I had a fun day at the beach with my newest and youngest "team riders". My buddy Paul is a great Dad and knows how to how much Paulie and Kayla love to go for a surf. Paul has been a long time friend from my construction past. I got Paul out a few times and then the kids got involved.

Paulie and Kayla were very excited about surfing a keiki. The last time they had to share my foam fish. We all know how much siblings like to share...... humm. Anyways they were stoked and the boards were all ready for them.

It was a typical Florida day. The sky was overcast and it rained a little. The temp. was mid-80's and the water was probably about the same. The surf was pretty wild and had some size. There were some guys surfing outside and getting large choppy waves. The inside was reforming pretty good.

The first hour and half Paul and I helped out the kids by pushing them for a start. The last hour and half the kids were getting there own waves and paddling out. There was a lot of rip current running so Paul and I stayed in the water with them. The session ended with a couple wore out kids that didn't want to get out the water. Hmm.. sound familiar.

We stopped at a Mexican restaurant on the way home. That's been one of my rituals since I started surfing. It was a lot of fun for all. Seeing the kids getting stoked gave me some stoke too. I'm glad the keiki boards worked out and nobody got hurt.

These are from a day trip to K38 Baja, MX.  It was the best of times back then.  We didn't have much money and almost never took any pictures.  That was considered un-cool but, I broke the rule that day. 

It was only an hour drive from where we lived in Imperial Beach.  The waves weren't to good that day.  Climbing up and down those cliffs was always fun.  Camping there use to be fun too but, I'm not so sure it could be done today.  The crew were all good guys and good surfers.  We had our differences but that was part of the fun too.

D.

I had an enjoyable session today with great company.  Hope you all got some too.

http://woodylogicsurfboards.blogspot.com/2010/06/removed-some-knots.html

D.

Dan and Tom are great guys and started building from one of my kits a couple years.  They build some sweet boards.  Here is a recent session.

http://www.youtube.com/user/oldfartssurf#p/a/u/0/jWi8vAnrvBA

Check them out at.

http://blinddogsurfboards.blogspot.com/

Lots of good video available at this site.

http://www.volcompipelinepro.com/live/

Derek Ho wins a first day heat.  Lots of big bombs on day 1. 

Well folks it's official.  The USCG is now regulating the use of SUP's.  What happen to land of the free??

Document Number: 398 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release Date: Oct. 24, 2008

Contact: Lt. j.g. Nadine Santiago (202) 372-4644   Coast Guard Classifies Paddleboards As Vessels   WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard in a decisional memo dated Oct.3, classified paddleboards as vessels in accordance with Title 1 United States Code, Section 3.

This classification means that when used beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or bathing area, no person may use a paddleboard unless in compliance with the Navigation Rules, and applicable carriage requirements for this type of vessel.   This may include a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, a sound producing device, visual distress signals, and proper navigation lights. A police-type whistle and a flashlight comply with these requirements.   The Coast Guard has also exempted the hull identification number requirement from the manufacturing standards.   "In order to address safety issues and concerns the U.S. Coast Guard has researched the criteria, and has determined that the device known as a paddleboard is a vessel under Title 1, United States Code, Section 3," said Jeffrey Hoedt, chief of the Boating Safety Division, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety.   Director of the Oregon Marine Board, Paul Donheffner, reported that paddle boarding has been gaining popularity. Traditionally they were used to surf in the ocean, but are now being used not only in the ocean beyond surfing areas but also in lakes and rivers.   It is important to note that paddleboards in the surf-zone will not be affected by the decision and that the Coast Guard does not define the limits of surf zones.   The U. S. Coast Guard asks all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.   Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket; never boat under the influence; successfully complete a boating safety course; and get a vessel safety check annually from your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons.   The U. S. Coast Guard reminds all boater's to "Boat Responsibly!" For more information on boating responsibly, go to: www.uscgboating.org.   ###  

There is a loop hole some might have spotted.

This classification means that when used beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or bathing area, no person may use a paddleboard unless in compliance with the Navigation Rules, and applicable carriage requirements for this type of vessel.

IMO the whole regulation thing is ridiculus. 

Dennis

These were my first impressions after riding my first HWS.  That was back in Summer of 2006.

I had a chance to get out and surf my 7'10" hollow wood fun board
last wednesday. I went out at Flagler Beach, FL with a friend. The
conditions were fairly good with a waist high swell and offshore winds.

The first thing I noticed right off was how heavy the board felt in
the water and it took a fair amount of effort to make it move. This
is compared to a foam board that I'm used to. Catching waves was a
little bit harder because of the weight. Reminded me of the old logs I
use to ride when I was a teenager or should I say they rode me.

The most interesting thing was how the board rode after I got a wave.
It felt like you had to move to the center of the board fairly
quickly and it didn't like to be ridden from the tail. It also felt
very corky and no flex at all. I have to admit that it turned well and
the ride was very smooth. The board accelerated well once it was
trimmed and I thought it was a lot of fun once I got use to it.

The lesson I learned from this experience was make my boards as
light as possible without sacrificing strength. I will be removing
more excess wood in the spar and ribs. I haven't been glassing the
inside of the board and didn't have any leaks or structural failures.
The rails worked great and I'm very pleased with the profile being
incorporated into the ribs. I look forward to testing my new
longboards to see how they perform. I hope they will catch waves a
little easier, since they have more planing area and were built lighter.

First born

I like to think that my boards are more refined now. 

After that I built (4) longboards and made the kits available. 

Dennis

I plan to attend this event next Friday 12/15.  Anyone that's attending and wants to meet up, let me know.

BTW-This show isn't open for the general public.  It's for retailers mostly.

Dennis