11 . 10 . 21
Summer has absolutely flown by for us here at Otter Surfboards, with three surfboard workshops in August keeping us busy, the old adage about time and flying has certainly been ringing true!
Joining us for our mid August surfboard workshop were Matt and Oli; Matt from Bath where he runs an architecture firm with his wife, and Oli from Plymouth where he is studying to be a mental health nurse.
The week got off to a great start with both work shoppers settling in, piecing together the frames of their surfboards at the two sets of trestles towards the back of our Porthtowan workshop. Matt would be making a 9’1 Wicket and Oli a 7’2 Coaster, and once the frames were glued up we all walked down the hill to the beach for some food. A lunch break routine that has now become established on a Monday during a workshop week, as it gives work shoppers a chance to gauge their surroundings, and take in the beauty of the Cornish coastline and feel that connection to the sea which we all crave.
Matt and Oli trim their bottom skins around the frame of the surfboards
Matt and Oli are both keen surfers. Matt joined us as a 50th birthday present and was looking to make himself a board to suit his ability and the longboard friendly waves in Sennen, home of some of the top UK long boarders, where he spends much of his time in the water. Oli is a beginner surfer who began surfing last year and wanted to make a surfboard that stands the test of time whilst being something he can progress on during his regular trips to the coast.
Oli and Matt plane the tops of their rail strips in preparation for gluing on the deck skin
For Oli the week presented him with the opportunity to explore the local coastline and beaches and he managed to camp out every night, scoping new locations for potential future surf trips. We were all able to give Oli advice about where he could stay and it made for a great conversation and an appreciation of the beauty that lies on our doorstep. Hopefully there will be some waves for his next trip!
Shaping of the surfboards begins
Matt informed us that he approached the week in the workshop with an energy in/energy out/reflection process in mind, explaining that he recognised the importance of taking time out from his regular work schedule to do something completely different. Here is a quote from the man himself to sum up the week:
‘I cannot begin to describe what a special week I had with you guys. The two words that stick with me are: Calm and understated. One thing that surprised me that I hadn’t realised until the weekend is the new love of using my hands and woodworking – I think I was more focussed on enjoying the “experience”.’
Nose and tail shaping
Thanks so much for the kind words Matt!
We can’t wait to have both of you back here to pick up your new wooden surfboards, ready for a lifetime of gliding along waves!
Rolling up to the beach to see a calm sea and one other surfer out, we had no idea we were about to luck into some lovely little peelers...
A lumpy low tide mush fest, complete with dumpy close out barrels...
