The Alley Fish Fry: Ray Gleave, a master of the craft

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.

Ray Gleave, a master of the craft

If you have ever had the pleasure of being out on a nice day and shared a wave with Ray Gleave it is a humbling experience and one not to be forgotten. He surfs with such grace aand style. Flows on a wave like a dancer.Here is a little clip from his long time sponsor Mc Tavish , a little insight for you.

Ladies and gentlemen, here's the fourth episode of our short film series 'Dedicated To The Craft'. This episode features longboard champion, legend and McTavish team rider of over 20 years - Ray Gleave!
This series of films were created by local Byron Bay film maker Stefan Jose with the idea of introducing and expanding on the lives of the people who ride and build our boards, and share the lifestyle pioneered by Bob and his friends in the '60s. These are the characters that inspire us to stay true to the culture, and aspire to constantly build boards dedicated to function, beauty and quality that last for generations.

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There will be no Alley Fish Fry in 2015

The Alley Fish Fry has been a great experience in the park opposite the beach at Currumbin, but unfortunately it has run it's course. I will put my energies into supporting others who would like to follow this successful theme elsewhere. Thanks for the ride.

It was a non competitive and non commercial gathering of board riders and builders of these sweet craft.

It was about the shapers who craft these boards and those of us who enjoy the ride. Each year we saw many new ideas expanding on the the original designs and that's what is great about where surfing is at today.

If you have pics of boards you are building please feel free to e - mail me and I will post them here.
grantnewby@bigpond.com

The first Fish Fry in Australia came about after checking out the one in Oceanside California in 2006. I thought it looked like fun and something we should have down here for ourselves.

And so the first Alley Fish Fry was held Sunday 4th March 2007 on the Gold Coast Queensland Australia.

The second event was probably twice the size of the 1st with shapers and surfers from all over. A great vibe with everyone embracing the spirit behind the day.

The day is held in the park across the road from the Currumbin Alley which means there are waves at the point, the river mouth or the beach break depending on the day. So bring lunch , the family and your mates with you to celebrate this fun little board - The Fish. A great day to meet shapers and swap ideas and boards. The Quiksilver Pro is on down the road at Snapper and the Noosa Longboard Festival starts a week later so there are plenty of surfers on the coast. Come along , make yourself known and I look forward to meeting you.

The links below are of people who have supported the Fish Fry and Fish related sites. Let me know if you want to be added.