The Intricacies of Mat Surfing ... in a Nutshell

I proudly present Graeme Webster in "The Intricacies of Mat Surfing ... in a Nutshell". As a UK based surfmat-builder, Graeme hardly needs an introduction as almost everyone in the surfmat world seems to know him. I had the honour to film him building mats, and to shoot his surfing during several occasions over the last few years. In my opinion, he not only builds some of the finest surfmats in the world; he is also one of the most accomplished surfmat riders that I have ever seen. In "The Intricacies of Mat Surfing ... in a Nutshell" you get a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of surfmat building, and you can watch some high-level mat riding too.
This video story is the sixth and final episode of FRINGESURFER.TV Season 1. It's the first video I started working on when I decided to document alternative surf craft riders, and it's the video that took longest to complete. Overall it took more than four years to gather all the footage that I needed to tell this story. It was a lot of work and waiting, but it was worth it. And now, I am proud to be able to share "The Intricacies of Mat Surfing ... in a Nutshell" with you. Enjoy!

[@mermaidsinourmidst9982]

I'm 64, it was my sport after leaving sailing. Life has so many turns, and reasons for leaving somethings and taking up another from places to careers and relationships, but I have just bought a new mat it's a wonderful way to ride waves, no leaving mat riding now till I leave for good, great video.

[@itsverycontroversial8050]

That's what I'm talking about. Feeling every subtle nuance of the wave. That's the joy in each and every wave. Excellent poetic portrayal of the mat and all its possibilities.

[@bouncingyellowskull]

Hey Fringesurfer eagerly awaiting some new matsurf content. You got me into it and changed my life for the better.

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

I hear you :)

[@RogerEssigArtist]

G'damn, great vid. 30 years of bodyboarding, just bought a mat. This is gonna be a rough transition. Vids like this got me grinning.

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Hey Roger, do you remember how it was to learn how to ride a bodyboard and how much fun it was to experience something new? It's the same with a surfmat. Just approach the mat with curiosity and openness. Go with the flow :) I'm glad that these videos got you grinning. Thanks for commenting!

[@mandatethis8024]

Everything has come full circle, in the 60s we rode mats before bodyboards were invented!!

[@gonzodongo888]

Saw him surfing down in Marin today. He took off on that mat like boss

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Lucky you! It's great to watch Graeme ride his mats :)

[@chrisedney6869]

Amazing. Your attitude and philosophy embody the spirit of a true surfer. Feeling the nuances of a wave and not worried about impressing everyone else around you, as most of surfing has become. Such a shame you have to have confidence to walk down the beach with a mat (or any other alternative craft )because of the bullshit judgements of all the clones trying to ride the same equipment that they shouldn’t really be on trying to look as cool as possible ❤️

[@robinthomsoncomposer]

That was great Graham

[@martinevans5587]

Your ultimate goal is what its all about 😍 great vid 👏

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I agree, that's what it's all about!

[@Stretch1970]

I made my maiden voyage on my new surfmat yesterday (4th gear flyer). The Surf was overhead, good, and was carrying the typical weekend So-Cal crowd when there's some swell in the water. You summed up those feelings perfectly as I walked down the beach - I felt some insecurity, should I be surfing? I definitely felt like the odd man out. It was a humbling experience as I struggled with going under waves, positioning myself on the mat during rides, and trying to turn but going straight sideways, but I had a blast! I look forward to working through the learning curve. Yesterday, I was the Surfmat's newest recruit. Hopefully today there will be more.

[@joshstagg148]

What a spectacular video!

[@norimichishakuzui2486]

mat is full of kindness.

[@willsparis6157]

Thanks for the inspiration!

[@RocketDog73]

Awesome video and an introduction to the surf mat. Thanks 👍

[@papafoster16]

Loved those last 2 waves! Great riding & great camera!

[@Strandjutter]

I share your passion for riding a surfmat. Impressed by your skill to build these wonderfull surfcrafts. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@mattd23]

Must catch up this year it's been ages 👍

[@Jeanetteinnes]

Very like body surfing but with air between you and the wave surface ..🎉

[@jezlucas3878]

This is really interesting, thanks for sharing

[@christopherjohnjones-parke5026]

Can't believe what looks like a half-empty compost bag works that well, trippy

[@Jeanetteinnes]

😂😂😂😂

[@phillipnovelli8983]

Alternative wavecraft! Prone riding!😎🤙

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Yes, alternative surf craft and prone riding don't get a lot of exposure and that's exactly why I started fringesurfer.tv :) Thanks a lot for commenting

[@mattd23]

Nice one G

[@Sidetrackification]

Thanks, Merry Christmas!

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Happy new year :)

[@garyspeed8961]

Great video... cheers from amat surfer in Danang

[@quinn537]

awesome video! just made my first paipo board last weekend and surfed it for the first time today! absolute wicked time and makes me happy to see you guys getting it too!!! would love to try a mat! keep it up :)

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Thanks for your kind words Quinn :) Yes, should definitely try a mat. If you do, give it a little time and patience. It will be worth it. Stay stoked and healthy :)

[@garyspeed8961]

made my first paipo in 1964 .. :) rode it daily for 30 years.. then mad another.. still got it :) years of fun for you

[@TheChriscarr1210]

Looks like good craic!

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

That's because it is good craic ;-)

[@greglyons3728]

We use to pinch the rental mats back in the 60's at Scarborough beach (west Oz, not that other cold place hahaha)that washed in and then we would head out the back amongst crowd and run havoc like young groms do. All the mats looked the same, so it was a rarity to get sprung. Plus we grew up down the beach on boards allsorts and had it down pat. Nothing the poor tourists could do about it hahaha. All the best from the west 🤙🤙🤙

[@bennerdan]

Thank you for sharing. Is there anyway you could share info or books to learn how to weld material like that? I'd love to learn this entire process. I have other ideas for furniture that this would work for.

[@terrywasyluk6502]

Ever thought of adding a fin? Don't know how it would work. Just an idea.

[@jamestopham7744]

Love my matt

[@okallixti5065]

any tips for kicking efficiently and well with fins? thanks!

[@darrylriley9917]

Cool video!

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Thank you for commenting and for enjoying the video :)

[@javiermelendez1107]

Awesome video, very inspiring. I'm really looking forward to try a mat

[@matthewmaloney3375]

Man, this video is awesome. This would have helped me out a ton if it came out a couple months ago hahaha. Awesome work with the craftsmanship G, and awesome work with the video Fringe. Sooooooo sick. Nice.

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Thank you Matthew! I'm certain the video can still help you improve your riding, because after watching it countless times while working on it , I can still discover small things and tricks in Graeme's riding that help me become a better mat surfer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@matthewmaloney3375]

@@FRINGESURFERTV Most definitely. I was also talking about the building part as well as the riding part.

[@jmmamet2554]

2 things: 1/ I want a mat like that 2/ what fins are those?

[@joshstagg148]

They're voit duckfeet I believe

[@CRAPITOULIC]

absolutly amazing can we buy this mat in France, what can i do to have someone !!!!!

[@FRINGESURFERTV]

Hi Jérôme, you can get one of his mats here: www.matsurfers.com/store. Right now they are out of stock but I believe you can register and leave your e-mail address and they will notify you when they are available again. I hope that helps.

[@stokedflyfisher]

Belza Surfshop in Biarritz

[@jeromesurffoil7033]

@FRINGESURFERTV I am really enjoying your channel. Thank you for the great content! Sub'd

[@terrywasyluk6502]

Ever thought of adding a fin? Don't know how it would work. Just an idea.