How to Get More Waves

This is a question a lot of surfers seem to be asking all the time. How can I get more waves?

Get a bigger board!!

The number 1 thing that will help every surfer progress is catching more waves, doesn't matter if you're a beginner or pro surfer. Don't take too much advice on board choice from a guy like Kelly Slater, who is so good he can surf a door! Too many surfers are stuck trying to ride the same boards as their favorite pro surfer.

Getting a bigger board doesn't necessarily mean something significantly bigger than what you're currently riding. It's easy for a good shaper like Jeff to hide extra volume in a board and keep it loose and maneuverable. Get on a board with enough volume, and it will translate to catching more waves and having more fun.

Team rider Mike Horton showing how the Penetrator's extra volume helps on small days. Photo by KSH Photo.

5'10'' Gemini

I've been shaping surfboards for over thirty years, but I like to call what I do 'rideable art'.

With Mikey back in the water, I felt it was time he got on the real deal so I made him this 5'10'' Gemini. I was going to do a Captain America spray, but figured the Spiderman motif looks way cooler!

I started making the Gemini in the early 90's. The surfing world wasn't ready for it then, is it now? I've gotten so much flack over this board from people 'in the know', who have never even seen it ridden, much less tried it themselves!

In the past few years, there are all these copy-cat shapers out there who think they are original and special, making knock-off shapes clearly based on the Gemini.

Do I care? Not really. I know the Gemini is still the best board on the planet.

Mikey's Back!!

We're super stoked over here at Alexander Surf Designs to see our rider Mike Horton back in the water. Mike had a major accident earlier this year and has missed the entire dry season here in Bali. After four months of rehab, Mikey had his first couple sessions this past weekend!

Check out the photo below of Mikey riding 6'7'' 70's Special single fin. Can you believe this is from his second surf in four months after major surgery!? Congrats n getting back in the water, we're sure you'll be charging again in no time.

Old Guys are always saying...

Pipeline, a long time ago!! How do you tell? The board, the neon colors, still have hair...

Us old guys are also reminiscing about the good ol' days, when surfing wasn't so 'cool'. There were way less people around, and things like respect and friendship were important. Making surf boards was an art form, and there was revolutionary work being done constantly.

Nearly 40 years in the business, I feel lucky to have grown up and been a part of the growing art and science of surfboards. Years of experience, not only shaping but surfing, gives me a pretty cool perspective of boards, from performance thrusters to big wave guns to retro styles and everything in between.

Has making surfboards turned into another computer age process like printing out IKEA furniture? Well, who is to say? All I know: I'm still making 100% hand-shaped boards and stoked to be doing it! So, if you're looking for a great board that will take your surfing to another level, check out our surfboards page and see what 40 years experience means. Then, give us an email and we'll get working on the best board you've ever owned!

Reminiscing of the North Shore

This awesome photograph was sent to Jeff recently from his good friend Scott Hartvigsen. This is Jeff having a little morning surf check at Pupukea over a decade ago, just before he left behind Hawaii's North Shore for new adventures. After several decades of chasing waves and building surfboards alongside many of the surfing world's greats, Jeff has very fond memories and plenty of stories to tell about his life there. Thanks for sharing Scott, and hope there are plenty more to come!