Pictures of my new Mana.

[DavidJohn]

After selling my old Mana and ordering one of the bamboo Mana'a I couldn't wait to check it out.

Yesterday I got the call saying that it had arrived.. Waa-hoo!

It looks very different without so much yellow.



I also got the opportunity to try one of the new full carbon Naish paddles.



I didn't have much time before work but it was such a nice day how could I not take it for a quick spin down at St Kilda marina.



The carbon paddle looks amazing in the sun with its checker pattern carbon weave.





The handle had a similar checkered pattern.



After paddling past where I dropped off the beer keg...

http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=8201.0

...I went to the pier to snap a few pics and test out my new camera and play around with the settings.



Big square arse.





The new bamboo Mana has a kicker pad in the deck grip now.







The vent screw is now a gortex one.. Nice.



The hand hole was the old type.. Bummer.



I like the look of the bamboo and white rails.









Nobby rash yellow bottom.



The fins are very good quality.







Resting in calm water you can see just how much rocker there is in these Mana's.





Back at my tree and thinking that I need to chase up some more stickers.



I like the waves on the deck grip.. It's still going to be hard to keep clean.



Back in its bag.





I guess having the board in a padded board bag there no need for all that bubble wrap that usually comes around new boards.

Now I'm looking forward to catching some waves.

DJ

[desmo13]

Beautiful board! Congrats

[DavidJohn]

Thanks.. I realize now that I've posted way too many pics.. Sorry 'bout that.. I can't help myself.. 

DJ

[srowndedbyh2o]

Whoa! Great photos of an awesome board! Congratulations!
I'd been debating over the (ylw/wht) 10' Mana and the (ylw/wht stripe) 10' Coreban Icon, but after seeing those photos, now I'll have to consider the Bamboo Mana or the Coreban with an Australian Pine deck. Decisions, decisions!

[Scottiver]

Thanks.. I realize now that I've posted way too many pics.. Sorry 'bout that.. I can't help myself.. 

DJ

That's OK, I thought the pics were great. I can't wait to hear your surf reports!

[crtraveler]

Hey DJ - what's the deal w/ the vent plugs / screws?  I've never had one on any of my boards....do you have to open and close it manually each time you go in or out of the water or does it take care of itself?  I finally have to ask, now that you got me pumped on the Mana also......We'll wait for some more updates and we love the pics....keep them coming - Thanks!

[DavidJohn]

Hey DJ - what's the deal w/ the vent plugs / screws?  I've never had one on any of my boards....do you have to open and close it manually each time you go in or out of the water or does it take care of itself?  I finally have to ask, now that you got me pumped on the Mana also......We'll wait for some more updates and we love the pics....keep them coming - Thanks!

The vent plug/screw is needed because there is so much air in the foam core and when it gets hot it expands and when cold it contracts.. This expansion and contraction can damage a board without a vent.. btw not all boards need them because it depends on the construction and type of foam core.

The problem is that it's easy to forget to tighten the vent screw and when you put a hot board into cold water it's easy to suck water into the board so most people just leave it tight all the time and take the risk that the board wont get damaged.

The good thing about Goretex vent plugs is that you never have to touch them.. They have a Goretex film that lets air in and out without letting any water in.. Just like the Goretex clothing that is waterproof but still breaths so you don't get sweaty.

It was great to be able to just put the fins in and throw it in the water and not have to worry about forgetting the vent screw.. I hope that explains what they're all about..  

DJ

[jdmotes]

 Hi DJ and congrats on the newest family member. She's a beaut!      JD

[crtraveler]

Thanks DJ !!

[andygere]

The detailed photos are great, keep them coming.  It's a shame most of the manufacturers don't provide that much detail on their websites.  The board looks great, and seems to include a lot of value added details (nice deck pad, Gore-Tex vent, nice fin set, etc.).  These things add up to quite a few bucks, and I think Naish is smart to put together a turn-key package.  I'm looking forward to hearing the ride report when you get it into the surf.

The paddle looks nice as well; the visual effect of the large weave is pretty slick.  Any details on blade dimensions, weight, overall impression?  Did the paddle come bundled with the board or was it a separate purchase?

[aircube]

Hey DJ, is there any documentation about the Goretex vent?  Does it need to be replaced every so often?

Just wondering, I bought a couple of the ones that are permanent (do not unscrew) and have been holding off putting them in b/c I'm not sure how long they will last.

BTW, nice board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dwight (DW)]

Hey DJ, is there any documentation about the Goretex vent?  Does it need to be replaced every so often?

No need to replace.

[motopilot]

Nice photos DJ.  I like your photos as they are all very HQ, a plus.  Bamboo deck looks so much niceer than the all yellow board.  I am to assume that this board is lighter than your old one as well?  Cannot wait to hear your feedback on it.  And there are never enough photos on this forum so keep them coming.

[Dwight (DW)]

I think Linter needs to write a review. He's had his a few weeks now!

[mdsurf]

Beautiful Board.  Can't wait to hear your reviews of this compared to your old board.