Westbound Boarder

This is a little story about a guy who builds surfboards.

Bob “Ole” Olson recently celebrated his 80^th birthday and as such, could quite possibly be the oldest surfboard shaper on the planet. On a recent trip to Maui, I caught up with Ole as he was being inducted into the International Surfboard Builders hall of fame during the 16^th annual Ole Long board Classic at Launiupoko Beach Park. Talk about an awesome vibe. Some of the best long board riders in Hawaii were there and the ocean cooperated by delivering near perfect waves for the event.  In this elite group of shapers other noted surfboard builders include: Dale Velzy, Delbert “Bud” Higgins and Barry “BK” Kanaiaupuni.

Ole Started shaping boards after teaching drafting and industrial arts classes way back in 1958 in California.  His boards were almost an instant hit when he decided to pack up his shaping tools and move to Lahaina, Maui in 1971. Lahaina was a lot different than the tourist town it is today. Back then Lahaina was a sugar mill town and as a result surrounded by sugar cane fields.  There were also waves! Beautiful tropical waves that broke consistently (almost) year round. Lahaina is located on the leeward side of Maui and faces south and West – which means hot. In Hawaiian, Lahaina literally is translated into Merciless Sun. At the risk of being sounding overly dramatic, it’s hot here. Not in the way that some folks think “hot” should be or seems like.  It’s freaking HOT here. In other words, Anglo’s melt and wine turns to glue. Gecko lizards can be seen cavorting around in kiddie pools. How the missionaries existed here in dark, woolen clothing plum escapes me. However, the saving grace is that in the summer time there is usually a south swell running that blesses the island paradise with perfect waves and perfect island breezes.  Back in the day, and a little way down Front Street there was also a defunct pineapple cannery and this is where Ole first set up shop. The old cannery was really rough. There were all manner of funky little shops, hippies, wild dogs, 10″ centipedes, scorpions and everything in between running around in this place. Ole didn’t seem to mind though and started cranking out some of the most beautifully shaped boards in the world.

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While many shapers today rely on computers and CAD programs to build their boards, Ole still shapes his boards the old fashioned way; by hand and with his heart. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why they have enjoyed such a cult like following by those in the know.  If you’ve never seen a surfboard taking shape or I guess I should say being shaped, it’s an amazing process. Basically the shaper begins with a blank sheet of foam. Much like an artist begins with a blank piece of canvas, the shaper then begins to impart his or her personal preferences into what they believe will be the best shaped board. The big production shops have machines that are programmed into cutting the foam based upon the input from a computer. Ole on the other hand, measures out the board (utilizing his drafting skills) and then begins cutting the foam with a power shaper (utilizing his wood working ability). After he finishes the board and everything looks just right, then and only then he sends it off to the fiberglass shop near Paia and they finish it off with his color and graphic specifications.  Ole churns out about 200 boards a year and has done so for about the last 50 years. So, if I did my math correctly, that’s just about 100,000 boards!

Ole has had a few different locations in Lahaina over the years but has been in his current spot for quite some time now.  It’s funny when you have an image in your mind about a certain place and that place is completely different than what you imagined. On his walls, it’s a little like stepping into a page out of surfing history. Amid the shaping dust and tools, there are pictures of all things surf including Jimmy Buffett standing there with Ole and one of his long boards. When asked what his favorite board is, Ole reflected a moment and clearly stated, “The 9′ 6″ Bumblebee”.  (Gratuitous note to my family here, hint, hint, I have a birthday coming up….)

The time I spent with Ole was way too short but I sure feel fortunate to have met the man behind the brand.  I mean how many times does one actually get to meet one of their heroes much less get to sit down and actually talk story?  I found Ole to be one of the nicest people I’ve run across in a long time but I guess that’s what 50 years of surfing, shaping and living in paradise will do.

Aloha,

Jim

Kona Brewing, Co. and many others, are at it again. Bringing you another sick event (check out the infamous pond skim), The Backyard Bang Rail Jam, with beer, prizes and costumes to boot is happening this Halloween – Saturday October, 31st (for those of you who don’t know when Halloween is).

According to the press release, onlookers will be treated to am and pro athlete snowboarding antics, fun games and prizes from the respected sponsors; Bonfire Snowboarding, our very favorite Skull Candy, Mt Hood Meadows, Exit Real World and US Outdoor Store.

The event is free to spectators and those who attend are encouraged to visit the sponsor village where you can pick up your own fresh orchid lei, enter the numerous giveaways (free flight to Oahu sound appealing?!), all while sipping some liquid Aloha courtesy of Kona Brewing, Co., and a few bucks of course.

Our Contributing Writer, Rochelle, will be there to capture the event in mind and of course digitally. So if you see her representing Westbound Boarder, give her a high five, a hug, or a beer.

Who? YOU

What? Third Annual Backyard Bang Snowboarding Rail Jam

When? 10-31-2009 from 12pm-4pm

Where? Art Institute of Portland in the Pearl District @ NW 11^th and Davis.

Why? Be there or be square.

The Podium

For those of you who missed the Mt. Hood Meadows event of the season, I am really truly sorry.  The 3^rd Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skimming Competition took place on April 25^th and it was absolutely hysterical. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Sno-Kona Pond Skim is an annual event put on by Mt. Hood Meadows, Kona Brewing Co. and All About Hawaii Travel. Put these three businesses together and what do you have? Snowboarding, beer and, well, Hawaii – it really does not get any better.

To sum up the premise of this comp, each skimmer gets one chance to cross a 90 foot, 33 degree pond (check out the pics for yourself on our Flickr page.) If you successfully cross the pond on your first attempt you advance to the ‘skim-off’ for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii from All About Hawaii Travel. However,  the plot thickens – the ‘skim-off’ winner is judged based upon skim style, best Hawaiian costume, best showmanship and best crowd reaction.

This pond skimming business is not as simple as it sounds. Crossing a 90 foot pond is no easy feat and the trick to successfully crossing the pond is all in your speed. Mix the high speed and inexperienced skimmers (it’s not like you get a practice run or anything!), and what do you get? Crash’s, burn’s, flips, lost tops, wet cold people, shrinkage…the list goes on…use your imagination.

Bottom line, this is event is super fun to compete in and even more fun to watch… after you have already made a fool of yourself in the pond of course! Which is exactly what I did.  I accumulated all the speed I could muster and just closed my eyes (first mistake).  As soon as I hit the pond, I cruised halfway through, lost control (mistake numero dos) and then preceded to make a beeline for the edge of the pond and rode on out (mistake three, game over). At least my prayer was answered, ‘just don’t let me fall into this freezing cold pond!!!’

Octa Mom

Hawaiian Spam

Crash and Burn

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Even those of you who don’t ski or snowboard can enjoy this event. It’s free to sit and watch, there is beer, Hawaiian grub and from the splashes to the incredible costumes, your entertainment is guaranteed, or beer’s on Westbound Boarder. And to top it all off, there is not a bad seat in the house at this event, as our very own MHM diggers make stadium seating which surrounds the pond – giving you a perfect view of the pond, the costumes and all of the splashes!

Lance Helberg

Danielle Helberg

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Let us know if you were there this year, share your experience, pics, or humor – we would love to share the laughter. Until then, keep thinking about your costumes for next year, because you would be amazed what people come up with, check out the MHM professional pics taken by Randy Boverman!

It is hard to believe that winter has already come and gone. The good news is that spring is hear and so is the Mt. Hood Meadows event of the season! That is right, the 3rd Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skimming Competition will be here April 25th (or the 26th depending on the weather!).This event is brought to you by Kona Brewing Co. and All About Hawaii Travel, which means, Hawaiian music, drinks, food and costumes! Costumes?

All participants will receive one attempt to cross the 80-90 foot pond successfully, those who do so will advance to the ‘skim-off,’ where if more than one contestant makes it to the other side during the ‘skim-off’ the winner will be based upon the following: best skim style, best Hawaiian costume, best showmanship, best Best crowd reaction. Second and third place winners will take home their very own longboard, a skimboard, two backpack coolers and two beach chairs.

Haven’t convinced you yet? Well leave it to the grand prize. The top three skimmers, the best splash, best impression made by a women contestant, and best Hawaiian costume will walk home with a prize, one of which is a round trip vacation for two to Hawai’i!

Registration is $25 and includes your comp fee and a Sno-Kona towel, so hurry up as space is limited to 100 participants! I will be there, costume and all. So let me know if you plan on attending the event by leaving a comment or shooting me an email, (westboundboarder@gmail.com) because I would love to have a ‘skim-off’ with YOU!