The Alley Fish Fry: The Big Bob " Simmons"

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.

The Big Bob " Simmons"

Just picked up the 10ft Simmons today.Can't wait to get it wet.

S Deck and square tail

Long concave blending into the hull / rolled nose. I shaped a chine in the second half of the board which lessens the rail thickness.

Beast of a board ...

I wanted to keep the twin fin original Simmons fin template , but thought I would experiment with having the last 1/3 cut away to lessen the base lenght and maybe free things up a little. Also moved the fins up 6 1/2" inches from the tail and sat them on top of the chine.I have to thank John Cherry for his inspiration and feedback. As well as Roger Hall and Dick Van Straalen for bouncing ideas off. But a big thanks goes to Bob Simmons for just thinking outside the square all those years ago.Imagine if he were still here now , where would surfing have gone ?

7 comments:

Chusma Surfboards said...: Great job!!!, A real evolutionary simons concept.; December 3, 2010 at 6:37 AM
Unknown said...: STOKED or.. Super STOKED...

GO ON MY FRIEND, GO ON!; December 5, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Unknown said...: GO GO GO!

super stocked!; December 5, 2010 at 11:40 AM
Gray-Coyote said...: Cool Simmons. I am dying to hear how it surfs. I think I would like one of these in my quiver. I might have to learn how to shape one.; August 4, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Gray-Coyote said...: Cool Simmons. How does it surf?; August 4, 2011 at 5:00 PM
utopia resin scientists said...: love it would love to build one any chance of a cheeky template ??; January 2, 2012 at 10:31 AM
utopia resin scientists said...: love that... would love to build one any chance of a cheeky template ??; January 2, 2012 at 10:32 AM

There will be no Alley Fish Fry in 2015

The Alley Fish Fry has been a great experience in the park opposite the beach at Currumbin, but unfortunately it has run it's course. I will put my energies into supporting others who would like to follow this successful theme elsewhere. Thanks for the ride.

It was a non competitive and non commercial gathering of board riders and builders of these sweet craft.

It was about the shapers who craft these boards and those of us who enjoy the ride. Each year we saw many new ideas expanding on the the original designs and that's what is great about where surfing is at today.

If you have pics of boards you are building please feel free to e - mail me and I will post them here.
grantnewby@bigpond.com

The first Fish Fry in Australia came about after checking out the one in Oceanside California in 2006. I thought it looked like fun and something we should have down here for ourselves.

And so the first Alley Fish Fry was held Sunday 4th March 2007 on the Gold Coast Queensland Australia.

The second event was probably twice the size of the 1st with shapers and surfers from all over. A great vibe with everyone embracing the spirit behind the day.

The day is held in the park across the road from the Currumbin Alley which means there are waves at the point, the river mouth or the beach break depending on the day. So bring lunch , the family and your mates with you to celebrate this fun little board - The Fish. A great day to meet shapers and swap ideas and boards. The Quiksilver Pro is on down the road at Snapper and the Noosa Longboard Festival starts a week later so there are plenty of surfers on the coast. Come along , make yourself known and I look forward to meeting you.

The links below are of people who have supported the Fish Fry and Fish related sites. Let me know if you want to be added.