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Duke Kahanamoku, known as the father of modern surfing, passed away in Honolulu in 1968. Ironically, though fitting, his death marked the end of the “golden age of surfing”, which had begun in the mid 1950s. Shortboards, and a radically different surfing style very quickly took over the surf scene and changed the sport. It’s also ironic that the skeg also died at the same time, as the modern adjustable “fin” became the new term for the surfboard’s rudder.
My skegs are handcrafted in the spirit of the “golden age”. As a woodworker, I endeavor to create works of art in the skegs, though they are meticulously foiled (shaped) for performance beyond the era. While I often “edge off” toward designs or shapes that are not exact replicas, such as curved stringers, use of exotic woods, and variations in shapes, my personal objective is to create skegs today that the pioneers including Velzy, Noll, Bing, and Gordon may have commissioned for their finest boards while the Duke was still alive. (Continued below ...)
My skegs have been glassed on balsa and foam boards shaped by Michael Hynson (world reknowned surfer and featured in the movie "Endless Summer"); James Fulbright (surf shop owner and featured in the movie "Step Into Liquid"); Bill Hoopes (Born-Again Boards, maker of fine redwood surfboards) and others.
The skegs are intended as “glass-ons”, so I do not make box fins. Vintage style noseriders and style boards need thicker skegs, so mine are generally 1⁄2” to as much as 3⁄4” thick. They are made in three different ways:
1. Performer (P) - fully foiled sanded wood ready to glass.
2. Showman (S) - fully foiled finely finished in gloss varnish.
3. Performershow (PS) - fully foiled with clear resin bead ready to glass.
Redwood is salvaged old growth from northern California
Koa wood is salvaged from downed-dead trees on the Big Island, Hawaii.The skegs pictured represent styles and shapes that may or not be currently available, however custom orders can be made on occasion and others may be available but not yet pictured. Click the "Rare Woods Gift Collection" on the home page to see show and gift skegs. By the way, I'm glad you're here and hope you're enjoying the ride!
