A Spirit of Curiosity
I think one of the things that has served me best in life is a spirit of curiosity—a mindset I picked up from my Dad.
Almond Surfboards traces its roots back to a handful of projects we worked on together between 2006 and 2008. The first surfboard we ever built started as a sketch in June 2006 and was finished on July 23, 2007.
Over those 13 months, I read everything I could, filled notebooks with sketches, and asked questions to anyone who might help (shapers, glassers, and more experienced surfers). At the time, I truly thought it would be the only surfboard I’d ever build—so we took our time. (When approaching a new project: build it like it’s the only one you’ll ever make.)
The result was a 6'5" balsa single fin with five redwood stringers and a glass-on fin. We started from blocks of balsa wood, laminated up our own blank, cut the rocker into it, and got to shaping it down to the finished shape.
Photo by Kyle Lightner
That first board still hangs on the wall. I’ve never surfed it, but it’s a reminder of where we started, and what can happen when you stick with something.
My Dad and I have always connected through projects, but this one stands out. It sparked a deep interest in surfboards and eventually led to a career I couldn’t have imagined back then.
The heart behind Almond hasn’t changed: I love the process of being curious about something new, then turning that curiosity into a half-baked idea, then turning that idea into something real. That spirit—of curiosity, commitment, and patience—still guides much of we do.
I’m grateful for my Dad’s thoughtful approach to problems and the example he set: be a student of whatever captures your interest. Whether that's a surfboard, restoring an old car, or building a new toy for the grandkids to play with.
This Father’s Day, I wanted to share this story—not just because it helped start Almond, but because it shaped who I’m trying to become.
This one’s for all the Dads out there—but especially mine. Thanks for instilling a spirit of curiosity.
