I am branching out from the Paulownia I normally use to make my alaias into a Koa cousin Black Acacia that I can aquire planks of locally. Given that this wood is denser and stiffer than paulownia how will this affect my design parameters. I am thinking a reduction of blank thickness almost 40-50% from the paulownia blanks. Anyone have direct experience with this using true hardwoods (maple, oak, etc). I used Poplar on one and was very suprised at the significant difference in flex.
Made a paulownia alaia last night tested it today. Had a power outage so I shaped it with hand planes a candle and a flashlight. Slapped some resin on it this morning and drove to the beach with the windows down. 7' 1"-18"-1". Very flexible. I made one in poplar also. Not as flexible but has more spring too it which I preferred. I would actually like to add a little thickness to the paulownia one for floatation and to stiffen it some which goes against what I hear from other alaia experimenters. Got up once on it and slipped out sideways. I think with a little practice I will get up eventually and I'm looking forward to it.
Sounds interesting, I dont know what Acacia looks like but post some pics when you start working on it , id be keen to see.
I have posted this board elsewhere already but just thought id share my ride experience . Board is 6’2" x 17"x 1", but because of the deep concave it is considerably thinner down the middle I found it sunk below the water level too much when I was paddling it to get any proper speed to catch waves with it. I has surprised however once it caught a wave it lifted quite quickly to the surface with a little speed, the conditions were not favourable so I was mainly catching white water and reforming waves. Managed to get a few prone rides and was pretty stoked with it anyway though.
Im planning on making another, got some Paulownia timber coming soon… Thought I would make it longer like 6’ 8" and wider up to 19", to aid paddling issues and also am keen to try thicker like 2" inches or more , which will hopefully give it more flotation.
Also I have changed the tail shape on the new template for the next one to a rounded tail, more double ended, anyone got any thoughts on what seems to go best as an outline?, below ive also attatched a pic of my new template…
Im really enjoying the process of trying stuff out with just timber as a material and will post some pics of my next board with ride report soon.
The profile on the right is the direction I'm going with my new board with a straiter rail. The profile on the left is what I have now. @ 2" inches you could maybe get some good hold in the tail for a nose ride.
