Earlier this season, before the rain started, there was a lovely day with zero wind and some swell. I’d been wondering how my large Fluid Detox would surf in the ocean and decided I’d take it out for a test.

Upon arrival at the beach the swell was rather disappointing. I can’t remember the details but I think the swell direction had a southerly component in it that was too great and wasn’t quite reaching the beach as I had hoped. Nevertheless I got into the water and buzzed around in the mediocre waves. The water was super clear that day and probably not a puff of wind. I had recruited my trusty mother to take photos on the beach… :-)

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Surfing Fluid Detox. Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_066_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_068_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_070_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_078_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_099_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_107_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_111_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_112_E1_CR copy

Wave wheel :) Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_115_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_120_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_139_E1_CR copyComing in to change to the composite Fluid Element.

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Another metre or so of swell would have been good. Above was about the best wave with the Element before the swell really dropped. Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_178_E1_CR copyComposite Element fun.

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Pulling out of a small close out. Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_211_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_212_E1_CR copy

Small loop. Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_214_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_238_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_241_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_252_E1_CR copy

Ah, this could have been fun on my bodyboard. Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_272_E1_CR copy Silverstroomstrand_1_March_2011_304_E1_CR copy

The Detox can actually surf, and it was quite fun. Getting out was easy, the length obviously giving it good speed. Sure, it’s not a play boat, but for some straight lining it can be done. Even a spin or two is possible, but definitely on a bigger wave as I felt too sluggish in these ones. Eventually I grabbed my Element and unfortunately the waves had dropped down within that first 45 to 60 minute session. I got one ok wave and then the rest were quite rubbish. But at least that one wave put a big smile on my face, and made me realise just how awesome the composite Fluid Element is – I had missed it, not having paddled mine for a while!

The river season has been great so far, with June having seen many trips. There will be some cool photos coming up soon.

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Photography by: Anni Tregoning.
Words by: Adrian Tregoning.