The boards are then glassed, sometimes with one sheet of six-ounce cloth, other times with more, depending on the weight and strength of the balsa and the construction. Andres uses resin and glass imported from the United States, or adapted from boating materials available in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. Assisted by three Ecuadorean helpers, it takes Andres about 45 hours to make a "Balsa Flite" surfboard. Balsa is not the easiest material to work with, but it's a real challenge for the surfboard shaper who prides himself on craftsmanship. An experienced balsawood shaper might spend an average of 10-12 hours, just in shaping alone. Andres explains that his balsa surfboards are much stronger than commercially produced fiberglass surfboards. A well-made balsa board should last at least 10 years when well cared for. Balsa Flite surfboards are functional in a variety of surf breaks as well as a beautiful piece if craftsmanship.

Gringo Andres has made about 2,000 balsa surfboards over the past 25 years, but today, he focuses more of his attention on constructing balsawood longboard and gun blanks. He is using the same technique that Tom Blake used more than 40 years ago, shaping balsa around a hollow core. But going back to the past doesn't make Andres uncomfortable. In fact, it's the connection with the past that first attracted him to Playas and keeps him there. Says Kozminski, "There's lots of surf, lots of sun, no crowds, and plenty of time to enjoy it all."