So, I shaped my first board and I’m stoked on it, but now I’m addicted and looking to educate myself further so I can improve my efficiency and results next time.
The problem is yoou aren’t aware of what you don’t know, which makes research difficult.
I just finished reading the entire Bill Barnfield rail banding thread, which will be a huge help. Any other suggested reading/videos/youtube?
The Master Shaper DVDs get a good rap, but maybe too advanced? Which one? I’m hesitant to spend that much on a dvd, almost another blank, and if I get the glassing one too…
I have watched several youtube videos on shaping, glassing, etc. I don't take them as gospel, but I find them helpful in seeing how others do it, and I really appreciate anyone who takes the time and effort to share a video of their methods.
I really learn best by doing, so that's how I approached it. Read up on the internet in general, but esp. swaylocks and T2S (wood board builders forum), and just went for it. But I have worked with my hands all my life, and had some ding repair experience in my past. Still, I have made a lot of painful mistakes, and am far from being past that phase. I'm learning as I go, finishing up board seven now. My education is in its infancy!
I find if you post lots of pics as you progress, and just be honest about your limitations as a beginner, people will share a lot of helpful information here. I also find most goofs are possible to fix, with lots of labor and a bit of cursing under the breath. Maybe a beer or two, come to think of it.
I would get the dvds if you can afford them, but don't be afraid just to go for it, if so inclined. Build a hand plane for practise first, if you want.
Howzit huck, you have found the only real way to make a surfboard. No matter how many videos or material you read the best way is to just do it. As you have probably found out by now there is a lot of touch and feel to it and you can only get that by just making them. Good for you and with every board you make you will just get better at it,practice makes perfect. Aloha,Kokua
Master Glassing DVD by R. Brucker. (“Cleanlines” here on Sways). best DVD on glassing I’ve ever seen. You’ll watch it over and over, learn new stuff every time. Will help beginners as well as guys with lots of boards under their belts.
No joke. Well worth the money.
and as Kokua says, just DO IT. Make the board, learn the fun way…
Certain threads should be collected and thrown into a special read this first or FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions) directory that is a sticky at the top of the general discussion forum.
How to fix dings, rail bands, glassing, shaping dvds, etc.
Itʻs such a good feeling, making your own surf craft and riding it after; feels like the circle is complete; nothing beats on the job training…but…a little education and some live apprenticeship sure helps; most surfer/builders start with ding repair, graduate to reshapes, then dive into some full on commitment by buying planers, sanders, and setting up a shop; the latest crop of videos are really helpful for all phases; only wish they were around when I started; would have saved me a lot of time and error knowing how the pros did it!!! What a great hobby if you keep it light and donʻt tox yourself out on resin fumes…If at all possible, befriend a commercial board builder and watch how he does his thing… one picture is worth a thousand words…chow
Otis (& others) - find and nominate threads you think would fit, I will work on getting Mike to set up a “read these first” or “best of Sways for beginners” area of the site.
Aloha Keith, That would be a great idea since I think a lot of newbies get frustrated trying to use the archives plus there is some board building lingo there that they don't understand. By the way, what I have been seeing the boards coming out of your shop are looking really great and I bet you are having lots of fun. Aloha Kokua