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The Idea

Someone once said "After you've done a thing for two years, you should look at it carefully. After five years, look at it with suspicion. After ten years, throw it away and start all over."

Working independently of the influences of surfing crowds, I've built foam/fiberglass boards for myself since 1977..For me, creating surfcraft is a gratifying means of self-expression.

There is a liberating freedom in the experience of leaving the modern tradition of foam / fiberglass. the known. and pursuing the critical and imaginative challenges of exploring the unknown.Using ordinary everyday "Off the Shelf" products, combining them with state of the art, emerging, cutting edge technologies, and transforming them into exquisite functional equipment is a satisfaction seldom exceeded.

The exploration of performance, form and design .

What I wanted to do was create an updated version of a hollow wooden board, using a modified, yet classic method of construction.

The board would first need to be functional.Additionally, I wanted it to be technically and visually one of the most advanced boards out there.State of the art in ride, composite construction, and appearance.and use materials not specific to surfboards.

I wanted to re-invent an aestitic rooted to history, with a connection to region.To primarily use woods indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, where I live.

I've been intrigued with the artistic concepts and inherent natural beauty of wooden surfboards.

Utilizing a seemingly infinate palate of raw natural materials opens up artistic horizons, that foam and fiberglass never can.The endless combinations of fine grain woods laid into mesmerizing patterns, with each board being unique.Creating deep visual interest with rich true colors.

Boards with structural complexity.Defining form and space.Obvious clarity of intent.With hidden elements creating curiosity.Taught skins, resonant to the touch.Smooth under hand and on the eye.Gracious wrapping curves, and stretched lineal patterns.Sensuous.

And finally, I wanted to make a significant contribution to a richer diversity of surfing equipment.

The finished boards are eye candy, but the true pleasure is in the ride.

Wood boards typically feel heavier on land, but surf lighter than they feel.The hollow core is the reason.A typical hollow board can be made at least ½" thinner and still float the same as a foam board.The weight of a hollow wood board results in a board with more drive.A momentum that catches waves easily and carries well down the line, through flat spots.

The hollow core and tensioned skins of a hollow allow for an efficient energy transfer between the wave and the rider.The feeling of the wave is amplified on a hollow.The tension built into a hollow results in a more alive feel.a better transfer of power .

Then there is the strength .With a carbon fiber/epoxy re-enforced framework and inner skins, a hollow is stiffer than a foam board.Similar in feel to a chambered balsa, but more alive.With thin re-enforced skins there is a significant resistance to denting.

As incredible as they look, they're built to be ridden.They are not intended to be wall hangers, unless the wall is 6' of moving water.

These boards were a stretch for me .Starting with flat plywood then finishing with the board I now have, is gratifying.I knew I would end up with something, but again, this surpassed my expectations.

I'm going to continue exploring the hollow wooden boards for a while, it's fun to push boundaries.