Yesterday on the bay.

[DavidJohn]

Even though we are in the middle of our Winter here in Oz it felt like Spring yesterday out on the bay.

[TallDude]

Nice DJ. Doesn't look like winter. Do you ever use or feel the need for steering system? A friend of mine just picked up a custom 14' SIC with the steering installed. We don't really have any downwind days here. The steering is set up for standing back on the board. I had to stand right on the mechanism to be centered on the board. This is pretty much where I needed to stand 98% of the time. For me I like to move around to much to want anything in my way, or under foot. He's a total Newb and thought it would be cool to have. I would take it off personally.

[DavidJohn]

Thanks TD.. Personally I think the whole steering thing is a bit over-rated.. Unless you're on an unlimited board or in Hawaii like conditions.. Then it's maybe nessesary.. But on a 14 in our conditions I don't think it's needed.. Maybe it would be good.. but on my old 17' Glide I never really used it DW'ing and where I found it the most useful was turning around a buoy or pole in a race.. I was never good enough to use it on runners.. IMO it also had the steering system a little too far back for my liking.. Maybe it's helpful on long distance side wind paddles but even then it's a bit like riding a bicycle up hill and having the brake slightly on.

[headmount]

Thanks TD.. Personally I think the whole steering thing is a bit over-rated.. Unless you're on an unlimited board or in Hawaii like conditions.. Then it's maybe nessesary.. But on a 14 in our conditions I don't think it's needed.. Maybe it would be good.. but on my old 17' Glide I never really used it DW'ing and where I found it the most useful was turning around a buoy or pole in a race.. I was never good enough to use it on runners.. IMO it also had the steering system a little too far back for my liking.. Maybe it's helpful on long distance side wind paddles but even then it's a bit like riding a bicycle up hill and having the brake slightly on.

Check with JC when he gets back and get him to give you his take.  He's an ace on the Ace and certainly knows how to navigate a rudderless board but on the Bullet 17 he leaves here, he's also very proficient.  Last two days we've had off the hook conditions and he seems to make the transition to a rudder with no issues.  But I agree with you if you aren't in strong conditions...

Loved the vid.  Thanks so much for the effort you go to making these.  Makes me feel peaceful.