Back to the mini Simmons.

This is a board that was finished 3 months ago.  After riding it several times I modified the fins, so they didn't cut my feet.  Every once in awhile when I popped up the top of my toes would catch the back edge of the fin.  I'd placed the fins as far back as possible to add stability.  Since I cut the fins down there hasn't been a problem.  The board works good and it's a lot of fun. 

Needed a hand insert.

Almost every morning I'm down at the beach doing a surf check.  It's something that's part of my routine and helps me plan my day and sessions.  For awhile now I've noticed a guy on an SUP has been getting more rides than anyone out there.  Usually this happen when the waves are small and the peaks are shifty.

Anyways, it's inspired me to get out there on my 10' er and try it for a change.  When I built this board I neglected to make a hand hold for carrying it.  Big mistake on my part. So I made a three sided box and glued it in.  Then I made a little trim piece.  It's getting glassed in next.  After that I'm going to put on traction pads because wax alone is just too slippery.  I hope to get out there soon and start getting more rides.

Repairing a Woody.

I had a little damage on my noserider.  It's funny because I just had someone ask me about repairing a wood board.  I told them it was no big deal and easier than fixing a foam board.  I have had my share of practice since my boards get dinged up from time to time.  I started by drilling some small holes and cutting out the bad section with a razor knife.  The rest was pretty easy.

Selling off boards.

I just finished one and don't see myself making anymore for awhile.  I'd like to thank Rick and Joshua at Surfari Surf Shop in Ormond Beach.  They have been selling my boards and treating me right.

http://www.surfarisurf.com/

Also thanks to Joni and Scott at Ocean City Surf Company in Flagler Beach.  Real nice people and selling my newest evolution boards.

https://www.facebook.com/oceancitysurfco

Finished the Blunt Nose.

All the rain we've had lately was perfect for wet sanding.  I'm happy with that finish and I'm glad this one is done.  It finished out at 9' 7", width 23 1/2", nose 17", tail 16" and thickness 2 7/8".  This one has a lot more rocker than most of my boards.  The nose has 2" and the tail is 4".  When you compare it to my nose rider you and see a lot more in the nose.  I don't know the weight.  It's probably about 23 lbs. 

Early Days

When I look back on my surfing past it makes me grateful for all the good times and good friends.  It started in 1972 when I was in the Navy.  My ship (USS Vancouver) was returning to our home port in San Diego.  I was still a young man of 19 years.  Back then the ships would stop in Pearl to give the crews some rest and relaxation after completing a deployment.  It was my first time in Hawaii and I thought I'd gone to heaven.

Me, Willie Hunt, and Tom Guiger were good friends.  We decided to go down to Waikiki Beach.  I was very keen on going surfing.  Willie and Tom were willing to go along, so off we went.  It turned out that the Armed Forces had a military reservation (Fort Derussy) right on the beach.  They rented surfboards, so we each got one.  It was a beautiful day.  I'll never forget it.  The water was so clean and warm.  After about and hour of goofing around I managed to catch my first wave.  It wasn't the prettiest ride, but I was thrilled.  That's how it started.

When I got back to San Diego I got my own board.  I lived in Imperial Beach and that places gets some really good waves.

Life took a turn for the better.  I met a beautiful women.  When I say beautiful I mean it in every sense.  She made me want to live again.  Julie and I have been together for a little over 2 years now.  I couldn't be happier and she accepts the surfer in me.  Whenever there is surf she is there with me.  It's great to have a supportive partner and she takes great pictures as well.  I'm very thankful for her and all the people that have supported me over the years.

Hot coated the bottom.

The bottom is hot coated.  No bugs this time.  : )