From my perspective, it was an enjoyable experience. The small group, in a conference room setting, allowed for a more detailed discussion, than in prior workshops. An added bonus was the drop-in visit of Mr. Herb Spitzer, in the latter part of the workshop. several boards were brought in to show examples of woodwork, or color lay-ups. the workmanship, in both examples, was outstanding. I hope the attendees were equally satisfied with the overall experience, as I was. The Surfing Heritage Foundation, as in the past, was a most gracious, and accommodating host, for the event. They certainly deserve thanks, for their
contributions to surfing, and the preservation of it’s history. The Fins Unlimited Company also supported the event with the donation of some 10 1/2 inch FU boxes for the attendees. Mahana, and his brother, also donated two blanks (a surprise bonus) that were given in an impromptu drawing. This was a welcome, and spontanious gesture of generosity. My thanks to all of the donors, and attendees, for your contributions to the event.
Thanks again Bill. WOW, what a great event! Today, I’ve been very distracted by all the ideas presented yesterday. It will take me some time to digest all the information. I couldn’t write fast enough and found I was missing a lot when I tried, so I just quit taking notes about half-way through. I enjoyed the discussion on flex fins and will have to switch out my trusty 9†L-Flex to test out some of the hypotheses presented. I also really enjoyed talking with you about the “Phil-Bill†template that I used to shape my favorite 9-4 LB. I can’t wait to get the “one-board-Cali-quiver†template on masonite and chalked-out on the garage floor. I need a new winter board and this may be what I’m looking for. The SHF is such a great venue for something like this due to the availability of reference boards. Talk about a shaping concept by Simmons or Velzy and then actually go look at the boards, just amazing. And the staff is so friendly and hospitable, and did I mention great pizza?? I wish this was a quarterly event.
I have had the opportunity to hear Bill talk about surfboard design a few times, and I always pick up new ideas. My notes are pretty messy, but here are the major themes that were discussed:
Old school pig boards had wide point at 1/3 of length from the tail.
In smaller surf the wide point can be moved behind the midpoint. For bigger waves, the wide point is generally placed forward of the midpoint.
Hard edges along the tail section allow water to release, which increases speed.
Shape-for-shape a square tail will be faster than a pin tail.
Fillet’s on glass-on fins reduce the speed of a board. You can glass on fins without using a fillet if you cut the cloth at a bias. First pieces should be small. Next two pieces cover the entire fin. The remaining strips should be shorter and shorter. This keeps you from sanding through the fibers. Use about 50 oz of cloth per side.
A body file is a good tool for taking down the edges on laps.
Pour resin through a paint strainer to remove bubbles.
A three point set up for drying reduces the risk of twisting
G10 is a super strong fiberglass and epoxy sheet panel.
La Mesa Fiber glass is a good place to get fiber glass in SD
The less tail rocker the faster the board, but dropping in will be a problem if there is too little tail rocker.
Rocker divided into three surface sections. The transition between each section defines how the board will ride. A long gradual transition between the tail rocker section and the middle planing section is better for big waves. A more abrupt transition will be better for turning in smaller waves.
Simmons added concave to his boards in order to release the edge while nose riding.
The butt crack on a fish tail does nothing except reduces the buoyancy of the tail.
Pin tails look nice, but square tails perform the best.
When placing a single fin you should lay the fin flat on the board. Move it up and down along the board until about 20-30% of the fin hangs over the edge.
Wider foiled fins are less prone to stalling
Reverse cant stiffens up the way the board rides.
Make 90 degree cuts in the glass when glassing a square tail (sorry, no picture)
Bill originated the artwork for the old lightning bolt design. He showed us how to recreate it using a legal pad.
I thought it was very informative. I went to the last two workshops as well, but I got more out of this “small class” setting. I took about 6 pages of notes, that I will decipher and divulge later. I also have a 5’10" new shape template square-tail fish ala Thrailkill which I will post pics of as well. Bill was nice enough to take time out of his Sunday to come to Jimmy Phillips’ shop to route out the fin box slots. Even though I showed up about 30 minutes late (Parenting will throw a wrench into the timeliness of even the most punctual of us!), he routed them out, answered any questions I had, and enlightened me as to how well he thinks the board is going to work… I can’t wait to get it into the water!
It was nice to finally meet Herb Spitzer as well. Herb is a stand-up guy… and has an uncanny eye for gems and geologic forms. When you want to learn how to smith silver, let me know!
If you look through Bill’s many previous postings on Swaylock’s you will see more detailed explainations of each of the points I listed. Many of these points have been hotly contested here by others. I personally tend to agree with Bill on the topics of tail shape, bottom contours, fin arrangements, and board flex. However, I don’t think we should take up discussing these arguments here on this thread.
‘‘Why is there any difference between the performance of a pintail vs. a square tail?’’…Too bad you weren’t there, that very topic was discussed. But,
that discussion is unrelated to the ‘‘Buttcrack’’ question. Apples, and Oranges. As mentioned, this thread is not the place for that discussion. somewhere else, perhaps. Some other time, perhaps.
I just want to say thank you to all who showed. Then I concur with the notes. The Surfing Heritage Foundation is a great place to learn-, not just by class participation- but by studying the surfboards there-, and knowing the past. Every board there is a piece of history-, as well as a work of art. I always say in-order to love one must give, and everyone at the workshop and the SHF loves the Art of Surfing.
When the best is given to the future- that is Fidelity; taking the best one has and giving it away.
Knowledge is knowing-, but wisdom is taking what one knows and using it wisely.
and I like to say one more thing.
In the end- Wisdom is one of the greatest fruits we have, so lets share and plant the seeds for the future.
Thanks again Bill for making your knowledge available to all of us in attendance. It was great as always getting to spend a day with fellow Swaylockians discussing what we are all so passionate about. Thanks also to Fins Unlimited also for their generous donation. I already have a board in mind for the fin box. It was a pleasure to meet Herb Spitzer as well. Herb, I hope you and your family are safe after the fires and that life can get back to normal for you. I am disappointed that I had to rush off to catch a plane and did not have more time to talk with you. Thanks for dropping in.
