I know, this topic is a bit strange on this forum, but I figured hey, surfing is an outdoor activity, so this should work for the "outdoor" forum. Right? Anyway, my story of surfing is short, so here it is. I grew up about 45 minutes east of San Francisco. A few years ago, I lived up in Washington state for a couple of years. People up there often asked "do you surf?" My answer was always "nope, never even tried it." Well, after coming back to California a few years ago, and now going to college on the central coast of California, I figured there is no reason that I should not try surfing. It looks fun, back home in the Bay Area I'm not too far from the beach, and down here I'm 15 minutes from the beach. Life is also too short not to try things that look enjoyable.

Once I decided that I'd like to learn how to surf, I also decided that I wanted to shape my own board. It just seemed so cool to make the first surfboard that I learned to surf on. I ended up shaping the board at an extra class taught at the college. It was pretty fun. Now, I'm learning to surf on the board that I shaped! For anyone here that may surf, here are some pictures of the progress of the board!

Here's the board when the shaping was first finished:

Here it is after my first paint job. Unfortunately the paint ran under the masking tape.

The new "fixed" paint job just before the fiberglass:

Here, it's done!

A shot of the finished bottom:

Finally, a shot of the "cool" logo I made using my initials!


Well, I don't think this topic is out of line here, but if it is, mods, let me know. Otherwise, I hope anyone interested in this enjoys the pictures because the process of making this board was a blast!

I don't surf, but the idea of making your own board is cool.
In high school (many many many years ago), a friend made a wooden canoe.
I'd like to try my hand a making something like that.

You did a really good job on that. Great work !!!!

Cheers

Great job, DL. Looks outstanding. For some reason, using tools made yourself is really satisfying. I think that's why I enjoy tying my own (flyfishing) flies. I grew up in the South Bay and now live in Washington, but I've never surfed either.

Thanks for the comments, guys. I wondered if anyone here would respond to this thread. So, mhr, where in the South Bay did you live and whereabouts in Washington are you know? And yes, I agree that using tools made yourself is very satisfying. Maybe that's why I'm an engineering student.

Nice work !! I hear <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> there is a place called " Jaws" down by you guys ? Are you going to give it a whirl ? Looks " Scary Huge" !

"surf's up dude"





but seriously....thats a cool project.

CONGRATS on your handi-work

I did a quick google search the other day and I think Jaws is in Maui. I saw a video of some guy surfing a huge wave out there. Those guys are nuts! I went out today and the waves were chest to head high, which is more than enough for someone (me) trying to learn to surf.

i know how to surf dl...thats a sick board looks like a nice gun. nice rails. i prefer a 10'0 classic longboard shape and cruise the ripples or catch long rides. i find bodyboarding better for bigger, faster, deeper waves.

youll find boards are like knives...all dift sizes for all dift waves

Jaws is on maui but you have to tow-in. its for the experienced only. laird hamilton has a sick dvd calling riding giants. you should check it out.

dl i would suggest practicing your pop and stand before just jumping out in the water. other than that its practice and balance just like riding a bike.

wait til toy catch your first wave you'll feel the "stoke"!!! its a good feeling.

I think I have a small idea of what you're talking about! A couple of times, when I was half way between laying down and standing, I caught the wave and the board just seemed to glide on the water! It was an amazing feeling! Those couple of times are more than enough for me to keep trying until I get up and stay up! Tomorrow looks good at Pismo Beach, but a bit big for learning. It's supposed to be head high with occasional 1 to 2 feet overhead! I'll have to master the standing up part first before I take on the bigger waves.

Sorry- I <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> got them crossed up. It was called Maveriks ( spelling ? ) . At any rate probably a place to just " watch" and learn somewhere else. Nice work !!

I have never had the opportunity to try it, although I want to. I have snowboarded though. Does that count? They say it is surfing the earth.

"Charlie doesn't surf!!!" ....................... and niether do I. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But it sure looks like fun. Nice work on that board - very professional looking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />