PROS AND WHAT THEY RIDE!

We have pro surfers come through our shop from time to time and it's always interesting to hear what they got to say about their boards. Some guys work closely with their shapers, some just leave the guess work up to their shaper, but the bottom line is these guys are riding potato chip thin boards with unforgiving rails and ripping on them! I thought it would be interesting to see what some of the pros were riding this past week down at the Hurley Pro in Trestles . Here is a small cross section of the guys and their boards. Obviously some are more tuned into their sleds than others. Enjoy the vids!

PAT GADAUSKAS


View this video at Hurley.com

MICK FANNING


View this video at Hurley.com

MICHEL BOUREZ


View this video at Hurley.com

BEDE DURBIDGE


View this video at Hurley.com

FUTURE FINS COLORED BOXES, FUN STUFF!

Custom paint, graphics, drawings, and glassing have always been fun ways to personalize your board. Now you can add Colored Fin Boxes to that list thanks to the magical mystical wizards over at Futures Fins. Besides offering 7 new colors (Red, Neon Orange, Neon Yellow, Lime Green, Blue, Purple, Black), they have also redesigned their boxes to be lighter and stronger bringing fashion and engineering together to make us all cooler than ever. Check our boy Grant starring as "The Fin Connoisseur" in the official Future Fins video release:



Introducing the new colored boxes from Futures with Interwoven Laminate Technology (ILT). The lightest, strongest fin system in the world now bonds even better to the skin of your board. The cutouts in the ILT Box create a stronger bond without increasing weight, because resin is interwoven between the flange of the box and the fiberglass of the board. The interwoven resin forms pillars that lock the fiberglass to the flange with a solid physical connection. Our colored ILT boxes are all made right here in Huntington Beach, CA, and are available in a full range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, lime-green, green, blue, purple, and black.

10% OFF STORE-WIDE THIS LABOR DAY!!!

Labor Day, it’s a time to relax, reflect, Bar-b-q, hang out at the beach, or... you could catch up on the important things like, ding repair or shaping a new stick. We want to help you out by offering a one-day sale of 10% off store-wide on Monday the 5^th of September. If you aren’t able to stop in then place your order online and when you check out enter the code EZLABOR2011 to receive 10% off your order. One use per customer, not valid on phone orders. We’ll be here “laboring” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. pacific standard time so come by or order online and take advantage of the savings.

Whatever you do remember to enjoy your day!

Thanks for your continued support-

The Foam E-Z Crew

Stretch And Nathan Fletcher Chat It Up!

Take what you want from this video. Both guys are real knowledgeable about surfboards and definitely about shaping. Nathan Fletcher buys his tools and materials from us from time to time. We've been lucky enough to hang out with Stretch a few times and collaborate on different projects. Check out the Marko Foam blank in the background. Stretch has been dedicated to using EPS even before Clark Foam shut down and Marko Foam is his foam of choice.

Hopefully Part 2 will have more information, we'll have to see!

Manufacturing Stoke!

Hi all,

Clay from Marko Foam is hosting the movie Manufacturing Stoke at his "Boat House" building at 1640 Pomona Ave Costa Mesa, Ca. 92627.

Come join us Tomorrow, Thursday August 4th for the Orange County premier of Manufacturing Stoke, a movie brought to you by Misfit Pictures, highlighting the current status of surfboard manufacturing from sustainability to responsibility.

Go to www.manufacturingstoke.com to pre-purchase a ticket or come pay at the door,

Adults are $10 a ticket and groms are $5. Proceeds help support the sustainability movement.

Come early for happy hour, Seabirds truck will pull in at 5:30.

See you there!

Bunger Surfboards - Since 1962!!!

We found this great article about Tom Bunger of Bunger Surf on Long Island NY. Tom has been a great customer of ours since 1998. Check it out:


"IN THE SHACK" with Tom Bunger By: Paul Di Marco
When I hear the word September, I think about Hurricanes, hollow barrels, warm water, and New York. Yep New York! I have so many great memories of epic surf on Long Island, New York that I’m not sure if anything could ever replace them. This September is the first ever ASP World Championship to be held on the East Coast of the U.S., The Quiksilver Pro New York. The contest will be kicking off in Long Beach and pros from around the world will be competing for the biggest prize purse in surfing history- $1 million dollars!

With all the East Coast hype, I felt like the next “In The Shack” should focus on New York Board Shaper, Tom Bunger. Tommy is a busy guy between raising his kids and running the Bunger Surf Board Factory. His family owns one of the oldest surf shops in the North East, Bunger Surf Shop. They have been shaping boards for 50 years, delivering style and culture to Long Island’s surf community. Charlie Bunger, Tom’s dad has been shaping surfboards since 1962 and during the 1990’s, Tom Bunger finally picked up the Skill Planer and started shaping under the Bunger Brand.

This “In the Shack” interview was not easy. Tom is a busy bee shaping boards and working hard…..special thanks to Tom’s awesome wife, Agnès for all her help with this interview. It just shows behind every great man stands a great woman!


NickName: Tommy

Home Town and Break: Gilgo Beach, Long Island, New York

Where did you grow up? West Gilgo Beach, Babylon, New York

How old were you when you started surfing? I was nine when I got my first board, but I was always using long boards lying around at the beach.
Who or what inspired you to start shaping surfboards And when? My Father inspired me to start shaping. He gave me a Skill Planer and a blank. He showed me how to template it and cut it out, then said "shape it".

Go back to the first board you shaped and tell us about it- size, shape and any issues you had with it. A 6’8” Short Board. It worked well. The rails were a little too down which made it fast, but trailed a little bit.

What makes your short boards different? Also explain the mechanics of shaping a board for getting airs? Bunger Boards are hand shaped, glassed and finished with my hands only. Most of my short boards are designed for getting maximum speed and airs.

Tell us about this new era of short boards and what’s to come from Bunger? Everything is getting shorter and wider; the West Coast finally figured it out. We’ve been shaping boards like this for a while now.

What type of materials do you use, glass, fins, form? All the best resins and cloth made in the USA.

Who does your art? I do most of the art on the boards I shape. For the crazy stuff I bring in Tim Van Wyne. His work is amazing!
Who also shapes under the Bunger name? We have a few guys shaping for us, Squeak from Phoenix Surfboards, Bo Hawkins from Hawk Surfboards and team Phil.

How do you feel about computers designing boards versus handmade boards? If you want the same board as everyone else, then I guess it’s okay,but every surfer is different and needs something different.

What advice would you give people looking for the right surfboard? Be honest with your ability; look for something with the right balance for all the conditions.
What was your First Board? My first surfboard was a 6’8” BUNGER

Goofy or Reg? Reg.
What’s your favorite type of board to shape? I like making all types of boards, but my favorites are the boards I make for the team riders and my friends.

Does any other family members shape besides you and your Dad? Nope they help run the shop.

How can I order a custom board? It’s simple, call the shop or blast me an email to discuss what type of surfer you are and what type of board you need. 631-321-7753
Do you ship a lot of boards out of state? Nope we don’t ship too many boards out of state, but we will and have before.

Bring us back to your childhood. What do you remember about your dad shaping and surfing as a kid? I remember seeing my Dad covered in foam dust and I was like “ I wanna do that when I get older".

Who rides for Team Bunger? Corey Stanton, Chris Tomlin, Alex Fawess, Graham Eickelberg and Matt Wunderlich

How do you feel about the ASP Tour coming to NY? It’s about time they recognized us!

Do you have any advice for Groms? Respect your Elders

Beer, Booze or wine? Beer and wine

Haters should? Hate themselves

Where can Atlantic Surf Life find Tommy Bunger during the winter? Rincon, PR or France

Do you still surf the coldest days? Yes only when it’s pumping and sunny.
What’s the biggest wave you've ever ridden? Where? Mexico, Solid 10 foot at the Mex Pipe.

Best surf trip ever? Hawaii

Go-to board when it's double over head and pumping? 6’10” Pin Tail

What’s your Magic Board in small surf? I ride an old classic Bunger 360, but I mostly work when it’s small.

When your not surfing or shaping? Hanging with Family.

What inspires you when you shape? Knowing that a customer is going to get full enjoyment out of my boards.

Favorite Food? Tartiflette (French Food)

What’s playing in the factory? We play it all and we play it loud!

Website? www.bungersurf.com, www.lisurfingmuseum.com, www. bungersayville.com

Facebook? Bunger surf boards (Since 1962 Tom Bunger)

Email: bunger@optonline.net

Closing statement? Support your local shaper and buy American made products.

SolSpot New HD Camera and FREE Beer Launch Party!!!

The guys over at Surf.Solspot.com are launching their 13th FREE HD camera this week and doing it with style. They are throwing a camera launch party at The Longboard Restaurant this Thursday (21st) and are giving away FREE BEER to the first 100 people in attendance. It fits in nicely with their company motto – everything free!

The camera looks at the south side of HB pier and then pans all the way down towards Beach Blvd. Plenty of ripable faces in that area! You can check out the cam at http://surf.solspot.com/wahoos

Cheers to FREE HD CAMS & cheers to FREE BEER!

New Island Fins In Stock, Check em' Out!

Island Fin Design owner, Steve Mock, stopped by our shop the other day to show us what he's been working on. He has been making surfboard fins in Hawaii since the early 1980's for some of the biggest names on the North Shore. Dick Brewer, Bonga Perkins, and Garrett McNamara are just a few that look to him for his quality glass on and box fins. Solid colored fins are common place in the surfboard market, so Steve decided to go with a more custom look that will give your board that little something extra. These beautiful multi-colored fins are reasonably priced ($59.95-$71.95) and hand made right here in the good old US of A…well actually on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Come by and check them out or call/email us and we can ship the fins to you. We’re proud to carry Steve's fins here at Foam E-Z.

SUMMER SIZZLER, BOARD SWAP AND 15% OFF SALE JULY 16th!!!

We are having a Summer Sizzler and Board Swap on Saturday July 16th from 10-3pm. There will be FREE food, music, a great selection of boards for sale, and 15% off SALE STORE-WIDE (excluding power-tools)! This is a great opportunity to get a new, used or vintage board, nothing over $500! Cash & Carry which means there’s no tax! Call or email us if you have a board(s) that you’d like to sell at the event! Look forward to seeing you. Stayed tuned for more details.

Rob Machado Fins by Futures!

The Rob Machado signature fins are available to the public and are in stock at Foam E-Z. They look really awesome and have similar construction to the Black Stix but are made with renewable resources.

After nearly 10 years of riding the Futures system, Rob Machado has signed off on his first ever signature fin. The collaboration between Rob and Futures is the perfect blend of cutting edge hydrodynamics and environmental sustainability.

Rob’s fin features a torsional flex pattern, thanks to Futures’ V2 foil and a layer of strategically placed carbon fiber. Combined with renewable, fast growing bamboo, the fin is both light and lively. Designed for Rob’s explosive style, the bamboo carbon matrix stores potential energy and releases it as a burst of kinetic speed.

Rob had been riding the V2 AM1 BlackStix for years, he said, “I knew that was a good starting point for me in designing a fin. I just really liked the flex that the BlackStix had. I don’t know exactly what it does but it feels good. I am more of a feel kind of person, you know… sometimes it just feels good.”

“We have been lucky to work with Rob and we are proud of how this fin turned out,” says Head Designer and Founder Vince Longo.

Rob’s fin is made of a high quality epoxy resin, instead of polyester. Not only is epoxy resin stiffer, lighter and better performing, it is also more resilient and releases less VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).

The Rob Machado Signature Fin represents a step forward in decreasing the environmental impact of the resin transfer process, while remaining Strongest, Lightest, Fastest.

SUPER SAP CERTIFIED AS BIO_BASED!

Entropy Resins is pleased to announce that its Super Sap® 100/1000 System has been certified as a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) certified bio-based product.

The USDA Bio-PreferredSM Program is a voluntary labeling program used to certify consumer bio-based products in the U.S. The certification uses the ASTM D6866 standard to measure the biobased carbon atoms in a product. "With so many products in the market place being sold as 'bio-based', it's difficult today for customers to distinguish between what is real and what is green-washing", states Entropy CEO, Desi Banatao. "With the ASTM certified 37% biobased carbon measurement for our Super Sap 100/1000 system, and our calculated total bio-mass of 50% which includes the bio-based oxygen and nitrogen atoms, we are walking the walk and setting the bar for our industry", states Banatao.
From their start in 2009, Entropy Resins has pushed the boundaries of what can be done with bio-based materials to create strong, durable, and lightweight performance composites. Today, their customers range from artists and hobbyists, to sporting goods manufacturers and wind energy. Entropy Resins and the USDA BioPreferred Certification Program sets the next standard in verifying biobased content for sustainable performance composite resins.

The Entropy Bio-Epoxy has similar working times to the Resin Research Epoxy and the clear resin is very clear. If you want to reduce your board building carbon footprint this along with Marko Foam's EnviroFoam is a great place to start! Come on by or give us a call for more info.

Lincoln Logs by Jacob Young

Jacob Young came to our shop a while back and seemed to know what he wanted right out of the gun. He bought a blank and booked a couple of sessions with Grant in the Shape Box. Jacob had a great feel for the surfboard and caught on quick. His first finished shape was a success! Not only does he shape surfboards but also shapes handplanes. Apparently Jacob is a direct relative of Abe Lincoln (former president), therefore he used the name for his surfboard brand. Check out his blog you'll see he's a pretty creative guy and seems to be years ahead of himself. Keep up the great work!

FUTURE'S TOUR, High Tech!

We've been down to Future Fins so many times that almost didn't notice all that's going on! The boys down at the factory put together this great video for everyone to see. It is an awesome insight of the daily happenings and also a little view of their incredible surf team shredding it up. We appreciate the behind the scenes look at the high tech world of removable fins done the Future way. Check the video!

Pottz Is In The House!!!

Martin "Pottz" Potter was recently in town to pick up his new board from Tim Stamps, that's right, Tim made Pottz a killer new stick. They met a few months back while Stamps was visiting/shaping on the Gold Coast of Aus. I asked Tim how the whole thing transpired and here's what he said: "I talked Pottz into ordering a board after spending the day watching the Snapper Rocks contest and putting down a few coldies."



Potter was passing through on his way to Peru for the ISA Worlds Junior Champs. I just talked to Pottz and he told me that this event is the event that has spawned some of our top talent on the WQS, names like Owen Wright, Jordy Smith, Steff Gilmore, and many more. This event is for kids under 16 and involves 26 to 28 different countries around the world. Pottz has been working for Quiksilver since 2000, helping to develop their youth team riders. He also announces at various Quiksilver events around the world. David Scales' from 1HOURINHB was lucky enough to hook up with Martin Potter too. David shot the below video as Pottz worked with a couple groms giving them Pro advice before they head down to Peru. Mar Ohno of Japan also came by to lend his WQS experience.



Here's a little history on Martin Potter:

Potter began surfing in Durban, South Africa, at age 10. By 15, he took the world by storm, defeating Shaun Tomson to win his first professional contest and finishing second in his first two IPS events. The following winter at the Pipe Masters, he outlasted the meanest tube of the winter, a 12-foot screamer that delivered him into stardom.

Through the '80s, he was a card-carrying member of the Big Four, along with Tom Curren, Tom Carroll and Mark Occhilupo. His fluid, powerful, radical style -- an unheard combination -- made him one of the most admired surfers anywhere, rippling several generations after. He also helped pioneer aerials, although his were fluid extensions of powerful off-the-tops rather than the forecast hip-hop tricks of today. A teenaged Kelly Slater even patterned his style after Potter's, plastering his walls with shots of Potter putting his trademark green-and-yellow explosion boards through their paces.

Garrett Mcamara Interviewed by Grant at Sacred Craft Santa Cruz 2011

Grant Interviewed Garrett McNamara at Sacred Craft in Santa Cruz this past March! Garrett has been riding an Eco-Friendly tow board over the winter. The board is built with Marko EnviroFoam and Entropy Bio-Epoxy. As you will see Grant hit Garrett with all the hard hitting questions to get to the bottom of this cutting edge tow board! Thanks to Rey for the footage and editing.

Wandering Around The XXL Awards with Juan!

Every year the big wave surfing community comes together for the Billabong XXL Awards. This event acknowledges the best of the best and rewarding them handsomely for putting their lives on the line for the biggest tubes, the biggest wipe outs, and the best ride of their lives...so far! I was lucky enough to attend the event. The bar was great, the free monsters kept you jacked up the through the whole event, the sound and video made you feel like you were really a part of each wave! While walking around the venue you had ample opportunity to run into some true big wave legends as well as some other celebrity presenters such as; Doc Paskowitz, Jeff Clark, Mark Healy and his amazing leather tasseled jacket, UFC fighter Tito Ortiz, Playboy Bunnie and Miss April Jaclyn Swedberg and so many more. They were all completely accessible to the fans. This years event had it all, a live web cast, FUEL TV cameras and interviews, celebrity announcers and a few heart felt emotional moments in remembrance of those that we have lost over the last year. Everyone was choked up including main announcer Sal Masekela. The winners of the night included Keala Kennelly for Women's Performance Award, Sion Milosky won the Surfline Overall Performer Award along with multiple generous donations from his fellow award winners, Wipeout of the Year went to Mark Mathews, Biggest Wave Award given to Benjamin Sanchis, Monster Paddle went to Shane Dorian as well as claiming a new record for this 57ft wave and tube ride! The final award of the night went to Danilo Couto for his Ride of the Year at Jaws earning him 50 G's and a 1YR lease on a new truck! In summation, everyone got to see great waves ridden by the best, on huge screens, while chugging Monsters, surrounded by celebrities and tons of OC eye candy with soft undertones of loss and the celebration of life.

This is my account of the night..... Johnny Walters

Billabong XXL Awards Show Extravaganza

Big waves, big wipe outs, and big screens! That's basically the idea behind the Billabong XXL Awards that are going on this Friday, April 29th, at the Grove in Anaheim. It's a great time that brings the big wave community, and fans, together to watch the best big wave footage from the past year on a monster screen with huge sound so you can hear all of the bone crushing wipe outs. Oh yeah, they'll also award some maniac $50,000 for the best ride. If you can't attend, then check it out on Fuel TV, or watch the live web cast online. We'll be there so if you're lucky enough to attend then say hi!

Delve Fest This Saturday April 23rd!

Who likes FREE stuff? We like free stuff! We are going to be hanging out at the coolest food drive ever this Saturday, April 23rd at the Canvas Shop, 720 Marina Dr. in Seal Beach, sponsored by Delve clothing. All you have to do is show up at 7 p.m., bring 1, yes one, uno, can of food and you’re in! There is going to be live music, art, a showing of Stoked and Broke on a big screen, free Beer and Burgers...yipee.

After we fill our bellies we’re going to be doing a glassing demo on a 5’10” Fuse model surfboard with Tim Stamps of Stamps Surfboards and selling raffle tickets for said shred stick. Tickets for the surfboard raffle are only $10 and we’ll be drawing the winner at the party so you gotta be present to win. Don’t worry we’re not going to give you a half finished board, we’ll finish it and the winner can pick it up from the shop. Hope to see you all there.

OHANA DAY 2011 In Seal Beach This Saturday!!!

Come on down to the Seal Beach Pier this Saturday for Ohana Day, i'ts gonna be a great time. We will be set up giving out goodies and have some blanks/free shape time in the Box to raffle off! Many local surf businesses will be down there donating stuff to the raffle.

The day is sponsored by the Huntington and Seal Beach Surfrider chapters – brings out beach-goers for a day of fun for the family (translated to ohana in Hawaiian). And with Earth Day celebrated this weekend, it’s a perfect way to educate the youth on keeping beaches clean and safe.

It’s always a good time, with plenty of fun and educational booths set up on the sand. Last year, there was a sting ray exhibit where kids could pet the rays – don’t worry, the stingers were pulled out!

There’s also a demonstration by lifeguards and free surf lessons for the kids on a first come, first serve basis by M & M surf school, as well as skate ramps set up in the parking lot.

And there’s plenty of be raffled off, with proceeds benefiting Surfrider Foundation!

Hope to see you there.

Travis Potter Talks About Malaria And Chasing The Perfect Wave

Travis Potter began his surfing life like a lot of other young, aspiring Orange County grommets. It starts with a glimmer of talent, soon followed by local sponsorship, obligatory NSSA contests, then it’s a career bound for the World Qualifying Series. At 13 Travis was on the North Shore for his first winter, a ritual he’d maintain for the next 10 years. But at 15, he discovered Indonesia for the first time and was addicted immediately. When he does return home to Seal Beach, it’s only to say hi to Mom and Dad, bang some nails, lay a little tile and save up just enough money to get back as soon as possible.

In April of 2008 Travis contracted a potentially deadly strain of cerebral malaria while traveling through the Southeast Asian island chain of Papua New Guinea. He has since recovered and talks about his experience in the following video.

Quick Recap From Sacred Craft Santa Cruz!

Sacred Craft in Santa Cruz was a blast! If you’ve ever been to that town then you already know how cool it is and that coolness spilled over into the show. What the show lacked in international surf brands it made up for in local talent. It was a really great venue right smack dab in the middle of down town Santa Cruz and that energy carried through both days. If time permitted we could have had an encore and added a third day to the party. Cristina and I had a great time doing interviews, demos, and taking pictures. It was awesome meeting new people and seeing our NorCal customers faces. Ward Coffey won the Mike Marshall award for the closest representation to a Doug Haut Bump Model (from the 60's). You can check out some of the happenings from the show on our Facebook page. Look for my goofy little video promoting a great discount code we have going through the end of March.

We’ll see you at the next Sacred Craft in San Diego, where they’ll be honoring Carl Ekstrom for his super rad hats...or innovative surfboards, not sure which ones are wackier? Look for a full re-cap in our upcoming newsletter.

Reporting Live From Sacred Craft This Weekend!

This weekend, March 19^th-20^th, Sacred Craft will be taking over Santa Cruz and honoring shaper Doug Haut. Grant and Cristina will be at the show to bring you interviews, pics, and video throughout the days, so you don’t have to feel bad for missing the show! "Like us"on Facebook so you can follow us around the show throughout the two days. If you have any requests for content then send them to us on Facebook and we’ll try to oblige. If you’re going to be at the show then look for us and say “hi”. We’ll have some freebies that we want to get rid of so we don’t have to lug them around both days. See you there…or in CYBERSPACE!!!

Adler Paddler - A Great Way To Celebrate A Great Man!

So it's been just over a year since our buddy Steve Adler passed away and it's time for a memorial event. It's aptly named the "Adler Paddler" and it's happening this Sunday March 20th. Steve loved the sport of stand up paddling and this will be a free event open for both experienced and novice paddlers, in hopes to get people out together enjoying this great sport.

The other main purpose of this event will be to raise funds for Clark Adler's (Steve's son) college fund through sales of event T-Shirts and an amazing raffle. We will also use this event as a platform to raise awareness and educate people about Ascending Aortic Aneurysms. Also Amy Yasbeck of the John Ritter Foundation will be at the event! She is going to do a book signing with all proceeds to go towards the John Ritter Foundation & the John Ritter Research Foundation. The Thoracic Aortic Disease Coalition will be providing some educational information for the event.

So come on out for a fun or serious race around Naples island. Just under 3 miles. Bring down your paddle board, prone, or stand up, or borrow one from a friend. If you don’t have a board we will have a limited amount of boards and paddles to rent on site for a donation to the cause.

When: March 20th 2011 / 9am for a 10am start

Where: Leeway Beach/Belmont Shores/ Long Beach/ Ca

What: Fun/Stroll for a good cause or Race/ for a good cause/ Just under 3 miles around Naples island

For more info check the Facebook page or www.paddlewithpurpose.com .

See you there!

Waterman's Guild, A True Old School Glass Shop!

Ever thought about it? When you place your order, what happens next? Where exactly does that order form go? Who are the guys behind the scene that make it happen? This is the place, these are the guys. Waterman's Guild is located in Santa Ana, Ca and has been glassing boards since 1983. Specializing in color lamination, Waterman's has a reputation among professional surfers and shapers as the premier glass shop in California. Shapers like Almond Surfboards, Matt Barker, Fineline, Gato Heroi, Randy Gibbs, The Greek, Gtec, Harbour, Hobie, Hurley, Bruce Jones, Matt Moore, Jed & Greg Noll, Jerry O'Keefe, Sonny Vardeman, and Dewey Weber have been coming to the Waterman's Guild for years to have their shapes waterproofed.



For over twenty-five years they have done all phases of production for the biggest names in the industry. Because of this expertise they are also called upon by collectors to do restoration of classics and flawless ding repair. All work is done in house by Greg Martz (owner) and his long time crew.

Thanks to Brock Jones for the cool video!