Craftswoman Kelly Connolly mowing foam at The Boardroom.
1. Boogie Boarding.
“What the hell?,” you say. “Boogie Boarding at the surfboard show?” Well, hold on. Let me explain. Not literally go boogie boarding, but rather go look at, and learn about, the original Boogie Board. Numero uno, the one that started it all, designed and created by legendary human Tom Morey. Morey’s original Boogie Board is a part of the Tom Morey Exhibit curated by the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center. I‘d venture at least 80% of us started our oceanic love affair aboard Morey’s ever popular wave glider.
2. Watch Dave Parmenter shape.
Perhaps the most intelligent shaper in the world, Parmenter is a competitor in the Icons of Foam Tribute to the Masters honoring Rusty Preisendorfer. Parmenter learned much of his craft from the watchful eye of Rusty, so it could be argued that Parmenter is the favorite going into the shape-off. Regardless, Parmenter will take a unique approach to the task at hand, but has his hands full, with defending champion Roger Hinds eyeing back–to-back victories
3. Order a custom ukelele.
World renowned luthier and surfer Pepe Romero Jr. (also a shaper), of the famous Romero clan, will be showcasing a number of his custom stringed gems. Romero has made ukes for surfer/strummers Jack Johnson and Gavin Beschen, among others. Romero will be joined by fellow surfing luthiers Andy Powers (Taylor Guitars), Hank Johnson, Bruce Wood, Pat Hurley, Ken Minasian, Kirk Putnam and a few others.
4. Ride 100 Waves with Damien Hobgood.
I did it last year. Granted, I didn’t ride all 100 waves with Hobgood. He caught his own. Except for one, where I swear, I didn’t see him. But I digress. The 100 Wave Challenge is the fundraiser for Boys To Men mentoring. Boys To Men guides underprivileged, struggling young men, many of them fatherless and definitely in need of some mentorship. The 100 Wave Challenge is the official non-profit benefactor of the show (you can learn more at their booth) and you’ll get a chance to sign up for the challenge.Plus you can cut off Damo too. He doesn’t care. Please consider joining us and pay it forward.
4. Meet your future wife.
What better place than at a surfboard trade show? Think about it. If she’s there, she loves surfboards. You love surfboards. Do the math. A perfect match. Ok, perhaps a stretch, but there are at least four women in the shaping exhibition this year: Kelly Connolly, Christine Brailsford Caro, Valerie Duprat and Whitney Lang. Your odds are low, however, of finding yourself a new spouse that also shapes your sticks, as three of these four craftswomen are already happily married.
The Boardroom takes place May 16 & 17 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds – more info at boardroomshow.com
