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 Wounded Warrior Fish

Bobby getting ready to wet it's head

Betty, Bobby Donnelly and John Cherry at the Wounded Warriors Surf Camp in Del Mar .

John Cherry has some very special mates , Bobby Donnelly and Christopher Tomlin who have served their country and come home wounded. Bobby lost his right leg, below the knee. Chris just got blown up 3-4 times in Humvee's. His injuries are slightly less apparent outwardly, but equally traumatic. Bobby and Chris, both accomplished surfers, are very involved and dedicated to the Wounded Warriors Surf Camp at Del Mar, California.

They both love their surfing and wanted to keep doing it. This inspired John to design a new board that would enable them to still enjoy the stoke that was a big part of their lives.

Great looking John Cherry fins

A bit of the Simmons influence there ?

John Cherry wrote " At 5' 1-1/2" x 22-1/2" x 3" with a wide overall template these young athletes can hopefully paddle it into waves. It has a fast hull design, employing a subtle single-into-double bottom, low profile single-foil, Simmons-ish twin keels, set forward for maneuverability and (2) hand holds just forward of the deck concave for extra control. Peter, Sally, Gary Stuber and the crew at Moonlight Glassing have donated the glass job. Dave King of King SUP'S is donating the pad that will cover the deck concave area. I would like to thank them all for helping me with this project."

What a great looking board and what a great team of friends to get together and make this happen.
I was sent a note from Bobby Donnelly which read -

"On behalf of all the guys & gals down at the camp, Thank you so much.Words cannot express how much your donation, time and craftsmanship is appreciated. It's a beautiful board, the glass job is impeccable, the traction from kings is perfect and of course those fins are killer.
Thank you for sharing the stoke and feel free to come down any Thursday and have a paddle out or just hang and socialize with the troops. From my perspective as an amputee surfer it's so great to see people in the industry or any surfer take time from there busy work day to come down and spend any time at all with the guys. I am extremely grateful and proud to have served our country for people like you.

Very Respectfully,

Bobby Donnelly
EOD, USN, AD

For me , surfing is about having fun and time on the water with friends .It is great to see that these guys have such great friends that can band together and make this happen for them. A great story that I am very happy to share with you all.
Posted by Big Fish
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