Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Grain Is Done, Shot, Waxed and Surfed


(photo - Kipp)
The Grain board is done and it is unbelievably beautiful. I had it home for a few days before taking her down for the maiden voyage and all I could do was stare at her and take pictures. I moved her from spot to spot in my house like a new piece of art. I set her up against walls and played with lighting. It consumed me. It's art I can ride. Does it get any better then that?



Down at the beach the beauty of the board is even more stunning. The wood grain and the elements of our coastline come together in harmony.


(photo - Kipp)
From the start I envisioned bamboo keels on her but couldn't wait to ride her so I used my favorite fins from Binki. I have to admit I really like the red fins on the wood so they might stay.









Nose to tail I get inspired every time I look at her.



 I couldn't resist the shot. It made it look like it was floating. It gives you a good look a the rocker as well.


(photo - Kipp)
As you can imagine I couldn't wait to ride this board. I waited three days (Which, let's face it, was an eternity.) After shooting more shots I waxed her up on the beach and then ran to the water.

It was two Christmases ago when I got the kit and the dream to have my friends help build it, family and friends sign it, me glass it and get everyone I could to ride it, started. It was the maiden voyage and I was so overwhelmed with excitement and curiosity. Could I even ride this thing?


(photo - Kipp)
When I first started out with this project one of my first concerns about a wood board was how it was going to float.  I'd never ridden a wood board and didn't get how the dimensions would translate from foam to wood. To my joy the board floats me like a charm. Easy to paddle and duck dive as well.


(photo - Kipp)
My first take off was smooth. The weight of the board carried me down the line much quicker than my foam board. First wave and all I could think was HOLY $%#@ this thing works!


(photo - Kipp)
I'm no Erik Baldwin. He can jump on any board and kill it. It usually takes me a few sessions to warm up to a board. The sign of a good board for me is if I can figure it out in one session. I was really stoked how fast I got it. I was even able to get in a couple of cut backs. Here's me doing my best move. I call it the wounded pidgeon. Kids, don't try this at your break.


(photo - Kipp)
The other thing I found was that it was really stable in the pocket. On the inside there is that little hollow-ish section (let's face it, it doesn't really get hollow at my spot.). What really made me smile was that the weight of the board made it super stable so I was able to hold on through the whole section, get a head dip, and come out when I usually get swallowed up. (Chris, no comments!)


(photo - Kipp)
All and all the board was a blast. First session and I felt I could ride it day in and day out. It was fast, fun and did I mention how freaking beautiful it is?

This board was an amazing project. The way I went about it was unique and took the talents of many which made it even more special to ride it when it was done.


Thank you to all who participated but here are a few of the key players who I want to point out...




(photo - Dan)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU Cowboy Dan and Dennis Murphy for all your wood working talents and shaping skills.  I think this was the first Grain ever built in this team fashion and you guys were the corner stone to the team. This board is here because of you two.



THANK YOU Kipp and Dawn Denslow for allowing me to take over your garage for weeks as I learned my way through the glassing process. I made my fair share of mistakes and Kipp you were very kind in not laughing or scolding me while I did.


(photo - Kipp)
THANK YOU to David Gray who gave me encouragement and loaned me his mask! Without that I would have been brain dead.



THANK YOU to Chris Miller of Murphy Surfboards who kept on me about finishing the board. With all the phases this board went through and all the hands that touched it, it felt like at times it would never be completed. He was always there to harass me into hurrying up and keep me on target.



THANK YOU to Erik Baldwin who was Kipp's and my inspiration through the glassing process for getting things done in a timely manner. After seeing how quick he works we aspired to be as efficient as he. We would always joke that if Erik was there it would have been done by now.







THANK YOU THANK YOU to Brad and Mike at Grain. They showed up out of the blue to give some tips and stoke us out. When was the last time the owners of your favorite surf brand showed at your door?

Finally... THANK YOU to Alia's mom Kristen Enyedi who at the time was my wife and was amazing enough to give me the kit for Christmas. You get serious points for that!
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