Alaia Surfboards - Homage to Tradition or Absurd Fad?

In recent years, the Alaia surfboard has gotten tons of press from the big dudes in the surf media. Rob Machado has been plugging away on these little finless wooden doors for "impromtu" photo shots and videos showing guys spinning and twirling along tiny peelers are standard fodder for writers and photogs on a weekly basis; however, not all press has been positive. Some are calling foul on Alaia surfboards, calling them nothing more than a finless fad and another attempt to make money off a niche market like the stand-up paddle movement of late. Check Post Surf for a sardonic (yet satisfying) rant on the Alaia trend. Whether you agree with Lewis Samuels or not, it's still pretty funny (with reference to Kurt Vonnegot, no less).

For me, surfing is ALL good. Finless, asymmetrical, retro, paddle-boards made of wood? Who cares? It's just another way to ride waves. Bodyboarders and longboarders...Bodysurfers and knee boarders. They're all stoked. Alaia boards actually look to have a steep learning curve and would challenge even the most skilled surfer. Who cares what they look like surfing. Is surfing about looks? Riding boards that challenge you and surfing sans leash and pushing yourself in difficult waves are all ways to become a better surfer. It's cliché to say that a truly good surfer can ride a barn door. Well here's the chance.

The Alaia board is essentially a thin, finless, wooden surfboard with no rocker. All reports are that they are super fast, but video shows that they are difficult to handle. I plan to get a hold of one soon and give it a go.