| There is nothing I enjoy more than shaping a tandem board for a new tandem team. Their enthusiasm for this challenging, but rewarding sport really gets my creative juice flowing. As I blend in the rocker, draw the outline from a template evolved over decades of testing and walk the rails with my sanding block, I give birth to a board that will give back years of pleasure. I can "control the genes". I can give more wave catching power or easier turnability or more stability. I know the requirements of the tandem team who will ride this board and I make it exactly what they want. For me, it is essential to draw on over 30 years experience shaping tandem boards and over 37 years experience riding them to really know how the different elements of the shape actually feel when you ride the board. I can't imagine getting any board from a shaper who doesn't actually ride what he is shaping. In the '70's, Barrie and I rode 10 ft. to 10' 6" boards with pointed noses and round tails that looked like giant short boards from that time. In many ways, my tandem boards are similar to the single boards I ride. Now, I ride long boards so my tandem boards are similar to longboards, but with more kick in the nose and a faster tail rocker. We still ride a hot 10'6" shape in fast breaks for fun, but for doing really good acrobatic tandem lifts there is nothing like a stable, but easy turning 11'6" to 12'6'' tandem. If you need advice on getting a tandem board, or if you know what you want, I know how to shape a board for you. Come by the shop or give me a phone call 949-661-6699 or email. Many guys are using my tandems for their "Stand Up" boards. I put my trade marked logo "kuKu Ho" which means: stand up and paddle in Hawiian on them I usually make them about an inch wider so that they are easier to stand on while paddling. The main considerations are 1. your combined weight, 2.your experience, 3.your objectives (ie. tandem acrobatics, hot wave riding or just an easy board to take the family out on). A tandem board only costs about $400 more than a regular longboard. A tandem can last for years and give back years of priceless pleasure. |
Tandem Boards 
