Rossall said..
Now the Ghosts have been out there a few months how are they settling into the quiver. Not seen any on the water in Perth thus far. Particularly interested in the 8/5
phil
Phil:
New member here. I have been a member of the "Zone" for some time and guest viewing on this forum for some time as well. I decided to sign up so that I could reply to your question about the Ghost, as I just took ownership of a 9' 3" a week or two ago. The first thought that came to me when a friend asked what I thought after my first good wave session, was "this is a game changer" (for me).
First some about my background. I am 73 years old and 100kg. I started surfing when I was about 8 years old, but wouldn't say I am an "advanced" surfer. More like advanced intermediate. I have surfed reasonably big waves and am known more for taking chances, rather than ripping, or finesse. Due to hip replacement, and stiffing with advancing age, I shifted to Standup surfing about 14 years ago. Started with a 10' Naish mana, on to 9'6" Angulo, then 8'10" Corevac Cannibal, then to Sunova Creek, and then to 9'6" Genrations Kanga. In full disclosure, I often surf with SuptheCreek.....although certainly not as well.
I tried his 9'1" Ghost and really liked the responsiveness, but was hoping I could keep most of the responsiveness, and gain a little bit more stability (1" wider) with a 9'3" Ghost. Mission accomplished, as it is about as stable as my Kanga, but much more responsive. I had almost resigned myself to "old man gliding" with the Kanga, throwing an occasional cutback. But it seems a little too big (esp. wide) for carving. On my first session in good waves with this Ghost, I found myself hitting the lip and reentering, almost without thinking about it. I have only had it out about four times, but I now find myself thinking about intentionally attempting more technical maneuvers, where before I was lucky to pull off an occasional (almost) unintentional floater on the Kanga. It is also noticeably faster than the Kanga. I don't mean to demean the Kanga, as I have gotten two good years of riding out of it, but I suspect it will be a very rare day that I decide to take it out, over the Ghost.
I recognize that we all surf somewhat differently (e.g. I will never be as fluid as Creek), but for me the Ghost is faster, much more responsive, and just about as stable as my Kanga. The only advantage the Kanga has is that, with its width and length, it gets into waves sooner. The only board that I have owned that was more response was the (VERY) tippy 8'10" Cannibal I had for a short time. But this Ghost is by far the best combination of stability and responsiveness that I have owned. Hope that helps.
