New Twinzer

A nice guy from the East Coast contacted me and wanted a Twinzer shaped. I was pretty stocked to shape him a board after listening about all the boards he has had in the past, and all the shapers, who you all know, he has gotten them from. So, after going back and forth about specs, we came up with this. 5'7 x 20.5" x 2 3/8". Ice-9 Cane blank. Sanded gloss. Front twinzer fins glassed in and LOKBOX in the rear. I personally like it alot, and was wondering how much shit I'd get in if I just didn't ship it?

FOR SALE - SOLD

5'10 x 20 1/4 x 2 3/8 CI POD. Board is too big for me. Typical pressure dents on deck. Good shape overall. Still real white. Two sets of Fins. FG Twin + trailer, and CI composites come with the board. Will post some pics of the deck when I get the wax removed. North San Diego. e-mail me at brownfishsurfing@gmail.com $275

Photo Caption Contest

More Bamboo Thoughts

I have recently had the grave displeasure of being without a set of Bamboo Fins from Marlin (Fins 101). Riding a board for quite some time with Bamboo, then for one reason or another, being without, really makes you realize how good these fins really are. Marlin is a good guy, great craftsmen, and provides good customer service. With all this in mind, I've decided that not only all the boards that I ride, but all the boards that I shape, will now have Marlins fins. Either glass-on or Lokbox, you really can't lose.

More Pics from Last Weekend

Thanks again to Tom English at www.alohawealth.com

A Weekend with the Clownfish

Last Thursday, while the surf was apparently real good around these parts, I took the day to put the final touches on the Clownfish. Sanded the hotcoat, then glossed and polished her.

Rode her for the first time on Friday morning. Started out using the Ichiro Twinfins pictured. Wasn't quite right. After two waves, I came in and put some Doc Keels in, centered in the boxes. Board worked pretty well after that. Surf was fun, chest to shoulder high and clean. A little on the mushy side but definetaly not a bad day to give a new board a go.

Saturday the surf was real good. Solid shoulder high, sometimes bigger, just peeling perfectly with the Santa Ana winds. For about 1 hour, it was pretty much as good as it gets at that break in that size range. I pushed the doc Keels all the way forward in the box, and boy did that do the trick. The board worked great and I never wished I was on a different board during that session. No pics from Saturday, as everyone was surfing.

Sunday the surf dropped a bit, but still pretty fun if you were lucky and got the right one. I tried the Rusty Keel template pushed all the way forward. It went OK, but not quite as well at the fuller templated Doc Keel.

Overall, this experiment has been fun. Definately not a typcial shape, and finding the right fins with the right placement is a challenge. It's definately not a twinfin. The Keels work way better. I'm presently waiting to get my Bamboo CI template Keels back from Marlin. I think they are going to light the board up. In comparison to a typical Keel fish without the stinger type wing, I would say that it draws a tighter arc, but isn't quite as smooth when carving. I feel I'm able to get further around and more vertical when hitting the foamball on a cutback. I find that I have to work the board a little harder to get the same speed as a keel. It's all a trade-off, but so far, I like the design. And the kids and parents dig it too. So many kids on the beach and in the water over the weekend due to the warm weather. They were all stocked on the Clownfish. Both my boys got to catch a few waves on it also.

Any flaws in the board, and there are some, are all my fault. I completed this board from start to finish, save the finboxes. Thanks to JJR for putting the LOKBOXes in for me on a Sunday.

Also thanks to Tom English at www.alohawealth.com for taking the photos. Check out more photos of the three days on his website. Just click photography up in the right corner.

Bryan's Barrel Hunter Blog

Bryan's barrel hunter blog is a new blog chronicling the life of a board. The board will be made by Ryan Lovelace of Point Conception Surfboards and will be traveling to many places near and far.

Tentatively, the board is scheduled at 6'5", an Al Merrick Black Beauty type template with the widepoint pushed forward. Fin set up is scheduled to be a 2+1 "widowmaker" (ala Dave Parmenter) type setup. Probably with LokBox sidebites (due to the versitility and ability to use LokBox to adjust the fins for varying conditions).





Should be pretty interesting to follow along. Click on my title to check it out.

MATUSE - A little about the Beginning

I'm pretty sold on the suits. To me they are everything they claim to be. When I put em on, I feel like I shed 10 years. Here is an article from the Union Tribune, almost 2 years ago, about the beginning. I still think they are pretty focused on their original goal and are doing a great job.


Two Founders Want to Avoid Growing Too Big Too Fast
Sunday, January 28th, 2007 By David Berlin
UNION-TRIBUNE
January 28, 2007
Matt Larson and John Campbell, founders of the San Diego-based wet suit company Matuse, still get goose bumps when they talk about visiting Japan to get a special kind of rubber for their wet suits.
“It was like meeting Elvis or something,” Larson said.
Land is at a premium in Japan, but the home they were visiting in the suburbs of Osaka had gardens and orchards and a giant pond with a bridge.
As the business partners walked in the door and took off their shoes in adherence to Japanese custom, they heard classical music twanging in the background. “You just knew something special was going to happen,” Larson said.
And in came Kiichi Yamamoto, founder of Yamamoto Corp. and now in his 80s.
Yamamoto and his company have created rubber materials for everything from the Apollo 11 spacecraft to modern cancer-research equipment.
Campbell and Larson, both 26 years old, use the special rubber to make what they call “the Rolls-Royce of wet suits.”
“It was just a totally surreal moment because it was kind of the culmination of a lot of long nights and, like, hoping and praying and wondering if we could reach that stage,” Campbell said on collaborating with Yamamoto.
Campbell, a Del Mar native who graduated from Torrey Pines High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in English at Dartmouth University, was a textiles exporter before founding Matuse.
Larson, originally from Long Beach, had been in the retail industry since he was 15, and had previously worked as a concept designer for big-name surf industry companies such as Body Glove and Excel.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in philosophy from UC San Diego.
Meeting through work, the two hit it off and started talking at a local Starbucks about materials that could make a better wet suit. In the summer of 2005, they founded Matuse.
A typical wet suit is made of neoprene, a petroleum-based material that is also used to make mouse pads and beer cozies. Matuse wet suits, with Yamamoto rubber, are made from an environmentally friendly material.
The rubber is made from limestone instead of petroleum and is designed to last almost four times longer than neoprene, Campbell and Larson said. Average wet suits cost about $80. Matuse suits, which are manufactured in China, are about $150.
“They’re 40 to 50 percent more expensive but 100 percent better,” said Dylan Farr, an associate buyer at ZJ Boarding House in Santa Monica, one of the largest surf shops in the country.
“Matuse has a pretty good suit for someone that’s just come out of nowhere – it keeps you warm, has good performance, and not a lot of rashing.”
The plan is to avoid growing too big too fast, Larson said.
“When we talked about our philosophy at Starbucks, we talked about developing principles that go with that,” Larson said.
“We’re not in any rush to develop products. We want to make sure that everything we do is very well-thought-out, meticulous, and well-designed, so that when people look at our logos, that’s exactly what it personifies.”
As for the meaning of Matuse, the name isn’t culture-specific. Japanese people think it’s a Japanese word and Italians have thought it’s Italian, Campbell said.
Campbell and Larson are the only official employees at Matuse, but they were quick to point out that a number of people have helped them.
Campbell’s father, also named John B. Campbell, is a founding partner and provides most of the funding for the startup company. He also provides space for his son and Larson at his law offices near Sorrento Valley.
Several professional surfers have helped promote the Matuse name. La Jolla native and former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam is a shareholder in the Matuse venture.
Former Procter & Gamble director Jamie Wallace of Rancho Santa Fe sits on the board of advisers, as does Fred Marinello, Campbell’s high school art teacher.
In San Diego, Matuse suits are available at Mitch’s Surf Shops in Solana Beach and La Jolla and the Point Loma Board Room.
“Our approach to things does set us apart. (Surfers) want something that’s not going to fail on them. A lot of other companies, I’m not sure they were pushing the envelope,” Campbell said. “It’s ichiban.”
Ichiban is a Japanese word that loosely translates into “being the best,” Campbell said.
“We’ve got to be ichiban ichiban ichiban!”

The Snake Keel

This board was shaped for Jon. 5'8 x 21" x 2 1/4" I feel it is by far my best shape yet. Didn't really want to give it away. Artwork done by my wife.

Bryans Finished Twinny

DROIDS BEWARE

Bryan Lambs Performance Twin

I shaped this board for a guy named Bryan. He wanted a perfomance twin to ride in steeper waves in the head high range. This is the first performance twin fin I've shaped. Or performance shortboard for that matter. Measurements are 6'2 x 11 3/4 x 18 3/4 x 14 1/2 and it's 2 3/8" thick. Single into a deep double between the fins (almost bonzerlike). This will hopefully help it hold. Fins are also moved a bit back further than a normal twinfin which should also help it hold.

MY HYNSON BKQ XTR EPOXY PRO STORY

About 4 months ago I found a used XTR Black Knight Quad in the classifieds. It was about 4 months old and had a decent amount of use on it, but I was very interested in giving the XTR a true go. I had been thinking about ordering a new XTR BKQ, but kinda wanted a little trial. It was an inch or so shorter than I normally would have ordered, but I figured it was still in the surfable range. So I traded a board that was virtually new for it. I rode it a couple times, then it took a break for a few weeks due to lack of surf, or scheduling conflicts. One day I went out in the garage and glanced over at my BKQ and noticed a major problem. Now, I'm not going to go into specifics, cause thats not what this story is about. So, I contacted Sean Mattison at Hynson, and also Javiar at Epoxy Pro (XTR). Sent them some pics, and before I could even ask, they both offered to make me a brand new board. Without hesitation, they asked for dimensions, color, glass schedule, etc. The board was cut from the machine that day. Less than 3 weeks later I had my new board. I can't say enough about this type of customer service. Both gets heaps of respect from me. Thanks.

Surfing the Amazon

This is some of the funnest river surfing I've ever seen documented. Can you imagine how much more fun they could have had on a Keel Fish?

LOG

Here is the latest addition. 9'7" Josh Hall Noserider. Artwork done by my wife. As many of you know, she also did the artwork on Josh's Kelp JH laminate. I think my new log turned out great. Should have its maiden voyage this weekend, providing the surf doesn't cooperate, or cooperates, depending on how you look at it.

I Feel The Need For Speed

This is a Twinzer for Tony. He wanted something big and thick. So, this came out somewhere in neighborhood of 6'2 x 21.5" x 2 3/4". I think it's pretty close to what he wanted. It's pretty flat overall and should be pretty fast. I took a little liberty with the tail. My best friend has been riding a Twinzer Fish for the last 4 years. He's a pretty big guy too. This tail design is similar to the one he's riding right now. Which is says is his best. I integrated the deep double concave that i've been doing between the fins. I think this gives the board a little more hold, and the bonzeresque bottom almost acts like center fin. It will be getting glass-on Bamboo fins from Fins 101 and a nice spray by the Pinliner himself. I can't wait to see the board after Moonlight gets done with it.

Pop up Truck Camper For Sale

SOLD

Made in Taiwan

I found this thread lurking over at Swaylocks (click title above). Thomas happened to be a little bored, waiting for a work permit in Taiwan. So, he decided to make a hollow wood board in his hotel. Has to be the most original place I've ever seen or heard of a board being made.

Allowance Time

The boys are now 4 and 6. Most of you with kids know what that means. DAD, "When are we gonna by some new droids," DAD, "Jake got a new Bionicle and now he has more than I do." In order to avoid constant assault, they can be relentless, I have started them on an allowance. $1 a day if they are good and do what they are told, including eating and cleaning up. Plus whatever odds and ends I can come up with. If they are good all 7 days in the week, they get a 50 cent bonus. Kind of goes along with the video. Payday is on Fridays. They had their first payday yesterday, and I took em to Toys R US to spend thier fortune today. They were actually pretty good, and kept within their allowance. They are now gonna start recycling the cans and plastic bottles to get more Dough. It's been working out real well, but it's all new and may become a complete failure this week. We'll see.

More Amazing Work by DK and the Mohikan

Blogging Watersports Leader of the Free World

New Camera

My family got me a new camera for Fathers Day. It's an Olympus sp-570uz. I've been wanting this camara for a while. Mainly to finally be able to shoot decent family pictures, but also because it's got a 20x optical zoom. You know what that means. Surf pics. Well, I still haven't figured the thing out, but clicked off these shots in a few minutes while simultaniously cutting up and syruping pancakes for the kids. It was overcast, so definately not optimal lighting. Hopefully, there will be better pics to come when I get it figured out.

Matuse - Are they really worth it?

I get a lot of e-mails and messages about this topic.

Everyone that has worn one is a believer that the function and warmth is pretty much unparalleled. But, what about the price? Most don't seem to mind that they are more expensive provided they are going to last. This is the main thing that has held alot of people back. They haven't been proven by the common foke to last multiple seasons. Yea, the pros and bros have had em for more than a year, some even two, but us commoners just haven't been able to put in the time.

So after having my original 2mm Short Sleeve Full for a whole year now, also wearing into the deep dark late Days of December, I can honestly say that there isn't one flaw in that suit. No rips or tears, no fraying, no cancer in the smoothie, NOTHING. I have put it through the test and can say it is going to last another season. Some will say that it is really only a transitional suit in the fall and spring, but not for me. I think I stopped wearing it in real late December, and started wearing it again in Early to Mid March. Of course I'm talking about San Diego water, but the warmth this suit supplies (only being 2mm and SS) is sufficient for most days, void of pre-dawn patrols.

I sent the Staff at Matuse various e-mails, trying to get them to make a full taped and sealed, Long sleeved, 2mm full suit. I'm sure they ignored most of what I had to say, cause they've got alot better guys out their testing their suits, but I'm happy to say that they have come out with somewhat of a compromise. For this season, The 2mm SS Full is now glued and blind stitched and also has the Fish Scale chest for better board traction and evaporative heat loss prevention. The one that I've had for a year now, even though ultra warm, isn't glued. They have also released the 3/2/2, which should put most of you cold water guys feeling free and lively through the summer.

Now the other big thing I seem to get e-mails and messages about is where can I get em. Many people have gone into shops that sell em, but they are out. Matuse suits are in pretty high demand right now. My friend had an order in at a shop for a SS Full, and he got it last week. He told me the manager said that a full new shipment has just arrived, including the new 3/2/2 fullsuits, and also a Long Sleeved top called "The Sophia" for the women.

So, to make a long story longer, don't fear change. Yea, the suits are a bit more expensive. Even though I would love to get my hands on the new 2mm SS Full, I can't rationalize it. My suits still in great condition after some solid use.

A New Ocean Slider

This is the largest Fish I've shaped to date. 6'0 x 21" x 2.5". It's good to start practicing making templates and boards that aren't 5'8. I definately have a feel for the 5'8 and pretty much know how it should be. Whether I accomplish that or not are two different things. Add that four inches, and something your not used to holding everyday, and it becomes a whole new ballgame. It was a good experience. Next on the block, a 6'0 Pod type thing for my best friend, then a 6'2" Twinzer Fish for N4S. Both will be new to me, but I look forward to the challenge












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The OTF Board Chronicles

It all started at the AB3. My wife and I had a nice day off from life. We call it a "Day Date". We found friends to watch the three younglings for the day, and headed down to the AB3. Lately we have been really enjoying these "day dates." When we met, we spent most of our time surfing together, not going out to dinner and clubbing. Since the grems have come along, surfing together is rarely an option. So instead of recruiting people to watch the kids, so we can go out at night on a date, we have "day dates" so we can surf together, then go out to lunch, etc. So, getting back to the chronicles. As many know, the surf was pretty bad that day. I brought alot of boards down for people to try, but the surf just didn't cooperate. By the time we walked down the way to go out to lunch, nobody had tried one of the boards. When we came back, OTF, was walking down the beach with one of the boards that I shaped. He took it out, and had a good time on it. He was actually the first person, besides myself, to ever try one of the boards I shaped. Meanwhile, my wife packed up to go pick up the kids. I waited for OTF to get out, but really didn't have time to discuss how the board went for him. Family duty was calling. It's kind of funny because I didn't realize who it actually was that tried the board until later. You see, OTF, is one of the people who posts over at the Surfermag BB. I've seen numerous pics of him, but never met him in person. He's had a rough time the last few years. He was diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer and beat it. So, the OTF that I had seen pics of, wasn't the same guy I had seen in those pics. He looked good, but just not the same as the pics I'd seen. So it really never clicked who it was that was trying the board. I later learned who it was, and with talking to him, found that he had a good time riding my board. I was stoked. Earlier in the day, my wife had won an Ice-9 blank, for best artwork on a board. So, I felt it would be a neat thing to shape OTF a board with it. We discussed it and he said he would want the same board, but a 5'10. So, I did what I could to make it as similar as possible. He also said that he wanted it to be airbrushed 80's Newport Neon. I knew Peter St. Pierre would be taking on the challenge, so that part was easy. What actually blew me away was that the fine people at Moonlight comped the glass job for OTF. Also that Jimmy and Casey at Lokbox donated the fins and boxes. So, here is some photos of the process and the finished product. Thanks to Moonlight for making a hacker shaped board look like a masterpiece. I hope OTF enjoys it.





On a side note, OTF picked up the board. He so far has had real positive things to say about how it rides. Early this morning he took off on a dredging wave and was driving down the line and took some gas. At some point, he was hit by the board. Ended up having to go to the ER and found to have an Orbital Bone Fracture. I hope he gets better soon, and that he finds piece with the board. G

New Board Art

Here is some board artwork my wife recently completed for a nice gent in San Francisco. The board is being sent up to Mollusk for pick-up, so if your in the shop in the next week, you just might get to take a peak at it. Only teaser picks, as the owner hasn't seen it yet. Anyone interested in her style of board art, and would like a board done, e-mail me. G

DARTH VADERIZED

I was never really a STAR WARS freak. Sure, I like the movies, and if they came on TV I'd watch them, but never really got into the action characters and what not. Well, I think i've had to come full circle. My 6 and 4 year old boys have pretty much retired their "Jack Sparrow's and Davey Jone's" for Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Star Wars Legos have officially taken over all the cracks and crevices throughout the house. Instead of pushing makeshift boats through the sand at the beach, they are flying X-Wing Fighters and Imperial Landcruisers.

Typical Surf Shop Employee

This is the typical crap a surf shop employee will spew. It's hard to believe most don't know shit about board design.

Ben Short Surfing Sumbawa

Don't know much about Ben, except he surfs alot better than me. These waves are pretty much the epitomy of what I would call fun.

Also on the Block

5'8 Hynson Black Knight Quad. $450. FIRM. 2 3/8" thick. PU/PO. In very good condition. Minimal deck denting. For all that want to know, I already have a replacement BQK. Still think this is one of the best quad fish models available today. A quiver isn't complete without one. No trades as I need money to pay for another board. Does not come with the Bamboo Fins pictured. Comes with Glass Fins. E-mail me at: brownfishsurfing@gmail.com

I have sweetened up this deal in order to move this board. I will include a set of New Lokbox Procore Honeycomb Stretch Template quad fins. So you'll get two sets of fins for the price above.

FOR SALE - Carbon Fiber Hynson Black Knight Quad 2

5'8" x 20 1/4" x 2 3/8" Hynson Black Knight Quad 2 - Board was shaped with an EPS Blank then laminated with Carbon Fiber cloth. Has only been ridden twice. Buyer to pay packing and shipping cost if needed. Cost to build this board was around $700. Retail would be around $1000. Selling for $600 FIRM. e-mail me with any questions at: brownfishsurfing@gmail.com

OCD

I have been kinda lazy lately. Just started working a new schedule and I've been pretty tired. Haven't been spending as much time at the keyboard as of late. Don't know if thats a good thing or a bad one. A friend of mine borrowed my coveted Hynson Black Knight Quad last weekend. He's shaping his first board and wanted to template either a Pavel Speeddialer or the BKQ. Since I've had both and tend to prefer the Black Knight (for my style of surfing) I figured I'd let him borrow it for a while. I'm lucky enough to have a decent array of boards right now, so letting one go for a bit isn't too much of a hardship. Plus, I think (lets just call him Mr. Pepper) is a pretty cool guy, and I know he's already got the skills to shape a pretty decent board, he's just been scared all this time. Kinda like I was. Now it's one of the things I think about constantly. So, the other day I get this e-mail from Mr. Pepper, which said something about obsession and compulsion and shaping and what not. Attached to the e-mail is this picture:



I couldn't respond to the e-mail, but I'm sure Mr. Pepper will be trolling around and see this. With this kinda planning, I don't see how he will go wrong.

DJ Kane

It's been a while since I posted last. A rough couple of weeks have not only affected me and my immediate family (ie. wife and kids), but also my brother, sister and mom. I am hoping we have worked through the worst for now.

Keep checking back as I should be posting again on a regular basis.

So while cruising the ERBB, I came across DJ and Justin's latest creation. This board has been sitting in DJ shaping room for quite some time. Neither is to blame, as they have both been traveling and what not.

The funniest thing about this board is that the outline of half the board was cut and sitting for so long, without the other half even drawn out. It was always wierd passing by and looking in at this asymentrical shape.

Well, I guess they finally got the gumption to finish her up. Boy did DJ do an incredible job. I don't hype DJ's stuff as much as I should, mainly because I see him at least 2-3 times a week and also because I just assume that most around the internet surf scene already realize this. He's shaping pretty amazing custom boards these days. I've seen more great boards from DJ coming out of Moonlight than pretty much any other shaper in the last 6 months (well Ambrose has had some good ones, but thats another story). This may be my favorite shape I've seen. I can't wait for Justin to pick it up, so I can give it a go. You can contact DJ through his website at: http://www.dksurfboards.com/ I believe he can ship pretty much anywhere in the world that Moonlight Ships.

So, after being around DJ for the last year or so since he has moved here, my favortite story came just a few weeks ago. I was picking up a board on the Friday right before the AB3. I had my 3 kids and my 5 y/o's best friend (4 kids under 6). I pull up to the back and start unloading the Groms. So DJ is leaving his truck and starting to walk in the back. In the meantime, my 5 y/o is explaining to his best friend everything about the surfboard shop that he frequents. The last thing I hear him say is, "It doesn't matter if you know what thier name is, just call em DUDE." He looks over at DJ and says, "Hey Dude."

Times are a Changing

Lets just call today a "Kids Superstation Day." You see, my wife and I used to have what we called "Superstation Days" before we had kids. We'd get up early, go surf a long session, hang out for a while, stop at Los Dos for a breakfast burrito, then be home by noon. Having accomplished most of our selfish goals, and having no desire to tackle our true responsibilities, we'd call the "Superstation Day". We'd then sit on the couch and take in Movie after Movie for the rest of the day and night, usually on TBS Superstation (hence the name). Well, I am declaring today a Kids Superstation Day. It's spring break, I'm watching three kids today (2 of my own, and a friend) and I'm not at the top of my game. Still getting over a bit of sickness I had last week and spending a good percentage of time coughing. I Don't feel that bad, just alot of energy expended coughing. Luckily, at the AB3, I was post-feeling-like-shit, but pre-cough, so it kinda worked out OK. We'll get back to that later. So I figure since we are having a Kids Superstation Day, it's a good day to preview all the kids shows and Cartoons that are presently flooding, Nick, Noggin, Sprout, and PBS. So far I've found a new favorite. YO GABBA GABBA.
I think I must of lucked into this episode, but, they had Tony Hawk on it, pimping wearing pads, plus showing some skills on a fun looking 5 ft. half-pipe. They also had a nice, "CLEAN YOUR SHIT UP" (not in those words) song that was set to a nice SKA tone. Even the singer was doing a little skankin. So getting back to the title of this post, my parents wouldn't even let me have a skateboard until I was at least 12, now the kids are getting exposed at 1. Pretty cool.



The next part of the changing times, many experienced at the AB3. My family goes to that beach at least 2-3 days a week during the winter, and more frequently in the summer. Overall the event went off great. The surf could've been a little (well alot) better, but, once again the vibe was great. An incredible turnout of some of the most incredible boards around. Some of the locals, which, happen to be beach friends the rest of the year, weren't too happy. Some even had the audacity to get the State Park Rangers involved. I was pretty blown away by this petty behavior. Both by Rangers and also these so-called locals. How can you complain about people showing up on the beach on a day that you normally wouldn't have even paddled out? I know I wouldn't have paddled out, had it not been for the event and wanting to try all these great boards. These are the same locals who never complain when all the Old Woodies show up in the morning, 2-4 times a year, and take up all the parking spaces for a breakfast party. The State Beach System shouldn't complain either, I'm sure they made enough money to take care of that beach for the next month, due to day use or ticket collections. My thinking on this goes something like this. 10-15 years ago, pre-middle-age-longboard-explosion, this would have never been a problem. Now we have insta-locals that have paved thier way into the line-up by hanging out in the parking lot and drinking coffee. Many of them are my friends, as they are overall nice people. I try to be as respectful as possible. On the other hand, in my mind, you earn your status in the line-up and also on the beach. You don't go calling out others unless you've earned that status. As I've said many times before, I will never be a local at that beach, my kids will, but not me. It would never cross my mind to call out others, especially ones who have lived in the area for generations.













So getting back to the rest of the AB3 event, that went off well. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with many of you. The boards and turnout were amazing. The people great. Even surfing crappy, gutless waist high windswell, was a blast due to the attitude of the crowd.

Overall, the best thing about the day, was that my wife won "Best Art" on a surfboard for her Bamboo drawing on her 9'0 JH longboard. She is an incredible artist, and it's nice that she was recognized. I know she was truly stoked.

Anything But Three 08'

Anything But Three. This years will again be at Cardiff Reef in San Diego on Saturday, March 22, from 6:00am to who knows when. The tides are scheduled to be a zero low at 4:30am, then a 5.0 high at 10:30am, then another 0.39 low at 4:30. Last year we were blessed with a nice crossed up windswell which provided decent chest to sometime headhigh waves. This year the forecast isn't calling for anything major, but they are saying a Northwest Windswell could be starting on Friday and building in through Saturday. Lets hope they are right.



I've went to Fish Fry's and other board type events in the past, but usually weren't able to hang out due to work or other obligations. Last year, the AB3 was at Cardiff, which is kind of where the family goes on the weekends, so luckily we were surrounded by it. We hung out most of the day and had a great time. There really isn't any other place or event, where you can try and look at all sorts of great boards.



So far this year I am planning on attending with the family once again. I am also planning on bringing these 7 fish for people to try out. Sean Mattison, of Hynson fame, has agreed to bring a decent array of Black Knight Quads and a couple prototypes for people to try. Should be a great get together.