So stoked and honored to have a good chat with Bird for his ongoing series of videos on surf history, culture, and design. I had the distinct privilege of using the room at the Shed for a few weeks, and boy was it a treat. Boards coming to his showroom soon:
6’9”HPH (Simmons)
7’2”HPH (Simmons)
7’4” hillbilly hull
7’11 3/4” hillbilly winter pin
Stop by and have a look
Once again it is time to buckle down and get to work. Looks like a busy trip, which I am grateful for. This trip, along with the typical customs and stock, I will be doing boards for Bird’s Surf Shed and Atacama Surf Shop locally, along with Greg Surf Co. and Stunning Foil in Japan.
Since 2001 I have exclusively hand shaped every board I have ever produced. I am however looking to the future, and exploring the possibility of having selected shapes precisely reproduced with cutting edge, environmentally sustainable methods, as an entirely new line to complement my traditional hand shaped boards. I will have a lot more to say about this after my upcoming trip.
Thanks to the above mentioned shops along with US Blanks, Custom Surf Glass/G&S, Rick at Mitsven for the great ply keels, Fins Unlimited for the great fins, and every single person who has placed their trust in me to provide a board that they will be happy with for a long time.
Heading again to the G&S shaping room for another round of shapes. I will be doing shapes for stock at Bird’s, Stunning Foil, Greg Surf Company, and customs, but a few slots still open. Feel free to reach out.
I also have a very few fins from Fins Unlimited that I will have with me should anyone have interest.
There is a Japanese concept, associated with the cherry blossom, of bittersweet impermanence and the fleeting nature of beauty. Every board I have produced, with few exceptions, has carried the mark of a cherry blossom to remind us that nothing lasts forever. Possessions, loved ones, professions; all come and go in their own time. The lesson is to enjoy things while they last, and accept the inevitability of their eventual passing.
I have a small mixed batch of mast speed and speed rake fins coming. I am proud to be working with Todd Bahne and the good folks at Fins Unlimited/Bahne. Some Volan, some abstract. I will post photos and prices as soon as they arrive.
Well another Spring trip is on the books, and it all went swimmingly. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.
Another shaping stint is underway, and cruising along smoothly.
Shapes for stock at Bird’s Surf Shed in San Diego, Stunning Foil in Tokyo, Greg Surf Company in Osaka, and customs for local friends.
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.
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.
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.
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.
