It all started with the fish when the innovative shapers and board builders out there decided to revisit the past for some inspiration. In doing so they brought back some lost skills such as resin tints and hand foiled fins.The Fish Fry has been a place for these fine craftsmen to showcase their skills. We have seen some amazing boards as shapers have pushed the boundaries over the last few years. As this new look at the fish has evolved to its many forms, it has influenced other shapes and designs along the way.This has spawned a renewed interest in other board forms by this same group and a wider following.Notably the Mini Simmons, Hulls, old school Logs and Pigs. It is pleasing to note that there are an increasing number of people building their own boards as well.All of this is to be applauded and celebrated as a positive for surfing.So it is only natural that these shapers and board builders continue to share their skills with us and include these other shapes at the Fish Fry.It has truly become a melting pot of ideas for like minded people.

The innovator, craftsman that is Roger Hall


This how Roger Hall of Surfline Surfboards New Zealand explains this new 6ft finless....

"During the ordering process, Mark was sending me written accounts of Bob Simmons design theories as well as photos and dimensions of the boards Mark typically rides.
All Marks examples are very Simmons inspired and I got that he was walking the path less travelled. Something I can well relate to; as I guess it would be safe to say there’s not a lot of foot prints along the trail of my Hot Curl journey.
I spent most of the weekend shaping Mark’s board which bear in mind was already machine shaped. All the same I sunk a surprising amount of Roger hours into this board.
As I was nearing the finish line it occurred to me that all I had really done was shape a Bob Simmons, if you take a Bob Simmons and really exaggerate the bottom contours, really push them out there, then cut in the recess to separate the tails, leave off the twin fins then you will most likely end up with this shape! Well I did!
With this fresh revelation smacking me firmly between the eyes I stood in my dusty room with just one question: Would BOB approve? . . ."

Roger, I am sure he would. You and Bob are one of a kind.



 As you can clearly see Roger has an eye for design and innovation. Very few shapers spend the time to experiment and put the time in to go new places like this. Mate I love what you do.
Posted by Big Fish

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