In this episode I chat with Dan Treloar from Grow Blanks.  Grow blanks are made in Kenya, Africa from agave storks or poles, as Dan refers to them.  The internal fibrous material is strong, lightweight and a natural alternative to traditional surfboard cores.

Dan talks about the agave farm, situated between two national parks filled with beautiful native animals such as elephants, zebras and lions.  We talk about selecting the right agave poles in the field and sorting them into various densities to use for different blanks.  Dan explains the challenges of manufacturing in Kenya and the importance of building relationships with good suppliers. 

We discuss tips for shaping the agave blanks and more importantly, glassing the agave blanks.  Dan conducts his own testing on kite boards and also relies on feedback from shapers and glassers in the surfboard industry to create the best specification information sheet.  

In recent months, Grow blanks has worked with Gary McNeill to create some agave core boards for Dave Rastovich.  The feedback has been positive so far and Dan looks forward to working with this A-team of shaper/surfer in the future.

What started as a possibility only a few years ago has quickly grown into a reality.  Grow blanks are currently available in Europe and the United States, the first 40-foot container is about to land in Australia in a couple of months.

It was great to Dan on the podcast and proud to say it is the first podcast he has done.  I really hope you enjoy our chat...

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