Road Trips

These are pictures from the two most recent road trips. The first trip was an 11 day drive to New York City and then a flight back. Then, just a week after I got back, I drove to Texas. I stayed there for a couple of weeks and then drove back to California. One of these pictures shows NYC traffic and the other is a sunset in New Mexico.

Trailer Hitch

I purchased a trailer hitch and installed it on the Jeep. I was going to use it to tow a friend's car to New York, but ended up ended up driving the friend's car there and then flying back.

Take a Hike

A few weeks ago I did a hike to the top of Mt. Baldy near LA. It involved thousands of feet of elevation change and was very difficult for me but worth the effort. The view from the top is spectacular.

Valkyrie II

Here's some things to look for that are improvements over the original Valkyrie. There are limber holes (notches) in the frames for drainage. The seat is more ergonomically designed. There is no center console crowding the cockpit. There is extra reinforcement below the floor at the mast step. Overall the framing is simpler and lighter. Of course, the hull is now 17.5 feet long instead of 5 feet!

Valkyrie II is Being Built

Pictures with the new camera.

First Video of Valkyrie II

As promised, I bought a new camera and have taken a few pictures and videos of Valkyrie II. The next couple of posts will be some pictures taken with the new camera. Notice that Valkyrie II is starting to get a bottom!

New Music for 2010 Surfing Compilation

Here is the 2010 Grenada surfing compilation that I filmed with some YouTube friendly music.

Foilboarding Compilation Video

This is a compilation of my other foil boarding videos showing the construction of a foil board for less than $100, then the process of learning to ride, and finally some good flying. Everyone has seen Laird Hamilton, the guys from Hawaii, and others riding the expensive air chairs and sky skis that they've modified. There are also expensive commercial versions for kite surfing. I decided that I could do it myself for hundreds or even thousands of dollars less. In the video you will see my Dad riding, and also me, in the hat. Sorry, no videos of us jumping the foil. I stopped jumping due to the wing breaking off a couple of times when I landed. It's still the most exciting board I have ever ridden. Enjoy!

Music:

Learn to Fly
Josh Woodward
www.joshwoodward.com

Guitar and Harmonica
Jim Lunn
S/V Te Natura

Artifact
Kevin Macleod
www.incompetech.com

Valkyrie II Construction Details

Here you can see the seat, some under-floor structure, and the view from the cockpit. Again, credit goes to Mooney for the photos.

First Photos of the New Valkyrie II

I was finally able to get some pictures of Valkyrie II under construction by begging my housemate, Mooney, to take these photos, so all credit goes to him. The work is progressing very quickly because of the lessons learned from the original Valkyrie.

Valkyrie II's New Look

Oh yes, it will be that cool in real life.

YouTube Channel

Hi everyone! Here is my new updated YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/tiller1998

Enjoy!

Valkyrie II Construction Progress

Hi everyone! I have been working hard on Valkyrie II and have the hull completely framed. I learned so much from the first Valkyrie that I am able to streamline the construction process dramatically for the new boat. I am able to incorporate many structural necessities right into the hull early on in the process, saving weight, time, and labor! Unfortunately, I am without a camera at the moment, so it will be a few more days until I have pictures up.

Valkyrie II Design Progress

I'm now using new software to draw Valkyrie II, specifically TigerCad. This drawing is my first attempt with it. Also, I'm taking Valkyrie in a slightly different direction. This drawing shows one possible future for the boat. Still a lot of work to do!

Valkyrie II

I am extremely excited to present the lines plans for Valkyrie II. After the amazing success of Valkyrie I set out to produce a boat that will weigh 30 - 50% less than the original, with more buoyancy, less drag, more lift, lower take off speeds, higher top end, better roll control, simpler construction, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In the spirit of open source and constructive competition, I am sharing my lines plans here on this website. If you think you can solve the engineering hurdles better than I have, or if you want to produce something similar to Valkyrie II, good luck and go right ahead, or better yet give me a call!

The new version of Valkyrie features a 3' longer hull with more canoe like underwater shapes for an improved prismatic coefficient and overall better low speed performance, including at unusual pitch angles, all with a heavier load than before. The amas are better hydro-dynamically and the biggest improvement will be the foils themselves. Previously I used 1/4 inch plywood, 6" wide and 8' long to create a "wing". This time, I am using an actual foil shape, which I hope to give the designer credit for after recieving his permission.

Construction has already begun with the purchase of lumber. Updates and pictures will follow soon!

Valkyrie Update

There is good news and bad news. First, I must apologize to all the fans out there. There is no footage of Valkyrie foiling under sail, and there never will be, but not due to any problem with Valkyrie. Unfortunately, it was time for me to leave the Caribbean and move back to the suburbs of Southern California and Valkyrie had to be scrapped. That's the bad news. The good news, is that Valkyrie performed almost exactly as hoped. During the last week of testing, in mid Dec. 2010, there were uncharacteristically light winds of less than 12 knots. I always estimated Valyrie would need 12 knots to fly. During several runs, in the gusts, she seemed to "want" to lift but it was never caught on film.

Now, the good news. I have learned so much with Valkyrie, and am so pleased with the successes, that plans for Valkyrie II are in the works. I'll post some pictures soon!

Valkyrie Design Montage

Here is a little video showing Valkyrie's CAD drawings as they evolved during the construction of the working prototype.