Evolution Of A Model
Two-time longboard world champ and surfboard craftsman Beau Young talks us through the evolution of his latest model, the Double Diamond, a homage to his famous father Nat
A magic board they say can never be replaced but in the modern technological age, it can. One of the favourite parts of my job is creating a model by hand, the old school way with the use of a planer, tape measure, wooden surfboard templates and a block of foam.
My favourite longboarding I have ever seen was by my father at Oceanside Pier in 1966 for the world championship. It was a time when the shortboard revolution was only just beginning and my Dad’s board was vastly different to the other surfers in the event – shorter, more pinch and foil in the rails and a large flexible fin gave this board real projection and bite through its turns and, with the wide point back, a tight turning radius. Completely different to the modern style logs I have been riding and I was very keen to shape one. I had no board for reference, only pictures of boards from the time and my dad’s thoughts on plan shape, rail shape, thickness,etc.
After hours of chipping away and sculpting a big chunk of foam I had my model concept, however would it……sink or swim? I can safely say that in one-foot, perfect little waves, not only did the newly anointed model swim, it also truly sang both through arcing turns and longheld in-the-pocket noserides. It also had me feeling just a touch like my Dad Nat in 1966.
There you have a little peek into how my latest model with The Surfboard Warehouse came to be. I have named it “Double Diamond” after my grandfather’s commando unit based in New Guinea because those guys got themselves into and out of some incredible situations. This board is a true throwback to the mid 1960s when boards and the way they were approached were greatly changing. It’s a welcome addition to my quiver especially when it’s small and perfect which seems to be pretty often right now.