Glide, trim and heaps of fun – the Rincon by McTavish Surfboards promise plenty of retro, single fin vibes, suitable for a huge range of waves and abilities.

But does how does one of the original mid length surfboards actually feel underfoot – and more importantly is it worth the price tag?

Well having finally added a McTavish to my quiver, here’s my full review…

REVIEW: The Rincon By McTavish Surfboards

Who’s It Aimed At?

The Rincon is one of those really versatile boards that will suit a huge variety of people, from higher end beginners, right through to experienced surfers.

In fact it’s one of the original mid length surfboards, a true classic that has stood the test of time since it was first crafter by the legend that is Bob McTavish back in 1968!

The ease of paddle power and forgiving outline make it a great board for less experienced surfers, whilst more advanced surfers will love the speed, glide and ability to surf it in bigger conditions too.

As an experienced surfer and lover of single fins I absolutely love the Rincon, but it’s also a board that my girlfriend (who is in the lower end of intermediate) could happily take out and enjoy too…if I ever part with it that is!

Board Breakdown & Dimensions

With a low rocker profile and parallel template the Rincon is capable of some big, powerful turns and generates plenty of speed of your back foot too.

This two key features of the Rincon also give it plenty of glide and heaps of paddle too, which for a mid length surfboard is always a must!

Build wise it’s straight out of the original materials of 1968 – including Volan cut laps and deck pactch – with that top quality McTavish finish and feel.

Dimensions start at 7’0″ x 20 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ right through to the  7’10” x 22″ x 2 7/8″ – I ended up with a 7’10 and it goes great and honestly having surfed it I’d highly recommend the slightly longer options.

Fin Setup

The McTavish Rincon comes as a dedicated single fin and the longer models also have the option of a McTavish fin, designed espeically for the board. Given that mine is the longest option I grabbed the Rincon fin and it goes great!

With plenty of space in the box to play with there’s also a lot of room to tweak your fin setup and loosen/tighten up the Rincon as you prefer. 

For me though, the Rincon fin in a neutral, centre position in the fin box feels great.

Ideal Wave Conditions

The Rincon can really handle most things that you throw at it – anything from thigh high and upwards.

The shorter models certainly pack in a bit more performance, espeically if you’re looking to surf at the larger end of the scale, or more beach break style waves, whilst the longer models are going to be perfect for waist to shoulder high at a lovely rolling point break like The Pass.

Personally this isn’t going to be the board I’ll be grabbing for those heavier, punchier conditions, but for everything below that the Rincon is going to be heaps of fun – with that waist to shoulder high being the sweet spot for this board in my quiver.

Ideal when I want those longboard vibes and flow, but don’t feel like lugging a 9 footer to the beach or through the crowds!

That being said though, I’ve also surfed it at the points in some more chunky conditions and the Rincon held it’s own, although a smaller model would have a slight edge, espeically on a steeper take off.

What’s It Like To Surf?

So what does the Rincon actually surf like?

Well to be honest it delivers on all the promises the McTavish site makes!

Plenty of paddle power and glide into waves, and then heaps of trim and performance down the line – with the ability to generate plenty of speed and perform some beautiful carves.

For me it has all the single fin fun of a longboard, but packed into a smaller package – which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Even in the longer model I was pleasantly surprised how well it generated and maintained speed, and when you get your feet over the tail it pivots smoothly into turns. It also surf really really from further up the board too if you want a bit more trim, so don’t be afraid to move around on it either.

Personally a rolling wave in the waist to shoulder/head high range is certainly my preferred set of conditions for this board and it’s at home at a beach break as it is at the points too.

Pricing

Now lets talk price!

It’s no secret that McTavish surfboards are certainly in the premium price bracket when it comes to boards, and even though the Rincon is shorter than most of their offerings, it’s still not an impulse buy and expect to pay AU$1,695 for a stock model – with customs and tints bumping this up further.

I was actually pretty lucky and snagged my Rincon at the annual McTavish Factory sale and – complete with tinted deck patch – it came in at AU$1,300, an unwanted custom order.

So, whoever you are Reuben, thanks heaps!

One thing with the pricing at McTavish is you do get what you pay for and the beauty and finish of their entire board range makes it almost a shame to wax up and ride them – as much an epic wall piece as it is an addition to your quiver!

I’m stoked to finally have a McTavish in my quiver and this one if definitely there to stay as my go to single fin mid length.

Have you ridden the McTavish Rincon?

What are your thoughts on it?