Ok Gang, here are the details for the 2011 SSFFC Rendezvous Rod Swap!!!!!!  
 
#1)  RULE CHANGE!!! Build on whatever you want.  Seems to be some trouble getting certain model RX6 blanks  Any length or weight is fine.  You'll find out why we need to go with the same model blank at the Rendezvous.  It is a great blank, for the price, with a lower modulus so it is more forgiving to any damage that you dish out.  Plus it gives us more $$$$ to ungrade components.  
 
#2)  You need to supply a case for the rod.  It can be a fancy case or a PVC case.  Just supply one that can store a rod safely.
 
#3)  Need to give it your best effort in craftsmanship.  This is your opportunity to try out different techniques and components.  Doesn't matter if you have built 1 or 100 rods, skill level doesn't mean jack in the swap.  All I ask is that you give it your best attempt.  Build the rod as if you were building it for somebody else.  Oh wait.... your are building it for somebody else  
 
#4)  If you can't make it to the Rendezvous, make arrangements to get the rod to and from the Rendezvous.  Its been done in the past and it has been no problem.
 
 
Acid Rods sells the RX6 blank and tons of components.  Plus they give a SSFFC discount.  Just mention club membership in the remarks section of the order form.  http://www.acidrod.com/  
 
Feather inlays. weaves, decals, agate strippers, single foot, snake guides whatever.  There are no boundaries when it comes to swap rods.  That being said, remember somebody is going home with this rod and you don't want them to stick it in the closet and never look at it again.
 
Let the games begin.  The swap is great fun, other members feel left out  .  We have been ask if the rods are for sale or raffle items and how they can get one.  They are very popular at the Rendezvous.
 
Swap Master Pete

Hey Pete,
 
I’m going to build a 9 ft 4 wt.  It’s a good dry fly rod for the Kern.  I’ll post pics as I complete each section.  
I see snake guides skin on the horizon.  
 
 
To everyone I owe a rod, I’ll finish yours before I start the Vous swap rod.  There are only 3 ½ rods to build.    
 
Thanks,
Chiaki

Quote from Ants on Jan 25^th, 2011, 8:46pm:

 
 
i belive Aug 17

I'm in.
 
Gunna try my new Shadow Swell out on you guys.  I'm almost done with the prototype using a blank that Xbilly gave me at the last Rendezvous.  The idea is a swelled butt utylizing shadow to make the Swelled Butt 'alive' as it rotates in the sun (or a source of light).
 
I will do my best, so far the best rod I ever built was probably the one I did for swap two years ago (minus the missing winding check).
 
Thanks for hosting Pete!

Ha, its good to see a couple of old vets jump on the swap!!!!  For you new players; Cris and Coachscott put out some very unique and beautiful work.  Its a major victory to draw one of their projects.
 
Scott builds a great swelled butt with feather inlays.  For those of you who have no idea what a swelled butt is....  its the use of several feathers, arranged and glued by the handle and then a smooth ramp of epoxy is built up to the handle.  Very detailed work.
 
Cris,
I am very curious to see what a "Shadow Swell" looks like.  You are always thinking outside the box  .
 
Hopefully this will be the swap to beat all swaps.  I do enjoy the looks of envy from other club members, when they see the rods.  My build will probably be Plain Jane compared to some of you other guys.
 
Just remember kids, you have to go with the offical rod swap blank this year.  And yes, there is a reason for that.  Order your components soon.  Don't want you to have any weak excuses  .  Think I'll order my blank next week.  Scott, want to order together and save on shipping?
 
Swapmeister Pete
 

Hi Ants,
 
Sorry, I don't have a loom.  I try to keep my builds very lite and simple.  I might do a feather inlay, measuring wraps, but thats about it.  I may try something a little different for the Vous Rod Swap involving snakeskin, but nothing too extreme.
 
Good luck in finding the loom.
 
Thanks,
Chiaki

Well I just got home from a trip to Acidrods. I have all the stuff needed to start my build minus the rod tip. They didn't have the right size in stock so I'll check back in a couple of weeks. I will be building a small creek rod. A 6' - 6" 2 wt. rod. Blue wraps with a lighter blue accent wrap. I might try and do some marbling also on the rod. Up locking reel seat with a half wells cork grip. I want to keep this real simple and hope the accent in the lighter blue gives the rod a classic look. I will also be making a wood case for the rod. Being a cabinet maker that shouldn't be so hard.  


 
I'll be posting pictures as I go and asking all kinds of questions

You should have seen the desk 5 min. before I got home with the rod parts