It all started with the fish when the innovative shapers and board builders out there decided to revisit the past for some inspiration. In doing so they brought back some lost skills such as resin tints and hand foiled fins.The Fish Fry has been a place for these fine craftsmen to showcase their skills. We have seen some amazing boards as shapers have pushed the boundaries over the last few years. As this new look at the fish has evolved to its many forms, it has influenced other shapes and designs along the way.This has spawned a renewed interest in other board forms by this same group and a wider following.Notably the Mini Simmons, Hulls, old school Logs and Pigs. It is pleasing to note that there are an increasing number of people building their own boards as well.All of this is to be applauded and celebrated as a positive for surfing.So it is only natural that these shapers and board builders continue to share their skills with us and include these other shapes at the Fish Fry.It has truly become a melting pot of ideas for like minded people.

Wooden board building class on the Gold Coast

Paul Jensen from Washington will be conducting the classes at The Currumbin Eco Village Monday August the 3rd to Friday 7th 2009.
Paul has held classes in a number of countries and now is your chance to learn these skills.

 The date will be Monday 3rd of August through to Friday 7th of August for the classes, Saturday will be a day to surf and Sunday 9th August will be the Wooden Surf Board gathering in the park at Currumbin Alley. With the kind offer from Chris Walton from The Currumbin Eco Village we can have the use of their workshop / recycling centre to build our boards.

A rough outline is as follows.

The five day Class will be at a cost $700 per person , with materials extra, typically about $45 per foot of board length.

The " How To " CD and a frame kit will be included in the cost of the class.

A deposit of $100 by the 1st of May will be required to secure a spot - It is not refundable after the 1st of May .

You choose one of 3 board designs to build - A 5ft 10" fish  - A 7ft 3" mid length board or a 9ft longboard.
This would need to be known at the time of booking your spot as Paul will need to cut the frame and allocate materials for that board for you.

Paul has a minimum number of 6 people to make the trip viable for him and a maximum of 10 people so that you all get the attention you deserve to do the classes.

There are a minimum of tools required to build boards in Paul's classes and what you will need will be on hand. But if you were to do the class a dozen spring clamps each would be of great assistance . If you plan to take the next step and embark on your own projects after the class you will need these at some point. Readily available at Bunnings everywhere.

At the end of the class you will have a board you have built yourself ready to take home to be glassed.

If you are interested in the classes could you please send me your contact details including phone number so that we can make this happen as smoothly as possible, given that time is fast closing.

If you have any questions please contact me. I look forward to sharing this great experience with you.

grantnewby@bigpond.com

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