Hobo life…

the room at G&S

Heading out soon, looking forward to another stint at Custom Surf Glass/Gordon snd Smith, shaping boards for local friends, Bird’s Surf Shed, Greg Surf Company, and Stunning Foil.

Excited to try out the new Skil 100 I found up by Akron and refurbished/modified.

Along the way, we’re hoping to visit friends and family in Michigan, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Texas. The road beckons…

And of course Wren awaits.

Gratitude

Well, it’s about time to head out again. It’s been another good trip, with shapes done for Bird’s Surf Shed in San Diego, Greg Surf Company in Osaka, Stunning Foil in Tokyo, and some local customs. Debbie Gordon and the crew at G&S/Custom Surf Glass are absolutely crushing it on the fiberglassing and board building. US Blanks continues their tradition of stellar quality and lightening fast turnaround times. Fins Unlimited, Rick Clow, and True Ames have been right on time with the fins I need.

I am forever grateful that all of these folks have allowed me to follow my passion for interesting, hopefully useable shapes over the years. I can think of few industries that allow space, services, and supplies for truly small quantity, independent craftsmen to produce top tier products.

new hillbilly twinzer
in progress
the room at Custom Surf Glass

Please message me with any questions or interest. I’ll be back when the summer crowds start to thin out. In the mean time, those of you already on my boards, keep sending your feedback. I appreciate it, and your support.

April/May 2025

hillbilly downrail twinzer

The April/May trip is going well. Working through orders for Greg Surf Company, Stunning Foil, Bird’s Surf Shed, and my local friends.

Along with the usual hillbilly hulls and mid-Simmons (HPH), I’ve been fiddling with some beaked downrail designs, and some different fin set ups. It’s been a challenge, but a fun one.

October/November 2024

Some of Oct/Nov production. All taped blanks are mast surfboards

I can’t begin to express enough appreciation for all of the good folks at Gordon & Smith/Custom Surf Glass, for not only providing some of the highest quality glassing in the business, but for welcoming me into their world in the first place. It’s a pleasure and honor to spend my working hours there.

This past trip was one of my best ever, with boards going to local custom orders, Bird’s Surf Shed, Atacama Surf Shop, Greg Surf Company in Osaka, and the new and amazing Stunning Foil in Tokyo. Thank you all for your ongoing support and patience.

6’9” diamond downrailer for Bird’s
a couple hillbilly hulls for Atacama
6’3” fish for Stunning Foil
pig for Greg Surf Co
Custom Surf Glass

My next shaping times will likely be in March, so don’t be afraid to holler at me. Have a great winter, wherever you are…

New things…

photo Kai

Heading out soon, for another stint in the shaping room at Custom Surf Glass/G&S. I am excited to continue developing new models with Stunning Foil in Tokyo, and Greg Surf Company in Osaka, and continue with classic designs that have proven to be popular. You may also find stock boards at Bird’s Surf Shed, Pastel Surf Shop, and possibly Atacama Surf Shop.

I am also excited about having my shapes built at such an iconic factory, by a collection of craftsmen, young and old, who represent the best that the industry has to offer. It is an honor to be associated with them.

I still have room for custom orders at this point, so if you or anyone you know would like a new shape, please get with me. See you in the water!

that’s a wrap…

Another good trip is on the books. Saw family and fulfilled as many orders as I could fit in.

watching the sunset from our humble vessel, Wren…

We have been methodically manifesting a way to continue working and visiting. So far so good. Thanks to everybody for the ongoing trust and support.

It looks like the crew at Custom Surf Glass/G&S, is shaping up to be all time. The quality of the work that they are performing is nothing short of astounding.

A big thank you to the entire crew for making me look good.

I will be back in the shaping room again this fall, once a few responsibilities are met back home.

Stay well, and thanks for looking

wrapping up… looking forward

Well the Feb/Mar trip was really good. Completed all my orders, and few for Bird’s Surf Shed. Special thanks to the Gordons and the amazing crew at Custom Surf Glass/G&S for making me look good. Also thanks to Bird’s Surf Shed, Stunning Foil, Greg Surf Company, Mitsven, and everyone else who continue to have faith in my shapes, and make it all possible.

We also got a good start on making our little vessel Wren our own. So more frequent trips are in the offing.

Looking forward to our next trip, likely May/June. I’ve got my order list started already, and also have lined up with Fins Unlimited to have fins produced.

Hope to see you in the lineup…

#mastsurfboards #mastskateboards #hillbillyhobo

looking toward winter 2023/24

Well things are shaping up for February and March. Boards from my fall ‘23 trip are all complete, and heading to their respective shops. In February I should have the time to shape for local stock and do customs for some folks. Please message me if you would like to be on the list.

I have also been making some hand shaped sidewalk surfers during my time here in the Midwest. These little suckers take some real time to produce, but sourcing local hardwood and shaping them has given me something rewarding to pursue while here, and skating them around the neighborhood does an old skater’s soul good. All of them so far are spoken for, but hopefully I’ll get a few more together soon.

#customsurfglass #birdssurfshed #gregsurfcompany #stunningfoil #siedwalksurfer #sandiegohandshaper #handshapedskateboard #mastsurfboards #hullsurfboard #hillbillyhull #HPH

beach or mountains? both (and prairie, and desert, the city, and…)

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

Both! My wife Karen and I have spent years massaging our life to include time in both the mountains and the beach. While not exactly the yin and yang of geography, each provides different nourishment for our souls and bodies. Admittedly, Karen favors the mountains to some extent, myself the beach, but we both would hate to have to choose one or the other, and each of us could likely be happy in either. But why choose when you don’t have to. Our modified hobo existence allows for both! And just as importantly, we are blessed with a solid home base to return to when we just need to settle in, and be able to walk to our favorite coffee shop, do some baking or herbal magic for friends, and get to our yoga classes at the Y. Fortunate indeed

Holly, CO
Moab