Alaia kneeboard?

Basswombat · Post by **Basswombat** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 9:51 pm

This may be a crazy question but... I've got a couple of alaia blanks coming my way. I'm going to make an 8', and out of the second blank was contemplating a 3' paipo-style board and then potentially a 5' kneeboard version from the remainder. My gut feel is that it might be a bit short, but I guess I'll never know unless I try. I've scoured the web for any alaia kneeboard clues but haven't found anything... anyone?

Cheers
Chuck

scoop · Post by **scoop** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:53 pm

Basswombat

Have you looked at www.surfresearch.com.au

they where made from 6ft up and ridden prone ,knees and standing
good luck
Tony

Basswombat · Post by **Basswombat** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:55 pm

Cheers scoop, thanks for that. Will let you know how I go.

kidrock · Post by **kidrock** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 8:01 am

that sounds cool, I definitely want to see and hear about the ongoing project and finished result if you get it up and running.

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 8:54 pm

Isn't this essentially returning to the paipo days of the 60's when we were trying to learn how to get up to our knees on the dang things?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S58kY5jsLTI

(see 1:55 - 3:15)

crippler · Post by **crippler** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:10 pm

Hey bass wombat i too am on the alaia mission i`ve researched alot and am goin for a 6,6 standup and a 5 foot kneeboard model.I have been in contact with a couple of kiwi surfers and a couple of californian they have both told me for the kneeboard not to go to wide maybe 20" and due to the finnless nature that on the wider kneeboard models that carving the rail to a mild parabolic curve will help keeping the rail engaged.but one thing i do know that there is no set formula even tom wegener has written that over thinking and over complicating the shape will usually not make it perform better simple outlines and a slight v seem to be the common thread have fun maybe soon we can compare creations

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:15 am

Have Jon Manss build you a plywood paipo.

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:30 pm

theres a guy here, bongoman who has a wegener 5'8 i think he was kneeloing it...

the difference between the old paipos and alaias is the length that lets you speedblur down the line and the twangy flex in the Paulownia wood.. Paulownia also floats much higher then plywood....

I bet Greenoughs edgeboard woud be a good template .....Belly in the nose to flat with a squared off tail....

Bintang Bob · Post by **Bintang Bob** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:31 am

go long in lenght with the board at first, the beauty of this type of board is you can take it back into the shed and modify it whenever you want....

all you need is a hand saw & hand plane, plus more of whatever sealer your using.... Kneelogrl, who about 47 kilos & rides an 5'3" flashie rounded pin, is starting with a 6'0" square tail & will maybe go to shorter with a fish tail design depending on how this outline handles.... I've modifyed an boogie board leash plug to fit the thinner wooden board, that gets installed today.... I'll keep you posted on riding stuff as I get feedback..... Bob

Basswombat · Post by **Basswombat** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:43 am

It's been a while since I was originally contemplating this idea... and i'm afraid I never went anywhere with it at the time. I did make a 7'6" that I can barely ride (although I havent really invested enough time in learning how to make it work) and a little 4'6" alaia for my kids although I've had a ball riding prone on it - on the very first wave I ever caught on it I pulled into what I thought was going to be a close out and was shocked when I popped out the other end unscathed. Obviously I was immediately stoked. I did try and kneel on it but it is simply too small for my 6'4/95kg frame.

Currently in the process of building a chambered paulownia 6'1" mini-simmons-style board, but the alaia kneeboard is back in my thinking as next cab off the rank. As you suggest Bintang Bob, I will start at around 6'5" and then trim it back if I feel it needs it. Will post pics when I finally get around to it!!

Here's the longer one:

And here's the 4'6"

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 10:44 am

found this vid a cpuple days ago,, got me pumped.... sick slab action at the end.....

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:33 pm

How's this one.......

1963 Waikiki

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea ... id=6228857

RMcKnee · Post by **RMcKnee** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:05 am

Same footage (pun intended) ... and a few interesting photos.

http://throughtheeyesofaghost.blogspot. ... iding.html

and the man himself today
http://www.ryanfieldphotography.com/ind ... 0&a=0&at=0

Damn fine looking boards Basswombat!