Hey guys, I have been reading disscusions on Swaylock’s for quite a while now, have been surfing for all my life and I’m looking into making my first board. I have been really interested in the shapes, styles and soul of finless surfing and was thinking a finless would be a great way to start for the following reasons:
Dont need to worry about adding Fin plugs,
Im not sure if I'll enjoy finless surfing so best not to spend too much,
It seems such a great way to experiment with how the shape of a board affects my surfing.
As a true novice in this area does anyone have any: advice, previous experience, examples and shape ideas to get me going.
i think finless boards are a whole other beast that involve complex concaves, channels, ect. not to say that you can shape a board and just surf it without fins, but shaping a normal board and just not putting fins in it is different than shaping with the intent of being a finless board. Plug fin box’s / plugs are easy enough to do. why not install boxs and just remove the fins and see how it works. just my .02
Build a Alaia from wood see if ya enjoy it first. It would cost ya less then a case of beer. and half the fun. I have tried them and I’m just to old and Jaded to start over. I have total respect for those who can surf them. Good luck
Alaia sounds like a great way to see if I enjoy Finless surfing while having fun in the process, I may choose both to build the alaia and with a case of beer though.
What woods are best to use? I presume I would be gluing multiple boards of a reasonably light softwood and then shaping it. Does anyone have any tips on the effect of concaves or tail shapes?
Plus is there any way to attach a leash on a alaia board?
Thanks ,
Tom Roberts
Life is a tricky thing but please don’t take it too seriously or you won’t survive the end of it.
Good idea Tom. I really don’t know what to use as far as wood goes but a quick google search may help. I’m sure there are some post here to find out.
There is a standing rule at San’O and that is No Leashes but I’m sure you could drill a hole in the tail and tie some rope to it.Then a Hangman’s Noose on the other? B)
I have a belief that if ya take off the leash you’ll become a better surfer. Its like how long do ya need you’re training wheels before ya take them off? I hate leashes always have and always will but I do use them once in a while when it gets over 5 feet. Leashes ruin surfing
Agreed I hate wearing leashes too but as im currently stuck in the busy beachs of south wales and its the best way to avoid a law suit from a grumpy mother whos son has a alaia shaped dent in his head. I love the rope idea though keeping it authentic thanks.
