SurfingSports Standup Paddle Surf & Standup Paddling BLOG

Treve Jones, one of the top watermen in California, stopped into the shop to share his latest toy...an alaia...which is a finless plank of wood...at first glance some would think that it is very basic...because the shape is so simple that it is hard to comprehend how it actually works ...

From the Wegener website...

How it works:
The thin, flat rockered board moves across the wave very quickly. The hard edge of the rail bites into the wave like a long fin and the gentle curves on the bottom hold the board into the face of the wave. The board is as light as possible so it accelerates quickly and the wood is sealed with oil which is slippery in the water. This makes the board move faster through the water like a fish.

The thin board flexes as you ride the wave. When in trim or when catching the wave, you push down on the nose giving the board a reverse rocker. This makes the board go faster. When turning you pull up on the nose making the board flex the other way. This makes the board turn quicker and then bounce out of the turn as it comes back to its natural shape. The right combination of flex, thickness, hard edge on the rail and the oiled surface makes for a very light, lively surfboard.







Treve spanking a Central Coast lip with a plank...


Photo courtesy of Brian Caserio :: Side Off Video

Treve likes small boards...here he is on a 62 liter waveboard...





Treve on a 7'2" SUP...



Switch foot on takeoff...

Labels: alaia, Wegener alaia