This is what it looks like when done (better to see it finished first, since in-the-making photos are… what would you say? “Repulsive”?)
But, in the beginning, there was just a common diamond-tail:
That was until the jig-saw psycho started doing his thing:
Then, after some careful sanding, I taped the tail with some adhesive aluminum to make a kind of mold and I poured some turquoise-tinted resin on one side of the stringer:
Then, some tangerine-tinted resin on the other side:
Re-shaping both resin blocks to match deck, bottom and rails, then glassing with 4oz cloth, hot-coating, sanding flush and finally glossing the whole board.
Oh, and, this was taken two days ago in Paris when I delivered the board to Miguel, its new owner. This photo is dedicated to Ambrose, he will understand…
…and Austin/Troy work, too… And many others. That’s why this site is so great and that’s what it’s all about in the end: get inspired and do your best to inspire others.
Aloha Kokua, I hope I didn’t give away the secret to the whole world… Of course, I wish I could make it someday to your island. For the waves, of course, but just meeting you, Ambrose (again) and Robin Mair would make the trip well worthwhile.
Get better fast, Kokua. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all the time.
when Miguel took the picture, I had just stepped out of the car after a 500 miles drive coming from Guéthary where the temperature was quite mild (as usual) and I must confess I was a bit surprised by the 10° C difference (at least) between there and Paris… I hastily pulled a sweat-shirt on. Thus, I believe that Makaiwa was disclosed only to two or three by-passers before it got hidden and kept secret…
now you say you hate me and then you ask questions… Why should I answer?
Kidding.
Just two inches overlap into the board. Actually, pouring the resin makes it stick quite well to the foam, stringer and glass. Also notice how the cuts on the sides add strength, holding both parts of the tail-block between foam and stringer. I have already done similar set-ups (on longboards) and had no problem. When pouring resin, just use a very small amount of catalyst to avoid heat build-up and too much retractation (is that the right word?)
Gotcha! That makes a lot of sense. Very clever with the sides and stinger providing support. That’s cool.
I’m not brave enough yet to hack into a tial…but it is very inspiring…and having the step by step certainly makes it a little less intimidating…but only a little.
