hey i was just wondering if anyone out there could answer a few questions for me. my friend rob brown said that people here would be able to help me out because i am currently doing a paper in english about the differences between hand shaped surfboards and the new mass manufacutured boards and which is better, and their pros and cons. so if anyone could help me out that would be great and id appreciate both sides of the arguement. thanks so much sarah
If you were doing your paper in Chinese, it wouldn’t cost as much. Just my $.02. … have fun
Sarah: Go to the top of the page and click “Archives”. Type in the word “Surftech” and you will get almost every kind of opinion you could imagine.
This sounds mighty suspicious but I’ll take the hook… “Hand shaped” boards are considered by many to be the ultimate soul machines - hand shaped is the only truly custom method to get an individualized board. This individualization of a personal piece of sporting equipment is an important ego fueled aspect of many popular activities. (You might refer to customized cars, motorcycles, etc. as possible examples of this.) In addition, it is one of the few hand made items still in general production in the U.S. where most everything of a manufactured nature has been recently outsourced to foreign countries. “Mass manufactured” may not be the most accurate of terms as even hand shaped boards are mass produced, but it generally applies to board shapes cut by computerized shaping machines according to a specific program. This allows high output factories to turn out greater volume of product at lower cost. Computerized shaping is quicker, more consistent and possibly more accurate from the standpoint of symmetry and compliance within specific design parameters. When facilities are set up in foreign countries with lower labor costs, less stringent environmental protection standards, etc. boards can be manufactured quickly, cheaply and sold through mass marketing outlets (like Costco or E-Bay for instance) at a price far below what many feel is fair. Some say this has resulted in inferior product and has cut in to profit margins and market share of domestic manufacturers. The phrase, “I’d rather push my Harley than ride a rice burner” reflects a mentality that is also prevalent in the surfing community. I.E. even if the shaping and general manufacturing quality of “mass produced” boards is equal to or better than existing “hand made” product, many surfers choose the domestic hand made product because it is perceived as being more patriotic, soulful or individualized. Which is better? I’m afraid I can’t answer that. A durable computerized longboard shape from Taiwan in epoxy for under $300.00 or a custom hand shaped Gene Cooper acid splash longboard with high gloss finish for under $1,000.00? OK! OK! Money aside, I’ll take the Cooperfish. For the record - I’ve made a few of my own and own several others that were domestically hand made. I also own a Surf Tech ST popout and once owned a Surf Tech Yater wood grain.
The topic(s) seems to (re)surface frequently. “Custom” surfboards and “mass produce” surfboards. These ideas are contributed as opinion or information that reflects on the cultural and mechanical aspects of the two threads of surfboard manufacturing. The pros and cons of the two board producing methods and their business activities will vary by one’s perspective. At this point in time there are a multitude of “perspectives” in surf culture and surf business. However, if you reflect on the roots of surf culture, the fundamentals that make surfing the magnificant entity that it is, you can correctly assume some perspectives are more valid and important to surfing than others. One thing, however, is certain. A custom surfboard is just that. A unique surfboard designed, shaped, and glassed for a specific client and their needs. Primary motivation of designer and client is building a surfboard that is the best possible solution for the clients surfing. A mass produced surfboard is a “knock off” of a single design, manufactured for a nonexistant, yet “typical surfer.” Primary motivation unknown. Another certainty. The fundamental construction of custom and mass produced surfboards is the same. A low density core and a high density skin. The properties and design of those components will vary within each realm and by each manufacturer. The quality of performance and the quality of the physical or mechanical propeties of custom and mass produced surfboards is in the knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that individuals who work on surfboards apply to their craft. Yet another certainty. Custom surfboards are dynamic. Custom shapers and manufacturers can pursue variations in design on a moments notice. Mass produced surfboards are static. Mass produced design changes are costly and time consuming. The evolution of surfboard design is fueled by custom surfboard industry. Do the research with a clear and open mind. Interview surfers, shapers, laminaters, sanders, retailers, action sports CEOs, retailers, wholesalers, consumers, Thai and Chinese workers. Collect and evaluate information and opinions. While your working on your project I hope I’ll be fortunate enough to be in the water on one of the unique custom boards in my quiver, surfing. Vince the Grinch
… the best, most concise words I`ve read on this subject in a long time. Thanks.
A very good collection of thoughts put into response to the debate of “mass produced” and “custom” surfboards. Is there any surf in Thailand anyway? I’d love to get pick up a board there and catch a few in that warm water.
extremely well written sir! http://www.feraldave.com
Mass production is better. Had to say it even though mygut hurts just to think I said that. I have beeen shaping boards for a long time, glassed them… But if you go out and buy the materials and calculate the time involved, the manufactured boards are worth it. But then again it is cheeper to buy tomatos off the shelf, and many people still grow their own…