Finless boards can bring back some of that original joy you experienced when you first started surfing. It takes some getting used to but when you start to figure it out, the lines you can draw on a waves face and the speed you can achieve by simply trimming is addictive.
The Slipper is a wood and foam alaia that gives you a similar feel of a traditional all wood alaia but with extra flotation, so the learning curve is easier, a wider range of waves can be ridden, and you can compete for waves when there is a bit of a crowd. You can see one in action in the video section.
Traditional wood alaias have a truly special ride quality. It feels like a magic carpet as the board bends and flexes under your feet while trimming down the line. They're not the easiest to paddle and catch waves but the lack of buoyancy is what makes them find they're trim so well. They knife into the wave face and feel surprisingly secure, especially the faster you go. And they do go fast!
Alternative finless and minimally finned boards are also done as custom projects. If you have an interesting idea you want to see come to reality, I can help.