My friend John and I had an alaia weekend last week. He made one with slightly parabolic rails while I made a traditional shape. Surprisingly, it's the first new board I've made for myself in about 10 months. So far I've ridden it at Puena Point, Pupukea, and Turtle Bay…and I like it. Next project: Hand planes made with leftover wood.
While Hawaii's waves are definitely more challenging to ride an alaia in, they're tons of fun when you hit the right wave. If anybody wants to give my new beauty a try let me know. She seems like a neighborhood bike type…
Jeremy