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.

David's winter project.

The Annual Alley Fish Fry has attracted the interest of many innovative shapers in the past. And a growing number of home / backyard inspired shapers as well. It is great to see and great for the whole surfing community to have guys have a go at it themselves and realise what goes into building a board. To appreciate what so many have taken for granted for so long. Anyway here is David Chung's first shape with "Chunky" - 5ft 2" x 22" x 2.75" - looks the goods to me.

" I just wanted to share my latest project with you. I've been obessed with the Mini Simmons for a long time and always thought it's simple shape would be perfect for a garage shaper's first attempt at mowing foam. I had so much fun using new tools to shape the board and it was totally satisfying experience."

" Chunky (it still has a lot of foam left in the nose and tail) had our maiden voyage this morning in shoulder high waves. Despite my nervousness she handled the bottoms turns and loved the high line. Chunky has a substantial tail (14.5") so the real test is whether I can turn her back into the foam. "

" Thanks again for inspiring us to have a crack at shaping our own water sleds with your blog. Nothing beats riding something you've spent hours making yourself "
Dave.
Posted by Big Fish
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