It all started with the fish when the innovative shapers and board builders out there decided to revisit the past for some inspiration. In doing so they brought back some lost skills such as resin tints and hand foiled fins.The Fish Fry has been a place for these fine craftsmen to showcase their skills. We have seen some amazing boards as shapers have pushed the boundaries over the last few years. As this new look at the fish has evolved to its many forms, it has influenced other shapes and designs along the way.This has spawned a renewed interest in other board forms by this same group and a wider following.Notably the Mini Simmons, Hulls, old school Logs and Pigs. It is pleasing to note that there are an increasing number of people building their own boards as well.All of this is to be applauded and celebrated as a positive for surfing.So it is only natural that these shapers and board builders continue to share their skills with us and include these other shapes at the Fish Fry.It has truly become a melting pot of ideas for like minded people.

Project "MORE the merrier"





Mark Pridmore has designed and shaped a surfboard that is being passed from surfer to surfer along the coast of Australia ( it has also been to some Pacific Island that will remain nameless and may be heading to Vietnam soon...) He has accumulated details of about 30 - 40 surfers who want to be test pilots from all around Australia . It was  quite a challenge to create a board to suit everybody as I had weights that vary from 65 - nearly 100 kg's but that was to be part of the fun. It has been a great experience for all involved and a great chance for surfers to try out a board that they would not normally consider riding .Each test pilot has the board for a few days or a week maximum and its up to him or her to arrange delivery to the next surfer without damage, there will be a board cover supplied too.If any damage occurs then the test pilot who had it at the time is responsible for getting it repaired asap and then passing it on to its next surfer... Test pilots have been arranged by Mark and on RealSurf ( surfing forum-site )...The board began its journey approximately mid June 2008 on the Sunshine Coast and then headed South from there. Some will like and some will dislike the board and thats to be expected. It has been very interesting to follow its journey and listen to all the comments and stories along the journey. The feedback from a wide range of surfers has been invalueable for Mark as a shaper too.There is a  travel diary that surfers can leave info and comments in and it should be very interesting reading when this journey finishes, and when that will be, not sure but maybe 12 months from now ?????  But he very keen on getting the AquaBat back to take to the Fish-Fry in March on the Goldy.Photos and regular updates are posted on his web-site @ www.moresurfboards.com and also on RealSurf. "So please keep checking and enjoy the experience with us, you might even see it around the waves near you , if you do feel free to have a few waves on it, after all it is called 'MORE the merrier' , cheers."
                                                                                                      Mark Pridmore

Jeff Bickerstaff's new fish for next years Alley Fish Fry...





Local Auckland builder Jeff Bickerstaff who came over for this year's Fish Fry has just sent me these shots of his second hand-shaped board. A 6ft 7" x 21 3/4" wide Quad. It looks like he has done a great job for his second effort and I hope he gets some time over Christmas to catch a few waves. Jeff is planning on bringing his wife over next year to enjoy the Gold Coast and catch up again at the 2009 Fish Fry. This is what it's all about, getting together , seeing what others are doing and taking a board or two out for a surf  then going home inspired to put your thoughts into action and building a board for yourself that expresses where you want to be. There is only one  better feeling than getting a new board and that is shaping one yourself. Jeff you know that feeling. Good on you mate and thanks for your support. See you in the park Sunday 8th March 2009.

The Curve surf and art shop now open



Friday the 22rd of August saw the opening of a new surf/art concept store located in Currumbin on the Gold Coast.  Owners Daniel MacDonald & Rebekah Clarke hosted the event with an eye pleasing array of colour and art including canvas creations from the likes of Richard Harvey, Sean Scott, Nicholas Chalmers and Christian Chapman among many more.  Daniels two labels, Daniel MacDonald Surfboards (Classic) and DMS (Performance) cover a broad range of surfboards including single fins, twin fins, longboards, hybrids and performance boards.  Psychodelic resin tint and pigment designs and classic volane triple stringers were obvious talking points on the night.  The wine flowed freely and the event bought many industry types together.  This pair have created a haven for artists to display their pieces, with the likes of aboriginal registered artist Colin Wightman contributing his artistic flair over resin tint twin fin surfboards.  Also stocking Pene Fins, a diverse range of single fins, longboard fins and twin fins as well as handmade patchwork board socks, poska pens and surf accessories.  If you are looking for something unique, be sure to make your way down to The Curve….surf stuff at 1/35 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin, Queensland.

Or you can find them online ! 


 www.thecurvesurfstuff.blogspot.com          www.dmshapes.com           www.penefins.com

Valla Surfboards great new promo

Just click on link above to check out the great little promo on Valla Surfboards range of fish that Sage has been working on.

Click here > for Fish Fry Portugal pics

Held June 8th  at Costa Caparica

I Love Fish - Blue Magazine


Blue magazine have put together a great article on fish boards and shapers from all over. Just wish I could read Japanese. May have to take it down to the Sushi Train and get someone to read it to me. Check it out.

Alley Fish Fry coverage in Blue Magazine


Alley Fish Fry coverage in Pacific Longboarder


Fish Fry Japan pictures from Yutaka Ono










Fish Fry Japan pics


Click on Fish Fry Japan to link to pictures of the day. Thanks to Naminori Oyaji.

Movie clips from Fry 2008- DVD available.

These are some sample clips of the day.If you would like to get hold of a DVD covering the Fish Fry 2008 you can contact Chris O'Hearn at chrisoh56@optusnet.com.au - (07) 5575 9406
Ian Zamora with his Simmons inspired fish

Jason Oliver from Brisbane blew a few people away with these two. The top board is made from recycled Cedar window frames and the other is made from a pine packing crate / pallet.
Nail holes and all with an acrylic wash over the top.
Big Kiwi Jeff the builder running his eye over the details.

Mick Mackie always the innovator with flex tails and side cut fishes. Likes his snow boarding and it shows in his fishes.

More Pics from 08

Dan Mc Donald  - DMS with some local culture
Dan also had other artistic flair on show.
Dans big into board graphics
Dave from Diverse had a great variety on show.

Glen Cat Collins from 1770 had a few people scratching their heads. Jet bottoms , different fins and shapes.

fish Fry 08

Roger Hall from New Zealand made this board for himself 30 years ago. Last year a guy came in with it to have some dings repaired. Roger just had to have it back.
Evan from Byron had some nice Takayama boards.
The old truck was pretty loaded .

The girls had fun selling T shirts