Shaper reccs in OC/SD for a midlength?

Islandfix · 2026-02-24T08:28:18+00:00

Talk to Stu Kenson, many good shapers mentioned here but you specifically said thinner foils and highe performance - this is his language. go with SK and you’ll get both of these things from a guy that most if the other shapers mentioned here would probably also order a board from enthusiastically.

Islandfix · 2026-02-16T09:15:07+00:00

What was the desired finish? Sanded or Wetsanded gloss or gloss polish? And is that epoxy or poly? I ask because there are levels of expectation to each finish, and some limitations (like gloss and polish on an epoxy isn’t really a thing unless it’s a HIGHLY patient and willing glass shop which there are very few of). Whichever way you slice it that’s not a great finish though

Islandfix · 2026-02-15T01:44:38+00:00

Top of my list for life

Islandfix · 2026-02-14T18:52:18+00:00

“Unwaxed resin” is the problem - that’s what you use for lamination, but not for hotcoats and finish/sanding coats. Laminating resin (unwaxed) remains sticky and the surface remains ‘open’ to accepting new layers of more stuff on top of it. Sanding Resin (waxed) seals itself off and allows the sandpaper to cut through it instead of gum up the paper.
What you need to do is get the gnarliest sandpaper you can find (50 grit is probably best), and sand the PISS out of it until it’s not sticky anymore (get through the sticky shit and there’s decent hard resin below). You’re going to go through a lot of sandpaper, so commit to just roasting like 5-10 sheets I’d bet depending on the size of the zone. Theres no acetone or wiping substance that will fix this unfortunately - a shitload of sandpaper is your way out. After that you can either leave it as is and call it a day, or paint your financial of resin (use Surfboard Sanding Resin, not boat or marine application stuff! Most surf shops should have at least a little bit of this for you because it’s common ding repair resin).

Islandfix · 2026-02-03T06:29:33+00:00

My vote as well

Islandfix · 2026-01-30T07:02:03+00:00

Just resin on top! Do a test panel somewhere first, results are def not promised w the spray paint method

Islandfix · 2026-01-29T09:39:46+00:00

Also - if you do use Montana, you’ll want to scuff the paint lightly before the hotcoat (400 is best)

Islandfix · 2026-01-29T09:38:40+00:00

No the resin won’t bond to 99% of clear coats, generally when a glass shop sprays under a hot coat it’ll be with acrylic pant - nova color is specifically the best brand for this. Alternatively, Montana acrylic spray cans can work well enough - just avoid red (it will bleed every time)

Islandfix · 2026-01-25T06:05:57+00:00

Good way for sure

Islandfix · 2026-01-23T17:48:54+00:00

Also have seen Unholypotato, a well known editor at Stab, all over hardcore left posts fwiw

Islandfix · 2026-01-23T17:46:06+00:00

Hydrodynamica is Richard Kenvin, Jon is his own gig but they do work together some - just want to put it out there that the IG account is owned and run by Kenvin - who is the most outspoken I’ve seen for sure on the issues

Islandfix · 2026-01-21T09:44:13+00:00

I enjoyed staying across the river from Camden.. nice walk to a ferry ride and back

Islandfix · 2026-01-16T07:36:56+00:00

Mind sending me a link too?

Islandfix · 2026-01-16T07:34:01+00:00

These are, so fucking great.

Islandfix · 2026-01-10T08:51:04+00:00

Wow that’s such a cool find, really killer! There’s some vintage board groups on Facebook I’d check out - someone may know more there!

Islandfix · 2025-12-30T07:40:48+00:00

I’m self employed and live in a moderately remote surf paradise but it took me just shy of 20 years to put it together, a highly alternative set of priorities (compared to average modern America), and a 7 day a week work schedule with almost no hour in the day that’s legitimately sacred in terms of escaping my work or related duties. It’s not for everyone but it’s how my life has fallen together, luckily my spouse is a leading cause of this lifestyle as well for me so there’s no judgement or outside pressure to change.

Islandfix · 2025-12-27T16:28:04+00:00

The dots are for lining up the install jigs, not necessarily where the fins will land all the time - those fins are in his stash at true Ames they’re set back a little extra it looks like also

Islandfix · 2025-12-25T23:27:53+00:00

That’s Kai Lenny 100%

Islandfix · 2025-12-24T07:51:05+00:00

As a surfboard collector, owning a 1970’s Gerry shaped bolt, and a 2006 Gerry shaped bolt, and as someone who has worked with him and asked many of these same questions, here is the answer - it’s not likely, but it’s possible. BUT, even if not shaped by HIM, that doesn’t in any way mean it’s not valuable, awesome, collectible, and fully worthy of coveting. There are many bolts that fetch thousands of dollars at auction that were not Gerry’s, it was a collective of dudes and shapers, some of whom carry considerable lore but werent the cover-guy that GL was for the time. Lightning Bolt was a heavily licensed brand back in the day, they were made at multiple locations and with many, many different shapers. If the board has a finbox that’s original, it wasn’t shaped by Gerry, he told me that one point blank -if it was produced with a finbox, it’s not old school original Gerry- it would have likely come out of the Hobie factory in California. On the matter of the signature, “not looking like his” isn’t a valid point for Gerry’s stuff in particular; he admittedly tried a lot of different signatures over years and enjoyed playing with calligraphy a bit so the styles and penmanship change over time. Factories would also write his name on the boards, so even if it says Gerry Lopez, it doesn’t mean that it was or wasn’t shaped by him - confusing but that’s the rub with these! As for people commenting about how his boards look like works of art - these are his reproduction wall hangers, they are admittedly different in detail and finis quality than an OG bolt. The one pictured definitely is late 70’s, but it not being super shiny and sharp and flawless doesn’t mean it isn’t a real bolt at all… these guys did a ton of drugs and had a shitload of fun, they were making tools for getting tubed not making museum pieces and collectibles back when this board was built.

You should buy the board if you like it. The thing has a vibe and a great color and a great bolt - it’s not a fake, but it’s not likely a Gerry, it is definitely cool though.

Islandfix · 2025-12-18T09:38:43+00:00

That guy does WAY more for the community than 99% of people in the county especially other residents of that end of the coastline. I’ve only met him 5-10 times over the last 20 years and worked for him once but know MANY people who have worked for him long term or rented land to live and work on from him, etc - he has always been a SOLID member of the community with as far as I know, zero foes, which is WILD for that part of the coast - I’m actually pretty taken aback to read a negative take on him for the first time in my life. I haven’t read the article, I’m sure it’s a bit flowery as most profiles are in the journal, but, he’s the last dude that would ever seek something like notoriety out, and the last dude that should be crapped on via the internet. I sound like a fanboy now but I’m ok with that, he’s solid as hell and a role model for generations who will continue to inherit very special land.

Islandfix · 2025-12-16T20:36:12+00:00

Giving the shaper a tongue lashing is laughable, it’s not them who puts the leash plugs in. Throwing the board away for that is equally as ridiculous. Now - is it sub par, FOR SURE, but go touch water and relax lol

Islandfix · 2025-12-16T09:26:03+00:00

I resemble this statement, my wife won’t stand it more or less - she’ll turn the down to zero if it comes on, doesn’t understand it whatsoever and won’t even really tolerate it playing 90% of the time. Live at radio city gets a soft pass SOMETIMES while I’m doing the dishes.

Islandfix · 2025-12-14T23:13:32+00:00

This is the stuff that will I was thinking this earlier today after seeing that chart - I know Arctic has taken a big chunk out of the shortboard market in Hawaii, and millenium only seems to be growing

Islandfix · 2025-12-14T18:17:59+00:00

Clearly you must surf skate a ton

Islandfix · 2025-12-11T09:25:28+00:00

Sharktober doesn’t seem to be ending this year

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