So i’ve been reading and seeing alot of guys making and surfing alaia and i’d thought id give it a try. I have some questions regarding the shape and size.
I was thinking of around 9 foot long, 19-20 inches wide and 1.5-2 inches thick, for ease of paddling and for catching the small summer waves that i surf. Is this too big, if so what would be a better size?
What wood would be a good substitute for paulwonia, its pretty hard to get that in Oregon.
any other tips on construction and shaping would be greatly apreciated.
Sounds a little big to me for an Alaia to me but I suppose anything can go.. I have made several to date the longest being 7'6" but for me so far I like the shorter boards. I ride a couple different boards. A 6'6" parabolic and a 6"0" both of these come in at around 17 inches wide are made of Paulownia and are just under 1 inch thick. (I am 5"10" 160lbs) I like the feel of the thinner board as the flex really comes to life. As far as buoyancy goes, to me you really do not gain much in that factor as the board gets larger to me you are just trying to stroke a larger heavier board into a wave that already has little or no buoyancy. It is actually easier for me to use the smaller board to get into the waves. I see that many use all kinds of other wood for these such as cedar and many other woods, regardless you will need to account for how seal these other woods. With the Paulownia I just use some Linseed and turpentine and it’s good to go. The wood stays true with little water or no water absorption I think most other woods may need to be treated better to keep the water out of the wood. I worked with a local lumber company to help track down some for me. A lot of this wood goes to the furniture market and they found me a source even though they had none on hand. If you want Paulownia I would start with your search there they may know where to find some for you. Otherwise I think any other hardwood will do you just need to figure out who to keep the water out. I attached a shot where you can really see the flex of these boards.. one of the best parts of riding these is being able to feel the wave as the board flexs beneath your feet. I posted a couple shots on my 6'6" parabolic and in the one you can really see the board flex.
Also, Forgot to mention that i am a little more interested in cruising, not “rippin’” it up. I read that the longer board are good for this, is that correct?
Great photos above. Great advice also!! My experience is very similar to fbfla’s above. It’s always the same story where wide thick and long is what the alaia newbies think will work. The waves in your area will be the relative constant besides your effort and those two ingredients deserve the most attention to dial in your alaia. Start long and whittle it down as you learn.
edit- forgot to mention… the alaia pic in my avatar is one of my most popular. It is also the lightest! I don’t mind the weight on some of the others as much as my buds.
I made an 8' pine one and it goes so fast down the line. It is a boat, a sinking boat, that doesnt really float. Much easyer to surf than my 6'0 tho. just make sure you can paddle it ok, and just remember that 9'X20" is a load of wood to be flying around when you wipe out.
