Busy in the Balo Shop.

Past, present, and future projects.

Handplane redesigning. Bigger is better.

Chambered Paipo is done!

After a few weekends spent hollowing out, routing, and shaping, the paipo is done. Here's the results. I haven't had a chance to get her into any real good waves yet, but from what I have ridden on it, I'm stoked. This one is 4' even. I'm thinking of making the next one somewhere in the 4'6-5' range, just to see what happens when you go longer. I had knee boarding in mind most of the time for this one, but I would like to have a stand-up paipo as well. This one just doesn't have quite enough floatation to stand on. For the next one I plan on reducing weight more and adding more floatation by hollowing out even more of the board.

Detail Work

My father's hand, giving me a hand and showing me the "finer points" of sanding on a freshly-shaped, hollow paipo board.

Glass offs and shorebreak

Got to spend the afternoon the other day down at Sano surfing and trying out the almost-done paipo. Waves weren't spectacular,  but had some fun, semi-glassy shorebreaks. Thanks to my girlfriend for being on-hand shooting photos.

Alaia Test

Took the alaia out early this morning at Sano. The waves were damn near nonexisent. Not what my dad and I wanted to see. Sad to say but no waves were ridden today. Hoping for swell soon.

First Wax

First Look

It's taken some time and serious effort, but the wooden surfing board is finally complete. It was definitely a learning experience for me, but I can full-heartedly say I'm looking forward to shaping the next one soon. That, and test this thing out.

Coming along

Starting to go hollow.

My latest endeavor

This is what my Dad and I are up to. A chambered, 7 foot, channel bottomed alaia. It's only in the beginning stages, but as this unfolds and starts to come of shape it should prove pretty interesting, to say the least. Here's some images from cutting the template.