Rider: Weight,Level 78 kg intermediate
Style: Freeriding, Freestyle so far
Weather: 15 - 20 knots
Build Quality: 11/10
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: I kite with a guy that works at Auspro Sports. (so hopefully he'll do a deal! )

I've heard about Shinn boards for a while thru Duncan and have been looking at reviews from UK
I came across this one from the UK Distributor. Worth a read. (make sure you put your "brand PIMP" glasses on when reading) having said that he was pretty impressed.

kiteboarder.co.uk/kitesurfing/shinn-presents-the-monk-the-start-of-something-very-special-41528?sid=cb4dca4ac6503f45851efe16077bf7a1

Had a go this week on the MONK. Very Nice board

The Monk looks fantastic. The top is super shinny Black, Red and Blue like car duco.
Personal taste regarding the gorilla on the bottom, but it attracts a lot of attention on the beach
You know its a Shinn!

On the water

First, easy planning, the Monk was 130 x 40. It felt like a bigger board getting on to the water.
My board is a 134 x 42 and the monk was as easy to plane... but what a rocket once you get going.

For me the Monk was easy to go hard, stick heaps of power into it and it gets going, doesn't loose the edge

great up wind especially in chop, no spray, good POP and super easy landings, it make you look better than you are.

Bindings are unreal, really comfy with front and back adjustments no wonder there called sneakers.

Negatives, none, except the feeling you should keep it clean and shinny!

So after reading the reviews and thinking its a bit of hype - I apologise, It's a special board.

heres a video of the Monk with someone better than me

gold coast tomorrow grab a demo!

2nd time out 22-27 knts 8 m kite, 130 x 40 Monk

Man, I love this board,
Fast and smooth, This thing eats chop, the rougher the better,
The more I rode it the more it impressed.
Holds an edge when you want it,
skatey when you are off the power,

The best bit is its all effortless. 3 hours of joy.

I bought THE MONK 128 X 39

Rider:
47 years old Perth
12 years exp
80kgs
Freeriding, wave riding and speed runs.

Equipment:
10.5m RRD, 11m GK sonic, 5.9m RRD
Stonker board and a Ian Young special WinDesign 5 fin directional

Build Quality: 9.9/10 Only fault is the foot straps, with the current holes provided your limited to postioning of the foot straps. Had to drill more holes(no biggy) suggested by Duncan.

Everyone who looks at the bottom design of the board is impressed.

Satisfaction: 10/10

I like to go flat out and this board just hold the the edge like a bullet train, I should know as I'm an ex train driver!

Pops outa the water like a NASA rocket! The other day I popped so much I left a flag next to the American's on the MOON!

Go hard or go home!!!!
Marc

P.S Thanks Duncan for introducing to this awesome product..

I know for a fact that im the only one in brisbane with this board!!!!

I have the 130 Pretty sweet ride but all the reviews ive read internationally are pretty solid compared to my thoughts!!!

mark shinn is coming up with some sweet rides!!! im stoked with my monk!

Heres a few pics of my 130 ( yes it needs a clean )