SURFERS+CRAFTSMEN
::aaron cervantes::aaron is known around town as king of the rats or king rat for short. “rat” grew up surfing big hollow surf in newport on big, heavy longboards. he has a unique fearless ability to get to the nose even when it’s pumping. you can find rat popping up on the podium of most local longboard high school contests
::andy nieblas::andy is a young surfer whose style and confidence is well beyond his years. you can find andy hanging out at doheny in the summer surfing and making friends; or making treks up the coast to malibu in a car packed with boards and friends. as nice of a kid as you’ll meet.
::cyrus sutton::cyrus is an accomplished film-maker and surfer. but his most recent project, korduroy.tv, might be his greatest work yet. cyrus has combined his gifts in surfing and media direction, with his passion for breaking the routine of over-consumption; to inspire the younger generation to pick up some tools, grab a sewing machine and ‘do-it-yourself’. you can find cyrus surfing all up and down the southern california coast, hiding on the beach behind a camera or locked up with his laptop editing film.
::nathan adams::nathan is part of a young generation of surfers who seem to be continually redefining what traditional logging is…his unique wave approach is perfect for the super-flat boards he rides. you’ll regularly find him noseriding through sections at san onofre, and church’s. and when he’s done, you’ll find him posted up on a bench or stump strumming his guitar.
::schuyler mcferran::is the primary female representation on the almond team. schuyler is a well-traveled, well-rounded surfer, with an asp world title under her belt. schuyler has transitioned from a competition-centered surf career to a more creative, art-based pursuit. “sky” and almond will continue to develop products for our female friends and fans.
::dave allee::dave is the founder of almond and the lead visionary behind the brand. dave has handed the planer off to griffin, but hasn’t strayed too far from his roots as a backyard shaper and dreamer. you can find dave running the shop, working on wooden surfboards in his garage, doodling in a notebook, talking on his cellphone or paddling out at blackies if he gets lucky…
::griffin neumann-kyle::griffin joined the almond crew back in october of 2008 with one purpose in mind: to shape surfboards. There is a constant struggle between dave and griffin in terms of form versus function, but that has lent itself well to the boards that they have created together. you’d be hard-pressed to find someone more dedicated to hand-shaping than griffin. you’ll typically find griffin in his shaping bay 7 days a week, with regular afternoon breaks for surfing, orange chicken and electric guitar. he’s a guy who knows what he loves, and he sticks to it.
::cameron oden::cameron started his photography career at a young age. he even finished high school early to pursue his passion. his eye for photography, film, design, & board design is impeccable. cam originally came in to help with photography, but his skills have poured over into a variety of other areas. you can find cam hiding out with a tripod and a camera on the beach, (often hidden behind a bush or rock) or you can find oden testing out his unique quiver of small, wide-tailed surfboards.
::gully::gully started making wooden fins for his cousin, dave, when he was just 12. now gully is 15, and he’s got quite a bit of experience foiling fins and making handplanes. gully is a perfectionist when it comes to his craft, and it shows in the work he does. you can find gully in his garage in costa mesa foiling fish keels and d-fins; but not after finishing his homework. he’s not a straight-A student by accident.[/one_half]
::taylor allee::
taylor is dave’s younger cousin, and the first recipient of an almond longboard. taylor’s dedication to efficiency keeps dave wandering mind on course when it comes to the day-to-day operations of the shop. you can find taylor surfing around newport regardless of how small or windy it may be. chances are he’ll be on a different board nearly every time you see him.
