the WALKER PROJECT Double Fish Board Build

[CrewAdmin 192]

 

We have had a long standing relationship with Mike Walker of the Walker Project. Many of his boards have passed under our feet over the years. Many Crew members that have ridden with us or been to a past CCC Weekend have seen or ridden the original Double Fish, pictured below.

 

After years of being passed around and ridden hard it is time for her to retire. When we thought about having the Double Fish II made the first person that came to mind was Mike Walker since some of the features of this board were inspired by him back in the day. Talking with Mike brought out the idea of sharing the entire board build from beginning to the end with the community members of the Crew.

 

The project started with us providing Mike with the original design drawing of the Double Fish we made back in 2009.

 

 

For those that have not had a chance to ride the Double Fish. With the fish tail the rails run the full length of the board maximizing the rail length. The tail also causes the rails to be pushed out further than most boards due to the width making it super fast down the line. The tail design removes some of the surface area behind the fins compared to a pin tail, this gives the board more bite and drive keeping the tail under control when making hard turns on edge. The tail has a slight rocker giving it more speed and stability when being ridden revert. The hard edge of the rail starts at the back of the board blending into a softer edge that starts just behind the nose rocker, giving the board a rolled nose area for easy slashing without cutting into the face of the wave. The nose or second tail was added to the original design just to be different since everyone at the time had a blunt or diamond nose plus it compliments the board shape. We found out after the fact the nose shape gives the rider several subtle advantages. The board seems more stable when being ridden revert and offers more stability when doing 360's. The wider nose keeps the board from pearling as easy and the split nose has a tendency to let water come under and around the leading edge nose and over the outside area of the nose making it much easier to recover from pearling the board. Overall this has been one of our favorite shapes going on eight years, so much so we are having a new one built for the 2017 season.

 

For those of you that have ridden the Double Fish and offered, begged and pleaded to buy it, this is your chance. Mike will build a limited edition run of 15 boards that will be on a first come first served basis. Once the 14 slots, yes since one is ours making it 15 total boards are spoken for the board and shape will never be built again. More details on the boards including pricing, options, colors, etc. will be posted in the near future.

 

More build details to come, hope everyone enjoys the build. Let us know what you think.

 

 

 

[DrNate 426]

How have I not ridden this board? What is the name of the white and red Walker board that I love so much? Is it anything similar to this one?

[RhuntIII 555]

very cool

[DarksideR 1,679]

Very cool indeed

[CrewAdmin 192]

How have I not ridden this board? What is the name of the white and red Walker board that I love so much? Is it anything similar to this one?

 

You have ridden both, you were riding the Outlaw the last time which is a little more mellow.

[DrNate 426]

 

You have ridden both, you were riding the Outlaw the last time which is a little more mellow.

 

The Outlaw! Love that thing. Any idea on pricing or is that still in the works?

[CrewAdmin 192]

Working that out currently.

[CrewAdmin 192]

The next step after sending the drawing of the board we created to Mike Walker was for him to create the CAD file the board blank was to be cut to. The benefit of using CAD software and having the blank cut on a CNC machine is the board shape can be digitally stored in a database of the shapper and referred to in the future. Another advantage is having the ability to make fine-tuned adjustments, down to .001 of an inch, letting the client's board design evolve with their surfing over time instead of having to adjust to a completely new shape off the showroom floor. Their next board can be designed specifically for them with changes made to enhance their style of riding. Creating the design in CAD also gives the shapper the ability to watch over the overall volume and displacement that each design offers as this is one of the biggest factors that determines what length and model a rider should use based on their skill set.

The overall design was based on speed and maneuverability and will incorporate a proven concave and rocker combination that Mike has been using on the Walker Project boards for the last five years, that are known to be a favorite of his riders. Another plus of CAD based design is this shape can be offered in several sizes that will net any rider size.

Check out the CAD images below, notice the nose and tail concave are not part of the design during the CAD stage. These design elements will be added during the hand shaping process after the blank is cut.

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more updates as the shaping process moves forward.

[CrewAdmin 192]

Let's hear graphic ideas for the bottom of the board?

[CrewAdmin 192]

Check out the CNC machine cutting the blank for the Double Fish.

 

[NW Boat Sports 232]

centurioncrew.com and supremecrew.com logos

[Shaka 146]

So is this a good big guy board? What's the weight limit?

[WakeDoc 471]

The shape can be sized for any size rider.

[RhuntIII 555]

Just do the blade like from your logo from a while back and written on the blade A "FinelineCrew"

 

Or..

 

How about, Lettuce, onions, carrots maybe a little radish oh an some croutons.

[CrewAdmin 192]

Mike received the CNC blank back and has been hard at work taking it down to the final shape.

 

Few tools of the trade

 

Gives a little idea of the rocker

 

Overall profile of the board

 

Crisp tail shaven down a little to reduce weight

 

Get an idea off the concave of the board

 

Finishing off the shape with a signature

[RhuntIII 555]

BADA$$, excellent work

[Chexi 35]

Definitely interested in being one of the 14.

 

I think an original cylon centurion helmet gif would be a great graphic, or maybe a JR Bob Dobbs head. Or just make it all black, except with an "11" on it. That way, not only will it be like, "how much more black can it get?" "None... none more black," and also go to "11" at the same time, for when you need that little extra to take you over the cliff.

[WakeDoc 471]

Well due to my lack of being able to make up my mind on the artwork, colors, etc. for my board and being busy beyond normal this project fell behind. It is now back on track and moving forward very quickly. Below is a teaser Mike Walker posted on Facebook of my board. More to come next week.

 

[WakeDoc 471]

Fallen behind on build updates due to it being a super busy summer for us.

The build process with Mike Walker has been great.

The final foam blank shaped, painted and ready for glassing to begin. Board is sitting in front of a ocean blank that required the same color pink.

First layer of glass has been laid, flame lamination laying on top waiting for second layer of glass.

Second layer of glass finished and trimmed ready for bottom glass.

After second layer of glass, a few imperfections that will be taken care of  during the next stage.

Board in the rack waiting on hot coat and final polish.

Board after hot coat and polish.

Might be wondering what the bottom looks like and why it has not been shown? Is it also black rails with pink? Check out the next post for the reveal.

[WakeDoc 471]

Through the years we have built our own custom boards, had boards custom built for others, own limited edition boards, seen hundreds of boards in person and this board is the baddest of the baddest in our opinion. After receiving the final board we felt it did not do the board justice to reveal the bottom during the build process. It needed that finished WOW factor, so here it is. Build pictures of the bottom will follow.

Believe me, the pictures do not come close to during either side of the board justice. More on the build below.