Although I don't consider myself a surfer, I have for years been a student of surfing history. I have always wanted to build a skateboard using the construction techniques that Tom Blake used on his revolutionary hollow surfboards in the 1930's. Up until now it has always been a pipe dream. Last week I took my idea of building a hollow skateboard to my friend and master craftsman, Bill Boothby, the same guy responsible for building the Radikal Start Ramp Trailer.
Of course, Bill looked at me like I was nuts when I explained to him what I wanted to do. We spent some time drawing up various crude plans and then just dove right in, making it up as we went along.
What you see below is fruit of our first effort. The board measures 36" x 9" and is a hair under 3/4" thick. The internal framework utilizes maple and bamboo. The area between the trucks is hollow and features a bamboo stringer running the length of the deck with bamboo struts spaced evenly throughout. The frame is skinned with baltic birch, stained to resemble redwood. As you can notice in the photo there is a slight side to side roll along the bottom of the deck, there is a slight rocker on the bottom surface also. It is quite a bit lighter than a solid wood board of similar dimension. It also sounds cool when you tap on it.
We also are planning on producing 32" and 48" versions. A very limited number of these decks will be made, each one will be signed and numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity. Each "Smithby" will be completely handmade.
For more info drop me an email or give me a call.
And to keep this slalom related, you could probably ride this one on a GS course.
