Wed, Nov 20, 2024

I've been surfing for 33 years--everything from a potato chip thruster back when Kelly Slater was riding for Al Merrick, a 6-4 Cane Garden twinzer, Dick Brewer 8-0 fun shape, Rich Pavel 9-0 longboard, a McTavish 9-0 thruster, a 10-0 Weber Performer, an 11-6 Skip Frye Eagle, and more. It wasn't until seeing Patrick scream across the face of a wave at the local point break, that it started clicking for me. For decades, I'd been hearing Patrick talking about rocker and glide and making the perfect board for the beloved point where we surf, "I want to make a board that makes those sections."

Well, he did it. I got him to make me one and it basically sat in my garage for 2 years. I was a bit afraid of learning how to ride it. This year, at age 55, I decided to try and it has completely blown my mind and reinvigorated my love of surfing. It is effortless. I can put myself in the pocket, I can walk, cut back, or just stand there and trim. My favorite thing right now is just sitting in the pocket with my hand in the lip as it pitches out. THANK YOU PATRICK! The glider has put the joy back in surfing!

I have had the privilege of using an array of Banh Pho products over the last 10+ years and never been disappointed.  The first board I purchased was a 14' SUP race board that was a custom shape and color.  Patrick went above and beyond with this board and kept in constant communication throughout the entire process.  He was able to take my vision and transform it to a functional product that performed and saw multiple podium finishes.  That led me to my next request which was a board I could paddle for a 100 mile race.  I needed something that could carry gear, be stable and be fast.  Again with constant communication and an open mind, we were able to create a one of its kind 18' unlimited board that would again find its way to the podium on multiple occasions.  Each of those boards were durable, light weight and gave me years of use and abuse.  I have also been lucky enough to surf more than one Banh Pho gliders.  I can say I have never had more fun on a surfboard.  Having surfed all different crafts, a glider is the ultimate tool for having fun.  I have surfed the beach and point breaks of New England and the runners of Waikiki with models ranging from 11' to 14' in surf up to head high.  Despite being a legit longboard, these boards perform.  Top to bottom and in the pocket these boards can really do it all and most of all they will put a huge smile on your face.  And the craftsmanship and care that is put into each board ensures a quality that, like his SUP designs, will last for years.  Banh pho surfboards produce a consistent quality product that you would expect from one of the big companies but have the higher quality and personality of the local shaper, and that comes from the decades of work Patrick has devoted to his craft.  I recommend everyone put a smile on their face and get their feet under a Banh Pho.