5 months was a long time, but after seeing it, I would have comfortably waited a year. Back in October, my financial advisor (wife) approved the purchase of a new board. I've wanted a Hess for a long time, and I thought, hell, now's the perfect time! The call was placed, Danny was tracked down (he's like a fish, but returns all calls!) and the order was set in stone. And then I waited...

Some background - Danny Hess is an amazing artisan. I'll skip the bio, as many articles have already covered the details. He makes high performance custom surfboards, made by hand, to be durable and perform well in the surf. The gutless beach breaks I usually surf around Vancouver Island were the target, and Danny said he could build a great fish based on my input. I've always wanted a twin keel fish, and the dimensions of 6'2" X 21.5" X 2.75 were Danny's advice. Salvaged walnut glass on fins made by Danny to keep it street, and a salvaged wood tailpiece (not sure what wood) complete the deal.

The brown Santa, also known as the UPS man, arrived on Monday and I've been fondling the board since. I will cry when I wax it and surf it, but only from the fun I'll be having in the water. This thing is gonna get surfed!

Took it to the studio, and got some shots while it's still flawless!

Thanks Danny, many waves to you my friend!

Tags: board, danny, fish, hess, kunkel, product photography, studio photography, surfboard, surfboard photographer, vancouver photographer, wood surfboard photographer, wood surfboard shaper.

Here is some personal work from a recent trip to Tofino, BC.

Tags: fcd, fletcher chouinard designs, ocean, pacific rim, roxy, sun flares, sunshine, surfboard, surfing, tofino, vancouver island, wetsuit.

I recently returned from an excellent trip to the Tofino area, where I had one of the greatest times of my life. Really enjoyable surfing , twice a day everyday,  and the raw environment truly come together at this place to make it very special and almost enchanting. Here are some images. I can't wait to go back On October 9th for the O'neill Coldwater Classic happening in Tofino that weekend. For those who don't know, Peter Devries - Tofino local boy - won the event last year, and everyone is gunning for him to repeat. I'm probably gonna pull out the Nikon 400mm 2.8 for the action. Let's hope the weather and waves come together!

Tags: beaches, forest, september, surf, surfboards, surfing, tofino, travel, vancouver island.

I'm off to the west coast of Vancouver Island for some fun in the rain, and surfing. Simply can't wait - daydreaming had me doodling in a notebook this morning. I'll be back in a week with some photos from the trip. Be well and enjoy what's left of summer.

Kamil

Tags: coffee, doodling, drawing, glasses, gone surfing, leaving, notebook, trip.