Kieran, the man who I had made this one for going back a while ago has a bit of a trip planned and when he called over to tell me about it, he saw something else I was working on and took notions 
This is just a little something that should cover just about anything the south pacific throws at him.
7’0, cedar rails, 2+1 set up and built to fly, have a great trip mate, cant wait for the pics.
Any color you like, Once it aint Black
Over the last few weeks, Iv had a lot on, been a few boards to get out, a lot of dings after that epic week and a half of waves and the never ending list of jobs about the house that herself just couldnt put off any further and in the midst of all this, I had this great idea to do some black boards. Nothing in all my years has been as difficult. Black is possibly the toughest color Iv ever had to glass, crazy crazy hours went into both of these, finding it hard to ever agree to go black again…
The first up was this,
First Price at the inaugural Brandon Bay surf classic
Which went off to its new home with its deserving winner Ronan Oertzen, cant wait to hear how you find it Ronan.
The second, was for a Wexican.
Stringerless, double bump, glassed on ceder speed dialers, oh and black 
Last I heard, its still waiting to get wet but Iv been promised a ride report, Il have it up here as soon as I hear more.
So towards the end of last year I got to meet Rob, a physiotherapist who surfs. Rob put together these two great articles on surf injuries and how to avoid them. A little bit of care can keep you surfing longer or get you back in the water quicker, well worth the read.
Surfing injuries Part 1
Surfing injuries Part 2
He also took the time to put down a little testimonal for me after he shaped two boards here with me last year.
“I got a notion a while back to give a go at shaping my own board, just to try it once. I heard Alan did workshops so I gave him a call. From start to finish, the guy is great to work with. He talked me through everything, smiled through all my ridiculous questions and then left me off to make a board that I can honestly say is mine. Of course he still threw an eye on what I was doing so I didn’t stray too far and was right at hand for the all tricky bits. I really can’t recommend him highly enough.
I’ve ended up doing a few with him now and the new glass and shapes he’s using are insane. The boards come out incredibly strong but also way lighter and more flexible than your regular board. Really feels like they will improve my surfing. Now I just need to get surfing and work on the fitness!
Rob, Dublin”
Heres a few pics he dug up for the two he shaped.
It is a great experience to surf a few on something you’ve sweated over and something I feel everyone should do at least once, if anyone’s interested in having a go at shaping their own boards, give me a call.
The Brandon Bay Surf Classic is on Saturday week.
This is first price
http://www.brandonbayclassic.com
http://www.facebook.com/brandonbaysurfclassic?ref=ts
5’10, stringerless, custom art by the fantastic Taz and custom bamboo fins. All in at just over 6lbs and built to fly, the only thing faster then this is the stealth bomber and considering the construction and materials all owe their origin to aviation industry, Iv decided to call this one the stealth.
If anyone would like some custom art work on their board going forward, just let me know in advance and we can get it arranged.
