatter designs are what they sound like so pretty simple to do (excluding the steaming and washing) so mission accomplished.

As for the name, Andrew has Christened his mat "My Guy", the name he gave to his Lego men as a kid.

So My Guy is headed to Carp. It might be some time until we see swell at Rincon but Andrew will be ready when it arrives.

Have fun mate!

Cheers

Mat Fink

Graeme Webster — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:58:39 +0000

Meet “Mat Fink”. The new ride for Tasmania based mat surfer, Wyn Herrick.

I asked Wyn for his story about getting into mats and he really let rip. It’s too good to summarise so here you go:

“How I learned to stop worrying and love the mat-
I’ve been vaguely aware of matting for a long time. When I lived in Malibu, I would see a mat guy at Leo Carrillo pretty regularly. I struck up a conversation with him one day; he told me he lived way over in Pasadena and would ride in on his motorcycle to dodge traffic with his mat rolled up in a saddlebag. It would be almost a decade after that conversation until I actually started riding mats, but that was the first time I thought, “Huh, this mat thing is kinda cool!”
Fast forward a few years—I’m living in Ojai and completely obsessed with surfing Rincon. Of course, anyone who spends any time with the queen of the coast will inevitably cross paths with Andrew Buck, or at least his wake as he highlines over you. Watching him day in and out get set waves, make impossible sections, and just generally go really fast completely changed my perception of matting from a neat tool for travel or a fun thing to goof around on when the surf’s small to a serious wave-riding vehicle. Still, I was on my own journey experimenting with different board shapes, fins, etc., and matting evaded me through this period. It wasn’t until my partner and I relocated to Australia that I would finally pick it up and quickly become infatuated.
We were living in the Byron Bay zone which, for me, carries this duality of epochal surf history and a paradise lost to development and tourism. I arrived, perhaps naively, hoping to trace the steps of my surf heroes of the transition era. What I found were crowds somehow worse than Southern California and etiquette so far gone that even the local regulators had given up long ago. Of course, Byron is still gorgeous and did hold a few “oh my god, this is just like Morning of the Earth” moments for me, but by and large, I found myself dreading going surfing. Enter the mat back into my psyche: Byron has a fair few mat riders—the Greenough effect is still strong. Seeing guys out on mats with big smiles on their faces picking off wave after wave that grumpy, too-cool-for-school surfers weren’t even looking at made me say, “Now’s the time.”
We had a couple of friends who matted, and I couldn’t believe how happily they said, “Yes! Take one of my mats, keep it for however long you want!” My very first go-out was at the Cape in Byron on a bigger day with kinda wild conditions. My attitude was, “Fuck it, let’s just rip the Band-Aid off.” We had a trip coming up to Tasmania that we planned to bring the mats on, and I wanted at least a few waves under my belt before that. Immediately, I was reduced to kook status. I could barely just lie on the thing. It kept popping out from under me, I had no idea where to even position myself on the mat, and the fins felt so awkward on my feet. It didn’t help that the swell period was short and there was a strong current running down the point. I managed to catch a few waves and do a couple of walk-arounds before I was completely knackered. The waves I caught were basically whitewash, the malleability of the mat felt insane, and every little wave paddling out absolutely rocked my shit. I’d seen what was possible, though; I left discouraged but determined to figure it out. It felt good in a way to suck at something again—posturing and jockeying in the lineup were now thrown out the window. I was free to be a kook.
I progressed quickly, however, and the next three months would be a crash course in matting. There was plenty of help along the way. After the first session, I messaged Buck with a laundry list of questions, to which he responded, “Just call me.” He proceeded to school me on the finer points of matting for the next 30 minutes, and I attribute that call greatly to my fast learning curve—thanks, Buck. I rode five different mats of different deniers and shapes, fixed pinholes, patched a puncture, rode all sorts of waves and conditions, got a tube, got womped, and stopped stand-up surfing entirely. Soon, I was trimming down the line at the Pass at Mach 3 with a shit-eating grin on my face. I found it so much easier to navigate a crowd. As mat riders know, you are completely invisible to most of the lineup and are able to take a wide variety of waves that others might dismiss as too fast or too small.
The mat community welcomed me in the ways I’d always hoped surfing would. Where surfers were tribal and suspicious, I found mat people running up to me on the beach just to connect over our shared love of the pool toy, zoom balloon, or goon bag. I read a Jamie McClellan interview where he describes the mat community as what surfing in the 1950s might have been like—a global community of people doing something they hold sacred, small enough that you all have at least a loose connection to each other. I was soon hanging and matting with the greater Byron/Lennox mattists, including one halcyon session with ten of us serendipitously out at the Pass together playing bumper cars. Recently, my partner and I bid adieu to Byron for the less crowded shores of Tassie. Knowing basically no one down here, I was stoked to find that Ben Zubkevych is here carrying the mat flame. We have yet to link up, but I’m sure we’ll get a session in one of these days. The mat provides.
I was asked by Graeme for a paragraph on how I got into matting, and I feel this has probably been a bit long-winded and overly personal, but matting saved surfing for me. I have gone back to standing up about fifty percent of the time these days, but before I got on the mat, my surf life was feeling ever-grim. Matting brought the joy and purity back. I had the honor of some hangs and even a mat sesh with George Greenough before I left Byron, and every time I saw him he’d say, “It always puts a smile on your face.” I reckon it puts a smile on the face of everyone in the lineup. When you see the little-kid joy of someone locked into the pocket at full speed on a pool toy, you can’t help but grin.”

— Wyn Herrick

So straight onto the mat. Wyn is friends with Andrew Buck @aslbuck and is highly influenced by his surfing. He has an RFT2 already (the stock version of the RB-JMC) but was still keen on an RB-JMC. When scaling the dims actually were slightly smaller for this mat so Wyn will feel a difference. He has also gone for a super-free-breather, so this mat will be more responsive. Mat Fink also has a negative elastic rocker, like his RFT2.

Wyn came with an idea already set in his mind with regard to colours, wanting to emulate the Greenough shaped yellow and orange edge boards ridden by Rasta a while back (see shot 16). Hopefully no injuries for Wyn though! I’m pretty pleased with how the dye job has come out on the bottom skin. I have recently switched to a new brand of acid dye and right now I’m stoked on it’s even, true colour finish.

So Mat Fink is heading down to Tassie. Hopefully Wyn can catch up with Ben Zubkevych.

Have fun man!

Cheers

Skli

Graeme Webster — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:07:41 +0000

A new ride for French matsurfer, JF Mens. JF has been riding mats for years now. JF is currently on a trip with his family, sailing to amazing places so travelling light. Also, not always encountering primo waves.

JF has a Ute which he bought way back, and another wider mat that he tends to use in weaker waves. He was keen to get a G-Mat to fill that need, so we have gone with a 70/70 RB-JMC. JF has called her Skli, the Norwegian word for slide. Skli is a free-breather with negative elastic rocker to really maximise glide.

Skli is en route to France as I type to hook up with JF. I'm excited to hear how they go.

Enjoy mate!

Cheers

Spawn of Stinkles

Graeme Webster — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:59:57 +0000

Check out Henry Hester’s new ride.

Many people will know Henry. Many through skating, many through surfing, many through mat surfing and some through all three. He's also the guy I named the Hestered valve after (putting the valve under the flange) which has kinda become the name for doing that.

That's Henry though. Henry is a legend!

I've built Henry a few mats in the past but not for many years. He was one of my original customers getting an early prototype before having a couple of better mats, both a retired model named the Glider. Henry's mats had an extra round tail, know as the Glider XR. The first was named Stinkles and the second, Son of Stinkles.

When Mara Laws @maradeldios got her deposit in, she booked 2 spots. One for herself and one for Henry. Initially, Henry asked for a Glider XR but after chatting with Mara, he quickly changed tack, opting for an RB-JMC. I'm really excited to get this mat over to Henry. I don't build round tail mats anymore generally. I'm not into he drag at the back and would prefer to get hold through the rail and bottom more to let the tail break out. Faster mat see...

So, this mat is heading off to join Henry in Cali and I'm really hoping he'll dig the difference. I'm pretty sure he will.

Have fun mate!

Cheers

PS what's this mat called you ask? Well, Spawn of Stinkles of course!

Honu

Graeme Webster — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:34:00 +0000

Say hello to Honu, a 200/70 RB-JMC built for Californian mat surfer, Mara Laws.

Mara got in on the current run, putting in deposits for herself and mutual friend, Henry Hester.

Mara told me she was really keen to get a G-Mat having tried Henry's ancient ride, Son of Stinkles. I'll talk more on that mat when I've built Henry's new ride, but it's an old retired design. Also, huge for Mara, so it will be good to get her on a smaller mat.

We discussed options and Mara was intrigued by the high flying properties of the RB-JMC, but coming from a canvas decked mat, we both felt a 210 denier deck made the most sense. Other than that, we went for a responsive fast set up with negative elastic rocker and free-breather venting internally. Mara also asked for a bungee to have the leash option for a certain spot where losing the mat involves a rocky swim.

You will notice the peace symbol turtle logo on the deck. Mara said:

“For starters here’s Henry & me at a La Jolla Shores mat meet years ago (shot . *Note the Surf-o-Plane —- Hub Alf & I had a Surf Shop “WaterWorks” in Channel Islands Harbor—-Home base for Alf’s Surf School & our curated space for arguably one of the first Surf Art Galleries anywhere. We carried all sorts of water craft including the Aussi classic Surf-o-Plane. (heavy as hell!) Henry opened my eyes to the reality of modern mat riding on the new-age ‘performance’ models. Water-girl by birth, Dad was an Ichthyologist—-I was raised between Point Loma & La Jolla beaches - plus 20 adultish years on the Southern tip of Baja, Mexico. Each locale gave me lots of water time on a variety of crafts & toys. Arriving now at the lucky spot of awaiting my new, (& first), ‘custom’ G-Mat “Honu”. I cant wait to see-hold & ride the Hot Rod Honu = The Sea Turtle is the perfect analogy for this phase of wave gliding in my life = the Honu represents resilience, navigating life’s challenges, and finding your way home ”

— Mara Laws

Honu is en route as I type and I'll be stoked to hear how Mara gets on! Next build for Henry as I said. It will be fun to build him a mat around 10 years after the last one! For now though, have fun Mara!

Cheers

Ruby Rose Tourmaline

Graeme Webster — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:24:00 +0000

This is Ruby Rose Tourmaline, a replacement mat built for Hamish Kent.

Hamish rides mats hard. Lots of aggressive turns and the like, and as such puts a lot of strain on his mats. This, combined with me flying a bit to close to the sun on a design idea led to the inevitable so here we are. Lesson learned.

The victim was RV Krystal Voyager (RV stood for research vessel) and this new ride named Ruby Rose Tourmaline is a direct replacement, apart from dialing back the design feature that failed of course! To freshen things up, we kept the same dye for the deck but have gone with a bright fuschia bottom. We have also gone with white grip instead of grey.

Otherwise, RRT is a 70/70 RB-JMC super-free-breather with free (neutral) elastic rocker and a hestered mini-boston valve.

It will be good to see Hamish back out there. You can't miss him!

Have fun hombre!

Cheers

The Cormorant

Graeme Webster — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:04:00 +0000

Here's a mat for Gus McDiarmid squeezed in on the end of this run to replace a mat that a clumsy log rider ploughed through and destroyed for him. This seems to be a frequent occurrence in the zoo that is Noosa.

So thid mat... "The Cormorant" , as she has been named by Gus, is a 70/70 RB-JMC Super-Free-Breather built with negative rocker to replace his previous mat, "Last Light" (RIP quite literally). Gus was pretty clear that he wanted the same mat, same materials and same ride so here we are. We've changed up the color scheme a touch though. You know me and my monochrome fetish so I'm into this mat.

Gus said:

“The Cormorant

Influenced by the natural phenomena of countershading.

“Countershading is a common form of camouflage where an animal is darkly pigmented on its upper (dorsal) surface and light on its lower (ventral) surface. By counteracting natural lighting, this pattern conceals self-shadows, making three-dimensional animals appear flat and blending them into their surroundings.”

I figure this is the perfect camouflage for a matter! Sneaking up on unsuspecting prey before catching the waves! Also it’s pretty in tune with Ben Z and I motto when we Mat. “Show No Mercy!” in a hardcore scream followed by lots of giggles!

Thanks G!”

— Quote Source

Lovely stuff. Have fun Gus! We all really enjoyed your recent video.

Now onto building another replacement mat for another Aussie mat surfer, then on to the next run. What is going on down there!?

Cheers

Morning Light

Graeme Webster — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:43:00 +0000

If you asked someone to draw you an outdoorsman, they would probably present you with a picture of Joe Grant. Joe is all about immersion in his environment through running, climbing, cycling and exploring deep into the wildest places (check his incredible Insta @alpineworks) so I was really stoked the when he got in on the current run for a custom mat.

So... Say hello to Morning Light, a G-Mat Chino Racer built with a heavy nod to the yacht George Greenough bought and modified to explore hidden places, as documented in the film Crystal Voyager. A perfect fit for Joe.

Joe said:

“I grew up on the west coast of France and spent a lot of time at the beach as a kid. I loved to swim and bodysurf, and I developed a deep appreciation for the ocean. Though I’ve spent most of my adult life in the western United States, landlocked in Colorado, I’ve been fortunate to travel the world as a runner and artist. Favoring a minimalist, “carry-on only” style, I found that the surf mat fits this aesthetic perfectly.

During the pandemic, I bought a canvas deck surf mat and took a deep dive into the mat world. Then came the G-Mat RFT2; it totally blew my mind and opened my eyes to the nuances of the craft and the value of having a quiver. Flash forward to today—I’m so stoked for this custom Chino Racer to complement the RFT2 for bigger conditions. It feels particularly special to call it Morning Light as a nod to George Greenough’s vessel in Crystal Voyager. Cheers, G!”

— Joe Grant

I checked with George in advance and he was happy to go with the build giving his customary nonchalant "yeah I don't care. Go for it. Sounds fun!"

Aside from the aesthetics, Joe came with a clear idea what he wanted. Something to compliment his RFT2, offering more hold and stability but still able to go in average sized surf. We settled on a 200/70 Chino Racer with restricted air flow which should tick those boxes nicely.

I'm really excited to see where Morning Light goes with Joe. I'll certainly make sure the photos get to GG.

Have fun Joe!

Cheers

Maddog Mat

Graeme Webster — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:31:00 +0000

Here's mat is heading to surf photographer and fringe surfcraft rider, Mattson Culbert.

Mattson lives in San Diego, CA where he rides many types of wave riding vehicles from handplanes, paipo and bodyboards to surfmats.

Mattson said:

Mattson spends most of his time now at the beach breaks, reefs, and one special point break in and around Pacific Beach and La Jolla now.

“My first introduction to surf mats started in the mid 1980s on the old yellow and blue Surf Rider mats at my grandparents beach house in Cayucos, CA as a kid. In 2014 after I moved from my beloved point breaks of Santa Barbara to San Diego I also started riding Jon Wegener’s wooden paipo and that lead me back to other fringe craft. During the lockdown of 2020 I got a new surfmat and a rekindled love of gliding on waves.”

— Mattson Culbert

He chose the name of the “Maddog Mat” for this minty fresh mat after his old nickname while working at CI Surfboards from 2007-2014 before moving to San Diego.

Mattson was pretty clear on wanting an RB-JMC. We tossed around a few ideas but the balls out down the line speed of a 70/70 neg rockered free-breather RB-JMC was what grabbed his attention. So when you see this plus size core lord flying past you on the high line in San Diego, know it’s because of the extra gear in his G-Mat!

Have fun Mattson and keep it minty my brother!

Cheers

Bryndarella

Graeme Webster — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:30:01 +0000

Housewarming gift for my good friend Bryn Dampney of Kovert Kneeboards.

Bryn has recently moved into the same town as me and, as he'd kidnapped my Chino Racer named Chino Albino, the choice of housewarming present was easy!

I took the liberty of naming this mat for Bryn... Say hello to Bryndarella

As I say, Bryn had been riding the Chino Racer for a while and fed back that he really enjoys the sense of confidence that the extra hold gives, particularly when negotiating sections. A key feature of the Chino Racer is that it does kinda go where you put it. With that in mind, Bryndarella is built to the same specification as Chino Albino: 70d deck and bottom, restricted air flow and free (flat) elastic rocker. Bryn was also a fan of the simple bung style valve so I have fitted one in Bryndarella.

I'm stoked to build this mat for Bryn. He's the absolute definition of a true waterman and is a really good mat rider and solid fixture in the core mat crew I get out in the water with.

Have fun amigo!

Cheers

PS Stay tuned for exciting developments with this design.

Chango

Graeme Webster — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:52:00 +0000

Say hello to Chango, a G-Mat RB-JMC built for Californian surfboard builder, Tommy Kroll. Tommy is a Super talented craftsman who builds surfboards under the Specialist Surfboards label.

Tommy is also an experienced mat surfer so had a pretty clear sense of what he wanted from the mat.

We explorered the options and Tommy was keen to have something that would handle every day waves, including beach breaks and choppy conditions. We eventually settled on a RB-JMC, built with free elastic rocker for versatility and also restricted the internal venting as wheezers will keep their shape better in bumps.

We also have plenty of deck grip to stay on, but also helps to stabilise the deck a bit whilst retaining the 70/70 qualities, particularly in the rails. All in all... I'm excited to hear how Tommy finds this mat. I have high hopes.

So what about the name? Tommy says:

“It’s an ongoing family nickname, means little monkey in Spanish but can refer to a mischievous little kid haha. It was my uncles nickname before me and he started a balance board/ surf training company in the 90s called Chango Balance.”

— Tommy Kroll

What a great name! I'm honoured that it has been given to this surfmat!

Tommy has also gone for a mat bag (a great way to use offcuts) and a G-Mat Apparel Tee. Thanks for representing!

So, Chango is setting sail. Have fun Changos!

Cheers

Nautilus

Graeme Webster — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:43:00 +0000

This is "Nautilus", a G-Mat RB-JMC built for Californian mat surfer, Scott Kennedy.

Scott has been a mat rider for some time and surfs around Santa Cruz. For those unaware, SC is an area with a rich heritage when it comes to mat surfing, and some solid points producing some very skilled riders.

Scott came ready prepared with a mat in mind, the grip pattern and even the name. Bosh! Unsurprisingly, with Scott's experience and where Scott surfshe went for a RB-JMC super-free-breather with negative elastic rocker. He also went with full grip panels to ensure that he stays put on the mat.

And so Nautilus set off last week and is with Scott as I type. I'm looking forward to ride reports and maybe do photos or footage (hint hint).

Have a blast Scott!

Cheers

Speed Thrills!

Graeme Webster — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:18:00 +0000

A quick in-between-builds mat for Derek Hynd.

Derek has become fully absorbed in mat surfing over the last couple of years or so. We'd spoken a few times over the years and he always expressed respect and appreciation for the craft and people who surf them. One day when I asked the question (not for the first time) "is it time to get you on a mat?" he replied with a yes!

A obvious step really for the master of free friction surfing when you think about it.

After a couple of RB-JMC's, I built Derek a Nouveau Racer (named Evil Twin M) for some of the heavier and hollower waves around Byron. He came back to me saying he loved the more structured feel of the 4 pontoon mat, but obviously being a gunnie surfmat, the Nouveau Racer misses the bottom end of other models. With that in mind I suggested a 70/70 Chino Racer would be a great all-rounder to compliment 'ETM' and we agreed to do it at some point.

And then tragedy...

Some clumsy f*ck ploughed a surfboard fin through Evil Twin F, Derek's RB-JMC, and his Chino Racer suddenly became more of a priority.

Rest in peace ETF - Taken too soon

I had a stack of builds locked in so it was a case of wait until the end or find a day and thanks to the wettest February in recorded UK history and me still coming back from the 'mega-cold', I found that day so here we are.

This Chino Racer is built with free elastic rocker and is a wheezer, to soak up the chop on windy days. Derek wanted to lock in the number 369 and has named her "Speed Thrills", saying the name is:

"... in tribute to my mentor Terry Fitzgerald - his Bells 1981 board was called this. Woo Hoo! "

So Speed Thrills is on the way Down Under. They've had it tough around Byron wave wise apparently but the season is getting going so hopefully will timed.

Have fun Derek!

Cheers

NB. locking in numbers usually involves waiting for the number to come up but emergency as we said.

Sysiphus

Graeme Webster — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:08:00 +0000

Please say hello to Sisyphus, a 200/70 G-Mat Ute built for UK based mat newb, Stephen Harrison.

Being new to mat surfing (but an experienced wave rider), Stephen was keen to get something that was going to suit where he is in his journey, and also the South Walian waves he surfs. We considered a stable all-round ride was what was needed and settled on the Ute. Stephen was keen on the red deck which is an inelastic nylon 6 material. That gave us the option of flat or positive elastic rocker and Stephen opted for the latter to help with bottom turns and cutbacks.

Stephen will also be surfing a few spots in front of rocks and also the wave pool so asked for a bungee to give a leash option. As you'll see, he's also gone for a simple bung valve.

When asked to name his mat, Stephen said:

“Name: ‘Sisyphus’ . Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a rock up a hill only to watch it roll down again and repeat the task for eternity. The punishment being both labouriious and futile. Learning to surf (new equipment) can often feel laborious and sometimes futile. However, as Albert Camus observed, Sisyphus does not give up. He returns steadfastly to the task each time. I feel this way about learning to ride a mat. I am looking forward to continuing my mat surfing journey with the resolve of Sisyphus . ”

— Stephen Harrison

Nailed it. I do love the thought people put initio naming their custom mats. Welcome to being a grom again!

So, Sisyphus is heading to Wales. It looks like the Atlantic is going to keep chucking waves our way for a bit so I look forward to a ride report.

Have fun Stephen!

Cheers

Rider Knot Driver

Graeme Webster — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:06:23 +0000

Here's a mat for Scott named Rider Knot Driver.

Scott lives in California and is a very experienced mat surfer. When we discussed what Scott was after. He was pretty clear he wanted a mat to fill out the top end of his quiver for bigger and hollower waves. We settled on a 200/70 Nouveau Racer as the base design is much gunnier than most mats. The 200d deck and wheezy venting adds to stability. Scott has also gone for a bungee to add a leash. Leashes are a hassle on mats but there are times when they really are a helpful back up when the alternative is a swim in to rocks in heavy surf to get them back.

Scott is proud of his Celtic heritage. He was keen to celebrate this in the design and sent a Celtic knot design with a sketched design including pinlines. We had a lot of fun turning it into the real deal. People may know, I love clean monochrome mats and I really love this one!

I asked Scott about his choice of name and he said:

“Elements of a name…

1) Obvious need for a knot pun.

2) Depict a return to the ocean from what my main role has been in driving my kids to sporting events (Sailors knot overlaying Racing Stripes)

3) Subtle nod to a Surfmats ability to do some of the figuring for the rider. As you put it “The wave and mat kinda get together and agree!”

This mat shall be named “Rider knot Driver”

— Scott

Puns and everything... I love them too! Perfect!

So, Rider Knot Driver is heading off to Cali on Monday. I'm excited to hear what Scott gets into.

Have fun mate!

Cheers

Sunset Cliffs Frother

Graeme Webster — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:51:13 +0000

Say hello to "Sunset Cliffs Frother", a G-Mat Ute built for Californian Tio Suenos.

Tio got in on the current run to buy his first mat having made the decision that he wanted to go for a custom rather than stock mat. He's ridden waves for many years and told me about how he'd become mat curious:

“I’ve surfed most of my life, and I had seen clips here and there of mat surfers squirting through lineups, which always made me curious about mats.

But what sold me was seeing a lone bikepacker in the channel islands with just some snacks and a mat rolled up and strapped to his frame. He pulled up to our remote beach camp, parked his bike, pitched a tent, then blew up his mat and paddled out to catch a few kelpy peelers. He was frothing—not to mention the only person with a surf craft on a remote and idyllic beach. We were envious.

That moment of freedom, the apparent ease of travel, and the thought of surfing unlikely spots made a strong impression on me—a seminal moment that led me to order my first mat!”

— Tio Suenos

Mats certainly make an impression on the open minded.

We discussed our options and as a first mat thought straight down the middle all rounder was the obvious choice... A Ute.

Anyone with a G-Mat RFT will know what Tio has let himself in for. Sunset Cliffs Frother is a 200/70 construction. She's a wheezer with a positive elastic rocker which will create a smooth curve through turns. Tio has also gone for a low profile spring valve to keep things flush.

All in all, I love the love green and black combo on the deck. Photos never really do this material justice.

So, Sunset Cliffs Frother is heading west as I type.

Have fun Tio!

Cheers

Take Away

Graeme Webster — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:06:00 +0000

Here is a mat for my friend Rachel named “Take Away”, built in fits and starts during my down time. We started on Take Away in September last year!

Rachel has been surfing a mat for years now, originally getting into them surfing spots around her beloved South Devon in the UK. Rachel and her family have been living in Oz for some years now, but she periodically comes home to visit, and that’s what led to the creation of Take Away.

Rachel was involved in the Phileas Project (Phileas was a white mat I built which was sent around the world for people to surf and add their artwork too), surfing in an episode with me when Phileas came home for some TLC, and also in an Australian ep. This planted the seed for Take Away: a white mat that many people build into a work of art. In this case, Rachel’s friends and family in South Devon have drawn her a takeaway meal of all the things she loves about South Devon for her to take wherever she goes.

As you can see in the photos, the art piece is well underway and Take Away is heading to Oz. Rachel has a plan to add to this over time, including coming back to the UK to get more added by friends over here. I've left the centre pontoon clear to give more canvas. I’m really excited to see how Take Away turns out in the end.

Perhaps there will never be an end point…

On the tech side, Take Away is a 70/70 G-Mat Ute wheezer with free elastic rocker. Rachel wanted a mat for all days so this was a good choice. I’m super-stoked to finally get Rachel on a mat that properly fits her as her previous options were that little bit too big or little bit too small.

Have fun Rachel and keep us updated!

Cheers

Totally Killin' It!

Graeme Webster — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Say hello to "Totally Killin' It!", a 70/70 RB-JMC for Matt Healy. Matt lives and surfs around Encinitas and has been riding mats for the last decade or so. There is a strong mat community around there with a long heritage and some good waves to surf them in.

Matt came pretty clear on what he wanted, a lightweight RB-JMC custom with super-free-breather venting and neg rocker and a low-profile spring valve. That's a good choice and I'm visualising super-fast high line speed runs on some Swami's peelers. Dreamy stuff!

Matt also had another request... He wanted it to look like a whale shark, having fallen in love with them during encounters in Mexico. Matt already has a surfboard painted like one in brown with white spots but after some to-and-fro with designs we settled on a navy shark. Not biologically accurate but looks pretty fancy.

I asked Matt about his journey into mats and he said:

“I began riding waves getting dropped off at the beach for a day of boogie boarding and body surfing and shenanigans with the neighborhood bros. We grew up and morphed into stand up surfers. But the prone zone has been calling me, and I got on the mat about ten years ago. The pure joy and simplicity. From local mushburgers, to Baja close out barrels, to one particular pumping southern Mexico point. And now this beautiful custom piece of art. Glide on, brothers, glide on…”

— Matt Healy

I love building mats for experienced matsurfers and I'm looking forward to feedback and hearing about her adventures with Matt.

Thanks Matt and take care.

Cheers

Osprey

Graeme Webster — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:08:00 +0000

This was the last custom mat build of 2025. A 70/70 G-Mat RB-JMC for Rincon local, Matt Simon.

Matt is one of a solid crew of mat riders from around the Santa Barbara area. He has been riding mats for many years and has had a mat from me some time back, an RB-JMC named Dragonfly that he had built after the long-term loan of a mat named the Rincon Rental Raft that I bult for Andrew Buck years ago.

Matt got in on this run and an had a clear idea what he wanted... Exactly the same! Well, not exaclty. He wanted a copy of Dragonfly, but with a bungee to give the pool option, but more importantly, to surf a certain high tide spot where losing the mat would mean, well, losing the mat! And so "Osprey" was born.

Osprey is a 70/70 RB-JMC as mentioned. She has a negative elastic rocker and is built with super-free-breather venting to maximise glide and speed. Matt has gone for a Hestered (positioned below the seam) mini-Boston valve and a clean white logo on the middle pontoon.

Have fun Matt. Always a pleasure!

Cheers