Alaia Surfboard Project – Post 1
Alaia Wooden Surfboard project: Post 1 | Post 2 | Post 3 | Post 4 | Post 5 | Post 6 | Post 6b | Post 7 | Post 8 Finis
In an attempt to experience a spiritual awakening like an ancient Hawaii commoner, I decided to try and build and surf a wooden Alaia surfboard (OK, well at least build one). Traditionally a 10-12 foot fin-less board that in ancient times were made from Ula and Koa trees, my Alaia will be about 7 feet and is shaped from a blank made from light and sustainable Paulownia wood that doesn’t absorb salt water.
I purchased two ‘Finley’ blanks (one for a friend) from Jon Wegner at Wegener Surfboards in California. Jon and his brother Tom, Surfing Magazine’s 2009 Shaper of the Year are selling the blanks here in America, but they are made in Australia where Tom lives. Purchasing the boards from the Wegner’s was a pleasure and if this project inspires you, I highly recommend you contact Jon for your blank.
Before the blanks arrived by UPS ground, I prepared my workshop with padded saw horses, jigsaw, belt sander, palm sander, hand planes, and sandpaper in assorted grits. I’m not sure I have every tool I need or is recommended, but I’ll cautiously remove material, especially the concave, which I’ll likely do in stages after sessions (assuming I have a feel for the board). Classic case of ‘you can always take off but you can’t put back on.’
When I unpacked the Alaia’s I was pleased to see the blanks arrived in perfect shape. I’m eager to begin the project, which entails cutting the blank to shape, shaping the rails and concave and finishing the board. There are a number of resources available on the web I’ll refer to, including Olosurfer.com and woodworking forums such as woodworkforums.com.
When completed, the Finley should have, according to Wegener Surfboard’s model description, “a light roll on the deck and a concave running from the nose all the way to the tail. The concave is 3/8” deep.” (Note: Jon recommended I keep more material on the board and stay within 1/4″) “This really helps keep the board from sliding sideways too much and gives the board more traction in the face.
The goal of the board is to give it just the right amount of flex. With good flex, catching the wave is easier and the board more responsive to turning.” Tom was kind enough to share the photo on the above-left of Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich’s board. This board has far more concave than I’ll need, but it gives an exaggerated idea of the curves.
Over the next several weeks, time permitting, I’ll be working on the Alaia and posting my experience and sharing photos on Bitness. If anyone has built an Alaia or is an experienced woodworker and can offer sage advice, I welcome your comments here, both for my benefit and anyone else interested in the Alaia.
Posted by: Lawrence
Hey what would happen if i made a alaia with a single fin?
Hm, interesting question George. It would probably work against your ability to turn the damn thing. You need enough rocker to release the fin enough to turn and frankly there’s not enough volume in the blank itself to go with a fin (unless it was really, really small). Of course once you add the fin it’s no longer an Alaia, but shit – have fun with it and make it as weird as you want!