I’ve been looking for a new longboard lately and chanced upon a new Yater Spoon in a local shop. The thing that’s attractive to me about it is that at 9’6" It’s 22.5 wide, and fairly light. I’m 130 lbs… so most noseriders are pretty much sidewalks for me.
At any rate, the board seems like a good fit. I’ve never been on a step deck, so that’s a curiousity… but I feel pretty good going with such a known shape… However, I’m wondering how traditional they’re shaped. Weren’t the original Spoon’s done with a 50/50 rail all the way down? This one is definitely not. The rails are tucked way down… The 10’ model was a bit closer, but the rails were still rolled down on it.
At any rate… Does anyone have any experience with the newer Yater Spoons? I’m looking for a noserider that trims for a less-than-average-sized person
cough cough… depending on where you are, try getting a custom made board from someone at sways. I’m sure someone can make one for you alot less and alot better. and, good way to meet people. I am not a big fan of off the rack boards. If you get one, then make sure its not a pop out. if it seems too cheap to be true, then it isnt glassed to last. be wary and if you insist on buying off the rack, ask the store a million questions about the board in question. If the store is clueless then leave it alone and try somewhere else. I also suggest doing internet research on the board before you buy.
I’ve been doing research today. I’m told Lauren and Renny hand shape every board that leaves with their label… even the rack boards. The rack boards are 6oz top and bottom, so I’m actually thinking I’m gonna order one custom with more glass.
they do handshape but most production models are off a machine then hand finished the yater spoon is not a noserider that is a fact . with the hard rails it is an update to make it turn easier so if you want a 60’s version spoon order the classic spoon shape = mucho dinero so call lauren or renny up and order it direct. save the make up of the shop.
me, I come to swaylocks for the advice of sages, ask for it with humility and try and add bits when I think I’ve really got something to offer…it ain’t a blog.
Howzit John, Back in the late 70's I got a used new era #25 8'3" yater from a friend who got it from Ambrose, changed the fin and it was one of the best boards I ever had. Had a hot curl tail. Rode it in 8' hanalei and 6'-8' middles and it was awesome. Restored it in the late 80's but it is in pretty bad shape these days but still got it in the racks. When Keith M was here he was telling me how I had some boards that people would die for to restore. Aloha,Kokua
I started the custom order process. The rails on the off the rack board I saw weren’t as turned down as I had thought, actually… The board is just pretty thin at the rails and I’m frankly really novice at evaluating shapes.
It’s tough to figure out what works best unless you happen to have generous friends with a whole lot of boards, so I figure I’ll just stick to well known shapes and shapers and if it doesn’t work out at least I’ll have a board that keeps it’s resale value pretty well!
I’ve been doing research today. I’m told Lauren and Renny hand shape every board that leaves with their label… even the rack boards. The rack boards are 6oz top and bottom, so I’m actually thinking I’m gonna order one custom with more glass.
Phill
Lauran and Rennie do all of their boards from their shop. The spoon doesn;t have a hard tail. Buy one there a whole lot of fun.
Any idea of what that holographic stuff is in the second picture…
Hi Hicksy,
The hologram stuff is abalone shell veneer. Mr. Yater works in conjunction w/ artist, surfer, Kevin Ancell. I’ve watched him work, each board is unique. The latest is a full balsa gun w/ wrapped rails.
I have other photos of some of Kevin’s work. Here you go.
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The Spoon is a really fun board to ride in small perfect waves.
Chances are a lot shop employees these days, can’t realy provide much insight into what really makes a board work well, and what doesn’t. You could get lucky and meet someone who has years of experience with a multitude of different boards and board types and can privide some good feedback. But usually your dealing with the stereotypical surf shop employee who doens’t know shit about boards other than how to switch out his FCS’s to the new carbon fiber pro model.
I had a Yater once. Not a spoon, but a regular old cruiser. Absolutely loved the board. Snapped it on a day that I should not have been out with it. Miss it terribly.
You were exactly right. The modern Spoon model is what’s in shops. It’s got slightly different rails and more rocker. Those are machined and then hand finished by R&L. The classic’s are all handshaped and start a couple hundred higher (which frankly, still seems cheap given the fact that you’re getting a handshaped custom from a legend).
Anyways, my order for a classic spoon shape is in the hopper and I’ll be getting a call from Rennie to work out the details whenever my order gets to the top of what I’m sure is a fairly large stack
Wanted to update in case anyone else stumbles on this post. I put in my order for a classic spoon a couple of weeks ago. Renny was out of town, but got my order on the 23rd of August, and I got a call to tell me that the board was ready on the 1st of September. Turned around in a week! The price was waaay reasonable too. Much cheaper than a similar board by other big names. Now I just have to drive up to Santa Barbara this weekend to pick it up.
At any rate. Wanted to encourage anyone thinking about a Yater to go for it. Can’t wait to get the thing in the water. Thanks for the advice.
Any idea of what that holographic stuff is in the second picture?
Klapper Gallery is pleased to present a collaborative exhibition bringing together two surfer artists for the first time: Reynolds (Renny) Yater and Kevin Ancell. The collaboration between “the artist and shaper” creates spectacular “art boards” for the growing market for such collectibles.The title of the exhibition is “Water Columns” which refers to the surfers most prized possession: “surfboards”. They are made of the finest opalescent mother-of-pearl, luminous abalone, and shimmering scallop shells found deep in Her majesties seas. These collectible items are for display and/or for riding waves on the surface of the ocean. “Water Columns” is a hybrid celebration of cutting edge surfboard design, and fine art craftsmanship. OPENING RECEPTION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM WHERE: Klapper Gallery, 8759 Beverly Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90048
the new yater spoons are slight ly “updated” butthey don’t have down rails.i prefer the ones from 65-67 as they had more extreme 50/50 rails and a slightly wider tail, and a tad straighter rocker. nonetheless it is well worth getting one. an all time board for sure…
