It all started with the fish when the innovative shapers and board builders out there decided to revisit the past for some inspiration. In doing so they brought back some lost skills such as resin tints and hand foiled fins.The Fish Fry has been a place for these fine craftsmen to showcase their skills. We have seen some amazing boards as shapers have pushed the boundaries over the last few years. As this new look at the fish has evolved to its many forms, it has influenced other shapes and designs along the way.This has spawned a renewed interest in other board forms by this same group and a wider following.Notably the Mini Simmons, Hulls, old school Logs and Pigs. It is pleasing to note that there are an increasing number of people building their own boards as well.All of this is to be applauded and celebrated as a positive for surfing.So it is only natural that these shapers and board builders continue to share their skills with us and include these other shapes at the Fish Fry.It has truly become a melting pot of ideas for like minded people.

Update on this year's Fish Fry...

 This year's Fish Fry is going to be even bigger than last year with a lot of interest and enquiry from shapers and board builders from all over Australia. This blog has also attracted international interest from around the globe. 
A large cross section of Australian shapers from Victoria, NSW and Queensland will be attending. Roger Hall from New Zealand is making a return visit along with a number of other kiwi enthusiasts. Jim Robertson from Lok Box is attending again and bringing with him Ian Zamora and DJ Kane from San Diego. Californian Chris Christenson, who was also here last year with some great little craft is coming out again and we welcome Steve Ford and Darren Ledingham from Southern California, who are heading this way after stopping off in Japan for the surf industry show. We have photographer Jamie Bott from the UK surf magazine Drift coming as well as UK film maker Christiaan Bailey shooting video and stills for various broadcasters (Channel 4 , Xtreme, etc.), magazines and his own projects. Junko and Takashi Tomita who covered last years event for Glide and Surf N Life magazines are making the trip again along with a Japanese entourage. These are just some of the confirmed parties at this stage. 
Obviously the fish has moved way ahead of some "retro"revival of a few years ago and made everyone involved take a good look at the basic principles of not only this unique shape but why we surf. The fish shape has now evolved into its many forms which will be on show at the Alley on the 2nd of March.

2 comments:

Von Sol Surfboards said...

Thanks for posting up about the Fish Fry 5 in Oceanside...Bird is getting all the South County Boyz of San Diego...and all the Crew in North County are looking forward to another Fry celebrating a design...The Fish!

Von Sol Surfboards said...

Grant...Thanks for Posting up about the Fish Fry 5 in Oceanside...looks like it is going to be a great event...celebrate the Fish! Sean Mattison