| vagabondsurf.com It's about life - not "lifestyle" |
| The Roger Wayland Project Gallery SAFETY |
 |
| "Twin fin handboard with cutouts for your hands (looks kind of like an alien). Your knuckles act as fins/rudders. This is fun to ride but sometimes hard on your hands if you eat it bad." |
| " Once you have designed and built your first craft, or any new craft, you are going to have to become the "Test Pilot" of your creation. Just remember there are a lot of variables that you are dealing with. The design and materials you used, the weather, the waves, and your ability as a wave rider. All of these can play into how the "honeymoon" goes with your creation. Assume you are going to take some spills when you first try your rider. Kind of like trying to ride an unbroken horse, it is going to take a while for both of you to get used to one another. I usually try to pick a fairly easy wave day. You don't want to try 10 foot closeouts on the initial trial. I also tend to pick a day that is less crowded. At first I used to try and sneak my board down so no one would see it. I guess I was afraid they might laugh. As time has gone by, I really couldn't care less what others think. if it is super crowded though I will usually not take an experimental ride for others safety. I generally surf at the same break. Once the other regulars got used to my experimental boards they have been very kind to me. I often times am given my own space out in the waves line up. I'm note sure if this is out of mutual respect or maybe they think I'm a madman and should steer clear of me. Either way, it gives me a lot of waves to ride. Someone told me the other day that it is really interesting to them to see me in the water as I seem to be riding something totally different every time. As long as you respect others most will respect you. I get a lot of questions and also a lot of encouragement. Tool Safety: As with everything, think Safety. You are going to be using hand tools, power tools, and materials that might not be good for you. Protect yourself and respect what you are using. Wear safety glasses, ear protectors, dust mask, and if appropriate a respirator when working with resin, etc., (you can get a fairly decent one at Lowes/Home Depot for around $30.00; make sure you change the filter as recommended). Read the instructions on tools and materials you use. Also respect your neighbors. Be aware that you are making dust, making noise (running power tools), and sometimes causing strange odors (resin, polyurethane, etc.). Try and keep your working area as clean and neat as possible. Don't run the power sander at 2 in the morning. Share with your neighbors what you are doing. Explain to them if they are interested in what you are working on. show them the finished product. If they also ride waves let them use your board." -Roger Wayland |
 |
| Copyright (C) 2002. All rights reserved. Photo and Text Copyright (C) Roger Wayland. ***** |