I just wanted to thank Bill T. publicly for his aloha and taking time to talk story and share ideas with this 57 year old grom. You’re a true gentlmen, Bill. Your boards and the life you have created for yourself and your family is one of impeccability. Definately one of the highlights of my surfing life. Thank you, Bill. Mike
Here here…
Bill has been a huge inspiration to me as well. He came over to my house a few times and gave me some great advise on the boards that I building at the time. I also went to several of Bill’s Surfboard Design Forums, which were great experiences. I was in San Diego last weekend and stopped by Birds Surf Shed. Bill had a wooden (agave?) big wave gun on display that was totally amazing. I noticed that it was from the same template that he had earlier let me copy for a balsa gun project. His version was so much better than mine. It is definitely worth dropping by the shop to check it out
Aloha Sweid,
The Sq Tail Balsa Gun, that you saw, is in fact owned by Bird. It is the same template that I gave you. The glue up is patterned after a pintail balsa gun that I made and rode in 1959. It is the only square tail Balsa Gun, that I ever made. All others were pintails. That board was built in 2001, for my personal collection. I finally had to thin the pack. I’m down to one surfboard now, a 7’ 10’’ OBQ.
Yep. I agree with both guys above.
Bill has helped me greatly with many many projects. Never keeping an “industry secret” to himself. Very kind and patient.
Thank you Bill
Dave
Scott. Bill and I were in Bird’s Shed on Friday. Just missed you. He has a few boards there. Impeccable workmanship. Great place. Bird’s a cool guy, too.