I have never learned much about shaping but have recently gotten very interested in creating my own surfboard. I realize it is not easy or cheap, and it very challenging, but have made a decision to try to learn to shape surfboards.
Would anybody be able to help me out with some advice? Maybe tools to use, cheap blanks to purchase, where they learned to shape, or advice on how I can learn to attempt to shape.
It is the first thing I have seemed to have a passion for in a long time and I hope that I will be able to start shaping. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.
In my opinion a good way to learn is first by reading all the info you can get about surfboard shaping and know and underestand all the different characteristics and types of surfboards (longboard, funboard, shortboard, round tail, soft rails…etc.) …then the next ideal step is to learn from a shaper, watch him shape, ask him if he can teach you the basics of shaping… the thing is that not all shapers will be willing to teach their shaping techniques… I was lucky to convince an experienced retired shaper to teach me how to shape, all he asked for payment was to keep one finished surfboard he made with the materials I bought to learn…no problem at all… I watched him shape 4 different surfboards and as he was shaping he explained in detail what he was doing and why… then he watched and helped me shape my first surfboard and then I shaped my second, third and fourth surfboard under his supervision (shaping, glassing and sanding)… If you don’t find a shaper to teach you I suggest at least to watch a shaping video for at least 5 times: shaping 101, glassing 101, The Master Shaper Series, The Master Glasser Series(for me this are the best)…and go for it!!!
I was looking on the 7th street site and saw your post there concerning making a board and tought I reconized you name from here. I live in South Jersey and I am now finishing my 8th board. I have only made longboards. The biggest problem in South Jersey is obtaining a blank. You can get all the fiberglass materials from the Mohogany Company in Mays Landing. If you want you can email me at h2ofxk@msn.com.
Just a newbie myself, but I’ve always found the best way to learn something is to try it yourself. Blanks are hard to get on the east coast (prohibitive shipping costs). I ordered through heratige surf shop in sea Isle city. Decide what type of board you want, go to clark foam website and find the appropriate blank. Get JC shaping 101. Watch it a few times. Build racks. Start shaping. If you run into problems then come to this website and search the archives. Good luck.