Just reading a thread about fin box installs by “pro-box Larry,” and I was thinking about all the coolness - having just scored some sweet fins off a fellow Swaybrah - Ha! - So I thought I’d post this and see how others feel about participating.
The other day a coworker asked my about my Swayloholix '07 shirt.
I told her it is an international surfboard design forum, and the shirt is from a gathering in central California, mostly West coast people, but people from all over the world participate.
A couple years back I shared some P.M.'s w/Cheyne - I told my Dad I was communicating about fins with one of the best surfers in the world.
I realized, in my own “elitist” way, I am proud to participate, and I have finally found a community I’d like to be part of, who would have some one like me as a member. (Think of Groucho Marx line, “I wouldn’t want to be part of a group that’d have some one like me as a member.” Ha!)
I am most proud to wear my “Free Roy” shirt - One of a limited edition produced by our own John Mellor. Well, aside from the fact I now take it for granted I successfully ride boards of my own design and constrction, granted I intall and use RedX.
I have learned so freakin’ much from this site, been introduced to many great people, and have made some good friends.
I’d like to give special thanks to “Uncle” Dale Solomonson for not giving up on getting me to get on here in the first place. And to those of you how have gone out of your way to share the “Aloha” - “Mahalo.”
The credit for the “Free Roy” design belongs to Lawless from Florida. He came up with it a few years back and when I asked if we could use it, he said sure.
I understand Roy has one, as does Bill Thrailkill. Not sure if Bill actually wears his though… WTF?!
I received mixed feedback but it was all in fun.
This year’s preliminary t-shirt design is meant as a tribute to Bill Barnfield who has given his OK for the design. It is based on a photo of Bill riding someplace in Oregon. He is a generous Swaylocks participant of extraordinary pro-level knowledge who always seems willing to share what he knows.
Anyway, here is a morphed version of that photo I am planning to use. Any comments would be appreciated.
Hey wait a gosh darn minute! I’m pretty sure Bill B. would not approve of photo’s of the point on the back of every foam hack from hear to Tijuana! Ha!
I’ll I pay for some raffle tickets, etc. can I get one? Please. I promise to wear it up to Seaside to see if anyone notices!
I will definitely be there in spirit. And, Ambrose, we really should make a plan for '09… I’m all over the chauffeur roll.
And, a big thanks to Lawless to boot!
I love this place… to the point, the scary thing is, “addict” is a good description… “Yeah, I know I got tons of work to do, but this is some good info on setting fin boxes…” Ha!
Where the hell is this place?! I know,I know, I don’t expect you to give away the secret spot. I’m also in the P.N.W., next summer man, I’ll be looking for you guys like the paprazzi! :). Oh and Taylor, you already told me where you live, good place to start. Wahahaha!!!
I love sways. I came on here as an intrigued 15 year old. I am now almost 20. I have learned so much about the design elements of boards in such a little amount of time I rarely converse with the typical joe blow on boards. I might ask how they like the feel of certain construction, but I let their surfing do most of the talking.
A few of my team mates here are about 3 boards deep into learning about shaping and when I told them about this site they basically told me to eff off. none have seen my shaping, their third board is basically an outline cut into a blank , no foiling, no blending of rails,no bottom contours, just a big square hunk of shit. They don't even realize what hot coatings purpose is. my third board was a perimeter stringer thing I worked out with Ken over at Segway(still need to glass) and fourth i s 5'4" super hi performance modern fish which is also awaiting glass.
The fact that I can inquire of bill barnfield, Bert Burger, and Bill ThrailKill, among many many other great shapers flattens out the learning curve immensely.
I confess, I was once the recipient of the generous gift of a ‘‘Free Roy’’ T-shirt. However, in a moment of Aloha, and largess, I gave it to the well deserving
Mr. Jim Phillips. I also credited the generous original donor of the shirt, to him. He had a smile a mile wide on his face. He liked it!
The other day a coworker asked my about my Swayloholix '07 shirt.
I am most proud to wear my “Free Roy” shirt - One of a limited edition produced by our own John Mellor. to those of you how have gone out of your way to share the “Aloha” - “Mahalo.”
Free Roy, good one. where do I get one of those? Pipeline 08’???
My time is very compressed for the next two months.
I left a few voice mails with MarkSSD letting him known that the only day I have free to glass is Labor Day. Called Surf4fins Sunday night to check in and get ready for the Big Sur trip. He invites me to ride down to San Diego for a dawn patrol on Monday. We run into Keith Melville at the Cliffs. Surf for two hours. Resinhead was waiting up at the car when we got done surfing. We had some supplies to drop off for a future project. Chaddyb rides by on his bike with his son…
Mark left a voice mail saying he’ll be at my place around noon to get the board glassed.
Totally random events. It was planned for Jay and Tim to meet but the time and place were not planned
We got Mark’s board glassed! LeeV just sent me a PM…We both have girls in college.
I met all of these people through Swaylock’s…Taylor too!
This year’s preliminary t-shirt design is meant as a tribute to Bill Barnfield who has given his OK for the design. It is based on a photo of Bill riding someplace in Oregon. He is a generous Swaylocks participant of extraordinary pro-level knowledge who always seems willing to share what he knows.
I am truly flattered and honored to participate here. Being on the T-Shirt is, well… icing on an already, very tasty cake. I wish I had more time to participate and follow through on threads.
I would love to join you guys in Big Sur. Maybe one day… Have a great time this year!
Anyway, here is a morphed version of that photo I am planning to use. Any comments would be appreciated.
B.H. - Summer is a great time to look for it… Ha! You could come down this way and we could talk… other than that, and the fact the locals can be a bit abrasive, to put it mildly…
Hey ambrose… Thanks for the blessing and the curse man… I just got my power planer for $35.00 from the local pawn shop… been lookin’ ever since you put the spell on me… [ He had me take some passes, me, having never used one, and said, now you’ll be looking for one at every garage sell you see… he was right!] and again, thanks for the “lessons” esp. w/Topper…(see new post)
“Going on a junket…” Ha! Yea! Good on you an Marta, sounds awesome!
I posted about splitting my 3/4" stringer - pre-shaped for foil/rocker… My “spine” - by band saw so I could use the halves as hot wire guides… Worked great.
Just did the rails/ bottom contours/ finish touches, and spackel last night… STOKED!!! Time to clean the temple, and break out the glass and glue!
I used my new planer… Gotta be careful… Ha! Good thing I feel confident with my sure forms, cuz’ I still need to work on my blending skill w/planer. To be sure, it’s fast, clean and smooth… Made me dream of an mini one…
