1930'S Style Hollow Hawaiian Surfboard
DESCRIPTION- After studying Tom Blake's work with hollow boards, I've decided to include a line of hollow "Kook Box" style boards because I want to share this stoke I've got from riding these things! In my experience with ancient alaia design, I have applied my ancient surfboard knowledge to a more modern (1930's) hollow construction. Unlike ancient (solid wood) surfboard design, this hollow board floats really well and catches waves easily. Just about anyone can surf it. This thing is extremely fast in any surf! Flat sections are glided right over, small waves made fun, high tide mush bring it on! CONSTRUCTION- Each board is made using Okoume marine plywood which is very strong, durable and looks spectacular. As the name implies, this special marine plywood is normally used for boat building so it is manufactured to very high specs. DESIGN- There are a few secrets within the overall design so don't let those boxy rails fool you, this board really goes! It's all about minimizing drag as those edges release water or grip the face without the need for fins! Fun in knee high slop up to overhead barrels this wave catching machine will prove very capable. Drop in early and take your time to decide your line. Hmmm… left or right? Modern rocker feels very natural and allows surprising maneuverability. Remove the twin skegs for freedom when you want it, put 'em in for control when you need it. Features: -1/4" Okoume Marine Plywood -Traditional 3/8" rolled bottom -Twin removable "FCS" style fins for added control -Modest rocker for a more modern feel -Airtight bronze drain plug -Rugged classic and easily repaired Tung oil finish -bronze Leash strap eye Custom surfboards available upon request! Sizes range from 5 feet up to 15 feet. Board featured on this page measures 11'10" x 21"x 3-1/2". Ask about custom shapes also! I ready to connect you with the board of a lifetime! Sincerely, Josh Klein Owner, Xylem Surfboards *All Xylem boards are hand finished with Pure Tung Oil for a non-toxic and durable finish. *Your alaia will be ready to ride right out of the box and will only need minimal care throughout its long life. *Each alaia is "Eco-Shaped" using minimal power tools and no toxic chemicals. Because each alaia is made custom to its new owner, please allow 6 weeks for delivery! Shipping is included anywhere in the US!
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Hey, I'm Josh. Since 2008, I've been all about one thing: handcrafting traditional Hawaiian alaias, paipos and Handplanes. It's just me, my tools and some wood out here. I run a very simple process of turning that wood into slidable slabs made to fit your needs. There is no corporate backing or middle man. If you want a great board from an honest shaper who seriously loves traditional equipment, I am him. Way back in 2008, I sprouted my company in THE most beautiful place in the world, Hawaii. On the "Big Island", I was in a small Hawaiian town named Kapa'au. Out in the grass and under a tent, I began shaping an alaia and little did I know, this would be the first of many. From the moment of my first ride on a rustic half shaped alaia I couldn't believe what I felt. It was just so fast and so fun I had to figure it all out. From that point, I became immersed in surfing's' ancient history. I dug up deep in history to experience surfing as it was when it first started and strip away all the unnecessary "modern stuff" and boil surfing down to its purest form: wood, water and (a human). I'm totally stoked for this way of surfing, and now, my goal is to share it with the world and I'm having the time of my life doing just that. Xylem is now based in Wilmington, NC out by the atlantic. Although my family and I are no longer in Hawaii, I am more committed to making quality boards than ever. And, just so you know:All my boards are made to be ridden in any surf. Including the small, weak and mushy waves of North Carolina! You really don't need Hawaiian waves to enjoy these boards! So it doesn't matter if you surf Malibu, Waimea or Wrightsville Beach, these boards will deliver an unforgettable experience. I make the greenest surf craft I can by using top quality solid Paulownia wood, no toxic chemicals and by utilizing recycled materials wherever possible. I run a super lean shop with a tiny garbage can. And, because it feels right, all boards are totally made by hand with minimal power tools!
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