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.

A sweet little porker by John Cherry

Just received these shots from master shaper John Cherry to share with you. He has just shaped this board for Mike Lim who lives in Singapore. This is John's story ...

 " I walked into the shaping bay this morning and got a fresh look at “Marine”.
When you first asked for a traditional, early-60’s pig template……with a concave nose, a step deck and a little extra tail rocker…I honestly first thought, “Mike in Singapore is asking me to mix apples and oranges here.”
Using the original Gordie template for the main template plan and blending the wider Velzey tail into the last 18”(+-) produced a superb modern pig shape.
I LOVE THE WAY THIS BOARD CAME OUT!!!!


Nice tail block to finish it off.
 " When I picked up the board to move it outside for a couple photos, I instinctively grabbed it in the center.  It was then that it became apparent to me how effectively we moved the balance point aft of center 5 or so inches (wide point is actually 3” aft of center), how light the nose feels with the big wood and the tailblock in the back......and how this minor weight shift is going to counter-balance your slight weight when you are on the nose.  Combined with the subtle concave, the 50/50 rails and the extra tail rocker (just enough, not too much) you are going to have to pack a lunch to bring with you just for one nose ride! "
The templates that help do the blending
Very traditional and classy
" When you are enjoying your 30 second nose rides at your secret spot in Bali, gliding on glassy waves, watching the reef pass underneath, dragging your hand in the crystal lip beside you……think of me. It will give me much joy and I know I will feel it, even way over here in Southern California."

" Thank you for thinking of me to make your vision for this cool board design become a reality.  It brightened my spirit."
 Much Aloha Bro,       JC

So guys if you are after a classy , classic board that looks like a wall hanger but is made to glide like a Cadillac then you have found the guy to help you realise the dream.

www.johncherrywoodcraft.com
Posted by Big Fish

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