Nobbys work shop

Last week local Gold Coaster and wooden board builder Frank Kaczmarek was in Japan and visited Nobuhito Ohkawa of Nobbywood Surfboards in Chiba. Nobby has been a regular at the Wooden Board Days at the Alley each year.

Nobby with one of his beautifully crafted wooden boards at the Alley this year.

Plenty of supplies on hand for the next project.

Nobby with his rocker bed and large collection of clamps

This 6 foot board on the right came back with Frank to be shared around until Nobby is here next year so that he can get some feedback on it.

A very proud , talented man in a very tidy and well organised workshop. After meeting him you would expect nothing less. Nobby builds his board totally out of Paulownia and then varnishes them rather than glass them.A great finish and very light.

Check out his site and blog at : www.nobbywoodsurfboards.com

Come and learn all about it from the master

If you have ever thought of building your own Ukeulele , now is your chance to get an insight into what is involved. And there is no one better to get lowdown on the whole process than good friend Mike Connor. Mind you he has more wood in his shed than anyone I know. And he could turn it all into something beautiful and useful , what ever you want.

So give Keith at Patagonia a call and book your spot. (07 ) 5576 1901

Paulownia in Europe

Christian Cajar is a man focused on Paulownia and all there is to know about it.

" I've studdied Surf Science and Technology and continuing with a Bachelor in Environmental Resource Management at the moment. All my research projects are focusing on Paulownia and
I've just planted some trees today. My first one was concerning the invasiveness of Paulownia in Europe. I'm aiming for the full circle and we're nearly there. "

" I've been supplying Paulownia for Europe for the past 3 years and what started as a fun project is a one year old registered company. www.rootedorigin.com

We stock paulownia timber in the UK and in Germany and send it more or less worldwide."

" I basically import Paulownia wood and sell it mostly to surfers. My luv for alaias was inspired by Tom Wegener and I'm really into those wooden sleds. So usually people order wood and get all their questions about the building process answered by me."

" This summer I hosted my first alaia shaping course on one of the German islands called Borkum and ever since I get the latest news of the stoked kids via facebook... really cool that the kids enjoy their playground now rather than drinkin beer."

So if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and have a need for Paulownia, Christian is your go to man.

African wood

www.groundswellsurfboards.co.za

The Huon Pine board

The timber work was done by Pat Lyon at Currumbin Wood Works.

Dick Van Straalen shaped this beautiful Huon Pine board for Carl Tanner to add to his impressive collection of boards

Dick admiring the outcome.... nice

A great result from a collaboration of mates with a desire to build something very special and rare.

Byron Bay Surf Festival this weekend

All things surf related this weekend in Byron Bay. Music , art , demos , films , surfing , board swap , markets and all that is Byron as well. It opens on Friday night with Bob Mc Tavish at Stone and Wood brewery . Check it out , should be a fun weekend and a great addition to the calendar. Another non competitive surfing get together we should support.

www.byronbaysurffestival.com

Never stop enjoying the simple things in life

This lady in North Cornwall , UK built and still rides this belly board from the 50's ,1950's that is. Marco Mazzini from Italy met her when he was there for the Fish Fry recently.

Great looking Mini Simmons from Brasil

This is such a great looking little board . Clean lines and simple finish. Nice job by Bernardo Sodre from umbe.com.br .

In the woodshop with Mike

Good mate Mike Connor is a great craftsman in all things wood. Here he is in his element , helping Tony Crimmins machine up the timber for his new deck.

It certainly helps to have the right gear and someone who knows how to use it and keep it sharp.

How easy is that Tony ? A whole top and bottom skin glued up thicknessed and ready to be fitted to the frame.Also the rail bands cut and ready to be laminated to the frame.

Looking good

So if you need some timber machined Mike will be able to help you out for sure. He is also keen to organise some board building classes in the future.
Check out his new website : www.michealconnorwoodwork.com.au
You will see he makes Ukuleles as well as a wide range of other things wood. He has a large store of different timber and a wide knowledge of them and their uses.

Sacred Craft this coming weekend

If you are in California this weekend you should head on down to " Sacred Craft " in Del Mar.
Over 150 booths makes Sacred Craft largest surfboard expo; Windansea icon Carl Ekstrom to be honored; schedule of events set for October 8 & 9.

Sacred Craft brings together surfboard lovers in what has become the surfboard industry gathering. Passion for surfboards and the authentic culture that flows forth never goes out of style.
The SACRED CRAFT Consumer Surfboard Expo provides an opportunity for shapers, surfboard craftsman and surfboard manufacturers to come together under one roof and share their passion with the surfboard loving public. It operates with one objective, to unite passionate surfers with the surfboard industry.

WHO: Surfers, shapers, and surfboard manufacturers
WHAT: Two days of surfboard heaven
WHEN: October 8 & 9, 2011
WHERE: Del Mar Fairgrounds
WHY: Because surfers care about two things: waves and the equipment to ride them with
HOW: $10 at the door; kids 12 & under free / Free Subscription to SURFER magazine