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.
They may not all be what some would call fish exactly , but they certainly are a close cousin .It is always great to see people thinking outside the box and experimenting and blending ideas and design elements to come up with something different.Sage Joske from Valla Surfboards near Coffs Harbour has created the Vector above. Sage is an avid Alaia and fish shaper and rider and from this the Vector was hatched. This is the Anderson Stealth 6' 4" and is an obvious marriage of the two, like a fish on top of an Alaia , then add fins.This is in California. Fins for bite when you need them and out when you don't.The foam will certainly help the paddle into a wave. The fish and the Alaia marriage is an interesting one, but not unlikely.I would say the Simmons is pretty well involved in there as well.This is the sort of thing that will be seen at the Fish Fry in 2 weeks time.
The Fish Fry will be a gathering of all parties interested in "The Fish" and all things of a fishy variety. There are always interesting new boards and ideas. A chance to meet shapers and check out what they are doing. Swap ideas , try a new board or be inspired to head home and have a go at making one in the shed yourself. There is sure to be something to catch your eye and plenty of interesting people to met and talk to . A very simple day in the park. Bring your lunch and chill for the day with your board.
Greg Wheeldon is an Architect from Brisbane who did the board building class with Paul Jensen last August. His son Matt was keen to build a board , so with his dads guidance he was kept busy over the Christmas break. " Matt wanted something different, so we cut the deck and hull boards at 450, inset a woven bamboo panel into the deck nose and tailpiece, and hull nose. On the hull we turned the boards back to parallel, to give the tail and fins more interest."
" We even managed to form a 5mm concave to the hull nose, and a 3mm double concave to the tail under the parallel board section."
" He is keen to show it at the Fish Fry so we will see you there ." Would love to see the board at the Fish Fry Matt, this is exactly what it is all about. A great life experience for anyone to build their own board .
Proud dad with his board he built with Paul Jensen at The Eco Village last year.
Marrco is coming out to check out the Alley Fish Fry as he gears up for the European Fish Fry to be held on the 25th of September at Versilia Italy later this year. It will be great to host him and show him around.It seems as though the word has spread far and wide and the day has come of age. There were over 35 shapers last year as well as plenty of guys who are building there own boards , which is great to see. I am looking forward to another great rollup. Hope to see you there.
Now this board look fairly well proportioned , until I tell you it is 6ft 3" x 29" wide. I know you thought it was a Mini Simmons , well it is actually a belly board. Now that is some planing area. Pics were sent to me by Paul Jensen of his mate Jeff Chamberlain's new board.Should be a flyer.
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 Alley
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.
Early morning at The Alley looking North to Surfers Paradise