Some Notes

Bear in mind that Surftech boards weigh less. A lot less. And this is great in small waves but in larger ones, for me anyway, I like to know there is a bit of weight beneath me (both when duck diving and paddling). In small waves however the lightness can be a revelation. Today, for instance, I paddled into a marginally overhead right that reeled off pretty damn fast (again at Manly beach) toward North Steyne. I executed a clean take-off and powerful bottom turn before smacking the lip with all my speed and power. This sent a pretty impressive spray off the top, resulted in a semi fins-free waft and an instantaneous drop back down the face. Another solid bottom turn and I was on top of the lip, floating really high, and another clean landing. 2 great moves, total stoke and I rode the foam all the way in (only to kook out on the 1 foot reform in the shorey ha ha ha).

Put it this way - the board has enabled me to get to some high up places that I would never have imagined successfully get back down from before.

So my verdict

This surftech is designed with the performance surfer in mind. Ratboy is famous for his power surfing and aerial repertoire. Follow in his steps riding this ultra-strong surfboard and you will fare well. Don't take it out in big surf unless you have to (well at least it won't break!!). And that is something I haven't mentioned yet - the strength in these boards is incredible. I have smashed my chin into this particular surfboard so that it was a bleeding mess for an hour straight - yet the board showed not even a pressure dent. I have managed to chip away at the surface quite a bit (god knows how - probably in my mate's van) but it's simple and cheap to whack a bit of Epoxy resin in there.

Will I keep riding it?

Yes, for those glassy days at both beach and reef breaks - for sure. Peaky, onshore days seem to be my best on this board as well. Maybe it's the lightness and flotation that make it so much fun in what would usually be considered very mediocre conditions? Am I looking forward to getting back on a piece of fibreglass and foam? Yes, of course. Surfing for me is about learning, progressing, diversity, adventure and most of all fun. I will always ride fibreglass boards but must say that this Surftech is now a key member of my quiver.

To conclude - I think this board is a perfect travel companion - tough, sturdy and high performance.

Surfd.com has given the Surftech M10 Ratboy a 4 Star rating and our coveted "Recommended" award.