Take Me Home

Hip hop may not be for everyone, but the words in this one [to me] are something to live by and have brought me through a lot of difficult times...thought it was time to share this one even though its a little 'different' than some might expect:

Whoa Nelly

Currently at shelter surf shop; a velo inspired/templated 6' hull...the template is straight off an early 60's balsa greenough spoon (most likely a camera board) and stretched.

Unnecessary Observations

(hull, rough shape)

I'm relatively out of the loop of the surf industry, so I don't know eeeeeverything, but I do learn after time and I'm learning now just how many people are machine shaping all of their boards...I'm blown away! I thought the majority of 'alternative boards' were hand shaped and I do realize that with more volume the machine comes in very handy if you don't have a helper (just think in the 60's and so on...there was way more than one shaper at a big name board house).

(same hull, finished)

I'm not speaking out against machine shaping, I'm just expressing my surprise at just how many well known 'alternative' guys rely on the machine and talk about how they craft things; machines are great tools but I'd be hard pressed to call it crafting anything.

Its a crazy world we live in!

and ps- I shaped my first full balsa board today (9'6 d.bowls), and RESPECT to the guys who built those day in and out back in the day as the 'standard'.

Japan Photos 1

Jp Surfmobile

If you receive a poor fortune at a temple, you can tie it to a rack; as the wind blows through them it washes the bad fortune away.

Fiberglass.

A Freeway Self Portrait

11hrs

I'm flying back to home-country today, Japan has been absolutely amazing!

Photos will be coming soon, in true RL style I forgot the USB cord for my camera back at home...a full photo essay will be coming shortly!

If you emailed me before I left and i asked you to contact me when I get back, now's 'tha time!

-R  

Big/Small

Yahagi and the guys put up a small album of photos from the Fish Fry the other day, give 'em a look see!

Japan Fish Fry '10

My brother, his friend Kevin and I are going from their town, Tochigi, into Tokyo today so they can show me whats up in the city...so far I've learned that Japan kicks ass, and they have BY FAR the sweetest surf vehicles of anywhere.  they're everywhere, and I want to take one home!

Ah so!

VeloSimmin' all up on the front of Japan's Blue magazine, along with many other fine offerings!

I want a translated version of Blue, the photos and features that they do are great, I wish i could read Japanese because I'm pretty sure it's my favorite magazine in the world!

The fish fry yesterday went great, I met lots and lots of people and hung out with Tyler W. and Christian Wach for a bit, Tyler rode Yahagi's 1939 kookbox (the real kind) for a bit and drew quite a crowd of gawkers when they hit the water!  

Photos coming soon, I have to find a new cord for my camera, i forgot mine back home like a dork.........

FishFrying Overseas!

Hanging out in Japan for the week with Yahagi and the crew, fish fry is tomorrow and i'm reeeeeeally excited, the surf is absolutely pumping!  nice onshore wind, slight chop on the water and a heavy 1'-2' windswell with rain in the forecast...you're jealous!

EXXXTReme

right. on.

6'10 She

She Hull currently for sale at Shelter down in the LBC!