Why is it good, alright, annoying or shit?:

Some readers may be familiar with the story. Used to surf weekly but now getting older and perhaps moved away from the coast to start a family or due to work. Remain fairly competent when you do get back in the water but only getting in once a month. Paddle power not what it used to be. Maybe you are considering a step up to a longboard. Something that has the extra volume to make up for the lost paddle power but not an outright longboard as you want to fit the board in your car or don’t have any space in your home for a log. The answer could be a midlength like an Egg or this Gulfstream Carpet. This is a 7’6 Gulfstream Carpet which will literally catch anything and early too. A few strokes and you are up and away on the wave.

It goes fine in larger surf but I’d probably not take it out above 6ft. Up to head high is fine but after that you take an absolute  beating paddling out as it’s very difficult to duck dive due to the high volume. You will get out back eventually but you’ll eat a few sets getting there! Also if the face of the wave is very steep on take off, you’ll struggle due to the extremely flat rocker unless you are very experienced and can put the board on a rail as soon as you pop up! Its a cruisey board that dominates anything from a ripple to 4.5ft. Not for those wanting to get whippy turns and cut backs etc. It’s currently the only board I own and I have surfed it in overhead conditions but that would be rare

It comes as a 2+1 set up and can be surfed as a single fin or with side bites. I personally prefer the single fin option as it gives you more freedom in the turns. The real winner with this board is the increased wave count which is what everyone wants!! My wave count has doubled compared to my previous board and I am now improving faster than ever before. If you are only getting in the water once a month, then higher wave count and having fun is the most important thing!

What would make it better (if anything)?:

Yes it is expensive compared to cheaper models that arrive from China but it’s made by one of the best, if not the best, shapers in the UK. I’d say its worth the spend given that it will last for years.

Would you buy another when this one falls apart?:

Yes but I’d definitely buy a smaller version of the Gulfstream Carpet which goes down to 7’0 as the high volume on all sizes of this model will still mean it catches anything and the shorter version means tighter turning arcs.