backbeach forum posts in last 60 days

backbeach
backbeach
NSW
164 posts
NSW, 164 posts
28 Sep 2026 8:31am
Mebbe Far Reach! 100% back Colas' view except I'd be a lot less diplomatic!

Anyways some good and bad news for ya champ, there's 2 independently tested and proven Aussie products.
One is Ocean Gaurdian/Shark Shield which I use but has unfortunately gone south and shut up shop-like Quobba fins such a pity.
The other is Rpela, a WA based company that use the same technology-check 'em out here; www.rpela.com/
The independent testing was done by Huveneers et al and here's a good summary of research of different shark repellant systems to date and lists the electro magntic study
www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/technology-trials-and-research
So no need to brown nose an absolute R sole who wouldn't give you the steam of his pee. You can get a system fitted to your board now and support an Aussie company before it gets bought out by unscrupulous investors (e.g. EM) and shut down as is the Ocean Gaurdian story.
Good luck mate

backbeach
backbeach
NSW
164 posts
NSW, 164 posts
23 Sep 2026 8:40am
I've had an 8'10" of both the hipster twin swallow and ghost. The hipster was the better board for me-more stable, more speed, caught waves well. I've progressed to an 8'3" x32 in the pin and love it for all the same reasons. My regular sup buddy owns the 8'10" hipster now and he's stoked with it and is a good intermediate rider. Hope this helps
Reply in Topic: New board suggestions
backbeach
backbeach
NSW
164 posts
NSW, 164 posts
15 Sep 2026 6:17pm
Agree with FM talk to Scotty and you should be able to work up something together. I got a custom 8'3" Hipster Pin @ 32" wide and it's fantastic and travel friendly-part of the reason I went custom and well priced too!
Smik's got a new design out now, Expresso, would love to hear a review on it.
Scott surfs pretty heavy waves down SW WA so should have that aspect covered
Reply in Topic: JP surf pro update?
backbeach
backbeach
NSW
164 posts
NSW, 164 posts
25 Aug 2026 5:35pm
I had a surf pro plus a couple of years back and they were really difficult company to communicate with. Conjecture only but in line with Colas thoughts that sup surfboards are taking a back seat with JP.
BTW the board blistered in a weird way-from a few layers down on the bottom deck-lost big money on it cos moved it on pronto. I look after my boards pretty well too