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.

Do it yourself...

 I met Blake Norrish at the Alley the other morning. He was heading out for a surf with his dad. Got talking to him about the board he had with him and it turned out he had built it himself.

 After the surf he was on the plane back to Melbourne again for the year. But he promised to send these pics here to share. So good to see guys having a go and doing it themselves. It is such a rewarding experience and the connection you then have with your surfing is very special. And I am sure it will not be your last.

  " I outlined the shape after drawing on the ideas of Bob Simmons, Ado from Rake and Tyler Warren's bars of soap but kept the nose pretty square just to experiment. Hull entry to flat to single between the fins. Hand foiled marine ply keels."

  " Prayer flag inlays on the bottom and a few laminates on the deck including an artwork by Michael Hsiung with alfoil beneath. The teeth are my crazy obsession, currently studying with a goal of becoming an orthodontist. Dimensions and a sexual innuendo on the stringer and she was done.

So far has performed well with a few sessions at Snapper, the Pass and the Alley.

The whole experience has been so great to learn all that is involved in making a surfboard and I feel I can only improve from my mistakes and am keen to get back in the shed and craft some more. Currently sussing out using a decent bay to create some more dust.

Cheers and all the best for the Fish Fry, I only wish Vic wasn't so far away! "







Posted by Big Fish
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