From two of our heros: Mitchell Rae of Outer Island Surfboards and Alby Falzone, director of the classic Morning of the Earth.
Michael Rae has a special glassing process - using slow cure resin mixes which are inherently stronger, they apply the fibreglass under tension, like a drum skin, pulling the wet fibres to a 20 degree angle toward the rails, in opposing directions on each side, creating a complex matrix of diagonal fibres.
Coupled with wider laps, these techniques make for a far stronger board by utilising the materials to their maximum potential, with no increase in weight. When you have invested time and money for your surf trip to paradise, you can have confidence that you won’t suffer equipment failure. They are the acknowledged world leaders in Flex Technology, with FlexTails, carbon fibre controlled flex patterns, the use of timber in specific functions, to control the overall flex pattern of a surfboard.
The Spirit Eyes
Mitchell Rae first applied the distinctive eyes to the nose of his boards after visiting Bali in1972, where he saw eyes on the bow of the local fishing boats. Inspired by the concept he designed the trademark eyes which feature extensively on his boards. Balinese folklore instilled the belief that the sea was the realm of demons and dark spirits. The majority of local fisherman couldn't swim, and felt that the eyes helped protect them from evil spirits. The Spirit Eyes , as they are known, do the same for the boards, giving them a bit of life, and elevating them from the realm of foam and fibreglass . Outer Island surfboards can be found in many remote regions of the surfing world. You can seek adventure in exotic places, explore the Outer Islands and encounter boards with Spirit Eyes.
'Morning of the Earth 'creator , Albe Falzon jokes … 'I dont invest in real estate' , 'I collect Outer Island Surfboards'.
