Its all about the 8's

My 8' 'Whatever' shaped by Jools and lovingly tinted in Royal Blue at GulfStream Surfboards is an amazing thing. Whatever I feel like surfing its been there, Whatever the wave size small or large (within sensible size for the average person) its amazing. Whatever the crowd level, its a paddler and whatever you think of 8' boards.....Whatever!!

Wow!!!

My 7'8" Wild West Shooter completely blew me away yesterday afternoon. Some epic waves led to some extremely fun surfing with a few friends out. All I can say is that if anyone is looking for a clean board which is super stable,  and easy paddle, fast, responsive and incredible fun then call Jools at Gulf Stream Surfboards right now and order one of these. If your a bigger chap looking to scale down from a log then 7'8" is perfect, plenty of volume and some beautifully refined rails. Love this board.

A bag of tricks!

Not knowing what to expect, today I packed the car with a quiver of Wild West Shooters by Gulfstream and headed South and enjoyed the second of two great surfs this week.  With my wife, Jill en route I even squeezed in her 6'0" twin fin.  My midweek return to Sennen happened thanks to a morning tide, time before work,  the dropping swell and a perfect little bank was a peach on the 7'8".

Today the 9'8" pig was the cherry on the cake!! A dropping tide,  a well deserved day off, a north wind and a shining sun in the bright blue spring sky at my favourite spot left me smiling and frothing for more!!

Get some!!

So nice to have a surf back at Sennen today. That sounds like I have had to travel there, to make a road trip, to drive hours after searching the other spots...Nope, its at the bottom of the hill and due to the banks being crap and the swell to big for the bay to hold I've been surfing elsewhere on days that I can.

But today... today was a beauty. Apparently yesterday was nice, but work got in the way, today the swell was perfect size, the bank was great and the lefts were super fun. The board of choice, my 7'8" Wild West Shooter, perfect choice for the wave as its so easy to surf. Easy paddle, easy entry, super fast when you need it to be, turns really nicely and had a couple of cracking bottom turns where I could push her a little and see how the 9" Greenough single fin held. It did!!

"Maaaaate I do love a left"!!

As and Aussie once said to me surfing the Wreck in Byron Bay "Maaate I do love a left"... never forgot it and have to say this morning was great fun. Took a few on the head but also had a few sick ones. The sets were as good and as shapely as I've seen in a very long time and the one that nailed me I fulley deserved as I hesitated and pulled back...I went down laughing though!!
The 7'8" Wild West Shooter shaped by Jools at Gulfstream Surfboards was such a great board for the conditions, especially as the line up was pretty crowded and this allowed me to get in early and snag a few lined up lefts...I do love a left but I had a couple of great rights too and the board was really great on the backhand too, really responsive to turns and either way it was fast!

Today was a good Day!

Today was one of those solo great days.

Loading my little old belingo with a bike and race kit, and my 7'8" Gulfstream Wild West Shooter  and with the sun shining headed up the road.

On the way up to race practice I took a slight detour and surfed some small but very clean waves at Gwithian Beach and that alone made me feel quietly satisfied. However, following this went to Cornwall BMX and put in about 2.5 hours of training and skills practice and this was great fun and felt like I made some more progress towards my first regional championship race at the end of March. On the way back, with the extra light now, I popped back into Gwithian again and paddled out to head high reeling lefts.  I took a few on the head but picked off a couple of beauties which always makes it worth it.

I am now on the sofa totally f..k'd!!

Today was a good day!

Shapers that surf too

Whether you buy a Wild West Shooter, Saunton Foil, speed dialler, twinnie, or mini Simmons you can rest assured that your shaper can ride them all and ride them well. Jools backlit, product testing and styling at Woolacoombe. @gulfstreamsurfboards @finisterreuk

Wild West Quiver

Took delivery of the Pintail Log this past weekend thanks to the kind people at Finisterre for bringing her back to Cornwall for me.  Jools at Gulfstream Surfboards has without a doubt created an absolute beautiful board here and perfectly finished by Matt in a stunning white pigment tint with a high polish.

Due to the wind, I gave up on taking new board shots in my usual spot this weekend due to my traditional failure to have a board fall and get dinged in the process followed by a vast range of profanities and regret for even trying. Instead I waxed her up and took this beauty for a slide at Praa Sands in waist high clean little waves.

I did my usual new board test and threw in a drop knee turns to see she turned and when the wave allowed I threw in a bit of power to see how far she could be pushed on the shoulder and in the few waves I had, she responded really well. I'll post some more info when I have had a few more surfs on it and work out the little idiosyncrasies of a new board. Considering this board is wider in the tail, based on the more traditional pig shape the wide point is back of centre with a narrower 17.5" nose I am so impressed with the speed and smoothness of this board on a first surf.

The board next to it is the 7'8" Traveller model previously shown and placing this next to the log I'm so stoked to have two boards that can be surfed in a huge variety of conditions and be ridden comfortably by the larger chap or the Chunky Brother! When I get a shot with the 8'2" as well, you'll see another board that further compliments these two stunning shapes.

However, the best part of these WildWest Shooters is that each board is so much fun, each board is easy to surf, and each board catches waves effortlessly and does what they're supposed to do and this is credit to Jools and his knowledge of surfing and shaping and exactly what I envisaged every board to be...Fun.

WWS X GulfStream

Finished article. Behind that grass at the bottom is the sweetest tail built for smooth turns, this is a sick board. More shots to come once I take delivery.  Thanks so much Jools at Gulfstream Surfboards

Wild West Shooters and a Happy New Year

Happy New Year So blessed to spend New Years Eve in the shire with our great friends Rich and Zoe from Kind Design and Wavedreamer and had a very peaceful and funny evening in with the kids. Whilst there we popped into see Jools at Gulfstream Surfboards in the newly refurbed shop at Braunton. After being approached by Finisterre to showcase their clothing instore Jools jumped at the opportunity and it was great to see how Gulfstream and Finisterre compliment each other and what is presented is one of the nicest surf shops I have ever seen. What makes it better is that the space is filled with great british designed and made boards and British designed and believe as much a s possible UK manufactured clothes.
My visit was also to see the progress of my newest Wild West Shooter. This is our third shape of the 9'8" Single fin log we have been working on. All bar the polishing Jools and his team have nailed this one. The progression over the past three shapes has been great to be part of and although I have not ridden this one yet, aesthetically the board is stunning. The previous two designs have been exceptional and both had their merits and both gone to good homes which I'm pleased with. This design has focussed on usability but functionality for all. The rails have returned to softness, losing the hard edge in the tail, but widening for a  turnability and looseness, revisiting the 50/50 rails throughout and adding some thickness. We've kept the concave out for cleaness and no drag and with more of a pig shape with the smooth continuous line of a rounded tail and pulled in nose, and also lost the triple stringer aspect to keep it more affordable,  this board is stunning. I have not been more excited to get out and ride a board in a long time (well since Jools made the 7'8" Traveller).
By the time I take delivery of this board I'm confident the range of Wild West Shooters will be complete. Consisting of a 9'8" Log, 8'2" Transitional and a 7'8" Midlength. Each of these boards have there own merit and the idea since the beginning of this process (like all good quivers), has always been to have a range of boards made from sustainable blanks (Homeblown UK) that will all compliment each other for down here in the Wild West. However, each board can be custom made for your specific needs. I shall post a picture of all three together so you can visually see the differences of the finest selection of boards from an award winning shaper.

Holeshot

Managed to get at least one holeshot at the weekend and it happened in the Final, which I was stoked about!! Andy Coryn, on the far side of the shot, went on to win the Cornish Champs (over 40's) and after straight one left me standing and rightly so.
Alongside Jago we've done three rounds and I'm so please with how we have both done, so proud of Jago for really giving it his all and I know as his confidence grows his riding will get really good.
We've both learnt new skills (and realised we still have old ones in my case), we have made some new friends and enjoyed healthy and fun competition, and find myself with a little hunger to do better. I'm 45 and feel like a kid again, (apart from the screaming pain in my wrist, shoulder, legs and neck etc, etc) I feel myself getting fitter, stronger and recovering much quicker and wanting to get fitter and stronger. I enjoy taking Jago down to the Wharfside in Penzance for some evening sprint training and encouraging Jago to give it all without being some over bearing and lunatic Dad! To be honest the past few weeks has made me feel alive (in the sporting sense).  However, one of the best things about riding BMX for me is that it also makes me really appreciate my surfing, actually cherish it.
I'm looking forward to some surfing over the next few weeks, getting out on my Wild West Shooters shaped by Jools at Gulf Stream (excuse the blatant punt) and getting a few sneaky ones before the xmas holiday crowds come. To remind myself that I need a few waves to give me the old spiritual rinse I surfed my favourite south coast spot last week,  and with three other people it was an absolute treat. A session that had me smiling and really focussing on where I am right now. I feel blessed as I have two sports I truly love, one, BMX,  I left for a few years but it has found me again, through riding with my son. Surfng is always there and I feel a little like Matt Johnson in Big Wednesday and if asked If i have been surfing I can reply "nah, just when its necessary"!
Wheels and Waves really are part of my life. The trouble is Jill has become a BMX widow...Love you Mumma xxxx

Wild West Shooters..get busy

Get your orders in for a Wild West Shooter before Christmas people. I don't there is any way Jools will get them shaped before Christmas but what better way to see the new year swells come to fruition than on one of these beauties. Or look forward to a Valentine Surf in February with your other half. Give Jools a call to chat to him about one of these boards or take a look at his workmanship onwww.gulfstreamsurfboards.co.uk

When work gets in the way.

Sometimes work takes priority nd these beauties behind me have to wait another day! Gutted..not time to surf!

Wild West Shooters by Jools

 Take a look at these two amazing Wild West Shooters. Beautifully shaped by Jools at Gulf Stream Surfboards and with pure function in mind. The top one, the 7'4" 'Traveller' in opaque white resin is built for FUN. A one board 'go to' wave sled that will surf in head and above clean peelers, to head high choppy, onshore mess; to smallish versions of the same. This is a great all round board and since I picked it up I have surfed most conditions that Sennen can throw our way down here in the West.

The bottom board is a 9'0" Speedster built for exactly that, speed and versatility. For anyone wanting to gradually come down of their 9'6" heavy single fins and begin to feel a little more agile on the wave. Hard in the tail for speed and bite.


Both these boards are  beautifully finished by Jools and his team in Devon and they will happily have a chat about any of these designs. If your a larger guy then these boards are a happy solution to feeling frustrated in not having the right board. These boards can be custom ordered to suit your weight and needs. These boards can not be found on the website but are in the mind of a master shaper working out of Woolacoombe. Voted the best Fish Shaper in Europe Jools knows what he's doing so go and support a great UK Shaper. www.gulfstreamsurfboards.co.uk

The Neeeeeed for Speed.

Beautifully had shaped Wild West Shooter by Jools @gulfstreamsurfboards for good friend Simon Hann. He wanted something a little shorter, sleeker and more refined than his log. This single fin beauty is 9'0 x 22.75 x 3 and is built for speed and versatility. If your a Longboarder and want to start moving down in size or need a little MPH under your feet this is just the trick for your winter sessions. 

The Traveller Model by Jools x WWS

This is the new 7'4" Wild West Shooter Single Fin 'Traveller' Model (working title). This has been beautifully hand shaped by Jools and finished in white opaque resin at Gulfstream surfboards. This is a perfect example of custom craftsmanship, it's super fast, super responsive, it likes a bit if size, paddles with ease and overall, right now, I'm stoked. 

The idea has alway been to add a really refined midlength singlefin to the existing Wild West Shooters like the 9'8" and the 8'2" Models.  The 8'2" is a solid bundle of fun and those that have ridden one, swear by its versatility and function, but there was room for a slightly shorter, possibly perfect travel board for those of us wanting a little more length and float, lets be honest here, the Chunky Brother!! 

I personally wanted a board to put on the racks of the Suzuki Van Van and travel a little bit of France, knowing that one simple board could pretty much surf everything I would likely encounter within reason. I had planned on heading off later this month it looks more likely to be Spring 2015 due to my Fathers 90th Birthday getting in the way( so selfish Dad!!) but it will happen. 

As a man of the larger variety (read: Chunky Brother) I wanted a board to feel comfortable, stable and fun, a board I can run into the garage grab and know that I'm going not going to struggle on when trying out paddle frothing grommets when the waves get a little punchy. Having surfed the board last weekend in some overhead beach break conditions here at Sennen, comfort is what I got. 

On a personal board gatherers note, having a slightly transitional look, when I put the 'Traveller' in my racks in the garage it fits perfectly amongst my other boards in what is essentially a timeline quiver of shapes from mid 60's style logs to 70's twinnie, eggs, and down railed single fin. Basically, it fits perfectly.   

I'll keep you posted the more its ridden but so far so good and feels like a real bundle of fun under my feet. When I spoke to Jools a couple of days ago to give him some initial feedback he was stoked and thinking of doing some more. I can see this board working in all sizes and sub 7' would be great fun too. If you like what you see give Jools a shout or drop me a line. Also keep your eye peeled for a new log coming soon, and this is really exciting.  Thanks Jools for another beauty. 

Midlength action is on its way

I'm looking forward to adding a 7'4" Single fin to this bunch of beautiful Wild West Shooters on Friday courtesy of Jools at Gulf Stream Surfboards. You can check them out here. In the meantime I have been riding the Blue 8'2" in the middle here in all sorts of waves and have to say that if anyone is looking for a board to come down gradually from a longboard then look no further. These boards are amazing. Easy to paddle, turn on a dime and so stable you'll think your on your plank.
If anyone is looking for something very special the yellow triple stringer is soon to be on the market.
Please drop me an email for more info at russpierre@yahoo.co.uk

Buy British

Myself and friend Simon paid Jools a visit at Gulf Stream Surfboards yesterday to order a couple of new Wild West Shooter. Its great to catch up and check out whats happening up in Devonshire. When we walked away after discussing two very exciting board projects it makes me feel proud to be buying British and from the countries best shaper. In August I should take delivery of something mighty special for the coming Autumn and a wave sled that will accompany me on a little trip.

The Magic Board by Jools

The Magic Board 

Embarking on a quest to identify the essence of a magic surfboard is not an effortless assignment. The ingredients of a personal wave sled must primarily, and obviously meet personal needs. In essence this pursuit can take many years, it can become an addiction with the likely possibility of never really finding the solution and a guaranteed certainty of always craving another. In my mind the magic board has a function and purpose, one to be taken out when it’s necessary, when a certain wave, feeling or emotion transpires, or it presents its calling becomes evidently clear. In any quiver there can be many magic boards but right now i've found one.

My magic board is a 9’8” Triple Stringer Rounded Pintail. The design of this board needed to be simple with clean lines and no breaks in the flow. The pintail is a beautiful representation of this.  Tip to tail there is a single beautiful rail line that flows to the tail and returns gracefully to the nose again. When you look at the outline of a pintail it seems to scream smooth surfing and, although I’m partial to the pivoting characteristics of a square tail, nothing compares to the smoothness of a successful drop knee turn on a pintail.  Pleasing to the eye, pintails are not for everyone, but everyone should try one.

The Triple Stringer design is a classic, a 60’s icon, strength and aesthetics combined with a craftsman’s touch. Phil Edwards rode his with finesse, Lance Carson seemed to hang on the nose for an age at waist high Malibu, whilst Ron Stoner produced images of the surfer and the boards in a such a way that they have become part of surfing heritage. One of Stoner’s most iconic images was his first cover shot for Surfer Magazine of Bill Andrews sliding across a Blacks wall, shot from the cliffs above. The caption in his book read that ‘it was to Stoner’s great advantage that he worked in a time before surfers and their boards were covered in stickers and logos’. But the image has remained with me, the lack of stickers is a bonus, but it’s also the beauty of the Triple Stringer, the faint redwood stringers seem to fit perfectly with the pose of the surfer, the lines of the wave, and all seem to blend and fit.

Today, young modern shapers like Californian shaper John Wesley are recreating this timeless classic. People must love triple stringers. Wesley’s neo-model the Cali ’66 is a sight to behold, The Harbour Trestle Special (now discontinued) but being resold as the TS Shape, Bing’s Pipeliner Model, Mike Hynsons Red Fin Model (a personal favourite) were designed for a particular wave as the names often suggest but visually they are timeless classics.

Aesthetics and heritage aside, a key feature of my magic board had to be an element of sustainability in both materials and production, and a level of sustainability that I was happy with by combining an eco-blank and a British shaper.

When first having conversations about this board I approached a person that knows how to make a difference, founder of Surfers Against Sewage Chris Hines . Now Director of his own project,  ‘A Grain of Sand’ Chris screamed, “why should we import blanks from the US or Australia when we have blanks being produced only a few miles from the majority of shapers in the UK, the Californians don’t import, nor do Australians. We should be proud to support a local business, shops are full of imports, let us start supporting our local craftsmen”. 

The support of the local shaper was next and in this case North Devon shaper Jools at Gulf Stream Surfboards was by far my first choice. Possibly, one of the countries finest shapers, he can replicate the classics if needed, develop the obscure, and is proud of the entire process from shape to finish. The blank was to be created specifically for this magic board by Tris at Homeblown near Portreath, Cornwall and as far as resin and cloth, I’m afraid this came from France.

If finding magic boards were easy we could simply grab one from the ‘magic board rack’ in the local would-be surf shop.  Whatever size, long or short, the boards we tend to see before our eyes are commonly computer-generated surfboards.  In many cases these surfboards are aesthetically attractive, have the combined ingredients of brilliance of mind, knowledge and feedback from the worlds best shapers and surfers; in some cases they may not. 

The numbers that are punched into the main frame can be cloned, and duplicated thousands of times, but a board that is shaped for you and not someone else should be special. This board can be functional for your needs, sustainable if you want it to be, but be proud of this board from start to finish, proud of its ingredients and its roots and to this end the numbers for your magic board should be easy. A simple formula would be local products + local shaper + local waves = the right board.

If not yet convinced to visit your local craftsman, consider this, hand shaping is an art form. A piece of individual sculpture deservedly requires a price tag to meet the hours and skill associated with this. To commission a bespoke dining table, a portrait of a family member, or a tailored suit would cost a small fortune. A locally shaped, glassed and finished surfboard should always hold more value than a machine shaped container shipped board, or a plastic, lifeless pop out from china, but the local shaper still struggles to make any profit and just about survives.

Part of this sustainability means that there is a multiplier effect attached to purchasing a board from the local shaper, meaning that for every pound invested with a local shaper, much of this will ultimately be reinvested time and time again within the local community.  Supporting your local shapers has economic benefits to primary and secondary businesses. Unfortunately there may also be some monetary leakage due to the materials, like cloth and resin, and sadly these are often imported meaning some profits must leave the country.

If you feel like making a small difference, simply starting with the blank. Asking your shaper to use Homeblown, stipulate that its your magic board their shaping and if you want sustainability then start here, shapers want your business and want you to return again and again.  Develop your surfing, develop a relationship with your chosen shaper and develop your magic board. Whether a tooth pick thruster, quad speed dialer or a ten foot cruiser, it should make sense, it cuts out the middle man and will empower you to feel great about that board.

"Support Your Local Shaper" (in this case local being the South West, UK but still very much British)