Western Flyer Fish 5'8"
- Regular price
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$ 10,500.00 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$ 10,500.00
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This one is sold, but we can make another using the same or similar wood sources. Simply purchase this board on the website, and we'll reach out within 12 hours to discuss next steps, the production schedule, and any unique requirements you have.
Learn more about Ventana custom wooden surfboards.
This stunning, custom fish is a stunning piece of artisanship and rides fast and clean in knee high to overhead waves.
The top and bottom decks are made of old growth, reclaimed redwood from a home in Live Oak, California. The stringers are made of claro walnut offcuts from Thamer Design cabinet shop.
The nose block is made from a very special piece of Doug fir from the hull of the Western Flyer, considered by many to be the most famous fishing boat in the world. 
John Steinbeck, Ed "Doc" Ricketts, and crew sailed this 77-foot sardine boat into the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico in 1940. The following year, Steinbeck published his book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, about the adventure. Learn more about this amazing boat and Ventana's use of its wood.
The tail block has two dots of inlayed abalone and is made of claro walnut offcuts with inlay of Indian rosewood from the Santa Cruz Guitar Company.
The leash loop is braided resin, and the vent plug is made of claro walnut from Thamer Design cabinet shop.
The two keel fins are glassed on and made of ebony from Santa Cruz Guitar Company and redwood burl driftwood from Andrew Molera State Beach in Big Sur, California.
The rails are made of cork which is more resistant to dings. The cork has been stained to match the stringers. There are two sheets of 4-ounce fiberglass on top and one on bottom. The epoxy is Entropy Super Sap 100 bio-resin which is up to 40% tree sap and is strong and light. As with all Ventana Surfboards, the interior is glassed and sealed, as well.
This board is hollow, lightweight and will ride as great as it looks. Given the uniqueness of each side, it's like two art pieces in one.
Made in Santa Cruz, California by master craftsman Martijn Stiphout.
Dimensions: 5'8"″ x 21.5″ x 2.4″
11 pounds
All Ventana Surfboards are ECOBOARD Project Gold Level Verified by SustainableSurf.org!
Shipping, Customs, and Returns
Free U.S. Insured Shipping & International Shipping Details
Every order includes free insurance and free USPS First Class or UPS Ground Shipping. Of course, you can select premimum options, too.
We can ship anywhere in the world that is legally permitted under U.S. law. Any customs payments, local taxes, and processing fees are the responsibility of the customer.
We generally ship products between 12 and 48 hours after we receive your order. In some cases, such as with surfboards, custom orders, or custom engraved products, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss production and shipping timing.
Return Policy
Our Refund Policy is simple. We do the right thing. We trust our customers, and if you have any issues with any of our products, we'll work with you to do what's fair.
Contact craftspeople@ventanasurfboards.com to discuss your return or other issue. We approve returns within 48 hours.
Any refunds will be returned via the method and manner in which they were paid. For instance, a credit card payment will be refunded to the same credit card; a wire transfer or electronic check will be refunded to the same account from which it came, etc. A cash payment may be refunded via Venmo, bank transfer, or PayPal.
Customer Reviews
I really enjoyed working with Martijn to develop the shape. He was kind enough to let me help along the way, which made the build and the resulting board extra special. I helped him lay up the skeleton of the frame, make stylistic decisions and execute the pattern of the wood layup on the deck and bottom, shape the rails, etc... The resulting board is understatedly elegant, has clean lines, and surfs as well as it looks!
This board hung on the wall for a year, then was taken down and has since been folded into my daily quiver. Because of the value and the weight, I don't surf it in crowded lineups. This board waits in the wings for special days with medium sized waves.
From a surfing perspective it is a beautifully executed Retro Fish. It catches the burger, and holds a beautiful high line, fast down the line when the waves are more steep.
If I could change anything on the next shape I might go a little bit thicker and longer. Say ~5'10" x 21.5 x 2.75". Martijn can explain the buoyancy differences from foam and make recommendations.
I'm 5'10" x 170lbs approaching 20 years surfing.
Thanks for all the love and support, Peter!
