Well surfer friends it’s time to confirm that WarvelSurf is closing it’s doors. It’s nothing we did - our division actually made money for the past several years. We seem to be victims of the “demise of the larger corporation.” Banks calling in loans - not doing the right marketing to get our location sold.
Our PU foam might have been too heavy for the high performance boards people wanted but Todd Sutz at Island Inspired and Michael Lisiewski at Matador Surfboards proved to a lot of customers that WarvelSurf was the foam to use. They used thousands a year and less than a hand full of reported problems. One guy had to sell his board so he could get a new one because he couldn’t break the first one. The heavier foam worked for some people. That’s for sure.
About the WMD and Greg Loehr… early on Scott Busbey, Lyn Shell, Ken Ebert, and Dave Dixon embraced the WMD idea and worked with the concept to make customized high performance boards possible for anyone. Being a non-surfer this project resulted in some of the most fun I have ever had personally and professionally. Greg had a dream of making this dual density, high performance board but could never find a manufacturer to take it on. It was great to be able to bring this to the surf community for him. In the end it really doesn’t matter what foam you use as long as it advances the surf industry and gets people like you talking about other ways to make boards that make people smile. Greg accomplished that and I am so proud to have been a tiny slice of the process.
Through the PU and WMD process… and Swaylocks… it’s safe to admit I have met a lot of crazy people. That is said with the utmost affection. Surf Expo and ASR were 2 trade shows I didn’t mind working at all. It was like a big reunion. I hope to still get to some of them.
“Try not to name names because someone is always left out” - so it should be enough to say that the vast number of people I’ve met, had business dealings with (some projects worked out others did not - no hard feelings), have brought a different perspective to my life. It never mattered to me if the person made 5 or 5,000 boards annually, you are all fun and respectful of the surf community.
I am honored to have been part of it - if only for a few years. Don’t know exactly what the future holds but I am around through my website www.digiboz.com - you won’t see surf photos - some things you just have to leave to the real pros like Larry Pope.
Be safe out there. Here’s hoping you catch your dream wave!
I really enjoyed getting to meet you through the WMD project! You are a great person and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
That very first WMD I did is still alive and being surfed. Thanks to Greg for his work on this too.
Sorry to hear that you guys are closing. You were nothing but helpful and informative when I met you at the WMD conference at Cerritos college. Thank you so much. I have one of the WMD blanks sitting in my garage waiting to be shaped, I hope I don’t f#@% it up.
That’s a shame as it sounded like you had a really good system. Unfortunately it seems to be the attitude of some people that if Kelly Slater isn’t riding it, it’s crap. Combine that with the economy and influx of cheap boards and I’d say it’s remarkable you’ve held out this long. All the best for your future endeavours.
I really did love the surf stuff. Your group brought an enthusiasm unlike any other. Furniture people are always so prim and proper on the phone. When we got involved in the surf industry I never knew who was calling and you guys would bring an instant smile. Now, I watch surfers and see them through difference lenses. Thanks for that! Mahalo
Cerritos College was a GREAT time! According to Greg you really can’t F it up. :) BUT - Ken Ebert at Segway has more!!! LOL
Give Greg or Ken a call when you’re ready to make it. They will gladly talk you through it. Oh - it’s not doing any good in your garage!!! Make it! Ride it! Love it! It will change the way you surf forever!!!
Well said Deno! But we don’t need SL8er to promote it… we need YOU!!! Where else can anyone get the high tech, custom made board in their colors and shapes? Keep making them for the groms who are the real future of surfing. WMD’s might not exist from WarvelSurf but the technology should live on thanks to you, Greg and other people who just want to contribute something to the surf community. If Ice9 has the colored foam for rails that should add another great option for the board.
The only thing limiting the possibilities is an imagination.
And I will wear the tee shirt proudly from last year’s event. It was an honor to support your event and to spend the day at Cerritos. The forums and great. The college is great. And the people extraordinary. A pleasure knowing you. Don’t be a stranger!
