A board that definitely piques the interest of people swinging into the shop is the Wegner Alaia. Some think we have the board for a boho chic decor we are going for in the shop, most ask if it's practical (side note, what's fun in life that's practical anyway?), others ask if it's an ancient surf craft. Don't know which answer is right or wrong, but I do know that the Alaia is damn fun and offers up a unique approach and view towards riding a wave. There is a grounding aspect to the board that it exudes while surfing one. For starters, they are extremely hard to ride and navigate at first. For a seasoned surfer this can be a welcoming burst of refreshment as we come to think we know it all about board surfing after years of being at it. But we don't. What ever chest thumping you may do surfing a "regular" surfboard, be prepared to be humbled. Good luck even just paddling it. However, once you do line up a wave, get to your feet and experience a friction free slide down the line, your mind will be open to the endless possibilities there are to ride a wave. One can't also help but have a deep admiration for ancient board riders who used similar designs to the Alaia. An open mind and experimentation is the key to innovation. As the weather starts to make a turn, why not buck the system and throw convention to the wayside. In the meantime, here are some inspired thoughts and meditations on the Alaia from various viewpoints in the surf world....
From Mayhem's blog, he opts to use an Alaia for kindling...
A piece Jamie Brisick did for the NY Times...
Cy Sutton's take with a clip called "Wood Monday" making it look oh so easy...
Wood Monday - Sea Movies from www.KORDUROY.tv on Vimeo.
And our take down on River St.
1 comment:
Tragic waste of an alaia, although I could understand such a response out of frustration. I've managed to stand up once. That being said, gut sliding is slick bliss. Thank god for fins.
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