Beach Pools

I never knew these existed until I went to Australia and saw them all over.

They have pools that are right on the beach. At first I thought it was crazy, but I quickly grew fond of the idea. They're just saltwater pools that allow people to swim laps at the beach without fighting waves or getting swallowed by a whale.

The only downside was in Cronulla, the waves were huge and breaking over the wall of the pool, turning it into a concrete deathtrap. So be advised, don't swim in the beach pools if it's double overhead.

California, take notes.

Gantez Warrior | I Drew A Picture

New music video from our friends, Gantez Warrior. (singular)

Also, go to their pre-release party at Thalia on Saturday night!

Gantez Warrior - "I drew a picture" from jack Coleman on Vimeo.

New Twins | Short and Wide

Couple of customs for Patrick and Syd.

A Mini-Simmons and a Sea Kitten.

As always, plywood keels by Gully Allee.

These guys got their boards even before slater started getting tubed on soap.

Custom 9'10 Pintail

Here's a recent custom pintail we did for a guy named Rick.

Sanded Gloss. Mahogany Pin fin by Gully.

I was particularly fond of the colors on this one.

Six Ounce Boardstore | Manly, Australia

Finally had a chance to see Six Ounce in person last week, and go for a surf with Ben Lucas; and catch up with Graeme from CSI.

Amazing shop. And we scored some pretty beautiful conditions at Manly in the middle of the day.

Can't wait until later this week when Six Ounce gets flooded with Almonds. Stop by and take a peak. And while you're at it, grab breakfast at Jeds Cafe in Bondi.

Huge thanks to Simon for driving all over Sydney for me.

OZ//2011

(Somehow).... I left this all behind and came home today.

Australia is an amazing place, and needless to say I'll be going back soon.

Huge thank you to all my friends and hosts.

Plenty more photos soon.

Around The Shop

Wooden pin fins and rounded huck fin by Gully.


















New Business Cards.

Australia Trip | Simon Perini

Been staying with Simon Perini in Sydney this week. He and his wife, Jazz, have been the most incredible hosts. They even drove me an hour last night so I could have sushi on my birthday. And it was incredible sushi. If you're in Sydney, check out Sushi Train in Cronulla.

Here's a rad photo Simon snapped of local shredder, Matt Chonjacki.

I stripped the glass off an old mini-log in Simon's backyard today and reshaped it into a hullish looking 6'2 disc.

Been hanging out with CK at FinBox in Thirroul. Headed to Six Ounce Boardstore and the Sugarmill tomorrow. Then a few nights in Bondi before I head home.

Australia is wonderful.

Pogie Fish

A New 5'5 Pogie Fish at 367
























Plywood Fins by Gully

















Photos: Cam Oden

Used Rainbow Fish

6'2 Rainbow Fish.

Shaped by Rich Pavel.

$500

Andy Nieblas | Slide Magazine

Andy just got a 2 page spread in Slide Magazine.

















Photo: Cam AlamOden

Off to Australia!!!

Headed to Noosa tonight, in part to see these dudes.

Kameron Brown, Harrison Roach and Christian Wach

Stoked to see friends and experience warm water.

See you all soon.

Everyone else, I'll be home March 26. In the meantime, bug Taylor@lifeisjustswell.com or call Jeff at the shop 949.515.2102

-Dave

Photos: Christian Wach

LOVE FOR JAPAN | 50% Pledge

As you may know, Japan has been a huge supporter of Almond; as well as many other surfboard labels. I have had the pleasure of traveling there twice, and have a deep appreciation for the culture, as well as the friends I have made there.

In an effort to give back to the country that has been so supportive of us, we are going to give 50% of the proceeds from our apparel sales for the next month to relief funds to help Japan.

Both online and in-store apparel sales will benefit the relief efforts.

We're so thankful for the people of Japan, so we want to use what little influence we have, in the things that we do, to help out.

Praying for hope and relief for all the people over there.

2nd Place NSSA States | King Rat

Aaron got 2nd in states for HS NSSA yesterday with his new single panel 9'2 Log Rhythm model.

Huck fin by Gully.

Photo proof by Cam Oden.

Aquatic Almond for Cam Oden

Griffin Neumann-Almond, putting the finishing touches on a new Cy's Aquatic Almond for CameronOden TheVisualCreator.

Photo: Oden

On The Board | Japanese Friends

Takashi Tomita, shooting for On The Board Magazine JP.

Praying for all our friends in Japan today.

7'9 Stepdeck | Initial Thoughts

Took the stepdeck out for a maiden session today at 61st. Super fast and responsive, lots of potential and lots of learning to do. Really happy with how this thing planes through soft sections.

Cameron Oden Photographs

Greg Swanson | Surf Thump

Greg Swanson, and his new Surf Thump, at Rincon.

The Coffee-Break Commuter

Cameron Oden testing out the new Almond Skateboard, hand-shaped by Maki.

How old is Kameron Brown?

Somehow, nobody will ever know.

Happy Birthday Buddy, see you in Australasia very soon.

Photos: Cam Oden and Kyle Lightner

Nathan Adams via Kyle Lightner

Nathan with his new super flat 10' at San Onofre.

Photo: Kyle Lightner Dot Com

KL x BLUE

Kyle Lightner for Blue Magazine

Kassia Meador, Mitch Abshere, Dave Allee

Dave Allee, Tyler Warren, Kyle Lightner

Handplanes by Gully

Gully making a new batch of Almond handplanes.

Photos: CamOden

Schuyler is purging her Quiver!

Schuyler is selling off some of her old boards. Come by and take a look.

The first is one of the original Kookbox boards that Stu Kenson shaped for Joel. (One of Joel's personal boards)

The second is a Joel Tudor board for Sky.

Both are in impeccable condition.

New Keels

The D fin on my longboard is actually an Almond shape, tilted to what we decided was the appropriate looking angle, and then hacked off at the base.

The same concept is being applied to a new set of twin fin keels.

Here is evidence of the idea getting one step closer to reality.

Almond shaped keels unveiling very soon.

Photo: Camo Den