I am extremely proud of my son.
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=128353&ran=210721&tref=d
This is not meant as an avertisement and those of you that know us will agree but I wanted to share a proud moment in a fathers’ life.
Sincerely,
Troy
Hi Troy -
As a dad, I can relate. Congratulations!
I spoke with Austin recently about doing an epoxy resin swirl. I read an old thread and then looked him up and called him at the shop. He answered the phone and spoke with me for a good amount of time. He was courteous and professional, even though he knew I was not buying a board from him, but was really looking for some free advise. It is that kind of kindness that seperates people in life. Many people would not take the time once they know that a sale is not coming, and a select few who love what they do are just happy to help another. The poster on this message board for the most part are good people (some just like to mock) and Austin is no exception to the general rule, I don’t own one of his boards, but from viewing his videos and seeing the shop on the net you can tell he loves what he does. My experience in life is that when you love what you do you excell at it and clearly your son is outstanding. You should be very proud of him. He is an excellent board maker who will continue to get better, but more importantly he is a good person with a kind spirit. Not having met you or your son, I can only say the old adage, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, I wish your son the best, be proud!
Aloha Troy
Looks like you done well Dad.
“I had commitment issues before,” he said with a boyish smile. "I went to Tidewater Community College for two years and almost finished, but I started skipping class to fill orders for boards. I’ve done much better with those issues lately.
“Besides, it is a pretty tempting job since I do my research at the beach,” he added with a hearty laugh.
Classic! Bravo!
Good job dad! Coming from another proud father. Mike
Congrats, Austin and Troy!
Great stuff.
greg
I’ve been to his site many times. I love the video he did about the mexican blanket board.
I think his boards look very nice. I hope he has great success with his business.
Aloha, Harry
I had just the same experience as Ny-surfer: when I asked Austin some advice about doing swirls for the first time, I got an almost immediate mail answer with a very detailed private lesson and links to related topics on Sways. I’m glad that people like you still exist, Austin, keeping up the hand-shaped and self-glassed surfboards tradition. Congrats from another father whose elder son is about your age (and does well, too, although doing nothing related to surfing or surfboards…)
Howzit T, I am so glad for you and Austin, you 2 are really on the right track for success. Aloha,Kokua
Hey, you guys have come a long ways. This is the obvious respect for a class act. Keep up the good work, and the good business sense.
Congratulations well deserved. Great kid too.
Troy,
Congratulations! No advertisement at all. Just a good chance to give recognition to a young man with great skill and character and hence indirect recognition to the father.
All,
Last month I was in Virginia and got to surf with Troy and Austin and then visit the factory. That was a surf hightlight for me. They lived up to their reputation for quality and creativity and the reputation for southern hospitality. Great guys.
Talking to Austin, it’s clear that for him it’s all about the boards and surfing. The recognition comes, but not because he’s out looking for it. He’s focused on surfing and not hype.
Well done Austin.
Bump - they made the story into a video.
Well done, Austin & Troy, that’s a heck of an operation!
never saw so much simple truth about craftmanship and board building captured in such a short video as that much better than malcom’s artsy take. this is the best surf movie/story told in a long, long time…
just watching that video brings a smile to my face…
family and friends all involved in making it a success…
congrats to the entire family and crew
great story
Stoked for you Troy
Your boy’s boards look great…You must have done an “ok” Job 
Troy,
Glad to here that Austin and crew are getting the respect they deserve. You guys run a class shop. You must be very proud!
Thanks for all the help getting my ole man 10’8" blanks with noserider rocker. Im going to get buzzin on them soon.
Congrats!!
Bob
Benny,
Good link. Nice to see them getting the recognition.
Can I say one more time that I got the firsthand tour? They are a bunch of cool guys.
Having just bought a new PC (the old one -amongst other problems- wouldn’t let me hear the sounds) I was finally able to watch Austin’s video and to actually HEAR his voice. Listening closely, I even think that I understood most of what he was saying: he’s making surfboards, is that right?
Kidding. (But not so much: not so many guys are actually MAKING surfboards from start to finish, nowadays…)
Congrats, Austin and Troy. I just gave your whereabouts to a friend of mine living in Washington who was looking for a good board builder “somewhere on the East Coast”. I hope he will order one.