Just wanted to share some joy After 2 months of construction, some serious disastours, rework, and mosquito bites, my first timber hollow, inspired by Paul Jensen hit the waters of Yallingup (smiths beach) , Western Australia at the weekend. If anyone saw me I was the guy with the grin ear to ear! As it was my first ever board, I had fairly low expectations, but I will never forget the magical feeling of paddling it out thinking…this thing actually floats! When I paddled into my first wave I was so stoked that I nearly came off. After two days of 2-4ft conditions I was getting the feel for the board and its sweet spot…wood is the way forward! Its not a carving board, more a single fin cruiser, it loves sitting high in the face, cruising down the line letting you take in the vista. Paul Jensen is right, these boards are “built to ride”, they feel nothing like foam more like a water musical instrument, tapping on the deck sounds like a drum. I’m a happy man! Onwards to the next board…
Paul, Please find attached some pictures from Sunday after I’d shaped the rails. I still have a little screening left to do on them, but it was majorly satisfying shaping them with the belt sander, it was the end of a long journey and only the start of a new one as I move onto glassing and making the fin. I’m thinking of a 9" fin, using your principle of a ply and lexan sandwich construction. I’m a bit apprehensive about the glass job as I’ve never done it before, but its all part of the journey and I’m getting some advise from a local shaper friend. So far the board has exceeded my expectations, and I must admit I’m getting a bit high on the compliments from people who have seen it, there is utter disbelief that it has come from flat pieces of ply to hopefully a functional board. There are a few flaws…a slight twist in the nose and I didn’t cut holes in the cross ribs which means I have independent air chambers which worries me about the venting issue. But its my first attempt. Did you put vents in your first board? Since it was my first attempt I haven’t put balsa on the deck to keep the cost down in the event that its a lemon. I think with the epoxy and 6oz glass the deck should be strong enough. The rails are fully laminated cork, no ply. What do you think? Thanks again for the inspiration. cheers Gray Murdoch http://www.hollowsurfboards.com 
thanks for posting the photos Paul. After my first 3 hours session I released the valve and was amazed at the air pressure that had built up in side, it was like releasing a car valve.
paul being a necommer to the art I ask. what do you call the shape of that rail? I did my last 2 boards with that shape it feels real nice, looks real nice, I havent surfed them yet. I quiting work to go tomorrow. you are an insperation to the carpenters of the americas…I would like to met you, check out the shop… drool at tools.
I guess I shall ask that rail question to gary…o yea rad board looks soo fun…thats a cool lookin tree in the backround to…
Gray and Paul Jensen, two of the coolest guys here. Thanks for sharing the inspiration.
The tree in the background is a flame tree (not sure if its an aussie native), note the rest of my garden looks pretty desert like…maybe I should have been installing some irrigation rather than making boards. The rail shape is pretty much 50/50 through the whole board with a bit of edge in the tail. There is also a bit of V in the back 12". The rails take shape really quickly with the belt sander.
thanks for the 50/50 info… dont irrigate unless from rain water, witch could require an pretty trick system I will send you the rain from the pacific north west USA…we have plenty.
TJ, please don’t send the rain to Oz. Keep the rain and just send the water to Cali [smile] We’ll use all you can send --4est http://www.foamez.com
looks great. can you send pic of the finished/ridden board --4est
Clean and clear-beautiful board Gray. Thanks for posting the pics Paul. Patrick