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.

The Fish is a very adaptable board

But a sign for a hair dresser at the local Bangalow markets just inland from Byron Bay ? Very adaptable.

Rake Surfboards and the Mini Simmons

Adrian Knott from Rake just sent these shots of their latest batch of fish and mini simmons.





The new 5 foot Shovel Nose Simmons

Oh and the odd fish as well.


These guys at Rake , Dan MacDonald at DMS here on the Gold Coast , Murray Burton at Base and Sean Wilde at Wilde Shapes are the only regular Simmons shapers here in OZ that I know of. Ian Zamora from California was the first person to bring the Mini Simmons to our shores at the Fish Fry 3 years ago.They have taken a while to filter into our waves. But I am sure there will be more this summer as everyone who rides them can't believe how much fun they are.I shaped one for a mate and he is taking it to Bali next week.
These Rake boards look great and if you go to teir site you will see they make great gaer all round. Adrian said they will have a great range of boards here next March for Fish Fry 5 at The Alley.

Check them out at : www.rakeclothing.com

Oh did I tell you Adrian is a great artist / designer and has a great range of T Shirts and art as well.

Wooden Simmons

Nathan Grey from Sydney has just finished building this great looking wooden Mini Simmons.

5ft 6 " Jet tail 18" , 21" , 18" x 2 5/8" with a hull entry which blends into a subtle rolled V then blends into the channels.


Nathan says that the board is glassed with epoxy 6oz top and 4 oz bottom, And he has spray finished it with satin auto acrylic.

Nathan will be bringing it with him to the Wooden Board Day on the Sunday 8th of August at The Alley.

Check him out at : www.nathanielgrey.com.au

Mini Simmons in a row



Dan Mac Donald was frantically shaping these Mini Simmons last week before jumping the plane to Bali and Europe for the rest of the month.Dan makes a great board and he has taught Tuka well in the skills of tints and glassing as shown here.

Check out Dans shapes at : www.dmshapes.com

Stephane has a couple of nice boards in France.


A nice quad fish from Terry Surfboards in Biarritz . www.terrysurfboards.com
The resin work is similar to boards that Ian Zamora and Steve Ford have brought to the Fish Fry a couple of years ago.

Thanks Stephane for sharing a couple of good looking boards.


And the Mini Simmons from Addiction Surfboards in Angoulins France www.addictionsurfboards.com These guys make a wide range of nice boards and worth checking out.

Bob Simmons Exhibit


Bob Simmons and all things Simmons exhibit at the Surfing Heritage Foundation San Clemente this Saturday 10th July.
If anyone is going , I would love some pics and words for the blog to share with everyone.

Jesse from Black Apache Surfboards at the 2010 Fish Fry



Another great little clip from Geoff Charters
www.geoffcharters.com