Keith Malloy Says

That he likes the Hobbit.  I had the opportunity to give Keith one of my new Hobbit shapes at the screening of "Come Hell or High Water" at La Paloma a few weeks ago.  It was a little awkward at first.  One of the Patagonia guys was supposed to be around to introduce us, but that never quite happened.  After carrying the Hobbit around for quite a while, a saw a good opening, and went in.  He was super cool and was already awaiting his new plane.  We talked a bit, then Mr. Slater arrived and walked up to us.  That was a bit much for me, I know I'm kinda important, I kid, but, Kelly might just be a tad more important.  So, I let him have his time with Keith and retreated.  Skip forward a few weeks to the screening at Patagonia Cardiff (this last friday night).  Knowing that the Patagonia crew would probably never getting around to asking Keith how the Hobbit went, and then reporting back to me, I knew I had to talk to him.  I know I've made the Malloy's some planes in the past, as I'm sure many others have.  Not sure where they go.  Most likely in a big bag of pool toys.  I was super excited to hear that he has not only used it, but he has used it the last 3 times that he has bodysurfed.  Got some really good, big barrels, during the last decent south swell.  It was nice having a confirmation that the design works as well as myself and friends have felt it works.  Most of us that have tried it in decent, hollow surf, pretty much no longer want to use anything else.  Here are some pics of some recent Hobbits that I have made.

Tonight at Patagonia Cardiff

They will be featuring a free showing of Keith Malloy's "Come Hell or High Water." They are starting off the fesivities at 6pm with food. A little Music at 7pm. Then the movie at 7:30pm. Rebecca and I have pawned off the rugrats on one of the neighbors, so we will be thier. If you have any questions about your handplane, or handplaning in general, feel free to ask. I'm sure Ed and Kip from Enjoy Handplanes will also be present for the same. Here are 5 Handplanes that I will be delivering to the shop today. 3 Short and Fats and 2 Brownfish. Get em while you can. They will ship anywhere. They have usually been lasting less than a week, then they are out. My personal opinion is that the 3 stripe Brownfish Model, is the best handplane I have ever made. I wanted to keep it.  Sorry for the poor quality pics today, my lighting just wasn't doing it.

Another from Thulander

Eric Thulander charging wedge on his B-Fish Pinliner. Photo: Jordon Anast

More from the DIY series- Britain special

Here are some amazing pictures of Neil's first handplane.  Neil lives in Britain and was wavering over the idea of having me make and ship him a handplane, or going at it himself.  I always tell people that if they have the initiative, then they should always give it a go.   I gave him a decent amount of advice which has hopefully helped him along his journey.  I think he has done an amazing job.  Wish he lived over the pond, I'd hire him in a second.  Here is a part of the email I recieved from his this AM.  Kinda Stoking if you ask me.

Hi Gary

Firstly I would like to say how much of a help you have been so far (I have now been obsessed with board design for the last 2 weeks!) And that I would like to make you my first proper board as a way of a thank you (I know this is like shipping sand to the sahara, but I have been amazed with your openness )
Anyway I just wondered if you could have a look at some pictures of my first effort ( obviously my attempt of your brown fish model, its made out of an old birch worktop, I am ordering the paulownia wood next week , this was a trial run!) and possibly give some feedback ? Sorry for the long email but your planes and blog have started a bit off an obsession (the joy of turning a plank of wood into something both beautiful and functional is absolutely amazing - As you know!)

Again many Thanks
Neil

Joey Fumar at Duranbah

When life gives you Lemons ...

Go womping in the shorebreak! Thats at least what Stephen's got to say. I was contacted by Stephen this last May for a handplane with a Gopro. He wanted me to send it to his folks house in La Jolla. Said he'd pick it up when he visited. Little did I know that this guy doesn't seem to have a home. Not that he is homeless, well, it seams he kind of is, but, that he is constantly on the move. Travelling from one surf destination to another. Something a part of all of us gotta envy. He has a really great blog: Castles Made of Sand where you can follow his travels.  Right now, he is somewhere in Mexico, the shot below was taken in Taiwan.  Hopefully we'll get more shots like these in the future. 

SACRED CRAFT - What do I think about?

I tend to think about the cookies. I love em. No better way to get Rebecca to make 4 huge batches of cookies then to announce that we are going to be doing Sacred Craft. If you are interested in attending, or on the fence, you won't be let down. By the show, but, most importantly by the cookies. It is this weekend, both Friday and Saturday, at the Del Mar Fair Grounds. We will be right next to the huge Christensen Surfboards booth. Info on the show here:  http://sacredcraftexpo.com/