Thursday, January 22, 2026

The Anointment of the Machadocado

After working on No.43, I figured it would be nice to get some exercise in -

The waves were chest high on the periodic sets.

I didn't have much time so I opted to surf -


And instead of bringing the Sweet Potato, I brought the Machadocado out for its first session (with me - I sold the straight Helium Sweet Potato and got this board).


For it's first outing, I fitted it with the NVS Taylor Knox Wolverine Twin + trailer fins. 


My first few waves were awkward - and even planted seeds of doubt in my mind.  But I made a more conscious effort to focus on my footing and the rides got way better.

I had a few rides going right where the face got a tad steeper and the wave lined up - and I got in several great carving turns on these runs.

I had one left where I got three backside schwacking top turns - super fun!!!

This board is definitely a keeper!

But it isn't without a couple of issues.  There is a spot just ahead of the port side fin that looks to be a dry weave spot.  There is balsa/paulownia perimeter rails underneath that area so I am not really worried about water infiltration - but my OCD is kicking in (so I'm likely to do a light sanding and fill job to negate the issue).

And the starboard fin box is a little larger than the fin base.  I end up having to tighten the worm screw more than I normally would - and even after that there seems to be some lateral movement.  I am going to try adding a strip of aluminum duct tape to take up the gap (just like shimming front foils in ferrule setups).

All considered - this is going to be a super fun board!  I've already got the NVS Taylor Knox Pivot Twins loaded up on the Cado - 

PW:5/FD:7/S:5

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