What do you think about this alaia thing?

I'd like to try one out at some point but I have so much fun on my shortboards that I never want to "waste" a session trying one out, I'd rather just go out and have fun with what I already know and continue to progress on it.

I think alaias are more popular with surfers who are content with their surfing and want to take a step back and try something different rather than go out and do the same tricks and turns they have been doing for years. For those of us that are trying to learn something new every session, we tend to just stick to what were used to/already know we enjoy.

 

I think it might have something to do with availability as well, i would love to give it a shot but i have never even seen one for sale. or being ridden for that matter

 

Around here, the average ride is about 5-10 seconds long. Most guys try to do either as many turns as possible in that short period of time, or stick it out on the nose for as long as possible. I think to get the most out of an alaia you need a longer wave. IMO, our peaky beachbreaks just don't lend themselves to that particular craft.

 

Kooky? Hell no. Real watermen groove on whatever's fun. I'll ride longboards, shortboards, fish, surf mats, hand planes, bodyboards, kneeboards, paipos or a piece of plywood in junky surf. But...

Mastering a finned stand-up board is difficult; going finless is a huge leap, a radically different, slippery experience that requires the rider to relinquish a lot of control to the wave. Personally, I found it really hard, and my water time is limited, so I tend to go with the simple stoke. But I know people who have tried it and loved it. If I lived in Nicaragua, I'd be out on one of your planks every day until I got it dialed.

One of the best aspects of wave riding is trying new things. It bums me out when surfers hate on people who aren't riding the 'correct' craft. Imgaine how much crap visionaries like Bob Simmons or George Greenough would catch today for paddling out on their freak machines. The more committed oddballs in the water, the better.

As much as everyone *****es about crowds, kooks and crappy east coast surf, it's an exciting time for the open-minded surfer, with all the different wave riding options, and I'm stoked that people like you are pushing the envelope. I've seen your boards. They're beautiful, and obviously made with care, and everyone should try one. I wish you luck, Josh.

 

There is something sick about watching someone ride a plank. I'd love to try, but like the others have said it may be tough with our quick rides. Obviously you're doing it though, so props! Best of luck with the business, I may be in contact to give this a whirl.

EDIT: Also, I wanted to say that your website is really well done. The "Day One" reading in Alaia Life section is awesome, completely sucks you to the moment.

 

My personal opinion is that they are just another tool for hippies to show how throwback they are. From a practical standpoint I agree with LB. Don't think they would work too good in our waves.

 

Can't argue with that!

 

Or maybe they're just looking for a new experience.

Not everyone is a poser.

 

I just did some research on them. The idea of having one, and the idea of getting out of the normal surf bubble is cool but the price on those shaped pieces of wood are 600 dollars.!?

 

If you do your research, you can shape yourself one for cheaper. If you use all scraps, you could make one for around $150-200 or you could get a paulownia blank for $300.

 

Nothing wrong with being a throwback ........or a hippie as long as you take a bath LOL

 

just like cartman, I hate smelly hippies

 

I was thinking about building one this winter. There is alot of info on the net about making them . If your in Highschool it would be a pretty sweet shop prodject cause all the tools needed are right there. I have acess to most of the wood working tools you would need Planer , Table saw witha biscute jig , and a cpl big jorgosen clamps too

 

My (ex) gf's lil bro made one for his senior project this past year. no word on trying it out yet, but it's in his blood: he's aaron powell's cousin aka this guy: http://vimeo.com/6464826

 

It IS a plank. It doesn't have to bemade of pawlonia. Cedar planks would suffice. Cut it out and ride it. Make it cheap

 

If you want to experiment with this idea, DO NOT buy one. Just build it yourself. It's a simple planshape, subtle bottom contours, pinched beveled rails, and no real rocker. Do it in stages, riding it in between. Get the full experience. Shallow concave, thicker rails to start. Ride it. Then take it back to the shop and deepen the concave, thin the rails... back in the water.

Last time I priced kiln dried paulonia blanks, they were 70-80 bucks for one on the shorter side. Shipping will cost you, but there's a supplier in South Carolina. 803-381-8735. Cedar is light and strong, too. Pine less so.

 

That video is cool... Looks like a lot of fun. From what I've read they aren't hard to build, and like LBCrew said it'd be sweet to ride it between stages and kind of understand even better what small details do to your style of surfing.

 

only if the east coast had hawaii waves. I really agree with the others that it depends on the waves. This board may work on one of those winter days with small lined up waves with off shore winds, but I think I would just be too heavy for one, especially in the winter (225lbs dry)

 

Agreed.

That being said, I probably would let it slide (no pun intended) as an east coast surfer. The scarcity of good waves is such that most of us don't feel like putting in the effort for something that may or may not work well. If it turns out you don't like it...might be a few weeks until you get to finally return to your fail-safe shape. As for those who don't mind giving it a go, I'll certainly enjoying watching and maybe give it a shot down the road if it looks worthwhile. Keep the vid's coming!