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.

Derek Hynd at J Bay a true finless freak



At the Fish Fry we have seen the emergence if the finless board, starting with Tom Wegener and his Alaias. And then last year Bob McTavish turned up with his "Twin Hot Curl" which was his first finless experiment of recent times I understand. The innovative shapers that have advanced the twin keel fish to what we have today are the ones that are going finless as well. Pushing the boundries of bottom contours and rail shapes that allow this style of surfing. There is no denying that you also have to be a great surfer to start with to get the most out of a finless experience. But the ultimate might have to be the " Yard Possums ". These guys take the cake , as they surf on unglassed pieces of foam with little or no shaping at all.

You can check them out in " The Surfers Journal" Vol 19 number 5 where Tony Alva said " They're the future primitive of surfing. Little , hairless cavemen riding spaceships". I am sure you will see some finless boards at the Fish Fry . Tom Wegener is to be there with a range of his Sea Glass boards to demo.
Posted by Big Fish
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