Signs & Furniture

alitesb-main-win2Photo is Sig Zane’s storefront in Hilo.

Sig sez: “Not only are they (AlaiaLite) gorgeous pieces of art, the alaia are traditional and I like that you’re using local wood.  It makes this product wholesome in every way.  I am excited that we’ll see your boards in the window…!”

For a really cool Hawaiian clothes and website see: sigzane.com

alaia-lounge-3

Alaia Lounge Chair and Coffee Table

 

 

 

 

Canoe in Kona

I went to Kona, people were stoked.

The seafaring cultures of Polynesia and Hawaii survived long ocean voyages of discovery with vessels of only natural materials. Very light weight dugout canoes were often used for fishing or other chores on local islands after their arrival. Unfortunately, due to natural materials bio-degrading, not many examples remain.

This PROTOTYPE is a modern re-creation of that concept – a lightweight, durable, easy to use canoe made of Natural Fiber Composites.

Familiar materials – combined with modern thought processes – can result in strong, beautiful and useful craft – without fiberglass.

While honoring traditions in the shape of hull and manus, this hull was made with an innovative and less labor intensive production process. The materials – tested as surfboard skins for over 4 years and canoe hulls for over 15 years – demonstrate that locally grown albizia, combined with bamboo, epoxy and a sunlight resistant clear seal coat – have not only a durable structure of Natural Fiber Composites, but suggests a truly eco-friendly direction which can help sustain Hawaiian ocean going traditions.

Lightweight epoxy/albizia/bamboo hulls are being tested. The 17 foot hull weighs about 65 pounds. updates coming

Standup Paddle-Surf

I have moved on from imported bamboo and am now building with locally grown, renewable and sustainable wood, including albizia, norfolk pine and koa. The result is even stronger, lighter and more beautiful designs.

Note: above board used the last of the imported bamboo for an outer-island guy named Larry. We’re sure that Larry is suitably stoked.

 

AlaiaLite

alaia-rail-grab1-lg

AlaiaLite surfboards are constructed of local, sustainable or recycled woods as much as possible. The skins are 1/8 to 3/16″ thick with an extruded recyclable foam core, epoxy film finish and recycled plastic/milk carton and wood rails.

Alaia boards do work amazingly well in small surf, and I think AlaiaLites will help open up many areas of surf worldwide because they float and paddle better.
Not many get stoked on small waves, but these make it possible – no fins and no rocker make minimal drag.

Some Alaia quotes from around the internet:
“Hands-down the fastest board on the planet,”
“The allure of these boards is the incredible trim speed,”
“faster than any finned board could have ever gone”

Surfboards

Shortboards

Besides superior performance and being super beautiful, LIGHT WEIGHT is the most amazing feature of a Wooden Classics Hawaii. Six foot boards weighing 5 to 6 pounds are routine. Most contemporary shapes are available.

5-10 Squash Tail Tri-Fin

5-10 Squash Tail Tri-Fin

Longboards

Besides obvious beauty and light weight, inside the recycled rails are Wooden stringers to make a rigid board which cuts through chop, adds stability and projection through turns. Wooden Classics Hawaii longboards are commonly 3 to 5 pounds lighter than ordinary fiberglass/polyurethane boards.

9ft-slick

Aloha!

I have moved on from imported bamboo and am now building with locally grown, renewable and sustainable wood, including albizia, norfolk pine and koa. The result is even stronger, lighter and more beautiful designs.

While most surfers look at wooden surfboards as wall hangers, Wooden Classics Hawaii are unique in that they very lightweight, strong, durable and use NO fiberglass. All of the strength comes from the natural fibers in the wood, vacuum laminated with epoxy over hand shaped extruded polystyrene foam (which does NOT absorb water and is recyclable).

Moisture is sealed out with an Ultra Violet blocking epoxy film finish, while the “recycled rails”(tm) are a recycled plastic and wood fiber composite that dent rather than shatter. Decks are pressure ding proof and are strong enough to span a pick up truck bed with a 180 pound person standing as if surfing.

What makes a Wooden Classics Hawaii green? High Recycled content foam; less than half of the resin usage (compared to fiberglassing); NO fiberglass; less landfill waste – wood skin scraps decompose to dirt; durability – less dings, easy lightweight repairs including breaks.

Contact Us

Mailing Address: Wooden Classics Hawaii by Gary Young 14-4833 Kumuloulu Road Pahoa, HI 96778 Telephone: 808  494 – 6173 … Continue reading

Composites

A composite is a synergistic mixture of different materials bound together that make the combination better than the individual parts. Composites are usually stronger, lighter, more weather-resistant or all of the above. If you are lucky, a composite will be cheaper than what it replaces.

Using wood veneers in sealed composites elevates wood to new levels while reducing the problems of insect infestation, mildew or rotting.
Properly done, wood is a great looking, strong natural fiber in an epoxy laminate. Think of wood as an ecological, lightweight and renewable fiberglass substitute. Safer and healthier too! Probably the biggest hazard from handling wood is getting a splinter.

A Wooden Classics wood laminate surf, stand-up or paddle board is beautiful, durable, light and green.