Thought that I’d chime in and share this current project! So I was looking for a ‘new’ vintage longboard… something to shake up my day to day surfing, and to take out for a different perspective on things. Having had a number of great old boards over the years, a Yater Spoon, a Hansen Superlight… But the more I got to thinking, the more I came 'round to the opinion that a classic board, shaped by a friend, would have more meaning for me than an oldie (as much as I like them…). Valuing what exists in terms of friendship, craftsmanship and stoke in this world of surfing that I’m into.
So, I asked Balsa if he’d agree to shape me a board. First order in a long time, since I’ve been shaping all my own for the past ten years or so. After he got over the surprise , and graciously agreed, we were on the lookout for a model. (The reasons I’m only shaping in wood, and not glassing at all are in the Skin
Cancer thread, but more importantly, I wanted this board to reflect a
perspective other than purely my own, I wanted it to be a shared deal) And this is the board that’s been haunting me for a while:
The Bing Pipeliner East.
Pipeliner East? Well, here’s a peek at one for those of you who haven’t heard of the beast. Sorry, I’m terrible with inserting photos.
http://www.usvintagesurfauction.com/auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=73
Does anyone have any information on this model? I have only seen one, about fifteen years ago, that was nearly identical to the board on the link. I’ve heard vague tales of a limited production run, slightly wider and flatter than the standard Pipeliner, with almond-shaped but slightly fuller rails… is this ringing bells for anyone?
Balsa will have to pop in with the photos thus far, but I wanted to say thanks for what he’s undertaking! We started with a Just Foam 9’8" three stringer, and from there he took the initiative to go way above and beyond the call of duty. You’ll see what I’m talking about here soon.
Throw in Camplus, who’s game to reproduce a fin close to the original, and we have the makings of a very neat project. I’m stoked like I haven’t been about a new board in a long while, so thanks again.