$155 for new Chinese imports

[eks]

Shipping cost for a single board: $550.00 U.S.D.
Why do this when you can get a hand shaped, R&D proven board from S.S., Inland, or any other american small buisness trying to keep it here.

How much would it cost to make one here in the US? Perhaps the guys from Inland would give us a break if they know the situation with Domsz

[Surfdad]

What's the situation with Domsz?

[da.bell]

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6506

[da.bell]

Better yet, why can't we have Surfdad use one of his old boards???? Just one of those experimental ones that is.....

[Greg Mallek]

Actually if you don't mind driving to an international seaport and doing the customs nonsense you can get it shipped, including insurance on the $150 for less than $100. It's a pain, but beats $550. And they'll let one go for the $155. But Greg is correct, after that initial buy, you need minimum orders - they are a wholesaler/manufacturer.

But Dog, b/w05 Greg make a point, roundabout - Jerry wouldn't sell me a board with ding in it. He'd make it good and and I know where he lives! You can get the Chienese board insured, but what if it just comes "wrong". I can't even imagine what the customer service would be...the return on that email was around 4 weeks.

Jason B makes a good point.

Isn't there a grey area here? I've seen the boards manufactured in China and the quality is pretty good. I don't think that anyone would say an Inland Surfer had quality issues...the way that I see it is there are distinct types of manufactures or sellers. 1) Overseas 2) American interest with manufacturing overseas and 3) American interest and American manufacturing.

Buying direct...I don't know, if I sit and think about it...it feels like I'm spitting on Jerry and that sure seems distasteful to me. Yet, I seem to be OK with the manufacturing being done overseas and that sure doesn't seem logical...I mean shouldn't I feel that it has to be 100% American? I don't.

I guess it's kinda like buying a Toyota that was made in the U.S. or a V.W. made in Mexico. But in reverse (?)

[eks]

Better yet, why can't we have Surfdad use one of his old boards???? Just one of those experimental ones that is.....

SurfDad, can you add a design such as "TigeOwners" or "Post Champion" to a board and make it look new?

I am sure we can all collect enough money to pay for your work.

[Surfdad]

I can't do artwork, at all guys. If someone can do the graphic and print it on rice paper I can laminate over it. Another option and the one I'd recommend is to have Mike Walker do the artwork. He is an amazing artist.

http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/86.htm

I can hook you up with Mike.

[eks]

I can't do artwork, at all guys. If someone can do the graphic and print it on rice paper I can laminate over it. Another option and the one I'd recommend is to have Mike Walker do the artwork. He is an amazing artist.

http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/86.htm

I can hook you up with Mike.

How much would the board cost on your side, without the art work?

[bolsonAA]

IMO, this is the stuff that takes the respect and soul out of a sport. The surf industry has always had a hard time respecting the waterski industry because of the lack of "soul". It is really difficult to break into the surf industry as I'm sure Walker could attest to. He has made many boards and is probably doing well in his niche but has some more time to put in until he is at the next level. The wakesurf side of the sport could be really cool but unfortunately, stuff like this turns people off. There is so much technology that goes into bottom concaves, outlines, fin foils, fin placement etc... I feel that my buying power is way too important not to know who is shaping my board as well as how they do business. Companies like Inland Surfer are probably hoping you get a board from some random because if they are horrible you have to go back to them and pay their premium. If you want to get involved in the shaping process find a surfboard shaper and start working on your own r&d because every person who surfs will want something just a bit different. This sport is way to cool to be ruined from companies in China. Know what your buying and who your buying it from, the ride will be much better.

[Surfdad]

Oh, I wouldn't take any money for something like this. I also have some boards that are in good shape that I'd be willing to donate...maybe just cover the cost of shipping and encouragement because I HATE to ship boards!

[Surfdad]

bolsonAA,

I can appreciate your perspective, but I don't know that it's accurate for wakesurfers. The VAST majority, IMO, are buying what they are exposed to at their local pro shop - HL, LF and CWB. Those folks have the distribution channels, thos boards are made in China. You can find a HL Broadcast in Madison, WI; Waukegan, IL; etc.

I honestly believe that the vast majority of folks in this market segment don't care about how it works, and I think the vast majority also wakeboard or wakeskate or something else behind the boat...as well as surf.

I don't know...I don't think that cheaper prices for entry level boards would hurt the sport. Then, like bolsonAA points out high end boards will no doubt always be the realm of a one-off shape and in my opinion, folks should be willing to pay for that service/skill.

[bolsonAA]

Thats a good point Surfdad, It would be great if people could ride a Walker or Props or some other hand shaped board and feel the difference. This is a great sport and I would hate to see people miss out on the whole experience. But, your right the vast majority might not care, but I guess what bothers me is that I don't think the top 3 brands care about the vast majority. They seem to be putting a premium price tag on sub par product. They don't seem to have any real knowledge of surfboard shapes and are just trying to make a buck instead of further the sport. But hey, I guess to each his own.

[dogbert]

I'll go out on a limb,,,,

So if we keep buying this stuff that's made by other countries that pay their help pennies compared to the USA, how does that effect our local companies?

Would you wish for your son or daughter to go to work for Inland, LF or ??? for $1.50 and hour and have them pay $4.00 a gallon for gas and have to continue to live at home with you with their family?

Two of my sons work together as carpenters, so so pay. Very little benefits. They make barely enough to really start a family. They have co workers that will work for 40% less. So what's the incentive for the company owner to keep my sons on the payroll? I see that supporting the overseas production as the same.

While I don't like the price of fuel and a board for $150.00 sounds better than $450.00 I have to keep in mind what it REALLY cost to live in a society with all of the freedoms we have.

So let the bashing start. I can handle it and welcome your thoughts.

Well, there is the old saying that you get what you pay for. Let's face it, we're in a global economy. You can't control the flow of jobs and products through protectionist measures because that hurts you in the end. It's been tried (just look at the automotive and steel industries). Companies have to find a way to be competitive or be eliminated. Propping them up is a bad idea. We see with many of our customers, who are among the world's most respected companies.

Contrary to what Ragboy and Matt think, I do think there's value in outsourcing. I've outsourced work overseas because I can't find anyone here either qualified or willing to do it. There's also plenty of work I don't outsource because the only people I can find to do it are here in the states. It's helped my company to remain competitive and provide the services to our customers that they demand.

I think you have to leave emotion out of it and treat it like a business. Let the best ideas win. I remember when the argument was internet vs bricks/mortar. Now it's outsourcing vs. domestic. There's always a bunch of people who don't want things to change. Ultimately, it's the source of most of the conflict around the world. Perhaps everyone should read the book "Who moved my cheese?".

[Jason B]

Realistically there is no such thing as a purely American Made board. The resin, foam, hardener, glass, scrapers, stir-sticks........ who knows where all that comes from. The world is getting smaller and smaller


I buy Thor gear for MX because my buddy reps for them. It costs more but I buy it anyway to help out my boy. So I can understand buying from someone you like for sure. It probably doesn't help them a whole lot in the long run but it makes us feel like we're "doing the right thing" and sometimes that's more important than a price point.

[ragboy]

Well, there is the old saying that you get what you pay for. Let's face it, we're in a global economy. You can't control the flow of jobs and products through protectionist measures because that hurts you in the end. It's been tried (just look at the automotive and steel industries). Companies have to find a way to be competitive or be eliminated. Propping them up is a bad idea. We see with many of our customers, who are among the world's most respected companies.

Contrary to what Ragboy and Matt think, I do think there's value in outsourcing. I've outsourced work overseas because I can't find anyone here either qualified or willing to do it. There's also plenty of work I don't outsource because the only people I can find to do it are here in the states. It's helped my company to remain competitive and provide the services to our customers that they demand.

I think you have to leave emotion out of it and treat it like a business. Let the best ideas win. I remember when the argument was internet vs bricks/mortar. Now it's outsourcing vs. domestic. There's always a bunch of people who don't want things to change. Ultimately, it's the source of most of the conflict around the world. Perhaps everyone should read the book "Who moved my cheese?".

I didn't say I wouldn't outsource, but I will always choose to NOT, as long as I can. I will always buy local, when I can, etc. Its a matter of preference, not conviction.