S/Wester,yes i am hearing you i only got on my old mal last week after a real long lay off and yes they are a total different ride,paddle,glide etc to the modern log,as you i also would like to master the old girl but it is so much easier just to jump on the modern log these days.However i am going to commit myself to riding it more and more,just remember to slow everything down,turns cutback etc but once you get it trimming look out if any one drops in as there is no stopping the old girl.