First Attempt @ Home Made Alaia

General Discussion
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Hello All,

 

               Im brand new to the forum as of today, I have been using the forum the past couple weeks to make references at shaping my first basement alaia. It really progressed far better than I thought it would, as Im not usually that patient. I have a few questions for, if I can pick your brains for a few....

First off- I started out with a piece of edge-glued pine from Home Depot 1"x16"x96", So I cut it down to 7'6" from tip to tails. Its 15 1/2" at the widest thru the nose & 12 3/4" at the tips of the tail. Added a little rocker in the nose & made the bottom side single concave about 2/3's of the board. I made the tail a fish & it has medium rounded rails throughout. Without waterproofing it weights about 12 lbs. I bought a wood burning pen, even though I have zero artistic ability I plan on burning a straight line boarder around the entire piece & a dedication to my mother who passed away earlier this year on the  bottom side "She gave me everything that is beautiful...". Now I plan on riding this prone because Im new at surfing & a total newb to the alaia world. But in your educated opinions does this sound like it is stand up ride-able at some point with enough effort? Or even better, would you the reader be able to ride this board?

Secondly- Im working on what I should waterproof with. I saw on Xylem Surfboards he uses Dark Raw Tung Oil reduced w/ Citrus Solvent from Real Milk Paint. Which I would like to go with the dark look to really bring out the natural grains of the pine. But even in the smaller servings it is almost $30.00 shipped which isnt a ton but currently I am unemployed so I need to save where I can. I went to the local hardware store & found some Tung Oil but didnt see anything that was dark roast. I also came across Cabot Australian Timber Oil-Which is a mix of Tung Oil, Linseed Oil & Alkyd Oil. Would this be a good product to use? Any input on the subject I would much appreciate. Thank You in Advance!

 

                                                                                                                  Justin A.

  

 

I threw in some pics of my beauty so you guys could get the idea. I also threw in some pics of my local beach break, because it is all about the surf isnt it? Not a huge day there but I live in New England we dont get a lot of huge days here...

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I made a pine plank alaia earlier this year. It was only 6’, but i doubt it makes much of a difference. I made the mistake of thinking the thing would float, but i found out that when i sit on it i have to tread water to keep my head out. Don’t expect it to paddle anywhere near normal, it’s more like swimming and trying to keep the board going with you. I don’t think i sealed it very well, so I can’t offer much advice on that matter. You’l definitely be able to duck dive it. just swim under the wave while holding it, but make sure you swim back up. the board almost seems to weigh me down. Maybe my board’s just too waterlogged, but i think it’s hard for most other people. Just try to have fun.

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Props for making me laugh.

remember men. It’s not just a job, It’s an adventure.

Packing 12 lbs then trying to surf? That’s what it will be like. Before you spend any more money, get some water sealer for deck chairs and decks. Brush it on then carry that lead boot, oops wooden alaia to the nearest shallow breaking wave you can find.

Most people I know on the planet, in the history of the human race! Don’t have the patience and determination for a real alaia. I say go for it. The few rides I have had are very rewarding. Besides, prone will still whip ya around.