Thursday 8 July 2010 - NEWSFLASH!
I'm back in my second home - Torquay (Victoria not the English Riviera).
Busy shaping 35 new custom orders for eveything from shortboards for the factory team, to SUPs for Argentinian polo players.
It feels nice to still be in demand after 150 years of shaping surfboards. If you want a new board, hurry and let me know.
I'm only in Torquay for a strictly limited time or until my back gives out.
Call or txt 0409489637
Leigh.
A couple of fish
Helga the 18 foot ocean touring SUP under construction
Helga launch
Recently I've been inspired to take up Stand Up Paddle Boarding, thanks to its 'pure' surfing feel. In other words, it conjures up images in my mind of when Hawaiian Kings first took to the ocean on surf craft, using a single long paddle and standing up to command the waves.
I'm now taking orders for your next custom SUP (Stand Up Paddle) board. Costs range from $2000 for a 'short' SUP at around 10 feet, to $4000 for the 18 foot 'ocean tourer' model pictured here. Made from epoxy and taking up to 6 weeks to complete, I can create the SUP of your dreams!
This blue beast is the first SUP that I shaped for myself - christened "Helga", this is by far the biggest piece of surf equipment I've ever produced. It's an ocean tourer, in the same spirit as Hawaiian long distance SUPs.
For your paddle, I can recommend Nick Van Dongen's superb hand crafted custom paddles, crafted from beautiful Tasmanian timbers.
I intend to go on long distance trips on Helga, and she's designed to ride rolling unbroken ocean swell. My first idea is to go from Bone Yard to Hellfire Bluff, so I can look up and get a good view of Upway.....
And of course, all my usual short boards, and traditional and modern mals are still available by special request on my magic wireless telephone 0409 489 637.