Buying a new surfboard is one of the most difficult decisions in a surfer’s life. What if it doesn’t work? How do I know it’s right for me? How much should I spend, then find out I should have bought a different one? What if I outgrow this board and want something new? How long is this board going to last?
These questions are common in the surf community. Mostly, we have come to rely on the opinion of the salesperson in the surf shop, and their recommendations for you. Its a hit or miss. Most of the time, the salesperson at the shop doesn’t know you, or how you surf, so they ask some questions. They point you in a certain direction, to a board that is close to what you need. It does not guarantee that you will get the board you actually need, and you may have to search many shops, and go through many salespeople, some knowledgeable, some not.
It’s not easy to find the right board, and buying one new is tough because it loses half its value once it has been surfed. The best way to get the right board for you, in my opinion, is to talk directly to a shaper. A local shaper, who knows the waves you are surfing, and is familiar with local conditions.
When a surfer approaches me and decides to order a custom board, I make sure I can build a board that will be right for that surfer. I will spend time to get to know that surfer.
This is my process.
- To get started, it is important to set some time to meet, either on the phone or at my shop, to find out what you want or need in your new custom board. I will ask questions about your surfing history, where you usually surf, what your ability is, what you’ve been riding, what you’re doing right now on the wave, and how you want that to change, or stay the same.
- If you don’t know what you need, I will spend the time to explain the science of the way boards work. If need be, I will surf with you, and bring some demonstration boards, and let you ride them, and get some feedback.
- We will decide what outline style, rocker template, width, thickness and foil is right for you, and design it right then and there. You will have a good idea of what your shape is going to be before I hand shape your board.
- Once the board is designed and shaped, it comes down to glassing schedule and aesthetics. We will figure out what weight and type of glass you want, along with the colors, pinlines, fin setups, sand or polish finish, gloss, etc.
- Once your board is complete, I will offer to go out and surf with you on your maiden journey with your new board, and confirm that we got everything right. I will stay in touch and periodically ask how your surfing has developed, and how that board is working for you. I keep meticulous records of what I make for you, so if you desire the same board in the future, or decide that you want to make changes, we know where to start.
Building a good relationship with you is important to me. I know how it feels to be lost in the world of surfboards, and I would like to be the shaper that you trust to build the right board for you. Every board that I build is hand shaped from scratch, painted, glassed, sanded, pinlined and polished by me. I do the whole process by hand, from blank to polish, so your board is not only unique, but it is uniquely designed for you.