There’s a lot of buzz back east that dear Hap will be hanging up his planer, anyone else hear any such rumblings? Or is it just more rear echelon paranoia?
Hap will not be completely 100% retired, still will try and shape maybe once a week. The formidable Matt Calvani will be shaping the Jacobs, along with his own label he will be shaping the Bing, Rick and Lance Carson labels, along with other smaller labels.
Yep, Matt is going to be the man. Hap will still be doing most if not all of the customs. I was told by Hap a few years back that he had worked with Matt, and thought he was really good. One of the few that he had worked with that could look at a board and shape one just like it. Not just from the eyes of the normal person but from the eyes of a master. Looks like Matt has a full plate. Let us all wish Hap a good time in the Islands, I know that is where he plans on spending most of his new found free time. Warm water feel good to our old bones, I wish I could hang up my what ever and join him. Let us also wish Matt well because in years to come his name will be on the list of those that not only knew how but could also do. Enjoy your life Hap we have enjoyed your art, for many years.
Haps boards will be in good hands. Matt has a keen sense of what he’s doing. His hands will be full, that’s all he needs is another set of appendages extruding from the other side of his head. (inside joke) 
With his shaping abilities I don’t think Hap will have to worry about customs or any of his designs for that matter. All Hap will have to worry about is where the fish are biting. Gone fishing!
I’m really happy for Hap that he will be able to take some more time for himself. I’m sad for those of us who truly like and appreciate his work over the many years. I now feel even more fortunate that I had Hap shape me a custom board this spring. He is a true professional and the board he made for me is simply awesome. I was hoping to have him do another one (slightly smaller for bigger conditions) next year - I hope he continues to do a few as I would be happy to wait for his craftsmanship.
Hap and me when I picked up my board…
