More Japanese Fish Fry 2009 pics

Gold Coast shaper Woody Jack had a range of boards he took with him




















A big thanks to Yutaka Ono for sending these shots of the Japanese Fish Fry 2009. A wide range of different craft as well flex tail longboards, spoons and a see through longboard.

Something different ?

Local Gold Coast shaper and artist Richard Harvey has had these in his sketch book for a while and finally found time to make it happen.  The Alaia Sandle,  a cross between the Hawaiian Alaia surfboard and the Japanese Geta Sandal. Made from laminated cedar and pine with jute rope straps. See them along with other timber boards and surfing paraphernalia at the Wooden Surfboards Day Sunday 9th August - The Currumbin Alley Gold Coast 

www.harveysurf.com   and   www.woodensurfboards.blogspot.com

Fish Fry Japan 2009

All the pics below were kindly forwarded to me by Dave Verrall / Diverse Surfboards (above) from the Gold Coast who went to this years Japanese event.

Looks like they they had a fun day and a good turnout. A big thanks to Dave.

The Wood Biscuit by Grain

The Wood Biscuit

" Grain Surfboards and Channel Islands Surfboards are pleased to announce a new partnership. Using our tried and true wood construction method, we'll be rendering some of the Channel Islands surfboard line using sustainable-yield cedar, low VOC epoxy, even bamboo cloth instead of glass for those who want it.  We're starting with Rob Machado's board, the Biscuit, a stubby wave-catcher for knee to head-high surf.  Our first size will be the 6'2" with more to follow. Soon, these boards will be available as kits as well.

Working with CI to deliver wood versions of their boards is really exciting for us and inspires us to think about the unusual nature of this project.  We're tempted to make some comparisons with the arrangements some well-respected shapers have entered into with epoxy pop-out factories. Where pop-outs are machine made, our boards couldn't be more hand-crafted. Where pop-outs can feel corky, ours are solid with great glide and speed. And with more and more boards made overseas (where environmental laws are often lax) being able to get a board made in Maine by folks who make their impact on the planet a daily conversation is becoming a revolutionary choice."

Fishy day at The Alley

Not a grain of sand left over the rocks after the storm. Tip toe bro.
Another great day at The Alley. The water is still warm , shorts and rashie. We had the fish out for a spin. Great shots taken by Shane.

Wild surf again this year at The Alley

The Alley and the rest of the Gold Coast were hammered on the weekend with 10m plus seas and high winds that closed the beaches . We ended up with huge seas and floods not seen since 1974. We had 365mm of rain in 24 hours (15 inches). This is the 3rd lot of floods we have had this year and we have had swell since mid March. All photos are by Craig Halstead. For Craig's great video footage go to : www.coastalwatch.com.au

Quad Keel combo

Here is an interesting take on fins and placement of plugs to give a few options. This comes from the guys at Classic Malibu in Noosa.  www.classicmalibu.com.au   These guys make some nice boards.

The latest issue of Surfing World.

The latest issue is a very insightful read on shaping and the directional change some shapers are moving towards. Kelly Slater has written a piece on what his thoughts are and why he is shaping his own boards.It's interesting how the fish has influenced many and the place the quad is playing. Jason Stevenson, Mark Richards, Greg Webber, Neil Purchase jnr. and where they are heading. Interesting reading cover to cover.Not another mag with a surf trip to the islands again and again. Good job guys.
Sage Joske, fish fry regular , old mal , fish and Alaia slider on wood and and why it is good.
Chris Garrett, not just a wild man with an axe to grind but a talented shaper to boot.

The Curve ,a great night of art, music and surf culture

Christian Chapman with one of his outstanding pieces
A full moon , a few beers and time to catch up with everyone at "The Curve" Dan Mac Donalds surf shop at Currumbin. www.dmshapes.com. Live music by Mick Wheeler, Christopher Ernest and Kym Campbell. Author Tim Baker presented a reading from some of his books. A great night and something we need to do more often.Good to see Rusty Miller come up from Byron and other shapers like Chris Garrett and Dale Chapman there.
Local artist and surfer Nic Chalmers with Dan.

Richard Harvey , great shaper , surfer and artist had a nice series of his latest work


Almost local Frenchman , Paul Lefevre next to a couple of pieces he hand painted on a some of Dan's shapes.
More of Paul's detailed work

Paul did this board with Dan for the fish fry

These 3 are by Christian Chapman who has  a great eye and deft touch with the airbrush

Adrian Turner had some interesting pieces on show.

The Alternative Board - Japanese movie on Fishes and fish riding

Some well known fish shapers and surfers showing what a fish can do.

Irish Fish Fry

Great to see the Fish Fry is kicking on all over the world. Keep it simple keep it pure.