"NO FRIENDS" model ride review with Andrew Bennett

It's summertime!!! Crowds, "so-so" waves and the pervasive struggle to get your slash on could use a good remedy. The "NO FRIENDS" model is your answer! learn more about the NO FRIENDS model by clicking here No Friends model ride review with Andrew Bennett from Stretch Boards on Vimeo. check available NO FRIENDS models on our webstore or contact info@stretchboards.com to get dialed in on a new custom! Name: Andrew Bennett Height/weight: 5’10” 180 lbs Board model/dimensions: No Friends 5’4” x 21" x 2.25" vol.32.3L Construction type: EPS/EPOXY Fins used: Fins Unlimited custom hand foiled BUZZ template 4.875"/4.0" fcs base with FCSII plugs and tab in-fill kit Conditions tested: The Hook, Chest high. Weak and crowded. Background (general skill level, current board(s), misc. other factors): I typically ride much better, but still summer style CA waves on my 5’6” PU/CFT glassed Super Buzz with Buzz Quads. Initial thoughts/expectations (was this really what you thought you were getting?): It felt like a lot of volume under my arm especially with the amount of width. What board models come to mind when checking out this design? I rode the Dominator model by Firewire and it was similar. The No Friends model felt like it wanted to turn in a shorter radius though. I never rode the Average Joe by Channel Islands but maybe that would be similar. What wave types do you imagine surfing when viewing this design? (full spectrum and size range): I think the board was ideal for the weak chest high conditions that I took it out in. It gave me a reason to paddle out. Ride experience: The board felt like it wanted to turn quickly/pivot. It was very buoyant and responsive so it made it easy to squeeze in a bunch of turns without any help from the wave. Likes/Dislikes: The board didn’t feel like it wanted to project and create any lateral speed. I notice my super buzz has much more drive in comparison so it wants to go super fast down the line. But the No Friends felt like it was designed to keep turning in a tight radius. General observations: It’s a worthy board to have in the quiver for really gutless waves that are chest high and under. “If I could choose between this and one other model, I would get the (fill in the blank) I think for completely gutless tiny waves this would be the right board to jump on. My G-Buzz worked in a little bigger surf than the No Friends model and had more projection. But I think they both have their place in different surf. How well does this board match up to it’s model description? The model name is definitely spot on. It was a “no friends” kind of session at the hook. Without bogging at all the board catches anything and turns on a dime. Summary (synopsis, recommendations or overall feeling you would tell a friend): The no friends model takes the struggle out of summer flat spells.