A Spirit of Curiosity

I’ve always believed in the value of staying curious—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 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. At the time, I thought it’d be the only surfboard I’d ever build—so we took our time. (New life motto: 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.

Photos by Kyle Lightner

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 turning an idea into something real. That spirit—of curiosity, commitment, and patience—still guides everything 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.

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.

That first board still hangs on the wall at my parents’ house. I’ve never surfed it. It’s a reminder of where we started, and what can happen when you stick with something.

This one’s for all the Dads out there—but especially mine. Thank you, Dad, for instilling a spirit of curiosity.