Birds Surf Shed now with Brownfish Sliders

I've known Bird now for over 25 years. In fact, I used to get Bessel boards from him when he had the original WindanSea surf shop above Windansea. Years later he then brought me over to SC to surf for them. Bird contacted me when he first was opening the shed, but, I'm trying to go slow with bringing on new Venders. Mainly cause it's just Rebecca and I, and we are barely keeping up with what we have. We, I was finally able to get Bird some handplanes. Two Short and Fats and a Brownfish. He will be in the rotation and should get another round soon. Here is where you can get your hands on them:

Birds Surf Shed
1091 West Morena Boulevard San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 276-2473



ZACH in the big Orange!

Somewhere in Hawaii

Patrick O-Leary is putting his Hobbit through it's paces. You can see more cool stuff at: http://hawaiiislandbodysurfingassociation.blogspot.com/

Patrick's Hobbit

Jims Display

Jim is a bodysurfer. One of those hardcore bodysurfer kinda guys. Used to be of the opinion that using a handplane was cheating. He tried a friends one day and soon after ordered one from me. During the waiting process, he decided to order another. He is the type of guy I designed the Hobbit for. Something that will give the edge to those types that could care less about how many Merricks or Pavels you own. Here is some pics of how he stores em.

Everything you ever

wanted to know about Brownfish Handplanes, you can find out right here: http://www.korduroy.tv/2012/interview-gary-murphy-of-brownfish-handplanes

A Few from the Weekend

If your initials are DF or MO, then these are on their way. Hope you like em. G

Raf's 2.0

My buddy and I mostly body surf Huntington Beach--both sides of the pier, the cliffs, and also the Santa Ana River jetty. Frequently, we're the only body surfers out, especially on the big days (like last Friday, where in the morning we were the only people out north of the pier period). People are always asking us about our handguns.  I've attached a pic of what I've been using. It's called "2.0," reflecting its gradual evolution throughout the time it has been my primary handplane (as well as design improvements from studying the shortcomings of my friend's earlier prototype). We shaped it freehand using a jigsaw and Dremmel rotary tool (for the edges and grooves). Unfortunately, since it's made from poplar, it's a bit heavy.  Best,   Raf

Good ole Handplane Goodness

Hi. Been following your blog and really like your planes and shapes. I surf. Thought I would buy a hand plane at local shop. Realized I could make my own and save some $. I have scrap wood around my house so I got to it. Bought leather belts at thrift store to make straps.  Each one has got better I think. All inspired  by your shapes. All the bottoms are different. Some concave and some skegs and some  rolled rails.   keep trying different shapes and using reclaimed lumber Hope you enjoy as I enjoy making them. Giving them away to friends. Best aloha. Patrick James Dean

Handplaning with the Locals

Shawn Parkin was out handplaning and taking photos yesterday when his session was interrupted by some heavy's. Here is what Parkin had to say about the experience, "Fisheye lens means that guy was about 6 feet away. There were at least 2 little babies in this pod....maybe only 3-4ft long. Good stuff!"

You can check out all of Shawns work at: Photography by Shawn Parkin