Miller Surfboards Australia

Enquiries and feedback welcome. Please fill out a form on our contact page.

Base price is for a clear board. Go to the FAQ page for colour prices. To check out some sprays, take a look at the Gallery.

What you'll read below are unedited testimonials sent in by customers.

Testimonial Date: 16/06/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant,
Had my first surf on the new board on Saturday, work has kept me away from the water.
The board feels like I've been surfing on it for ever, no getting used to it, it is great. It's incredible that after a 15 to 20 minute phone conversation you have produced a board that required no getting used to plus a board that has given me confidence to go for it.
You are truly a very gifted craftsman.
Enjoy your trip, stay safe and thanks again.
 
Enjoy,
Geoff/Victoria.
Surfer: 57/77kg/6'0"  Board: 6'6" X 19 5/8" X 2 9/16"

Testimonial Date: 13/06/2011 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Thanks for following up on the 6' 4" F-Skate you shaped for me and sorry to take so long to post some feedback.
The board is great. I wanted to be able to make the most of small onshore mushy conditions as that's what I surf mostly now and the F-Skate works a treat. Plenty to float on and paddle with. Surprisingly loose and it amazes me what you can pull off in 1-2' slop. Haven't surfed it on any quality waves yet, but no rush as I'm having so much fun anyway. Looking forward to checking out the Waterskate some time.
Cheers,
Leon/NZ.
Surfer:50/80kg/5'10"  Board:6'4" X 21 1/4" X 2 5/8"

Testimonial Date: 12/06/2011 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant, 
Just wanted to let you know that I finally got to ride my new board for the first time on the weekend and I am absolutely loving it!!!

It is so smooth through the water and I can really notice that you have thinned the rails out as it is a lot easier to turn. I find it a lot easier to duck dive as well. It also performed really well on pitchy, beach break waves, I'm guessing that's because of the extra tail lift, so it has given me more confidence when catching those sort of waves.

So I just wanted to say thank you so much for such a beautiful board and I hope you have a relaxing time out from shaping and find many perfect waves to ride.

Jenny/WA
Surfer: 29/70kg    Board: 6'8" X 22 1/8" X 2 3/4" squashtail version.

Testimonial Date: 12/06/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
You may have left by now and if so all the best on your travels. Last time I emailed I had not ridden the 6'6" semi gun only the 6'1 V-skate. 

As you had suggested the 6'6 has become the board ridden most over here in Bali. I still love the V-skate and ride it in anything under 4-5ft but you were absolutely correct in pushing me to go a bit longer. You were also right in saying I could have gone even longer, mind you I have never felt uncomfortable on the 6'6 yet. I have had some really nice waves at Shipwrecks, Canggu and around the Bukit Peninsular (Uluwatu, Balangan etc). On the bigger days I am very grateful to have the 6'6 and not anything smaller. 
Either way I am loving both boards, they perform awesome and a holding up to some fair punishment beautifully. Thanks for taking the time and advising me on the right choices for my travels and delivering two awesome boards. The spearmint colour is also very cool. The family is doing well over here in Bali, everyone is happy so there are no plans to return back home just yet, which suits me fine as I have plenty more breaks to explore. If you ever end up this way on your journeys drop me an email. all the very best.
Kind Regards,
Matthew Richards/Currently living in Bali.
Surfer: 34/78kg/5'7" 
Board: V-SKATE inspired Semi-Gun 6'6" X 19 1/4" X 2 9/16" roundpin.

Testimonial Date: 9/06/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

RE: new 6'3" orange V-Skate 
Hi Grant,
I understand that you're probably flat out at the moment, but I really want to provide you with feedback on the new board.

In a word, this board is perfect.  I thought the Waterskate I'd been riding for the past 2 years was great, but this board surpasses it. I actually find it to be quite different to the Waterskate.  The greatest similarity between the two is the ease of paddling - that volume is right where you want it, and that nice chunky tail .  However, I find the V-Skate to be faster, much easier to duck-dive and more responsive to turn. Maybe it's more suitable for me since I'm only a small, light surfer? 

Or maybe it's just a better fit for how I want to surf? I don't know. But it's definitely more performance oriented and the ideal step up from the Waterskate, I love it!

We had some great waves here in Vic over the weekend and I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.I've got a feeling my surfing could step up a notch with the new board and you can't ask for more than that.

So thanks again Grant, hope you have a great time away and hopefully we speak again one day in future. 

Regards
Dom/Vic.
Surfer: 35/65kg/5'7"  Board: 6'3" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" Squashtail.

Testimonial Date: 4/06/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Sorry I missed your call, really loving the V-skate been riding it as a quad mainly. Took a while to get used to the speed and feel of it in that set up, I’m glad I went with your suggestion of having the thruster option as well. 

Only been down south twice since I got it off you, second time down had a nice chunky 6 ft swell so was good to put the board through its paces. Performed really well plenty of drive off the bottom and held well through turns. Needed that tail lift you put in on a few waves!!! 100% Happy!!!! Will definitely go for that model again when I order next board, maybe tweak it a little width wise.

Enjoy your trip and will talk to you when you get back.
Safe travels 
Justin Hinchliffe/WA
Surfer: 31/80kg/6'1"   Board: 6'6" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" Roundpin 3+4 fin version.

Testimonial Date: 29/05/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Thanks for the call. As I said on the phone the v-skate you shaped for me is an amazing board. I tried to put some thoughts down about it to pass on to other blokes contemplating a new board. Have a great trip and see you next year.

"I have wasted too much time riding boards that were shaped for guys half my age and twice my talent. Like most of you I researched different shapers and after a few months found myself one sunny morning in Mona Vale talking to Grant. I took pretty much all my old boards down and tried my best to deconstruct what worked and what didn't. I even had some shots from an Indo trip to help him make a fair assessment to make the right board for me.

Grant listened intently and shaped a beautiful 6'8 v skate for an upcoming trip to the Ments and to ride at home on bigger days. It was agonising waiting for it to cure but when I got it out on the first day I wished I'd been riding a Miller twenty years ago.

The board is lightning fast and responsive but very stable and assured. It can be surfed with the fins moved forward which effectively makes it a 6'6. The foam is distributed beautifully, a little fuller across the chest and in the nose. It feels like the board is pulling me into the wave, almost encouraging me to paddle in.
All in all I am stoked with the new board. Grant is a true craftsman with a keen ear and eye for making a board that will really help your surfing.

Check him out when he returns from his travels. Its worth it for the conversation alone."

PB/Manly
Surfer: 47/ 5'11"/ 79kg
Board: V-Skate 6'8" x 21" x 2 3/4" round tail thruster

Testimonial Date: 10/05/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

I would like to thankyou for the v-skate I received today.  I had it in the water within an hour of getting it and I was truly amazed.  

I noticed a difference as soon as I dived in with the flotation and extra paddle power.  But what amazed me most was the ease to get on a wave with this small board.  I had just less than an hour before I had to pick up my kids from school and I caught more waves in that time than I had in hours of surfing on my old board over the last 1.5wks.  I literally had a ball.  It was only small slop but the swell is picking up overnight and I will be back down there in the morning.

The greatest thing is it has given me back a confidence in surfing that I had obviously lost.  Confidence to challenge for a wave (though today noone else was around) and confidence to tackle bigger waves.  This board simply feels comfortable under me and feels powerful (not sure how else to describe it) and I thank you for recommending it.

All the best for your year ahead and I will have no hesitation in highly recommending your boards to friends in the future.

Cheers
Darren/WA.
Surfer: 39 / 75kg / 5'10"
Board: 6'3" x 19" x 2 1/2" squashtail

Testimonial Date: 19/04/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant,
I couldn’t wait for your call to give you feedback; I’m way too excited. Let’s just say this board is fantastic. It not only matched the brief, it exceeds expectations. You’ll recall I wanted a pumped up V-Skate for small waves. You’ve delivered. I’ve only surfed it twice so far, but it’s very clear the board is perfect for its intended use. It paddles nearly as well as the Waterskate it replaces, gets me in the wave as early as the Waterskate, but once in the wave it is much faster and more manoeuvrable. I can’t believe how quickly it accelerates after paddling in, and pumping down the wall generates incredible (for me) speed. Yet again I’m a very satisfied customer. 

Best of luck in your travels, and I look forward to hearing of your return in 2012.
Regards
Brett McKenzie-Craig/Sydney.
Surfer: 45/5'9"/92kg
Board: 6'7" X 21 1/4" X 2 7/8" Squashtail dedicated small wave version.

Testimonial Date: 8/04/2011 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hey Grant,
Thanks heaps for your advice, knowledge and amazing craftsmanship.
You made me an awesome board. I need not say any more as your boards speak for themselves and pictures are worth more than a thousand words.

see link:
http://forum.realsurf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=17927

Thanks for keeping surfing in my life for another 20yrs. You are a genuine and remarkable Australian. 
Cheers
Warren S (WA)
Board: Custom F-SKATE Quad 5'11 x 20 3/4 x 2 5/8
Me: 74kgs, 39yrs and 5'9

Testimonial Date: 7/04/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,  
I hope your trip to Sumatra was a successful one. 
I have been riding the 6'1" V-skate you made me. I have not had anything over 5ft yet so the 6'6" is still in bubble rap but I am looking forward to getting it out. 

Without talking shit I can honestly say the V-skate is hands down the best board I have ridden. Feels awesome, fast and responsive. It has amazed me how on paper it is exactly the same dimensions as the board I showed you I was riding, and yet is so different in the water. Just feels faster and more responsive. Paddles great. Thank you for taking the time to giving me what I wanted. I am very happy, and can't wait to get the 6'6" out. They are forecasting some bigger swell from Saturday on. Sweet. All the best on your travels.
Kind regards,
Matthew Richards
Surfer: 34/5'7"/78kg  
Boards: 6'1" X 19 1/2" X 2 1/2"    6'6" X 19 1/4" X 2 1/2" Roundpin semi-gun.

Testimonial Date: 4/04/2011 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hello Grant,
you shaped a beautiful Waterskate for me a couple of years ago (red 6'3"). I won't bore you with details but I will say it's the best board I've ever owned and it's helped renew my passion for shortboard surfing. For some time I've been wanting to order a V-Skate from you and having noticed that you a taking a hiatus from shaping, I cannot put if off any longer. You originally suggested a 6'3" V-Skate for me so that's what I'd like to order. Hope to hear from you soon,
Dom. 

Surfer: 35/5'7"/65kg
Board:  6'3" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" Squashtail version.

Testimonial Date: 1/04/2011 - Board Type: Custom

Thanks Grant for the board you made me a few months back. I've had plenty of decent waves to ride it in and it goes really good.
The quad set up really livens it up and its fast through turns and feels loose without any loss of control. 
I've had a quad before with a more straight fish like planshape and found it a bit restricted through turns but the curvier planshape on this one you made feels a lot better.
I haven't ridden it as a single yet but I put some smaller back fins in it and mucked around with it but found that the M5's and M3's you put in it feel the best.
As always it was great to deal with you and the board came out exactly like I wanted it.
The overall finish and glass job is excellent as usual.
I hope you enjoyed your Indo trip. I will be booking in for next year. 
Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your big break.

regards Sean South Coast
Board : custom quad egg
7'6 x 22 x 3

Testimonial Date: 25/02/2011 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
I just wanted to give you a quick update on the new F skate you made me just before Xmas. I've used it exclusively since picking it up in all sorts of waves . Even though the new board is 2 inches shorter and about 10% less volume than my previous F skate I found that it paddles onto waves just as easily. The quad - thruster set up gives me 2 boards in one also. As you said the quad has a lot of drive and is a great option for sucky fast waves. I think I'll try the quad - thruster combo on the next v skate I order also.
Thanks for another great board.
John narrabeen
Surfer:48yrs /86kg /6'2" Board: 6'4" x 21 1/2 x 2 5/8 F-SKATE/Thruster-Quad setup.

Testimonial Date: 24/02/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
Just read your notice about having a big break from work. Would like to wish you all the very best in your travels and in the future. 

Also like to greatly thank you for the boards you have shaped for me over the years. Starting surfing at a late age I never thought it would be possible to Learn to surf , let alone stick to it and progress. I believe this has only been possible because of the boards you have shaped and the care you take to ensure each boards measurements are appropriate for the level of my surfing at the time.
Thankyou ! 

I would like to order another 5'11 before you leave. I've been so happy with this board and feeling more confident everytime I take it out. 
Please let me know when your ok to proceed with this order and I'll transfer a deposit into your account if that’s ok. 
Regards, 
Geoff

Testimonial Date: 16/02/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
After 2 years struggling with different surfs, 
i bought second hand(from a private) one of ur V-skate (6.8 standard size,thruster g5 fcs), i want to thank u, and tell u how great this board is for me.

i spent 2 months now surfing it and i never enjoyed so much,felt so natural and improved; i always had trouble surfing curl curl, queenscliff and maroubra but from the first day i had such a big fun there with this board.

IT's not just catching the waves, but the general feeling, when paddling back, when moving along the lineup...now i feel confident to sit in the good spot and wait for my turn and take it, paddling committed and knowing what to do after.

The funny things is that 2 years ago, after the usual start with minimal etc, i drop u a mail, that supposedly went lost since never got reply,
and so i went to a well known shop, telling them i was interested in the waterskate, 
but got suggested to take another one, superfish 6.8.
I spent 2 years trying so hard to surf that board and i never felt it, no matter how hard i tried,
so i started getting second hands boards to try to find the good match for me..till now.

Off course i cannot say is ur vskate only, i matured a bit of experience, i got more fit and i changed a bit attitude torward surf, 
but ur board for sure has a very big weight on my actual surfing and the fun i feel doing it.

I'm impressed on how well built is the board, 
no matter it had previous owners(i'd guess is at least 4 yo) and got few dings, scratches and a bit of sunken and yellow deck around the stringer, the board still feel fantastic, the glassing is very good, and i'm impressed on how finely the rails(toward the tail)are shaped.

Thank u Grant to create such a great product, 
Hoper to drop by ur shop soon.

Best regards,
Paolo.

Testimonial Date: 16/02/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Just a quick email to say thanks for the V-Skate Quad/Thruster you shaped for me back in late Dec. Looked beautiful when I unwrapped it, but unfortunately due to Perth shocking summer swell conditions then eye surgery I couldn’t take it out until last weekend when I went down south. 

Got to try the board in nice offshore conditions waves around 3-4 ft, took me a few waves to get use to a board that small but after a while started to get the hang of it, found the board extremely responsive had lots of drive off the bottom turns and could generate speed with ease. I found the board still very stable just as much as my Waterskate which was a pleasant surprise another surprise was how buoyant the board was even coming down in the size and width, which allowed me to get on some waves the other guys couldn’t, stoked on that!!! The only thing that I’ll need to iron out is the sharpness I can now turn which I think will take me a while to get use to. 
Haven’t had chance to try as a Quad yet but can’t wait to give it a go!!

Thanks again for an another great board look forward to many more.

Regards 
Justin Hinchliffe (WA)  
Surfer:31/80kg/6'1" Board: 6'6" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" Rounded pintail, set up to be surfed as either a Thruster or a Quad.

Testimonial Date: 25/01/2011 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
All the best for the new year. 
Just letting you know that I've started to use the new 5'11 board in the last couple of weeks and absolutely love it ! 
It paddles very similar to  the 6.0 which is great. Also Compared to the 6.0 - I really like that its lighter in weight and less volume in the top of the board and 
I seem to be generating more speed and sharper turns compared to the 6.0. 
Looking forward to sticking to this size board and improving as much as possible. 
Thanks for another fantastic board, 
Geoff/Sydney NSW

Surfer: 43/5'8"/72kg   Board: 5'11" X 19 3/8" X 2 1/2" Squashtail version.

Testimonial Date: 22/01/2011 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant,
Happy New Year. I just thought I would drop you a line re the performance of the “PowerGlide”. 
I am happy to say that whilst we haven’t had an abundance of great waves since I collected it in November, I couldn’t be happier with the new stick. It is the all conditions board that I have been searching long and hard for. As you promised its paddles like a mini mal so I am picking up my fair quota which is important given the Xmas crowds and it is loose enough for me to bring out some of the old moves that I couldn’t do on the mal. At the end of Feb we are heading up the coast on a road trip so can’t wait to have the daily surf that I am now craving.
 
Regards & Best Wishes
Trevor Kennedy/ Central Coast NSW
Surfer: 49/88-90kg/6'1"   Board: 7'0" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8" squashtail version.

Testimonial Date: 17/01/2011 - Board Type: Waterskate

Grant,
After a month of decent testing I thought I'd drop you a line to give you some feedback on the waterskate (6'4"x 20 ½"x 2 9/16")  you shaped for me Nov-Dec last year.
This last month has yielded some good conditions for testing down here on the south coast in waves ranging from knee high summer mush to easy overhead and I have been having a bloody ball. Whilst I may not be challenging for the world title this year, there have been whispers in the carpark that I have made pagan sacrifices to the surfing gods in exchange for my new found surfing skills. My traditional pooh-man straight down the line stance has been replaced with gliding bottom turns, big top turns and backhand rail grabs that have some of my local surfing brethren questioning their choice of surf craft. 

Whilst no one wants to say any board is the "magic board" I can certainly say my waterskate definitely does everything is says on the box (your website). No doubt if more people were surfing boards like this there would be more happy punters in the water, stemming the frustrated looks & agro most guys on short boards feel when they see a longboard rider catching more waves than them. 

For example, I was out yesterday in 1-2 foot inconsistent surf with the usual group of summer local/visitors at a well known break down here on the south coast. I was sitting with a mate of mine on his 9'3" in between the groups of punters. In a matter of an hour he and I caught more waves than everyone around us, we were grinning and having a ball whilst the surrounding crew were left kicking & thrashing around chasing every swell with increasing frustration. At the end of the day, he who is catching waves is having fun and the volume in this board allowed me to sit in the same spot my mate on his mal was sitting and get heaps!

I'm looking forward to seeing how this board holds in bigger swell and I reckon I'll stick to the quad option (5 front/3 back) as it has been allowing me to make that first turn faster and hold more speed through otherwise sluggish sections. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks heaps for the board, I am massively happy with it and will be looking forward to further refinements the next time around.
Keep it real,
Dan/Kiama NSW.
Surfer: 35/6'0"/78-80kg.
Board: 6'4" X 20 1/2" X 2 9/16" Roundtail. This board has the 3 plus 4 fin setup and so can be ridden either as a regular thruster or a quad.

Testimonial Date: 5/01/2011 - Board Type: Custom

Hi Grant, 
I just wanted to give you some feedback on my boards. As you know I have been surfing for only 24 months, I am middle forties, not brave and not skinny either and so this new pastime has been a real love hate thing. I started on Pinkie that you shaped based on my beginner status, an 8ft 2 mini mal, chunky and very pink and she gave me the confidence on my first fibre glass board. I do not know any of the terminology so all I can say is I could paddle the board easily, catch waves, stand up and stay up all on a board that I could carry and not have to drag!!! 

After this came Sam a smaller board who I love and he allows me to make bottom turns and make my rides longer. He is 7'6" and lighter to carry and smaller than my first board so I felt I was getting somewhere. Now I am riding another Pinkie, 7’2, narrower and weighs like a feather and is great for turning. 

All along from the very first time we spoke about my surfing, you have had a plan for my boards and as I have progressed you have gently reduced the length and width of the boards but still given me the stability I need to maintain my confidence. 
Your standard of service and care could not be any better and I could not be happier and want to thank you for your expertise and encouragement.  
Maybe in a year I will be riding a 6’10!!! Yippee.

Fi/Palm Beach, Sydney.
Surfer:45/57kg/5'4"   Board: Custom Minimal 7'2" X 21 1/2" X 2 3/4" Squashtail.

Testimonial Date: 15/12/2010 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant
Just had another amazing surf on the board
you shaped me and will this weekend cleanup
my extensive quiver of other shapers boards
to sell so I can buy more millers.
thanks so much for finally
giving me the holy grail of surf boards
I have been chasing for 25 years.
keep surfin and shapin
Mark/SA
Surfer: 41/77kg/5'8"
Board: 6'2" X 21" X 2 5/8" Thruster.

Testimonial Date: 10/12/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant 
The quad is fantastic.  
I have only surfed 3 times and in average surf … but I can tell it is a really magic board. 
 
I am loving the quad set up. Seems to have all the quad benefits, without the unpredictability. 
And the refinements on the length, thickness and rails are also really working for me. 
 
I am really looking forward to some more time and some more good waves on it 
Talk soon 

MC/Sydney
Surfer: 34/6'3"/83kg    Board: 6'6" X 20" X 2 5/8" Rounded pintail.
This board has been set up with 5 fin plugs and so can be surfed as either a quad, or as a Thruster.

Testimonial Date: 23/11/2010 - Board Type: Custom

Hi Grant,
My condolences on the passing of your mother. I read the tribute to her that you 
wrote on your website and she was obviously a very inspirational woman.

Thanks for the call about the 6'9" you made for me to take to the Mentawais. I 
didn't really get to try it out in the waves that would test its limits and the 
couple of days that I should have used it, I paddled out on the smaller board 
and managed ok.

Not having surfed a board that size for a while, it took me a bit to find how 
best to surf it with regards to foot placement etc, but once I sorted that out 
it was great. I felt confident laying it over on a bottom turn both forehand and 
backhand. It was super responsive in turns and I don't think that I caught a 
rail at all. I tried it with a couple of different fin combinations but settled 
on FG-5s as the best fit in those waves.

The other board I took was a stock board that I bought from you a couple (or 
more) years ago off your website. It is 6'6", 19 3/8" and 2 1/2" V-Skate and was 
the board I used the majority of the time on the trip.

On the last day I surfed it in well over double-head high conditions and it 
handled it fine. The thing that might interest you is that I rode that board as 
a quad the whole time with fg-7s in the front and some home-made rears that are 
slightly smaller than an FCS GX. I was amazed, make that stunned, by how much 
hold it had in the bigger waves. I only took it as my smaller board because I 
had surfed it in some small surf at Currumbin Alley before the trip with that 
same fin set-up and it was just a rocket but still loose.

I've now had all my Millers except the 6'9" (which is just too beautiful to mess 
with) converted to quads using the Bruce McKee formula and they are all just 
outstanding.

I think the thing that I've noticed most about riding your boards in quad 
format, as well as the sensation of increased speed, is that it seems to have 
freed the tail of the board up without any loss of hold. At first I dismissed 
that as just the excitement of having something new to try but all the converted 
boards exhibit the same characteristics.

As you may remember I have always ridden your boards with big fins in the front 
and a small fin in the back, so maybe the quad approach with that same style fin 
set-up just happens to suit my surfing. I think I mentioned this to you when 
telling you about the first quad conversion, but the other thing I've noticed, 
and this was apparent in the Mentawais, is the way the quads seem to hold their 
speed during a drawn out turn or cutback.

I've made turns on the converted boards that, had the board been in thruster 
format, I would have never have got the board all the way around. Now obviously 
that's mainly related to my skill (or lack thereof) level but if a design factor 
helps me have more fun, then I'm not complaining! 

The other thing I wanted to mention is that I only use side fins with a flat or 
an inside foil in the rear as I'm looking for the side fins to provide more lift 
and a bit of drive than being concerned about the ability to transition between 
turns. 
Thanks again for providing me with boards that have helped me enjoy my surfing 
so much over the last few years.

Regards,
Mark/Queensland.

Testimonial Date: 20/11/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

HI Grant
Sorry not to get back to you after your message a week or so ago.

The 6-5 you made for me was perfect for the trip.
It felt good from the 1st surf I had on it.

Biggest surf was probably 1 and a half overhead , maybe double on some sets.

This was probably max size for the board.

Great for paddling onto them and this was admired by the other guys.
Thanks again

Paul/Queensland (Board built for trip to Mentawis)
Surfer: 43/78kg/5'7"   Board: 6'5" X 20 1/4" X 2 5/8" Rounded pintail

Testimonial Date: 7/11/2010 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,
Got your message a while ago, sorry was in Byron and wanted to wait till I got back to contact you after I had chance to try the board in quality waves (As you know this can be a problem in the Perth metro area). Must say that I am truly impressed with your boards Grant. The Waterskate performed well in every sort of wave I took it out on from really fast hollow waves to slow peeling point breaks. Surfed The Pass on it quite a few times. The board never felt like it was fighting me, it just responded to what I wanted to do. Sometimes I even found myself making sections I didn't even think I could. It's also great to see someone who still believes in good customer service and is willing to spend the time to listen to what his customers really want out of their boards and this is then shown in the end result.
I look forward to ordering more boards off you in the near future.

Thanks heaps 
Justin (WA)
Surfer: 31/85kg/6'1"
Board: 6'8" X 21 1/4" X 2 3/4" Roundtail.

Testimonial Date: 30/10/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Apologies for not replying to your phone message earlier (from probably two weeks ago).  I was on holiday with the family and to be honest I completely forgot!

Yes the 6’8 V-skate rides pretty much exactly as you said it would.  If you remember I had the Webber Fatburner 6’9 previously and thought it a little stiff.  The V-skate actually paddles better, is looser and I can actually lie further forward paddling into waves without nosediving.  This helps me alot as I have a tendency to place my feet too far backward and stall the board a little at takeoff.  This is helping me get my weight forward and keep momentum.  

The board has been excellent thus far and looking forward to using it alot more as the last two months has been hectic with work and being away.  Great board and finished really well also.

regards
Ivan/Northern Beaches Sydney.
Surfer: 40/85kg/6'0"
Board: 6'8" X 20 3/4" X 2 7/8" squashtail.

Testimonial Date: 14/10/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

G'day Grant, have not had much of a chance to get out in the last month, however, for the handful of times I've ridden the 6'6 v-skate rounded pin tail in up to head high clean and messy conditions I find the board to be quite fast, feels loose but stable?? turns easily and holds line in the steeper sections. A pleasure to ride. Quite bouyant for me at this length being easy to paddle but doesn't ride like a cork, and i can push it under ok when duckdiving. 
The planshape and foam distribution initially looks and feels a little like my boards from the 80's but the combined speed, drive and manouvaribility are something else. Is this the bottom contours, rail design both/everything??? 
We have a good swell at the moment and I expect to get some challenging waves over the next few days as conditions calm down and clean up, so will let you know how I go with this board in some bigger waves.

cheers
Geoff/Vanuato
Surfer: 36/70kg/170cm
Board:  6'6" X 20" X 2 9/16" Rounded pintail.

Testimonial Date: 29/09/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,  

Typhoon 12 just passed and sent us some very nice swells with size to the reefs in Chiba (Tokyo)

Rode the board for 5 hours over 3 sessions on Friday, 3-4 ft at my local reef, sucky steep take off, one half bottom turn then top turn and into a barrel section. First time on your board in decent surf, surprisingly good on steep take offs and great drive off the bottom, turns much sharped than I expected and at the same time is stable. had a great session. Followed this with a lunch time low tide session, the reef is never as good on low tide and is more critical, still stoked with the board. 
Afternoon session on a beach break at 4-5ft, the paddle in was a breeze and again taking late drops when necessary was no problem, the nose, rocker and shape really works.
Saturday (another 5 hours 3 sessions) on the early surfed the reef again at 8ft+, rode my Warner gun (7'), some real size and strong wind coming into the face making the drops late and sketchy and the rides very bumpy, Think your board would have been fine.
Sat lunch, took your board out at another reef, 8-10ft, deep in a bay so much calmer sea state, your board rocked, everything good, Low tide, the drops were monsters and pulled off some of the biggest waves I've ever ridden from out the back, the board is so stable at speed, able to move my feet more than ever before, the wave runs 150m with a high performance wall and a barrel section (sometimes on the inside)  - SOOO FUN, also picked off lots of inside waves, late in the pocket drops, the left is a much shorter steeper wave, grabbing the rail on the drop - total confidence I'd make it, and mostly did...
Sat afternoon same spot, wind died completely, 12ft swell with 16 second period so set waves still in the 8ft range, but the tide much higher, surfed your board again and nabbed some of the best waves I've ever had, most of the heavy locals were being ferried by jet ski out to a bombie in the middle of the bay, so it was like an eat as much as you can buffet, got to really play around on some big faces, the board comes off the bottom really well, real confidence booster - stoked - Stayed out after dark it was so much fun, could hardly lift my arms.
Sunday ( rode it for 4 1/2 hours) back at the beach break 6 ft - conditions not perfect, back to paddle speed being a real advantage, and still able to duck dive with relative ease, nice to be able to out paddle the youth and still be taking critical drops.
Sunday afternoon, at the first reef again, Solid 6 ft, had the best session of the weekend.

Grant, can't think of anything that would improve it 

Scotty/New Zealand expat living in Japan.
Surfer: 43/84kg/5'9"
Board:  6'5" X 19 1/2" X 2 5/8" Squashtail.




  1

Testimonial Date: 21/08/2010 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant,
I could not resist and surfed the board 3 days earlier then you actually recommended...:-) All i can say is I love it. Its like a rocket, so fast and I really catch a huge amount of waves. Since I have moved the fins forward it turns and responds so quickly(as you said) and is exactly the way i like it. All an advanced beginner can ask for!

Thanks again for bulding me the right board and making my first new board purchase such a great experince.

Axel/ Sydney.

Surfer: 29/90kg/6'2"
Board:7'0" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8"

Testimonial Date: 2/08/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant
Not my first Miller and definitely not my last, love the new 6 10 goes unreal 
mate.
My previous models were off the rack and agree a custom is the way to go, 
perfect balance of shape, quality, colour & finish.
Also always enjoy your diary comments..

Thanks again
            Lenny/Northern Beaches Sydney.   
Surfer: 6' 2" x 92Kg x 58Y
Board :  6' 10 x 21x 2 7/8

Testimonial Date: 6/07/2010 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Good to hear your trip with Nev in Sumatra went well.

Off to Bali for 2 weeks with the family tomorrow and then 2 weeks in Mentaiwai's with the boys so thought I'd give you some feedback on the F Skate I got in April.

Fastest and most fun board I've ever had. It's the go to board now and at my age it's good to experience the buzz of a board that goes so well.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Ryan Dhue (WA)
Surfer: 42/6'4"/100kg   Board: 6'8" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8"

Testimonial Date: 28/06/2010 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant. 
Well It took me a while to appreciate the F Skate squash tail you shaped for me. Mainly because of a and extended stretck without decent surf 

Initially I was having fun in small junky surf, but not really finding the speed or vertical performance I was hoping for. Then I changed the fins to the FCS H2 which had been such a great success on my 6'8" Miller V Skate. I took it out in 3 foot hollower wall surf and the F Skate just flew with really easy curvy top to bottom arcs. 
Since the fin change I've had a lot of fun in both beach braeks and point surfs.

I'm just a very average older surfer but this board (6'6" x 21 5/8" x 2 5/8") is both loose and drivey and has improved the fun factor greatly. 

I was looking for a summer board for peaky beach breaks. I'm generally slow to my feet so need something with paddle power and stability that would allow quick and easy entry into waves that peak and throw quickly. This is it! 

Only small refinement I'd go for in the next one is slightly less thickness at the nose end to assist duck diving. 

Great board. Thanks Grant.

Michael Gardiner, Ballina NSW.
Surfer: 60/65kg/5'11"

Testimonial Date: 19/06/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hey Grant,
It was great to catch up with you the other day.
 
As discussed, I was really happy with the performance of the V Skate and I had some great waves at Ulus as I hope the attached photos show
 
After 40 years of surfing I am getting heaps of waves and feel I am surfing better than ever, and I would say the V Skate is the best board I have owned
 
Hope to see you in the surf soon
 
Kind Regards
Greg Clark/Collaroy NSW
Surfer: 56/82kg/5'9"
Board:  6'10" X 21" X 2 7/8" squashtail.

Testimonial Date: 18/06/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Howdy Grant,
Thought I'd report in and give testimonial on the latest board you made me shortly before your successful Sumatra trip.
 
Had some great surfs on the new board over the past month or so and have to say it is one of the best boards I have owned/ridden, and the strawberry color is spot on. As you know, the board is a Semi Gun 8' 0" x 21 1/2 "x 3", beefed up as per the dimensions to assist with my reduced paddling capabilities (neck/back problems).
 
I have so much to say in favour of this board that I'll only be repeating the attributes of the Miller Semi Gun detailed by yourself on the website. The features I have really come to appreciate are the early wave entry, excellent traction/holding ability on steep faces, quick tail response, pronounced drive when needed, all combining to give a great feeling of control.
 
The last Semi Gun I owned was 15 years ago, dimensions  6'10" x 17 1/2" x 2 5/8", a good board but which these days would leave me seriously under volumed, even though my weight is about the same at 73 Kg. Re-adapting to the streamlined shape and extra rocker characteristic of a gun style board was a gradual process. There wasn't much surf about when I received the board but I was keen to paddle and ride what I could to get aquainted. Over several weeks I worked  my way up in wave size from waist height to O'head and a half and found the bigger and hollower waves may have challenged me a bit but not the board.
 
So for now, I ride a previously acquired Powerglide (7' 6" x 22 1/2" x 2 15/16") which works well for me up to about head height, then out comes the new Semi Gun for overhead conditions. Less and less frequently I ride a 9' epoxy mal.
Interestingly the mass (weight) of the 8.0' semi gun and the 7' 6" Powerglide on my digital scales are the same at 5.8 Kg. The epoxy mal weighs 7Kg and is becoming too heavy to paddle!
 
I feel very fortunate to have experienced your wonderful board shapes and the great pleasure they give.
Regards
 
Charlie Hyde, Broulee NSW  51/73kg/5'10"

Testimonial Date: 24/04/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
I really enjoyed the process of getting a custom board, much better than just buying one off the shelf. Thanks for patiently listening to all my surfing limitations (I realise it took a quite a while..). 

In the end, I definitely feel I got the right board. It looks great. It's very light  and its hidden volume and flat rocker makes it paddle really well. It feels stable and, on the wave, its very fast and its loose (I'm probably the main limitation). 

Thanks again, 
Chris  - Manly, 5'11, 80kgs;   Board: V Skate, 6'3, 20 3/4, 2 5/8 
Note - I wanted an allround board for standard 2-3 foot stuff and this is perfect.

Testimonial Date: 21/04/2010 - Board Type: Waterskate

Grant, 
Thanks for your message of a little earlier, and sorry I missed the call. 

The board is going fantastically. As you may recall l was out of the water for probably two years in all with various medical disasters, and consequently put on a lot of weight, and lost a lot of fitness. I got back in the water with a Powerglide which I still use on tiny days, but the 'go to' board is definitely now the Waterskate. As my weight continued to drop and fitness came back this has provided all the floatation I've needed, and is still manoeuvrable. One thing I've noticed compared to boards with a similar concept is the Waterskate offers just a bit more drive and speed. And, as is widely mentioned the construction qualities are excellent. 

You've got a customer for life! 

Assuming my weight continues to drop I'll likely come see you and discuss shaving just a tad of volume from the board here and there, but that won't be until at least after winter. 

Regards 
Brett/Sydney NSW
Surfer:45/94kg   Board: 6'9" X 21 1/2" x 2 7/8"+

Testimonial Date: 16/04/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant thanks again for another great board.
It goes really well and surprisingly loose for an 8 foot board.It paddles unreal too and gets in early which is good. This is now the fourth board I've had from you and like the others the shape and the glassing are excellent.I can honestly say I've never had better boards. People have commented on how well proportioned the board is and how it doesn't look like an 8 foot board. It's a great all rounder and would suit anyone who wants a bit of length and volume without wanting to go to a mini mal or a 9 foot mal.I'm really happy with the fin system as well.Thanks again Grant.
ps I enjoyed the video footage as well.

regards Sean age 47 and 90kg
board 8' x 22 x 2 7/8 round pin V Skate

Testimonial Date: 13/03/2010 - Board Type: Custom

Hi Grant,

As I get older and wiser and maybe a little heavier I have realized that all of the boards I see in surf shops are probably only good for 50% of the surfing population. Guys are riding boards that are not suitable for them and unfortunately are becoming overly frustrated with their surfing experience.  This was certainly how I felt.   Interestingly I am not alone in this train of thought and I now see others following your shaping ideas.

Killing time today waiting for the kids I spent an hour looking at Al Merrick's shapes in Mona Vale.  Most surf shops have a limited range of boards that fit my line of thinking.  Indeed, last year's Channel Island's range only had 2-3 models I would have been interested in.  However, this year, a good half of Merrick's boards are suitable for my style of surfing. All of his boards have increased in volume.  The dimensions are truer than many other shapers.  Lots of guys say their boards are 2 -1/2 inches thick but it must only be the measurement at the stringer.  Once you move away from the stringer the planer has taken most of the volume away.

Sorry about the ramble but I thought you should know that one of the world's top shapers has realized what you have been talking about for years.

Now to my boards.

F-SKATE - 6'6" X 21 5/8" X 2 3/4"
I spent a good proportion of the summer on the F-SKATE and hardly used the V-SKATE.  I only did this because I was having so much fun on the F skate.  It did exactly what I wanted.  I was after a board I could use when surfing small waves with my son.  At 6'6" and very wide it is really easy to paddle. I caught every wave I wanted.  It manages to go across flat sections well and in 3 foot plus is really easy to turn.  At times in the smaller stuff I found that it lacked looseness so I began to experiment with fins a little.  I changed to M5s in all 3 positions but felt there was not enough drive  (at my ability level anyway).    I put the M7s back in the sides and put an M5 in as a centre fin.  This loosened the board up quite a bit and I now use this as my standard setup.   In smaller conditions or when surfing a small point break like Tea Tree at Noosa or Mona Vale basin I have been using the M7s as side fins and have used a small GX fin in the centre.  This has really changed the way the board works.  It still has plenty of drive but is really loose as well. 

This board does exactly what I wanted it to and it certainly has a place in my quiver.  My next F skate, however, will probably be around the 6'4" x 20 1/2"  x 2 -1/2" .  This is an inch wider and the same thickness as previous boards by another shaper, however, the true F-SKATE thickness is more to my liking.  I would use this in small waves that had enough power not to warrant using my current  F-SKATE.


V-SKATE - 6'7" X 20 1/2" X 2 3/4"
After spending too much time on the F skate and realizing I was surfing it in bigger waves that would have been much more suitable for the V-SKATE, I finally put the F-SKATE away.  Once again the V-SKATE paddles onto waves so effortlessly.    After only riding it a few times I even managed a 2nd in my division at my local boardriders' club.  (My highest result ever against guys I have surfed against since being a grommet).  This particular day was a pretty solid 5-6 foot and I had much more confidence than ever before.  The result on the day said a lot about the board.  In waves up to this size my V-SKATE is great, however, on this day I found the extra width made the board a bit "skittish"  I was only using M5s so I could have handled it a bit better with a different choice of fins perhaps. 

Once again this board has done exactly what I wanted it to do.  It paddles easily, turns on a dime and has plenty of drive.   My next V-SKATE would probably go back to 6'6" x 19 1/2" x 2 1/2"  or ( 2 3/4" ) . This would give it a bit more down the line hold but still provide plenty of volume for paddling.   I would also add a little more of a double concave through the tail.  I would consider a square or another rounded pin tail.

Thanks for all of your help and guidance.

Regards,

John Engel/Narrabeen (45/84kg/6'2")

Testimonial Date: 24/02/2010 - Board Type: Powerglide

I am aged 50 have surfed many types of boards for over 30 years. Recently, back and neck issues have meant that even paddling a 9 foot longboard have become a real chore, half an hour and I am worn out.  I was very alarmed  and seriously thought my surfing days were numbered.  
 
I desperately searched the internet for a smaller lighter board with a Mal outline, especially with a nose concave that I could rely upon. After may hours of search prompts I found the Miller website and the Powerglide, I was ecstatic, contacted Grant and soon placed an order ( 7' 6" x 22 1/2" x 2 15/16")
 
The objective was to re-experience that short board feel with the least paddling effort whilst keeping the nose-riding option. Over 20 surfs later in a variety of conditions including overhead, I am absolutely satisfied, so it's a big thumbs up with OBJECTIVE ACCOMPLISHED.
 
For other burnt out short and longboarders the Powerglide is a serious option. I now can surf for double the time, half the wear and tear with close to double the fun. 
 
The board paddles well, handles beautifully, is smooth, fast, responsive, thrusts well, is even good off the lip.  It is also very stable allowing one to take two medium cross steps to the nose and two steps back with confidence.  The nose concave works very well, almost instantaneously, which is essential when noseriding on a shortish board.
 
 
Regards and a Big Thankyou 
 
Charlie Hyde (Broulee NSW)

Surfer:50/5'10"/76kg
Board: 7'6" X 22 1/2" X 2 15/16"

Testimonial Date: 24/02/2010 - Board Type: Powerglide

Grant,
Just a note to say how pleased I am with the powerglide model you made for me late in 2009. Having ridden an 8'4'' mal for the past decade, I wanted something a little more manouverable and shorter.... but not too short. At 53 I don't have quite the fitness or enthusiasm for hell for leather surfing but wanted something that has good speed and turning capability. The 7'4'' bright orange and yellow "powerglide" you designed for me is brilliant. I have weaned myself off all other boards in my quiver and now only surf this. I have been blown away with its speed across the wave face and sharp turning capabilities. You were right - it is like riding a short board and so enjoyable. It is my new best friend!! Thank you for your time and attention to detail to design me a board that suits me down to the ground. It surfs great in faster steeper waves of Werri point and is fantastic on the smaller cruisy gentle sets at Seven Mile Beach. It's a great all rounder. Cheers from a very sati
sfied customer!!
Glenn Isemonger : Gerringong/South Coast NSW 

Surfer: 53/5'8"/85kg
Board:  7'4" X 22 1/2" X 2 7/8" Roundtail

Testimonial Date: 27/01/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Dear Grant,

I thought I would drop you a line to give a progress report on my V Skate. Just to remind you it was a 6'8", 20 1/8" wide, 2 5/8" board you finished in November.

It is very different from the last few boards I've had which were Greg Clough, Simon Anderson and Bill Cilia thrusters. I wasn't expecting what they had to offer but it did take a while to get it right with this board. My feet weren't right, I took a while to understand the way the board moved, and then there were the caught rails, and frustration encounters in just knowing that everything was wrong at times and something wouldn't allow me to move where I wanted to go. 

I am acutely aware that I have been surfing a 6'8' board through a pretty severe wave drought and the 1' to 3' crumble monsters I was paddling into were making it a bit harder to extract fun than normal from an average surf. 

When we discussed the design and specs you suggested it would be great to get me 2 boards: a 6' 4" and the 6' 8". Pity I didn't have the money as I think you hit the nail on the head. The board has felt a tad long this summer, but more from the point of view of wasted potential. It goes, and any sort of power seems to give it a chance to shine, but the 4" cut would have enhanced this.

Despite all the above, it didn't take long for the board to begin to feel right under me and, while I think it demands a different approach, this is the board I was needing.  When I get it right I am surprised at how well the board handles and how easy it is at times to throw it around. 

I'm keen to get back to you after I have a little more perspective in relation to the sort of waves I've had. It has been small for too long and while I've had head high surfs plus - missed last week's swell while on a seminar - there hasn't been enough of that. 

I love the speed, the momentum through flat sections, and, of course, the added volume has made a significant difference in paddling and a noticeable improvement in ability to catch what I paddle for. This makes me sound like a lazy old bastard, which may be closer to the truth than I'd like to admit! From a design point of view I really like the bite the board has when pushed despite the volume.  There is no "cork" effect. Your gradation of hard to soft rails appears to be the perfect feature for this. 

Finally, thanks for the attention to detail in your finish of the board. It is a quality product, and I was grateful for you putting a sprint in to get it ready when there was that hitch with getting it shaped. 

Will be back in contact, and am happy to tell you I have been talking up your boards with friends who are not on the right equipment, but still need quality to go with change. 

Regards,

James Burfitt/Northern Beaches Sydney.

Surfer: 49/5'10"/78kg
Board: 6'8" X 20 1/8" X 2 5/8" Roundtail.

Testimonial Date: 22/01/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
I bought a 7'2" v skate from you last June. Definately the best board I have owned. Great paddle power drive and speed. Feel that that my surfing has progressed so much that I would benefit from a slighty shorter new board. I was wondering if you still trade your old boards back. It is still in great condition by the way. If you still trade I would like to order a 7' v skate but a round tail model.

thanks 
Gary
South Coast NSW
Surfer: 47/6'0"/90kg
Board: 7'2" X 21 1/4" X 2 7/8" squashtail

Testimonial Date: 22/01/2010 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant
After a horrible two weeks holiday with no surf... this week Huey delivered. "They're closing the beaches," was the cry. "Cool let's get out there," said my mates. And didn't my V-Skate perform perfectly in the 6 footers! God I love this board!!!

With the surf dropping I'm considering buying a powerglide even though my 7 foot V-Skate can handle the slops as well. Am I being too generous with owning two Millers? I think not but let's see what the wife says... 

Simmo/Northern Beaches

Surfer: 37/6'1"/85kg
Board: 7'0" X 21 1/4" X 2 3/4" squashtail

Testimonial Date: 21/01/2010 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
I got your letter with the info on it.Thanks alot man. Nice talking to you too.I thought we might have been in for some cyclone swell recently with a bit of weather hanging around but it never eventuated so it looks like I'll have to wait until April to get back out on the F- Skate.The crocs are a little bit less agressive then so it's better for the blood pressure anyway.

The last time I rode the F- Skate,which was probably the 2nd or 3rd time on it, I had what I would call one of the best surfs I've ever had. Not because the surf was fantastic,( it was pretty good though for up here.)but more so because of the shit hot board you shaped me.I love the Waterskate but the F- Skate takes your surfing to another level.It paddles really well,is fast and very manoeverable.There's nothing that I don't like about it mate so thanks very much.I look forward to yacking with you again soon about the next installment to my quiver.
         cheers 
       Scott/NT
Surfer:41/6'1"/95kg
Board: 6'7" X 22 1/2" X 2 7/8"  Specialised small wave F-SKATE

Testimonial Date: 7/01/2010 - Board Type: Custom

Gday Grant
Just thought I’d drop you a line to let you know how the board is going. I’ve taken it out a few times over the last few weeks and have been absolutely loving it. The paddle power and the speed of it are simply awesome, it works exactly how I wanted it. It took a little while getting used to the single fin on my first surf on it, I kept trying to turn it hard on the rails like I do on the V-Skate and got spat off a few times as it tended to spin out a bit on the tail as I was surfing it in pretty solid 2 metre waves. The biggest thing to get used to was the sensation of speed, it goes so fast down the line compared to the V-Skate – bloody awesome!! 

After my first surf I was considering adding the extra couple of fins to make it into a thruster to enable it to key into the bigger waves on the turns but have now decided to leave them off because I have started getting used to the different feel of it and I quite like the challenge of having something different. I like a lot of diversity as I reckon it helps improve my surfing because I’m the kind of person that can go a bit “stale” if I stick to the same thing all the time

In smaller stuff it works an absolute treat, I spent a morning out at Point Leo in small fat little waves and it went beautifully, picks up waves with ease and responds well to weight shifting to get more speed or hold back to stay closer to the pocket.

In short mate I love it, thanks again for making me such a great board that suits what I needed so perfectly. 

Best regards

Andrew Hatch/Victoria

Board: 8'6" X 22 1/2" X 3" Dedicated high speed malibu with maximum paddle power. 2 plus 1 fin setup.
Surfer:33/5'10"/88kg

Testimonial Date: 23/12/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant,

Just a quick call to say thanks for another great board, my second. The V-skate was even better than I could have imagined. Having been on a Waterskate for a while I wanted something new and a bit faster for the waves in the Mentawais. Your advice and expertise in providing such a great board for my big trip is much appreciated. I look forward to speaking again when I am ready for the next upgrade. It will definitely be a Miller board.

Regards,

Laurie/WA

Surfer:47/6'0"/80kg
Board: 6'6" X 20 1/4" X 2 5/8" Rounded pintail

Testimonial Date: 18/12/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant....Finally!
 
I've been searching for waves morning and evening every day this week, I got out for a few fairly ordinary surfs but was holding out for something more auspicious for yellow's maiden voyage. I drove all the way South to Bombo tonight and was rewarded with 3-4ft clean NE swell, pretty weak and inconsistent but with a lovely 50m bank and five guys out.
 
I just can't get over how light and fast it is compared to what I've been riding, I made every wave I went for and ended up getting heaps of waves. They were all on my backhand and I felt pretty out of control, it's a lot faster than I'm used to and I overcooked most of my turns and ended up face-planting into the wave but it was great to finally feel what it's like to do a hard turn.
 
Easily my best session in the water since my last night at Ujung Bocur, the wind swung South on my way home so tomorrow looks like it will be pretty good too. Going to skip off early before the swell gets blown out to sea.
 
Just wanted to say thanks again, I'm all excited at the thought of getting out again tomorrow and trying some more turns.
 
Hope all is well in Sydney.
 
Seeya - Ciaran.  

Board: 6'9" X 21" x 2 3/4" Roundtail    Surfer: 36/84kg/5'11"

Testimonial Date: 8/12/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

G'day Grant, sorry I haven't returned your message, I have been out bush working along the Nullarbor rail line for Telstra. 
Finaly had a chance to give the Powerglide a run at Pondie with a few mates.
Very pleased with it. Exactly as you said, easy to paddle, great manouverability and just good fun.
Thanks very much and your after sales follow up is appreciated. Good to see someone that cares about their product and the customers.

Happy surfing

Regards Michael (South Australia)

Board: 7'0" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8"
Surfer: 53/80kg/5'7"

Testimonial Date: 15/10/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant,
 
Just writing to give a quick heads up on how the surfboard travelled.
 
Absolutely love it, paddled superbly well and constructed to suit my style and physique. Had a ball travelling down the NSW Nth coast, was catching heaps of waves, although the swell died a bit on the back half of the week. Found the board great in all conditions and cant wait to get back to the coast to give it a whirl in some bigger surf, to really open it up and see what she can do.
 
Been an absolute pleasure going through the design process with you and it felt so special getting back to AUS and being able to hit the water on a new board. Cant really express how good that made me feel to be honest.
 
Hopefully can catch up for a surf sometime in Sydney- if your not to busy.
I might see you in September sometime to pick up my mates board.
 
Cheers,
Tom/Sydney  7'0" X 21 1/4" X 2 7/8"      26/97kg/6'0"

Testimonial Date: 7/07/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Thanks for the call.
The board is going well, I cannot flaw it really, it just does everything I have wanted a board to do. It turns tight and has a lot of feel when the back foot is on the tailpad, it is stable on take off too. I have yet to sample it in crappy onshore...there has been none, but I have been surfing up to solid 5ft waves and it holds the wave nicely at speed, is pretty quick and paddles great...gee do i sound happy, well thats as I am. 
Cheers
See you for the next one.
ian (Newcastle/NSW) 6'5" X 20" X 2 9/16"

Testimonial Date: 3/07/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

Picked up my 6’8, V-Skate about six weeks ago, this is my third Miller board in less than three years and they just keep getting better.
After not surfing for 20 years I started with a 6’9 Waterskate. I rode this board for about two years until I picked up a 6’7, F–Skate, this board went great but I missed some characteristics of my Waterskate. 
The V-Skate is the best of both worlds, I cannot feel any noticeable difference in the paddle power, the board is stable and super responsive.
For any average surfer in his forties looking for a great all round board the V - Skate is the answer.
Thanks again Grant.

Neil
Cronulla  (6'8" X 21 1/2" X 2 3/4")

Testimonial Date: 27/06/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Gidday Grant  I've ridden the board a few times and its been hard getting back after the back dramas I've had. I had it out in a wedgy beachbreak this morning. The board handled the late drops really well and because it paddles so well I was able to get into the waves no worries.
The board is really stable, paddles well and is fast,loose and doesn't hang up or catch rails. This is the third board I've had from you and like the others, the shape, glassing and overall finish have been unreal.
Coming down off a 7'6" Powerglide was no worries.
Again the experience in dealing with you was great and I'll get back to you for another board later in the year.
Have a good trip and stay safe 

regards  Sean (NSW South Coast)
age 47
weight 90kg
Waterskate  7'0" x 21 3/4 x 2 7/8

Testimonial Date: 27/06/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant
Got back from the Mentawai's over two weeks ago, so I thought I should quickly check in with you. The 7'2" Powerglide#3 and 7'8" Miller Gun were perfect additions to my quiver.

Powerglide - As you know, my enthusiasm for the PG's is unerring so I confidently put #3 to good use in everything from well overhead Nipussi to "just breaking" Pitstops. The board went so well making big long slabbing sections without a stutter. Alternatively, it transitioned back into a great fun board for perfectly peeling Pitstops. 
Note: I tested out the new fin system by slamming into a submerged branch at overhead Nipussi. Not too much damage right! The fin's were jolted back a little and the plugs need a bit of patching but nothing like the carnage that you'd expect from an FCS system.
What I like about the PG - Early entry into any wave from deep way outside, pulling up into the most critical section when I'd normally be scratching into the drop! 
This is my third PG with minor variations. I think we have the dimensions locked in.
I love the board.

The gun - Last but not least. The 7'8" Miller Gun is a dependable big wave board. No questions asked! I only took it out once but it was nice to have the entry speed and positive feel under foot on the bigger drops. I don't think I need to elaborate you know the story!

I have a couple of photos from a sweet little Pitstops session. Water temp 26degC, air 30degC.

Rgds

Tim  (Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 22/06/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant - good to catch up with you again on my recent trip to Sydney. I took the blue vskate (6'6- 20.5, 2 5/8) out on Sunday and it worked a treat. I was a little worried that the step down from a 6'9, 21 1/4, 2 3/4 Waterskate might have been too much but it floated me well, paddling was fine and its given me that looseness and rail drive I was after. You've mastered the knack of 'hiding' the volume in a light, compact frame.

Enjoy your break and I look forward to ordering another board in the next year. 

cheers...Andrew(WA)

Testimonial Date: 16/06/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

HI Grant,
I recently bought a 6'8 V-Skate from you.  Just a quick note to let you know so far so good.  Have only been able to get into some full Dee why breaks but at least I can make the best of it on the new board.  Got a descent run last thursday at Narrabeen on some size and shape and I feel very comfortable on the board.  I'm enjoying getting to know the board and am very happy with the purchase, it's the right board for me.  Have a good break,
Thanks
Wayne/Sydney.  (6'8" X 20 3/4" X 2 3/4")

Testimonial Date: 10/06/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

GRANT,
      having been surfing for 37 years and knowing what i want in a board but not getting it,i took what i thought was a gamble on you.Well it paid off cause you delivered what i consider a keeper,a board that is extremly fast,loose and paddles well and is now in my top 5 boards in my life .Well done and thanks.If anyone out there looking for a new board but maybe uncertain to take a chance on Grant just go for it cause you wont regret it!
Dave Lowe/NSW Norh Coast....v skate 6-4x19.5x 2 5/8

Testimonial Date: 10/06/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
 
Thanks for the follow-up call on my V-Skate. The board is beautifully designed and constructed, it’s light and strong, and a joy to hold and admire.

It got baptised at a Torquay reef on the biggest swell of 2009 (so far). The board paddled easily and I picked up the first decent wave without any trouble. Once I got to my feet, it was like a whole new world of surfing started opening up. 

As you know, I was coming off a mini-mal that I’d gone to after losing some fitness because of typical late-30s family and work commitments. I enjoy the mini-mal but was looking for a new board to give my surfing a push along, particularly in bigger and better quality surf and the V-Skate sure is the one for me. On the mini-mal, I’d got lazy and was tending to just ride waves; the V-Skate demands that I surf the wave. 

Even though on that first wave I felt like I was riding a skateboard down the side of a house, the board was rock solid. And since then I know that the board will make late takeoff and very steep sections if I’m doing it right. It’s really fast, even in smaller and sloppy waves, it slides and sticks depending on where my weight is, it’s smooth into turns and quick out of them. As soon as I’m up, the board just seem to ask, ‘What do you want to do?’ and then to respond to whatever I’m capable of. 

So, thanks again for a design with the perfect combination of looseness and stability, for great communication and quality service.

And it’s not just me. After trying the V-Skate on just two average waves at 13th beach my brother was on the phone to you the next day to place an order. He’ll be just as happy and I’ll keep recommending you.

All the best for your winter break.

Chris.
Melbourne. 6’8” x 20 ½ ” x 2 ¾”

Testimonial Date: 4/06/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,

I just want to say thanks for shaping such a lovely board.  Flawless lines and a top paint job.

You might recall my sad story of having started surfing on a shortboard many years ago, then upgrading to newer, thinner, ‘cooler’ looking boards which caused my surfing to go downhill and eventually forced me onto a mal.

The Waterskate you shaped for me is an absolute revelation.

I initially had some trouble adjusting to the board but am now much more in tune with it.

The board is so buoyant and easy to paddle but once you’re up, it really does surf like a regular shortboard – very loose, responsive and easy to turn.   Even after extended periods out of the water, it doesn’t take too long to get back into the swing of things.
My enthusiasm for surfing was always high, but now it’s off the scale.

I am CONSTANTLY dreaming of going surfing.  Any decent moves I managed to pull off during previous surfs keep going over in my mind.

I just can’t wait for my next chance to hit the waves.

So, thanks again Grant. This is honestly the best board I have ever surfed and

I will definitely be ordering a V-skate sometime in the future.

All the best,

Dom (Victoria) ( 6'3" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" )

Testimonial Date: 3/06/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant

Just wanted to send you an update about the board (6'8 waterskate).  I
have been totally happy with it-easy to paddle, east to catch a
wave-when I'm brave enough and stable.  Everything you said it is. My
only problem now is taking off on the bigger wave!
My husband Pedro has been using it through the Sumatra coast to Bali
as we've been sailing down- he WAS a kneeboarder for some 30 years and
loves your board soo much he  has sold the kneeboards and rides
mine....I use it in the very small stuff- he uses it in the bigger
waves.  He finds it stable, was ideal to learn on, easy to ride on
fast 5-6' waves. You can stand anywhere and move around- forgiving I
guess is the word! It's been used on all the Sumatran/Mentawaian surf
right down the coast, although it was the early season, so not such
heavy swells, but still pulled into some big waves.
  My 2 sons also ride it in suitable conditions as well. Although
Moses, now 10 yrs has now got his own proper shortboard 5,10 ( to last
him), and as all young boys trying all the tricks, cutbacks, manouvers
he can.  Entered his first comp in Kuta last week and made the semi's
and came 5th overall, against all those Indo wipper-snappers! what a
dreamlife-learning to surf in the Mentawai!

anyway,  I see your off to Sumatra.....where is that Freeline camp?
Krui?  Enjoy....great memories and friends made in that part of the
world for us.

Take care and enjoy

Cheers   Belinda Le Grice 
        (WA/sailing Indonesia.....6'8" X 21" X 2 5/8")

Testimonial Date: 2/06/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
Thanks for your follow up call..... 

The board is excellent and I use it as my preference, even when surfing down south. On the bigger waves it's too fast but the paddling benefit far outweighs that so I use it anyway..... it's good to a solid 4ft which is about my comfortable limit. 

Mentawias was great 2-5ft range the whole trip... nothing epic but perfect for a group of mid-40's who don't surf much anymore.... a brilliant trip without the crowds. 
Attached is a pic of me enjoying the fish on one of the smaller days.

Perhaps I should be looking toward the V-skate for the bigger days....
I'll be in touch!

Cheers
Pete/WA  (6'4" X 21 1/4" X 2 5/8")

Testimonial Date: 26/05/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,
I just wanted to let you know how I was going on my F-Skate (6'2"). I have been trying to wait to write to you so I could try my standard shortboard again to compare them but I can't seem to find the right conditions - the F-Skate is too much fun!

I guess the big differences I have noticed are the paddling speed and the fact that it doesn't lose speed and sink so easily in weak waves. It certainly feels different to my normal board but I've tried it out in everything from knee high to well overhead in the past few weeks. Had a few scares at Narrabeen when it was quite hollow and I thought I might snap it when it was brand new - still in one piece luckily.

Anyway, great board so thank you.

Ben Birt/Northern Beaches  (6'2" X 21 1/8" X 2 9/16")

Testimonial Date: 15/05/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know how the v-skate is going. What can I say - just love it! Paddles well, got great line speed,is very easy to surf and forgiving of this old timers rather slowed reaction times! Despite lots of waves i feel I'm just getting to know some of its capabilities. Well done - another great miller design.
Had some fab surf in Bali though I have to say the crowds are pretty 
horrific most of the time. Highlights were Bingin, Caggu and Medewi - the latter was so much fun and we were lucky enough to get it on a new swell at a couple of metres plus. The V and I loved it! 
If I don't get back to you before, have a fantastic trip,
Again many thanks
Ian Sherrey/North coast NSW  ( 6'6" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" )

Testimonial Date: 9/05/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Grant, 
In July 2008 I picked up my 6'8 x 21 x 2 3/4 Waterskate after coming down from a 7'10 Mini mal.  
My surfing has come along in leaps and bounds since then and I have since been able to surf much shorter boards and am now taking on bigger waves. I ride my Waterskate mainly on the mushy days between 2 to 4ft and anywhere there's a lot of paddling involved. 
The Waterskate really does paddle very well and is a very stable ride.  It has been a fantastic platform for me to learn on.  
I underestimated how quickly i would pick up skill on the shorter board and have been regretting my request for you to go from 20 1/2 to 21 wide. Your recommendation on the thickness has been perfect.  My advice to anyone out there would be to listen to your size recommendations every time... Learn from my mistake. 
 
In Feb 09 you shaped a Powerglide for me at short notice before I went on a course on the Mornington Peninsula. 
I picked it up early and had to wait 10 days for it to cure before I could surf it.  It was an agonising wait.  Once the ten days was up, I had to wait another 4 days because it was flat.  The swell picked up and I scored some shoulder high waves inside Westernport bay.  It took a few waves to figure it out but once I kooked a few waves I was off! I can't believe how well I could get up to the nose even though it was only a 7ft board.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not hanging ten, but I got 5 onto my black rail band a few times, with by back foot planted on the Miller logo, and all in the first session.  It was great for nice long turns and paddled like my old 7'10.  The next surf was 1-2ft Crunchie point where I got a chance to glide in some really small waves... nothing exciting but fun nonetheless. 
 
I took my board home for the weekend following and on my return to Melbourne, the airline (that shall remain nameless) smashed it up pretty badly.  They knocked back my claim for compensation even though I had it in a 10mm bag.
 
So once I get this situation sorted out and get a/my powerglide back in the water which ever the case my be, I'll send you some better feedback. 
 
In the mean time though, many thanks, it's always a pleasure dealing with you and i look forward to buying more boards from you.

Jetlee 
 
My specs. 
 
Height: 5'10" 
Weight: 80-83kg (depending on drinking:surfing ratio)
Years surfing : 3
Waves: Cronulla Point and Seal Rocks when I can get away from town.

Testimonial Date: 22/04/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant,

Just a quick note to say thanks for the 7' powerglide you shaped for me at the start of Feb. As you may recall I was after a "fun" board for small days at Manly when getting wet was a better option than sitting on the couch or grovelling on a short board for no rewards. Indeed the powerglide is very much a "FUN" board with a capital F! and has truly exceeded my expectations. The board came alive first time I stood up on it and I knew I was in for a treat. It really does handle quite well for a board of that size which can be quite deceiving at times. When you're pumping up and down the line you really forget you are on a mid length type board. There are multiple sweet spots and it surfs really well from the tail. It also paddles like a demon and is easy to duckdive. The nose concave is quite unique and works a treat as I have had no problems on cheater fives etc. It really does add another dimension to a board which surfs almost like a short board. It is not a short board of course and you do notice the extra size when trying to come off the top. That being said I love this board. For what it's made for it does the job and more and I wouldn't hesitate recommending it to anyone in the market for a mid length board. 
This is a well thought out and effective design and Grant is a pleasure to deal with. 
Age:35
Years surfing: 17
Location: Manly
Surfed: Manly Beachbreak and Bower to 4ft
Thanks,

Ev

Testimonial Date: 21/04/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant,

I bought the 6'6" F skate that you were riding. The clear deck board with M5 fins ($450).

I took a little while to get used to the 21+ inch width, but the paddle and float it delivers is sensational.

Early waves at Maroubra in 2-3ft surf, I found the board to have consistent speed, it planes unbelievable across flat sections.

I took it to the Superbank in waves between 3 & 6 foot, it howled. Late takeoffs were a breeze and it felt stable, it drives and accelerates under foot and pulls great arcs with a high degree of certainty. If I could change anything, I would have bought it earlier!

Thanks again, you have the art down pat and there is nothing that brings a sweeter smile to a surfer than the knowledge the stick under his feet will deliver the goods.

All the best
Laurie Miller/Sydney    6'6" X 21 5/8" x 2 5/8"

Testimonial Date: 1/04/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant
I got your message yesterday and my 6'10" V Skate goes really well. I am really happy with the board as it does what I was hoping it would do. Turning, duck diving, paddling,speed it achieves all of these. The volume in the board allows me to paddle onto waves early and easily but it is not too big to not be able to duck dive. Turns really well and the speed is good.
Unfortunately I have already put a crack on the underside of the board where the the lap folds.I hit it hard with my my knee.
Very happy with the purchase and I will ring you again when I need a new one.
Cheers
Dave/Northern Beaches. Sydney.

Testimonial Date: 19/03/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,
My Waterskate arrived today at about 3.00pm SA time.
Also, TNT did ring me at about 8.00am to advise me of approx. arrival  
time at my home.

Love the board.  The shape, rocker - everything - is more than I hoped  
for!
I was a bit worried about my choice of the yellow!  However, the way  
it has turned out is perfect - a credit to the person that sprayed  
it.  Thanks.
The fin system looks pretty good too - glad I followed your advice.

I will now wait for 2 weeks before going for a surf on it.

Once again, my sincere thanks,
Cheers,
Simon Grayling(South Australia)

Testimonial Date: 28/02/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant , got the board in the water first day home - 3-4 ft slight cross wind but a straight swell - I was the only one out and had 1  1/2 hours of ripping it up ( if I dont say so my self ) best board ever - wave catching , speed and tight turns .
I'm stoked !!!!

You are onto a winner here , as if you dont know .

I'm spreading the word !!

Cheers 
Wally /New Zealand  ( 6'4" X 21 1/2" X 2 5/8" )

Testimonial Date: 26/02/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

G'Day Grant,

I picked up my Powerglide (The Green Machine) a couple weeks ago and have been riding it in crappy surf and i am stoked. Finally some decent 3 to 4 foot swell arrived this week and the board just went to another level i can't wipe the grin off my face. 

Now boys and girls i'm 120kgs give or take a few kilos (give more than take) and was a bit wary when Grant said it would float me and paddle like a 9 footer but it does and i'm blown away how good this board is! 

It surfs like a short board and you can get up on the nose if you like. So all you big fellas out there looking to get off your logs, this IS the board!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't thank you enough Grant.

Cheers
Paul    8.0 x 23 x 3 1/8 Powerglide
South Coast NSW

Testimonial Date: 24/02/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant,

I've had the Powerglide you shaped me for almost a year now, and thought I should let you know how its going.  As I discussed with you last week, a couple of months ago I popped a FCS plug out - I had it repaired (the shaper that repaired it commented on how good the glass job was!) and got some FCS PC-7 fins to replace the M-5's.  As you and I figured out, the fins were way too big as it made it feel stiff and slow.  I ended up getting some FCS Simon Anderson S-25 Medium fins, and could not be happier!!  Yesterday it was 2-3ft onshore, and I was having the best fun I've had on the board!  It was fast, loose and most of all, an absolute blast to ride!  Overall, thanks for making a fantastic board!

Sam / VIC (7'0" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8")

Testimonial Date: 24/02/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

G'day Grant. 
You called me last week following up after supply (last Christmas) of a V-Skate you shaped for me. In my appraisal I said that I was happy with the board, however, I was finding it a little sluggish in the small waves we've been plagued with over Summer.  
Well, yesterday I was fortunate to have about an hour of getting a glutton's share of solid three foot (occasionally 4 ft) waves and the board really came into it's own. Paddling into waves above waist high the board really lights up with fantastic speed and manoeuvrability, performing as well as any of those wafer thin boards I was riding before.  The main difference was that on the V-Skate I was sitting about an extra 10 metres further out and therefore was getting onto a lot of the waves before the pack had even started paddling. 

Really happy with the board - it's a great product. 

P.S.  Enjoyed your blog/diatribe concerning the fourth Reich (aka Liberal Party of Australia)

Rick/Sydney  (6'5" X 19 5/8" X 2 5/8" squashtail)

Testimonial Date: 17/02/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,

Just a note to say thanks for what I think is the perfect board. At 6’5” it’s hard to find a shaper who knows how to make a board for someone of my height. The 6’8” V-Skate is simply fantastic and what I’ve been looking for, for years. When I first saw the board I thought it looked much bigger compared to what I’d been riding, but any doubts were immediately dispelled once it was in the water. The extra volume through the nose makes an incredible amount of difference in getting into waves early and it surfs better than the other thrusters I’ve been frustrated with for years now, despite buying boards meant to be for someone tall. I came back from a surf yesterday happier than I’ve been in ages. I couldn’t be more pleased with the board and your guidance and will certainly be back for another in the future.

Cheers

Hamish/WA  (6'8" x 20 1/2" X 2 3/4")

Testimonial Date: 3/02/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant, 

Just writing to give some feedback about my powerglide board that you made late last year. It's really good. It does everything that I want it to in the conditions that I have surfed it in thus far, which is great. I'm just waiting for a nice peeling day at a good size to see how it goes. Thanks heaps, I'm really happy with the board.

Michael/Victoria  (7'0" X 22 1/8" X 2 7/8" squashtail)

Testimonial Date: 3/02/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant

Purchased a 6'7 F Skate before Christmas. This replaces the 6'9 Waterskate I have been riding for the last 2 years. I had not surfed for about 20 years until I purchased the Waterskate and I am hooked. 
The F Skate is everthing you said it would be and more. First decent surf was Head High waves at The Pass Byron Bay, the board was unreal and many locals were asking where I got the board from.
Thanks again Grant I appreciate your patience when I was picking board.
Speak to you later in the year for another upgrade.

Neil/Cronulla  (6'7" X 21 3/4" X 2 7/8")

Testimonial Date: 3/02/2009 - Board Type: Powerglide

Hi Grant

The Powerglide is perfect for what I needed. It's fast to paddle and stable to ride. I lent it to friend that took it out into bigger surf than I'm capable of riding at the moment and he was very impressed with how it handled bigger conditions.

I feel that this is a board I'm going to be enjoying for a long time.

All the best

Paul/Japan--Queensland  (8'0" X 23" X 3" squashtail)

Testimonial Date: 3/02/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

we've taken off overseas for a year or so and i'm currently in the north east of england. Took the 6'10 out in scarborough (northern english north sea) yesterday.... its started snowing while i was out! Great fun though, and the board is brilliant. I don't really surf the waterskate any longer as the two vskates are just too good. When i went to the Mentawai's (probably the best trip ever), the 6'10' quickly became the board of choice because it allowed me to get into the waves just that little bit earlier. Once i was up, (technique permitting :-) ) i was able to generate speed and practice my turns. The boards i have have really helped to improve my surfing.

I hope you had a good time in California. Should be back next year.
Cheers
Andy/Sydney (6'10" X 20" X 2 5/8")

Testimonial Date: 3/02/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant
 
What can I say about the V-skate...... well the biggest compliment I can give you is that I gave away my old 6'3'' Al Merrick as I was never going to surf it again.
The V-skate has become my quiver of one.  
I've ridden fast reef point breaks in the Mentawais and gutless beach break in the UK and it has been a star in both.  
Planning early was such a result on the fast stuff, giving me more time to pop and so making more drops than I would expect to.  It's sweet in the turns, giving me confidence to carve a bit hard every time.
It takes a little more effort to duck dive and is probably on the limit of volume I'd like in a board,but that was the whole point of going for the v-skate.
The sweet spot to lie on the board is quite big, which is handy for those last minute decisions to go.
However I often catch myself lying a bit to far forward on the board, 
(probably due to having ridden a 6' fish for so long, old habits die hard).
All in all I'm glad I stopped kidding myself and bought a board that suits my level of surf ability, (and fitness), that puts a massive smile on my face.
Cheers mate,
Andy/Sydney (6'4" X 19 3/4" X 2 5/8")

Testimonial Date: 2/02/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,

Thank you for the call today... I have only just started using the board and am REALLY impressed- very happy with the decision... Easy to use, turn etc without being cumbersome. Thanks for taking the time to listen and shape the board, as well as the follow up. Will let you know when I need an upgrade (gotta lift my weekly surf rate first!!!!). Cheers

Kind regards
Alan (Victoria)  7'0" X 21 3/4" X 2 7/8"

Testimonial Date: 19/01/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,
 
MATE!!! Surfed the new board yesterday at Curly. It rips! Got some really nice head high lefts and a few rights. Great for paddling and manoeuvrable also so I'm really happy with it.
 
Thanks so much. 
 
Next one I'll come straight to you. 

Thanks again and hope you are keeping well.
 
Regards
Barry (Northern Beaches/Sydney)  7'0" X 21 3/4" X 2 7/8"  roundtail version.

Testimonial Date: 16/01/2009 - Board Type: Custom

Gday Grant,

The 6'4' you shaped is fantastic. Worked an absolute treat in Sri Lanka - could go from top to bottom easily, it suits me perfectly. Its got great speed and the round tail makes it nice and loose in the small stuff. Sometimes it goes a little wobbly in the big stuff because of the tail, but most of the time goes great in big surf.
Definitely the best board so far. Thankyou very much. Hope you're enjoying the summer.

Cheers,
James Cripps (Northern Beaches/Sydney) 6'4" X 19 1/4" X 2 1/2" High performance.

Testimonial Date: 16/01/2009 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,

I ordered a board (F-Skate) from you about 12 months ago. It is the best board i have ever ridden. It has seriously reignited my stoke for surfing. Being pretty heavy i needed some real paddle power and the F-Skate is perfect. Feels like i am picking waves up soooo much easier which is allowing me more time to get to my feet and in turn put em in the right place. I have planned a trip to Sumatra later in the year and will take the F-Skate with me for the fun days. I was curious to know more about the V-Skate and whether it would be suitable for more hollow waves like over there. I have found with the F-Skate that when surfing a more punchy hollow wave, unless i am on my feet before it pitches it isn't as easy to make late take-offs. Love to have a chat to you about it and possibly make an order.

Cheers mate
Brad (Victoria) 6'8" X 20 5/8" X 2 3/4"

Testimonial Date: 8/01/2009 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant, 
 I've had the vskate for around 18 months or so now and am still very happy with it. I surf it in all conditions but now that summer is here, and with it the awful surf that we get here in Perth, I was just after a bit of feedback on your fish. I've spoken to a couple of people who have raved about the board in these conditions and wouldn't mind a chat sometime when you get back. 

Regards Johnny (Perth/WA)

Testimonial Date: 8/01/2009 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant,
A very belated response to your follow up call regarding my Waterskate and Powerglide.
So far so good... they are everything I hoped for in terms of quality and performance.
Wish I could say I have had some good waves on them but the fickleness of Qld surf in spring and early summer and my inability to surf when there has been good waves around prevent this.
However with the limited surfing I have had on the boards I can say that I am very positive that we made the correct choices.
Will talk to you in the New Year, when you have some time, about another Powerglide for my daughters. 
I hope you enjoyed a happy Christmas and have a prosperous New Year.
best wishes

Ray Aldridge (QLD)

Testimonial Date: 23/12/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant.  Sorry I missed your call yesterday.

Thanks for the 7ft V skate at such short notice.  Had 2 weeks in the Mentawais in September and the board was unreal.  It took a couple of waves to get the feel for it but after that the paddling ease and speed were unreal.

The board looks great and the finish is just quality.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Ryan (WA)   7'0" X 19 3/4" X 2 3/4"

Testimonial Date: 18/12/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,

Just dropping you a short note to let you know that the V-Skate you shaped me is pretty good ... It's definitely a keeper!

Thanks for taking this job on short notice and for caring enough to take meticulous notes on all your custom orders. You were able to interpret my sometimes vague feedback and use your shaping notes to make little tweaks to my previous board - already a good one - which were all positive. I can hardly believe what a huge difference those changes made. Yours truly is a custom service. 

I just got back from the Mentawais last week where I rode it every day in waves ranging from 2 to 5 feet. It paddled well and was fast, smooth and drivey. Pretty much everything I want my boards to be.

Cheers
Sherman (Northern Beaches) 6'2" X 19 1/4" X 2 7/16" Roundpin V-SKATE.

Testimonial Date: 5/12/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

G’day Grant,
Thanks for the call, glad to hear you really enjoyed your trip!! Good things happen to good people!!

Attached is a photo of my V-Skate in action in The Mentawais…!! 

Thanks again for another great board. That trip along with your board has once again taken my surfing to the next level…After only 2 x years of surfing, I’m loving it more than ever!! 

Cheers…Glenn   6'8" X 20" X 2 5/8" (Cronulla)

Testimonial Date: 4/12/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

Thanks for the follow up call, once again very happy with the custom 7' v-skate you made for me. It has worked really well down at Manly so I am sure it will do the job when I head off to Indo in March. Good down the line speed but still quite maneuverable and with plenty of paddle power - the best combination! I think that's board no 4 so far and they have all been great - keep up the good work.

Dave  (Northern Beaches)

Testimonial Date: 13/10/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Dear Grant,

sorry for my delay in replying to your telephone message some weeks before. A few months ago I hurt my shoulder and after only one surf on your board I did not yet feel qualified to give you some feedback about how it went.

Recently, however, with my shoulder healed, my mate and I went on a 3 day surf trip down the Great Ocean Road. Your board went really well Grant, I love it.

The best day was about 4-5 at Bells, good conditions, and with the healing shoulder and all your board paddled terrifically. It just paddles unreal Grant, and even after being out of the water for so long I managed to catch a good share of waves - waves I knew I would have missed on my old, thinner boards. It also turned well, and felt responsive. After only 5 surfs I am still getting the feel of the board, but I just wanted you to know that already I am really satisfied with it.

Thanks for listening so much when we discussed my needs. I am a not a hot surfer, but love it, and I really appreciated the thoughtfulness you showed when we discussed the details of the board.

In about 12 months my mate and I are planning a surf trip overseas, perhaps to Bali or Fiji - and I will certainly be contacting you to get one or two more boards.

regards,

Graham Gee  ( 6'7" V-SKATE/ Victoria)

Testimonial Date: 13/10/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Gday Grant,
                I purchased a 6'6 vskate from you back in may this year and just want to let you know that im stoked with the board.It drives good off the bottom and is fast down the line,only got to surf it in about 4ft sofar  but keen to get it into some bigger size.Fully stoked with the glass job, and how easy it is to paddle.Finally found a board with allround good performance.Sorry never got back earlier in the year been workn offshore but got time ashore now and been getn a few waves..............
 
Cheers,Bill caldwell

Testimonial Date: 9/07/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Grant,

Just wanted to say i am very happy with the new board.
Havent been out on it a lot, but the few surfs i have had so far have been great.It has great paddling power and for a larger board (7'6") awesome speed and turns on a dime. When it comes time for a new board i will definately be back again.

David/NSW Central coast. (7'6" X 21 1/2" X 2 7/8")

Testimonial Date: 8/07/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

G'day Grant,

Happy with the seven footer you shaped for me, but the swell prospects are poor for Ayers rock this morning... Surfed it at Saltwater in pretty good 3-4 footers before I left and on initial indications it went well. My best mate at Pambula is on it till I hit the coast again probably in Exmouth. The bigger fins give a lot of extra drive off the bottom wich was what I was after. It took well over 3 weeks to cure properly down in Vic. but she arrived unmarked. I think Its gunna be a great allrounder. Thanks DEAN. (Victoria) 7'0" X 20 3/4" X 2 3/4"

Testimonial Date: 4/07/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

G’day Grant,

Thanks for your phone message today.

Thought I’d drop you a line to say how wrapped I am with the new board. I used it first down south & it already has made so much difference. Heaps easy to paddle, catching a lot more waves & not getting as tired as I used to doing so.

It handles great, nice & stable but easy to turn. I can’t believe how easy it gets around whitewater sections, feels like it’s floating on air like a hover board compared to my last board.

Even had a little bit of swell in Perth lately & they have been the best surfs I’ve had here for ages due to the new board.

It’s also helped restore confidence in my ability……was losing it a bit on the previous ‘toothpick’ I was riding.

I can’t tell you enough how happy I am with it & the service you provided Grant. It does everything you said it would.

Thanks heaps & have a great trip to California.

Regards
Nick Raynor

Perth, WA  ( 6'8" X 20 1/2" X 2 5/8" )

Testimonial Date: 26/06/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
thought you could use these (taken in Samoa this May). I promised to send
you some when I picked up board April 2005 (3+ years ago). Apologies for the
delay - only went digital 2007. 
In over 40 years of surfing and owning many
surfboards through this period, this board has proven to be one of the best
I've ever had the pleasure of riding. It works well in waves from hip high
to well overhead. I've surfed with this board on the mid north to south
coasts of NSW, in New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa on reef breaks. Thanks again
for this beautifully shaped and finished board. 
Cheers
Ross Tinker(Australia)

Testimonial Date: 21/06/2008 - Board Type: Powerglide


Hi Grant,
its twelve months since you made me a 7' powerglide and then a 6'6" V Skate.
The powerglide was just a dream from day one and my mates are forever telling me i get too many waves and are amazed at how well the board performs considering its "wierd" look.I had it in the Maldives last July and surfed Jails one day for a total of nine hours and got a" million" waves with minimal effort.
The V Skate was a different story.I struggled to get comfortable with it,it was too skatey for me and it got shelved cause i was having too much fun on the powerglide.One day i took some generic brand fins out of a broken board and tried them in the V Skate...now i cant get off the V Skate, its soooo good.For me two boards is a quiver...thanks
Callo
Moruya..South Coast(NSW)

Testimonial Date: 12/06/2008 - Board Type: Custom

Hi Grant

I LOVE my board! Perfect weight and size for me and its fast! The paddling was no problem either.

I put on a smaller skeg, making my turns easier. 
My first day out with the board was at a break at the North Shore and I got my first barrel!!
I can't wait to take it to surf Fiji in September.
Next time I am out in Hawaii (in July) I am going to try the 6'6 Waterskate I got from you previously.
You are the best! Your board design makes me surf better and I love the way it handles.
Thank you Grant.
I LOVE my board.....Seriously Stoked.

All the best
Rhonda (UK/Australia)  8'0" X 22" X 2 5/8" rounded pin mid length Malibu.

Testimonial Date: 11/06/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

V-Skate:  6/10 able to take on the lads at the Boiling Pot, no mean feat but to be able to pull off a Double Overhead screamer barrel and then work the face from the wedge through to Johnson's for a aged goofy - excellent.  Superbank barrels are effortless, and mistake recovery easy as.  Got this one 2nd hand, next time I'll go with Grant's experienced advice and go a 6/8 & shave a smidge of width off the hip & tail.

Powerglide: Sweet - Just like Grant says - 7ft paddles like an 8 and handles like a 6/6 - Great off the backfoot - forehand or backhand, working the wall, styling - sliding and gliding, or snapit if you want.  Haven't had it long enough to workout the optimum backhand frontfoot sweet spot, but in most cases it's forgiving. However, in all respects forehand felt like an old fav from the very first wave of my first session - even snuck in a pair of D-bar barrels.   Had a comment that I was taking waves off the kiddies. Ha! that's a turn up at D-bar.

Cheers David
(Queensland)

Testimonial Date: 10/06/2008 - Board Type: Powerglide

Re Powerglide 

Grant its been nearly 12 months now that I've had the Powerglide and its turned out to be the best mid length board I've ever had. The way you describe this board and the way it surfs is spot on. 
Its held up really well and still looks really good.
I'll wait until you get back from from your trip away before I order something else.
I wont be trading it in though because I dont think I could part with it.

regards Sean (South Coast NSW)

Testimonial Date: 22/05/2008 - Board Type: Waterskate

Grant,
i thought i'd better send you a note to let you know how stoked i am with the 6'8 waterskate i recently purchased. my previous board was a 7'0 minimal and from the very first wave the waterskate felt spot on. i reckon i'm probably surfing better on the new board than i was on a shortboard 10 years ago. i've just had the board out to rottnest for the first time  in some overhead surf and it went unreal. 

can't wait to get my hands on a v skate and see whats possible. what a godsend to finally come across a shaper who has blokes like myself in mind. keep up the good work.

Mitch (WA)

Testimonial Date: 21/05/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant,The Fskate has gone exceptionally well when I've had in the water.Unfortunately since I've had it there has not been much swell or I've been having too good a time on the PG & havn't taken it out.

Had some good waves on the Skate up the northcoast but I'm still getting my shite together on it after riding much longer boards for a number of years.I'm sure i'll get that sorted over winter & I'll let you know how it goes.Once again an excellent board thanks. 

Steve M.(Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 21/05/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

G'day Grant,
On e-bay, people like to leave positive feedback relating to purchase's. Well if there was ever a person or product that deserves positive feedback, mate, it's you and your surfboards!!  
I'm absoloutely stoked with my F-Skate, it's exactly what I wanted and excatly what you said it would be...stable, fast and loose!! In a nutshell...it's UNREAL!! My skill level has gone thru the roof because my wave count is thru the roof!! 
I'll definately be ordering another one when this one's dead.
In the mean time, Grant could you please give me a call to discuss a V-Skate for those "bigger" days.
As for the people that read these testomnials, if you're thinking of buying a "Miller" surfboard. My 2cents for what it's worth... give Grant a call and order what will probably be the best surfboard you've ever ridden!!
Keep the stoke!!
Cheers,
Glenn
Cronulla, Sydney.

Testimonial Date: 23/04/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

Hope you’re having a good break. Just letting you know that I have just returned from Bali. Had ten straight days of decent surf. The V-Skate performed even better than I expected. Volume was just right and I was surfing like a crazy grom I even gave a the locals a run for their money on a couple of occassions.  Thanks again. I’ll be getting another one later this year.

Cheers

Ron (WA)

Testimonial Date: 14/04/2008 - Board Type: Waterskate

Grant,
      Sorry i havent got back to you earlier, but i want to tell you how happy i am with my 6'10" waterskate i got off you 2 years ago. My surfing has improved heaps and still does with every surf. My wave count compared with my old boards has more than tripled, i feel like a grom again.
      I surf it in all sizes and conditions and it always goes great, always surprises people how fast it goes and have had a few people stop me down the beach and ask me about it and how to get one.
      I mainly surf around phillip island but have also surfed bells and winki between 4' and 8', also surfed angourie last year at 4' to 6', north narrabeen at 1' to 6', cresent head at 1' t0 4' and a few other spots on the nsw north coast. And it was great everytime.
       I now want to order a v_skate off you, probably a 6'10" but i'll see what you think. i've moved back to the coast( phillip island) at the start of this year and im surfing 3 to 4 times a week now. My weight is still the same as when i got the waterskate but i'm a fair bit fitter. Let me know if you need any other details.And thank you again.

Cheers Tony Berry(Victoria)

Testimonial Date: 14/04/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant,
 
Thanks for dropping me a line after the purchase of a 6'8" V-Skate in December 2007.......I had'nt really tried the board out when we chatted but have some more detailed feedback for you as promised.
 
In a nutshell - I am very happy with this board - It has re-invigorated my approach to surfing.
 
I have surfed this board in a variety of conditions - 2ft to 8ft and it has been good all-round...............
 
In 2 ft - I was getting into waves I wouldnt usually paddle out for (I am approx.  6'2 and 92Kg) and I have been finding speed from the take-off and making cutties and little whacks - heaps of fun (with emphasis on fun).
 
In 8ft - the biggest day I have had in a couple of years, I felt super confident paddling into some bombs with this board under me (I consider myself an average surfer and that day I felt like I was going to make every wave I went for - whilst a made a few bombs - I got slayed on a few by being a bit over-confident by the end of the session) - Firstly - I can generate good paddle-speed from this board and can position on the peak - secondly - the board is really stable and feels good getting to my feet - If I put my feet in the wrong spot its pretty forgiving and I am comfortable moving my foot / feet into the sweet spot - thirdly - In the bigger waves there were some good ramps on offer so generating speed wasn't the issue and this board handled the speed (did'nt flutter etc) and felt great to turn.
 
On my last surf - great arvo - 4-6ft right-handers - started to really push through some turns and it felt real good..........can't wait for my next surf and am heading to western vicco in a fortnight - this is my number 1 board for the trip.....................
 
Thanks and regards
 
CP - Port Lincoln - SA

Testimonial Date: 10/04/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant
Love the board ... The f-skate is simple and effective.The board feels good and handles with finesse.I'm a grommie again!!!!

Paul (Gove/Northern Territory)

Testimonial Date: 7/04/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant

I know you said that you would give me a call to see how the board was going but I'm so stoked with it that I had to drop you an email now to let you know!

I've taken it out at Flinders plenty of times since I got it and it is just a revelation. Even after a decent lay-off with surfing since my wife and I had the baby I had no trouble getting to grips with it. It paddles better than my old 7'6" Epoxy Thai Pop-out (which is remarkable considering it is 6 inches shorter and a lot lighter) and it goes like an absolute rocket once you're up - so much so that I'm doing bottom turns and cutbacks on waves that I never would have been able to before. Its lightness means that I can finally duck-dive a board again after years of fighting the epoxy board when a wall of white-water is about to pummel me

Turning ability is so much better than the old board too. I had to lean so hard to get the damn thing to turn and often ended up digging in the rails and falling off yet the V-Skate just does it all so easy and glides along beautifully while doing it too. 

Honestly mate you've got a great board there in the V-Skate, I simply love it and no way will I ever buy a generic board again. Thanks heaps for helping to open up a new door in my surfing for me.

Yours Sincerely 

Andrew Hatch (Victoria)

Testimonial Date: 5/04/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

                 
Hi Grant,

I thought I would send you through some pics that were taken in The Maldives
in March, we got some very nice waves, however the photographer wasn't
around for the epic days (murphys law).

The two boards you made for me performed exceptionally well, I started off
riding the 6'6 and then as the trip went on I couldn't get off the 6'3 F
Skate, It was very different to any fish I had ever surfed on. I surfed
solid 8 ft Honkeys with the 6'3 and it didn't skip a beat, other people in
the line up were asking questions about the board as they couldn't believe I
was taking on solid overhead surf on a 6'3 fish  

Thanks for your honest and experienced advice...the 6'3 performs well at my
local breaks as well and has become my go to board...The 6'6 is also good
however it plays second fiddle to the 6'3, I am sure this will change when
the winter swells start arriving.

Many Thanks

James
Copacabana, NSW.

Testimonial Date: 5/04/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,

Thanks for my 6'2" F-Skate. It it so much fun, even in bad surf. I tend to ride my 6'5" V-Skate when it gets over shoulder high but the F-Skate is a wonder board in the small stuff.  I've found both boards to be quite capable of handling a range of sizes so I can get away with only taking one board to the beach. 

The F-Skate has "fish" paddle power and speed, while turning more like a short board. I have experimented a bit with the fin combination and have found the M5 at the sides and the much smaller GX at the back is my winning combination. I prefer this combo on the Waterskate and V-Skate as well.

Here is my recommendation for someone considering one of your boards. If you are a capable surfer who only uses one board: the V-Skate is for you. If you want a second board for smaller or sloppy days: the F-Skate is a winner. If you are less capable or are coming off a Long Board then the Waterskate may be what you need.

Thanks for making surfing so much fun.

Regards,

Brian. (Busselton. W.A.)

Testimonial Date: 2/04/2008 - Board Type: Custom

Grant,  

Thanks for shaping me a great custom made semi-gun (7'3" x 19 7/8" X 2 3/4") for my trip to Sumbawa.It got me into (and out of) just about every situation I put myself into, in the "magazine picture" quality surf we encountered on our trip. The fact that I'm 54 and only half fit didn't seem to matter-just paddle, point and shoot!

Notwithstanding reef and rock bottoms, nothing more than a few small dings,and it was the only board I surfed.

An exceptional piece of equipment.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Doyle (Eastern Suburbs/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 2/04/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,

I've finally got around to writing you up a 'little' feedback for the 5'11" F-Skate. 

As you know I wanted the board particularly for small days. I tested the board out on a full tide, on a tiny day. I caught waves out the back effortlessly, even keeping up with longboarders. And was able to glide over flat sections easily, the board just kept going. 

I also took it out on a very peaky, messy, onshore, day, thinking it was small and fat until I paddled out and realised it was 5 foot on sets, although the board was for small days it held up well and I was able to catch waves further out than most of the guys that day.

A couple of times I was even able to take off so early that I was on my feet and fading back into the pocket before the guy further inside, with priority, had even taken off. Probably not good etiquette on my behalf! That day was so messy I was surprised how much fun I had, I wasn't sure if others were even getting any waves, I was constantly paddling back from another great ride.

Also I usually will ignore a left for a decent right, but for some reason I love going backhand on this board. I've discovered a whole new love for going left. I can really throw this board hard into a backhand turn onto the rail, haha I'm getting all pumped just writing this. 

Even with the less rocker that you put in, the board still held well on steep take offs. There is something about this board that just gives you confidence when a wave approaches, paddling and takeoffs are just so easy. Once again Grant, many thanks for making this great board for me.

Cheers,

Neil, 
Northern Beaches/Sydney.
_________________________________________________________________

Testimonial Date: 1/04/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant. 
The F skate arrived in good shape and I have had it out in some nice 2 - 3' beachies. It is absolutely perfect. Everything you said it would be! The volume is just right, has good acceleration, feels light under foot and can be put on a rail. A lot of fun. Perfect match with my V skate. Thanks heaps.  

Regards Greg (Perth/WA)

Testimonial Date: 28/03/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant
Haven't looked back since our conversation out in the surf a few months back which prompted me to order my first Miller, a 6'8'' V Skate.
Every surf has been unreal, catching more of those set waves, doing a few more turns and when you're pushing 57 lets face it, every advantage you can gain, embrace it.
So while I'm on a roll, as we discussed last week, I have become the proud owner of a new 6'6" F-Skate to compliment my 6' 8".
Certainly picks up any wave you're willing to paddle for ..stoked again.

Many thanks Grant for your timely advice

Regards Lenny (sorry to rave on a bit) (Collaroy/NSW)

Testimonial Date: 27/03/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant 

Well I've given the F-Skate a full-on shellaking in the past month from knee high slop to head high screamers …. It performs very well in both actually ………. Best aspects of the board are

- ease of paddling (ha I can out paddle my son now) 
- it is pretty loose which has surprised me 
- it appears to be pretty tough cos it has gotten a bit of a pasting at times 
- it is fast - so fast in fact it "scares" my son - he reckons I am going to lose control 

On the other side of the coin I have found that because I like to grab the rail on my backhand for those late fast drops I have dented the deck with the heal of my hand ……………… I am now being a bit more careful and not squeezing the beejeezuz out of it

Overall a 9 out of 10 .. I'll definitely be getting another one …….. 

Peter Cox 
Trigg, WA

Testimonial Date: 25/03/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hey Grant

Okay had 2 months on the V skate and my surfing has improved massively. So forgiving and probably catch 20% more waves.Backhand has improved so much I am actually looking for Lefts! Speed is perfect and manoverability is more than I can handle just yet.Haven't thought of taking another board out and at this stage wouldn't change a thing, bring on winter! 

Take care and add another name to the fan list!

Cheers Phil (Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 17/03/2008 - Board Type: Custom

Hello Grant,

I've finally managed to get some good surfs in on the new board and it's been great. I went across to WA for a 10 day surfari with a friend and we had an awesome time in head high waves, strong offshore winds and friendly locals.
The board was perfect, very easy to paddle (once I got my body position correct), super stable on the take off's and loose on the wave. My surfing improved leaps and bounds after a few days, even my mate commented how much I had improved after some solid days surfing. The board was very forgiving with multiple sweet spots and just let me concentrate on improving my riding.
Thanks for shaping me a great board to match my ability.

The only negative side would be the difficulty in duck diving, being only 75kgs and with a poor technique I found it very difficult to sink the board but I guess there is a lot of volume there to push under the water. You can't have it all..!

I think I'll be in touch towards the end of the year for one of your F-Skate models, something a bit smaller with less volume that I can grow into and go and conquer some bigger waves. I've got the bug big time now...!

Cheers
Mark....(Victoria/Germany)  

This board was an egg shape requested by Mark....6'8" x 22" x 2 7/8"....hence his challenge in duckdiving it.

Testimonial Date: 12/03/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant

Just thought I would touch base with you after collecting the 6"6 F-Skate back in mid Feb.  I took it up on a 4 day trip to Byron the following weekend and in small but clean waves it was fantastic!

After the 6"10 Waterskate, I had no trouble at all instantly adjusting to the F-Skate.  As we had discussed, it is the perfect board to help me develop to the next stage of my surfing.  It was still easy to paddle and stable (like the Waterskate) but I found it much faster and looser - which enabled me to really start working on my turns.  I cant wait to get back out in the water.

Thanks again for your excellent, personalised service.

Cheers

Dougal(Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 7/03/2008 - Board Type: Waterskate

Hi Grant, it is me, Flo from Germany again.

 I was at Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) over New Year and it was the third time I used my 6”6 waterskate. The first time, Bali, I told you was great. Second time was mushy knee to hip high North Sea waves, it also worked!!

 But the third time at the Canaries was unbelievable, I have been barrelled the first time and I made it! I am enjoying my surfing so much since I have got the Waterskate because I have the feeling I am able to surf since I am using it! Thank you very much…

 Next week I will leave to the Basque coast, there will be cold water and very punchy stuff, I will tell you how it worked out for me.

Cheers, Flo. (Germany)

Testimonial Date: 5/03/2008 - Board Type: Powerglide

Grant, 

I bought a 7'0" Power Glide off you a few weeks back, and just thought i would send you a quick email and say "Thank You".  I have just gotten into surfing recently and had tried a few diferent boards, but none felt right, and i struggled to really improve my confidence and ability out on the water.  Enter the Powerglide.  This board is amazing and i love it!   The Powerglide does everything well, and is amazingly versatile.  since getting my powerglide my surfing has come along in leaps and bounds. I can see myself riding this board for a long, long, long time in all conditions.  

Grant, apart from making beautiful boards, your a true champion of the sport, and a legendary shaper.  You helped me/pointed me in the right direction with your knowledge and expert advice. I really appreciated the fact that you were genuinely wanting to help me get the right board above all else, and to get the most enjoyment out of the surfing experience.  

Grant, again a very big thank you.  

Cheers

Troy (Collaroy/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 7/02/2008 - Board Type: Powerglide

Grant, Thanks for the Powerglide, it goes just as you said it would...(FANTASTIC).After surfing for as many years as I have, it was great to be actually  able to go back,as it used to be,& "talk to the guy" who was going to shape my board.  As you proably now realise,after speaking to me,the PG has renergised me & my surfing.
After spending a number of years on costly boards from Northern NSW thinking that this was as good as it gets, I simply cannot believe how good this board performs. 

The mates reckon I'm a jibberer 'cause I won't shut up about this PG,but they do say I'm now catching way too many waves.
So Grant,please fire up that Fskate I've ordered I'm sure it'll be brillant.

Steve M.(Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 6/02/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Grant, 

After getting home from collecting the F-skate last Saturday the surf looked too good to pass up even with my bad back. The anticipation of getting the board into the water was just to much. 

I must say I was really surprised by the way it paddles...no effort at all even though I have been using a 9' mal for the last couple of years. Take off was great and then away it went. I now know why you call these boards skates.... that was the sensation. Rail to rail transitions are excellent for such a wide and thick board and I was tubed on the first ride. 

The down side is that my back injury was not helped much by going back into the water so soon and I am paying the price at the moment. 

Can't wait to try it out again this weekend if my back improves. Will keep you in touch.  

Regards 

Rob Walker(South Coast/NSW) 6'10" F-SKATE

Testimonial Date: 5/02/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

-----------------------------------------------
Hi Grant,
Just thought that I'd send you a note to say how much I've been enjoying the 6'6" F Skate. I'd been looking around for quite a while for something like this after being dismayed and frustrated with the boards that I had been riding over the years.
The board is everything that you said. It's extremely loose and my wave count has increased dramatically. I'm enjoying myself so much every time I hit the water and am so suprised with the performance that the board delivers. It handles late drops remarkably well and hangs in even in the most critical of sections. It blows me away how fast, manouverable and stable it is. All this has given me a new confidence with my surfing and thus increasing the amount of waves that I catch knowing full well that the board will handle it. All my mates have noticed how much more I am enjoying my surfing and I think are a little bit envious about the amount of waves I'm getting.

Dean (Cronulla/NSW)

Testimonial Date: 4/02/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,

Thanks for your call the other week concerning my new F-SKATE (6'3"). As I told you when we spoke,the waves hadn't been going my way in the few weeks I'd had the new board,so I really hadn't had the opportunity to ride the board in good conditions.

In the last few weeks, I've had a few more surfs on it, in a variety of waves and I must say, I love the board. Both in the way it looks and surfs.

It performs exactly how you said it would. It's easy to paddle, stable and fast, and best of all when I switch back to my 6 6" V-Skate, the transition is very easy.

In terms of paddling, I've easily doubled the number of waves I was getting on my V-Skate. I'm getting into the waves quicker and easier, and once up the board is really fast and surprisingly easy to turn. I thought I'd have trouble with the width, but it transitions from rail to rail very nicely. It gets over the flat sections easily, enabling me to make the most of every wave.

It is without a doubt the best board I've ridden yet, and I can already see
improvement in my surfing, not only in the number of waves I catch, but also the length of the rides and what I am doing on the wave.

Thank you so much for yet another great board, your fantastic service and
advice. I'll hopefully be back for a 6'4" V-Skate in the not too distant future.


Mark (Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 23/01/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE


Hi Grant,

The two boards I ordered last year haven’t had much work as I’ve been stuck in Tokyo for most of the time. However, did manage a couple of weeks at Kandui resort in Mentawai in Oct 07 where we had great waves and even a couple of real full on sessions (overhead rifles & bankvaults). It took a couple of surfs to get used to the shorter length (6’8” vs 9’6”) but once back in the zone the boards went so well I found myself pushing a few of my old limits. The last time I rode a short board was a single fin in 1982 so it was unreal to feel the rush of pulling off maneuvers again. The boards never failed to hold a line even in the steepest sections and not once did they spin out on cutbacks. It took me a few months training to prepare for that trip but the thrill of getting back into serious surf again has taken years off my life. I’ll be going back to Mentawai again and meantime I’ll keep fit in Japan’s week-end moshpit. Thanks for the tools to enjoy life!

Cheers,

John (6'8" & 7'0" V-SKATES/Japan)

Testimonial Date: 21/01/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant.
Just a short note to let you know that the 6'6" F Skate quad hammers and by the way thanks heaps for making the second one on short notice.Have just spent the last 2 weeks up around Woolgoolga the weather was crap but the waves were good. Because it was 5' plus most days i was able to use the v skate more than the f skate. I must say the v skate would have to be one of the best boards i have ever ridden,i definately reckon that my surfing improved in the two weeks especially on my backhand.I will be getting another v skate this year with a slightly heavier glass job.I reckon that you have really hit the mark with these boards and i will be recommending them to mates.
Hope you have had a great Xmas and have a good new year. 
Regards
Greg
(Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 15/01/2008 - Board Type: F-SKATE

Hi Grant,

Just to let you know that I managed to get out on my new (purple)6'10" F-Skate today for the first time (didn't get a chance at weekend).  

I figured that considering I'd pretty much ditched my GSI produced 7S fish a few months ago and moved back to using my trusty 9'1" Mal, I thought the transition back to a fish was going to be a hard one.....

... However...I couldn't believe how easy the F-Skate is to paddle... duckdiving was easier than I figured it would be also (considering I haven't duck-dived for a few months due to riding a Mal)....   but best of all was that I managed to catch the first wave I went for and had probably one of the best rides I've ever had!!  I repeated this feat half a dozen more times during my lunchbreak today.  I'm so stoked with the F-Skate. It's unbelievable.   Thanks a million!...  I can't wait until 5pm to finish work and get out again.

Thanks again.

Kevin (Northern Beaches/Sydney)

Testimonial Date: 9/01/2008 - Board Type: V-SKATE

Hi Grant
Thought I'd give you a quick note about the v-skate. Mate, more tha