We can all admit, that was a long, slow and flat winter in terms of waves here on the East Coast. If you were one of the lucky few to escape the draught to more wave-rich locations such as Indo, well lucky you. We hope you scored you lucky buggers! However, for the rest of us trapped in the vortex of working hard all day and groveling the weekend's offering of sub-par waves once a month, it would seem that the butterflies have returned, the charts are full of colour and there is a bright outlook on the horizon. With 10 to 20-knot west winds, and a 4 to 6-foot nor-east swell inbound, it’s fair to say that we are itching at the seams to get out there and indulge in the winter swell we have been waiting on for so long!

 

It's 4 pm on the afternoon before the swell arrival. I’ve cooked myself a good afternoon feed, stretched out most of the winter stiffness and planned to meet the team at the local beachie for 6:00 am sharp. I’ve stepped into my dusty surf shed to grab all the gear needed for the early start, only to find myself in a world of stress and confusion as I can’t decide what board to ride, which fins will work the best or how thick a leash to use – all of which are detrimental aspects to making the most of the 2-hour peak swell session before having to run off to work for the rest of the day. On top of all that, I was quick to realise that I forgot to get my good wave shortboard repaired from the last swell (about 6 months ago). This left me with a limited choice of low rocker grovelers and girthy mid-lengths. None of these are going to cut it for the 4-6ft tubing left-handers that are on offer in the morning.

 

From that moment forward, it was made clear to me that I needed a makeover. I needed a new setup that will help me to make the absolute most of this swell because who knows when we’ll get another one like it. Could be next year for all we know!

 

I instantly reached for my phone, called up Onboard Store in Mona Vale and was put onto a nice little British fella named Jay. Jay has 10+ years’ experience working for Onboard Store and has helped me out in the past. He’s all over this sort of stuff and knows what he’s talking about.

 

I told him my situation, the swell that was coming and asked what I needed. He was quick to answer and knew exactly the gear for the job. Jay fitted me out with the new Channel Islands 2. Pro which recently won the Stab in the Dark series with Italo Ferreira. It’s the same shape as the original CI Pro model, just a bit less rocker, so it will excel in the good stuff and be great for the weaker swells we receive around the East Coast. He then complimented the board with a set of the Futures AM2 Honeycomb Fins, a Reef Heazlewood Arch Pad, and the 6ft Standard Hex Cord Leash.

 

After I got off the phone with Jay, I quickly jumped in the car and raced down to the store. The boys had my new board all padded up, fins in and ready to go for the morning. I was also super appreciative to see they had also thrown in an Onboard Tote & a couple blocks of Sex Wax to keep me going! With my car packed and ready to go for the early, I slept easy knowing I was in for a cracker of a morning with the crew.

 

5:30 am – We were all standing on the headland, coffees in hand, shoulder to shoulder as the cool offshore breeze tore through our hoodies into the darkness. We couldn’t see anything, but we could hear the great roar of the ocean as waves crashed one after the other. As the orange glow began to creep over the horizon, our blindness began to evaporate, and we could all finally see what Mother Nature had on offer. I dare say the forecast for once didn’t let us down. Picture this, perfect 4 to 6-foot empty J-Bay, but flip it and make it a left. One after another, freight train lefts running down the point in pure perfection. With the car park completely empty, and offshore reeling tubes, we knew we were in for a session and a half! I pulled on my Matuse Dante 3/2 Full Suit, slapped on a bit of Salt & Stone Tinted Zink and ran down the hill for a session to remember.

 

I can’t believe no one else was out there! Perfect peeling lefts all to ourselves! Now that’s a rare sight around here. I guess that’s the reward precise forecast reading, beating the sun in the morning and being prepared with trustworthy and quality equipment.

 

Did you miss the swell this morning? Decided to press snooze on the alarm and you’re kicking yourself for it now? With more swell inbound for the rest of the week, there is plenty of time to head on down to one of their stores or give Jay a call and he’ll get you sorted out in no time! Don’t want to speak to Jay, no stress, just pick your products online, select the pick-up option in the checkout and they’ll have it ready to go for you after you knock off work this afternoon!

 

Cheers to Jay & the team at Onboard Store. Much appreciated!

 

Written by Archie Elliott