Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25037
column: gear_ Patagonia's Rocket Sled We decided to test one board in our own Blue style, on the road (or on the water, shall we say). We took the board Patagonia markets as "the travel board" -the Rocket Sled-to Lombok, Indonesia (for more on surfing in Lombok, see page 36). We picked the Rocket Sled up from Patagonia's own shaping shed in Ventura, California, and were lucky enough to bump into Patagonia's founder Yvon Chouinard. Himself a proud traveling surfer, Chouinard offered us the most valu" able information of the trip. Rule #1 for all surf travelers: Don't forget to pack a set of extra long kayak straps (available at any outdoor store or check out the FCS Soft Racks on page 63.) You need to attach your board to a vehicle once at your desti nation: Without your strap you'll be lost, Chouinard warned. And right he was. He also advised buying the Patagonia Ding Repair Kit. Patagonia's boards are made with epoxy, while the majority of surfboards use resin. So you need this kit to make any board repairs while on the road-epoxy is not as readily accessi ble around the world. The 8'2" Rocket Sled was a fun, easy and very fast (thus the name) ride. The three fins are detachable. which prevents damage during travel. We did lose one fin in the water (but we met quite a few other surfers who had lost fins at the same break). You can't easily replace specialty Patagonia fins in Southeast Asia. so bring extras. or always make sure fins are tightly secured before you go out.-Blue Info Patagonia. 800-638-6464: $645 (including fins).