Small Mats and Rocker!
by Robin Thomson
The Captain has generously taken the time to take images and provide informative material in relation to the smaller mats he designed and the role of rocker in surf mats. The first pic shows the MT2 and MT3 he had made by Dale Solomonson to his very specific instructions. It also shows the 15 4GF surf mats that MT has demolished over many years as he evolved his own ideas on surf mat design. I think I wouldn't mind living where MT does too, as the view is pretty spectacular.
The
2nd two pics provide further visual detail of the MT2 and MT3 and a
sweet looking pair of mats they are too! Both are restricted breathers
with the MT2 a round nose/round tail and the MT3 with a round
nose/square tail. MT states that the early 4GFs were 3' 8" or 71/2" and the 5GFs of the day were 3' 8" and narrower. The MT2 and MT3 were a big step down into uncharted territory at 3' 51/2"
X 19" X 4". Both these mats were concaved with a flat rocker and it
wasn't until the MT4 that rocker was introduced in to the design. 
The prototype MT5 went back to a flat rocker before the production MT5 design was settled and included a further tweaked concave and reintroduced the rocker.
The MT5 was the break through design that found the perfect aspect ratio of a mat that was 2 inches shorter than those original 4GFs and 20" wide for the most efficient planing surface. You will also have noted that the MT5 has very square rear corners. This design is the best for fast speed runs and carving turns as it releases the laminar flow for the least amount of drag. On that note, he states that the MT5 is designed very specifically to suit his style of riding and the conditions that he generally rides in and that it may not suit everyone. But I have found that, like board riding, experiencing a range of mat types can only add to your mat riding knowledge and skill set.
The Bernoulli formula of ( L=CL P/2 SV2) states:
As the (V) Velocity of the fluid increases, (P) Pressure of the fluid decreases, therefore creating (L) Lift and is the fundamental principle of all aviation..
Rocker is based on this principle in that it amplifies the fluid and
creates lift by decreasing the pressure of that fluid. In the pic you
can see MT flexing up the rocker so as he can attack the lip. I guess if
a subtle curve already exists in the bottom of the mat then it is only
going to enhance being able to carry out a move like this. To my
question as to when rocker is at it's most effective MT replied "It"s
always working to lift you up and out of the water to get planing
and up to speed!"
