Surf Trip

It's been while since I updated the blog, so here goes. Back today from a surf trip up the Hidaka coast to Hiroo Town. Got some really fun waves, ate some really good BBQ, and drank a few too many beer. It's been 16 years since I'd been out to Erimo misaki and surfed Hiroo...must say it was nice be back. Here's some pics from the trip, starting at home at Kako here in Noboribetsu (first three pics) and continuing in order to Erimo and Hiroo.

Finished

Board number 2 is finished and out the door...actually, I took it out for a few waves this morning. The conditions were a bit steep and fast for the board, but looks like it'll be fun. It's got more float, and takes off quicker than the first one. Still, it's heavy (about 11 kilos)...but should be fun in the small summer waves. Here the line on it:  

7' x 23" x 3.13" single diamond tail; hollow wood (paulownia and cedar). 

One of these days I'll get some pics of the wood boards in action.  

Board #2, almost there...

Just finishing up board number two. One more coat of varnish on the bottom and I'll be done...here's a quick shot of the finished top. I'll post more complete pics soon...I'm throwing up a pic of a young "Ezo shika" (Hokkaido deer), who was plowing down on the grass outside the kitchen Sunday morning...cute little guy eh....

Glassing

Started glassing the deck today. Will be going with a single layer of 4 oz. cloth all around; the board itself is really strong as is, so a heavy glass job is not going to be necessary. The paulownia and cedar are coming out really nicely, good contrast and the grains in the paulownia really jump out.

Rode wood board #1 in some fun, but windy, chest high waves this morning. It really cuts through the wind chop well, really fun for down-the-line surfing in those types of conditions. Stalls big time on cut backs, but if you keep it going horitizontally it can be a lot of fun.

Next update when the glassing's done... 

Gluing up the bottom

About time for an update...got the bottom skin glued on, so now have a proper blank to work with. I shaped the rails, and have been sanding this week. It's not as light as I hoped, but due to nature of the build it has a lot of volume carried out to the rails so should float pretty well for its size. I just got my shipment of System Three epoxy and varnish, so should be ready to glass in a week or so.

 It's been beautiful here, and we've had good waves over the last couple weeks. Here's a pic of the homestead and my "shaping shed"... gotta love that Hokkaido greenery...not your typical image of life in Japan.

Internal frame

Things are moving along on board #2. I put down a layer of 4 oz fiberglass and epoxy on the inside of the top deck and placed the frame cross pieces in. I was going to do a spine up the middle, but it doesn't look necessary. Placed a block inside for the center fin, which will also provide support under my back foot. Just finishing up the bottom skin, and will lay it up over the weekend. Still lighter than the first board, but is getting heavier...hopefully, when I shape the rails I'll be able to take some weight off.

Board update etc.

Really busy at the moment, but am taking some time to throw up some progress pics (and few other seasonal snaps). I built up the rails of the board and planed them down into a rough foil. I have some adjustments to make, but it's looking OK so far. I am now putting together the pieces for the internal frame. 

The waves have been great, nice swell and sunny conditions. Caught some fun ones over the last week, and must say it's been a great stress release from a busy work schedule. The pics below are from Kako, my local spot here in Noboribetsu (3 minutes from my door). Didn't take the wood board on the big days, didn't want kill myself or anyone else with it (rode my Chronic instead). Hopefully this one will be light enough to take out in the bigger surf.  

The flowers are out in the yard...it's starting to feel like summer.