Hello all, I wanted to know if you guys have any templates for an alaia…I recently made one out of pine, and made my own template 6"x16x15…needless to say it’s not too spot on. So I’d like to have a second try, and a solid outline seems to be pretty key. Anything bigger would be great, as I’m about 180 punds and want to ride it stand up.
ridden it yet? friend of mine did one out of pine recently, i was there first time he took it out. the thing doubled in weight within 5 minutes of being in the water and swelled quite a bit.
you’d probably want to go 6’6" - 8" for a stand up alaia to start with. anything smaller and it will be tricky to paddle, especially if it made of pine.
Like durbs said, seal it good so it doesnt get waterlogged because pine soaks up the water and deteriorates pretty quickly.
if you can get paulownia where you live, it is light and hard and wont deteriorate in salt water.
I have a bunch of templates if you want one. send me your email address and I can send you some. a good template makes it much easier.
i have made about 10 alaias. i started with pine but found red cedar and paulownia work out the best and make sure you seal it with a mixture of 50% Boiled Linseed oil and 50% Turpentine. IT turned out nice though. Good Job
if there is one board that doesnt need a template its the Alaia, I have used a ruler and then just something with a close curve for the nose…or use another board …