As I write this New Jersey is digging out of a massive snowstorm which left several feet in its wake. In a few words, it is cold, it is icy, and it is mean. Flash to another time and place with me though. The palm trees are swaying to the hum of the paradise breeze, while crystal blue barrels fire in 78 degree water. The air lightly hints of sunscreen, but in actuality it is the coconut trees in the distance that are so fragrant.
Well, the first account is my reality- the latter is the reality of Mr. Gene Wahl, owner and lead shaper for Essence Surf. He is currently in Hawaii testing out some of his new designs. Fortunately, I had the chance to catch up with him before he left about all things Essence Surf.
SSS: So what is happening in Gene Wahl’s world?
Gene Wahl: I have been shaping a bunch for one thing. I have also been getting prepared for my trip to Hawaii.
SSS: Is this more work or vacation?
GW: It is hard to tell (laughs). As a company Essence Surf has been in expansion mode to a degree and so there is definitely an angle that pertains directly to the business model. On the other hand, I will be surfing a bunch of new designs I have been working on, and that does not feel a bit like work.
SSS: Are you talking about one off designs, or are you crafting signature models at this point?
GW: These are defiantly models for future shapes. For instance, I have the latest update on the Quasar where I decreased the nose width so that it holds better in the high line.
SSS: What else is in the board bag?
GW: Well, the Misfit is something that I am really excited about. There are three variations; the standard short board, the 5 fin set up and the quad channel.
SSS: What can someone expect from the Misfit?
GW: It is a solid go-to shortboard. The quad channel is extremely fast and is a little wider in the turn. This make is great for big cut backs on an open face. Both the standard and the 5 fin are made to get up into the lip and to go vertical on demand.
SSS: So outside of the new boards what else will be happening for you?
GW: I am really excited because while I am in Hawaii I will be meeting up with Ben Aipa. He is such a classic surfer and shaper. I have had the chance to spend time with him in the past and to learn from him and it caused my shaping and surfing to grow in leaps and bounds. It is an honor to spend time with a master of the craft. It is a blessing to see the tool work and technique of someone who shapes at his level. Of course, at the end of the day my goal is to bring that knowledge back to New Jersey.
SSS: So we have a small branch on the historic tree?
GW: Maybe more like a leaf, but yeah. (laughs)
SSS: So Essence Surf is positioned to have a good run in 2011?
GW: We are. There are plenty of custom orders to keep the bays busy. Local shapers can reach out to us directly if they need a blank as well. We are offering glassing services and if someone wants to learn how to shape we offer classes.
SSS: Just check the website right bro?
GW: Exactly.
SSS: I hope you bring back some aloha spirit too, New Jersey needs it.
GW: I will see if I can fit it into my carry on.
Sea Sand Surf 