No, I mean HandPlanes
If you’re looking for the closest connection to the sea, you’re probably looking at Bodysurfing. That is catching waves without a board – You sliding down a wall of swell, one arm stretched out, shooting along the wave. It’s a very knacky thing. You’ve got to practise. You’re going to get knocked about a few times. It won’t always work. But when it does, you’re going to grinning from ear to ear.
It’s best to have a pair of Swim Fins to help you move quicker. And it’s good to have really, really big hands, like massive shovels at the end of your arms. If you’re not half-human/half-orang-utan you’re going to benefit from a HandPlane. It’s purpose is to help you guide through the water.
There are a wide range of handplanes available. All different shapes, sizes and designs. The best thing to do is go and look at them, and try them on. See how they fit in your hand. Check out their weight and thickness. Imagine your swimming strokes with one on, and how you would ‘lead’ with it. It’s very much an individual choice. What works for one person might not be right for you.
My handplanes came about after a lot of experimenting. I wanted to make something that used rescued wood, including pallet wood, and was different from the others. The first attempts were too thick and, therefore, too clunky. And then, after a happy accident (as Bob Ross used to say) I created a design I liked. My handplanes are slim, have a false rocker and have small fins, similar to those on a Surf Tray. At the time of writing, this is unique. They are made from different pieces of rescued wood, which means no two are the same and they look great. As I’ve said before that pallets are known as Skids, these are called Little Skiddas.
Island City Boards 