451 - Spit! March 25, 2026

In today’s show David and Scott learn the origins and applicability of The Beak surfboard design element, finally recognize the greatness of young Tia Zebrowski, analyze Paul Naude’s bid to acquire Rip Curl, marvel at the greatest surf coach hookup in history, survey the fallout of Tudor’s appearance on Pinch My Salt, prep for the release of the greatest surf podcast interview series ever! Plus Dukes and Kooks! Enjoy!

Sponsor: WaterwaysTravel.com

Partners: ColbyPlus.com

Partners: REALWatersports.com

Partners: Surfrider.org

Partners: Treeswax.com

ONE SPOT AVAILABLE FOR NICARAGUA!

One attendee cancelled so a spot opened up last minute. Join us!

Email cris@waterwaystravel.com to secure the spot.

WEEK ONE: HOSTED BY DAVID SCALES

Check-In: April 12, 2026

Check-Out: April 18, 2026

6 Nights

PACKAGE DETAILS

6 Nights Air-Conditioned Villa Accommodations
3 Meals Daily + Snacks & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Unlimited Daily Surf Transfers by Boat &/or Truck
Round Trip Airport Transfers from Managua (one per group, additional airport transfers $160 per vehicle each way)
Use of Camp Facilities
Local Taxes

TOTAL COST

$1,600 per person + $100 per person for guests that arrive the night before

THE BEAK, AS TOLD BY RUSTY

When I first started shaping, most boards had “Beaks.”
I remember distinctly that, might be an exaggeration but, every shaper had his own Beak.
It was a signature.
Where did the Beak come from?
In 1920, Nikola Tesla patented a valvular conduit or Tesla Valve that works as a fluidic diode. It’s a leaky diode, i.e., the reverse flow is non-zero for any applied pressure difference. He proposed a theory on stream interaction, stating that one can achieve amplification by deflecting a stream of fluid with a different stream of fluid.
In the 1930’s Henri Coand?, a Romanian scientist, described what is now known as the Coand? effect. A major contribution to fluidic technology. He observed that as water emerges from a jet nozzle, the stream will tend to follow a nearby curved or inclined surface.
In 1955 Tom Morey invented turned down noses for surfboards.
He called them the “Wing Tip,” a Coand? Lift nose.
Ten years later he organized surfing’s original prize-money competition, held in Ventura, California, on the Fourth of July weekend, 1965; better known as the Tom Morey Noseriding Contest.
Around that time several board builders, including Morey-Pope and Con Colburn introduced down railed noses.
When surfboards started shortening up in 1967, anything went as far as design.
In the very early 70’s Mike Hynson’s down railed, beak nose, designs inspired Gerry Lopez.
Dick Brewer’s guns were arguably the most sought after.
Dick, throughout his entire career shaped his boards with “Beak” noses.
Beaks were still somewhat prominent until the late 80’s.
Design shift.
Very narrow.
Very thin.
Heavily rockered on both ends.
Goodbye Beak.
Beak noses are actually pretty simple and easy to shape.
It’s an extension of the rail line.
Focus is on the on the last four or five inches of the nose.
Beaks are best used in conjunction with boards that have flatter decks, more thickness forward, lower entry.
The Beak adds approximately .2’s of a liter.
Maybe a touch more depending on the shaper.
Doesn’t sound like much.
They generate lift.
Helps with paddling into waves.
It’s not the slight increase in volume that helps with paddling, catching waves.
As water emerges from a jet nozzle, the stream will tend to follow a nearby curved or inclined surface. Thus, generating lift.
Also allows you to put a little more pressure on your front foot when driving forward.
It’s also something “aesthetic.”
On the right design they look pretty cool.
Cheers
Rusty