Just Introducing myself here. My name is Eric and I plan to be shaping and glassing my first board here the coming months. I am seen some great work by the way. I am currently looking for books and such to start reading while I am waiting for my garage to open up so I can shape in there. However, I can’t find any locally. that have any so this website has been a treasure trove. Anyway, thanks again for all the info you guys have posted. If anyone wants to help me with my first hurdle they can buy my corvette so my garage is free! Anyway thanks gain, and if you know someplace that stocks books in Central Florida that would be cool too.
whats up eric? welcome to the world of board building. i hope you get as much enjoyment as i do. as far as books, may i recommend “essential surfing” by george orbelian. its a great primer for understanding the basic elements of building boards and has helped me quite a bit. you should be able to find it on line at amazon or check out foam e-z. i know they carry it for $16.
Hi Eric, and welcome to Sway’s. You’ll find people more willing to help if you fill in your location on your profile. I can guess that you’re in America 'cause you’re selling a Vette, but that does not tell me where. There are suppliers all over the world and it would make sense to have someone send you to one that’s close to home, right? Besides, you just might have a neighbor who shapes that might teach you a thing or two.
Thanks for the tip on the book brasco, don’t think I have ran across that one. The only one I have seen is Surfboard, but I am confused on the new edition which includes panning for gold?! Mahana, there is a company around the corner from me called Fiberglass Florida which carry MArko EPS blanks and supplies. I will update my profile however, as I have been doing more reading and browsing than anything.
There are also quite a few videos out there that can help you start. You’ll find some stuff you like and some you don’t and eventually develop your own style of shaping.
Your best resource is right here on sways. There are so many helpful people on this site. I just completed my first board and it was a great experience. The best advice I can give you is to get all your tools ordered and ready before you start your board. It will really help you keep moving along in your shaping experience. Good Luck!
The best instructional materials are those you can steal with your eyes - this forum, local guys, whatever you can find soak it up (whether you think it looks important or not… prep and setting are some of the most important processes).
What city do you live in?
I make EPS in North Florida, and have the best prices on blanks and kits. Always more than happy to help guys out, brianstorm ect…
Have you thought about what you are going to shape?
Howzit guy, Books and videos might help but everything you need to know plus the tricks of the trade ( not usually in books or vids) is right here on Swaylocks. The other plus is we will post answers to any questions you have. There’s not a book or video with all the info stored in the archives. Aloha,Kokua
Holladay: I live in Cocoa/Cocoa Beach. I admit your prices are better but shipping and/or gas may negate that, although my Wife loves St. Auggie! My surfing skill is very low on the scale as I just began this spring. I wanted to craft a longboard for our small summer surf but I also wanted to keep cost down being my first attempt. Where I am on a relatively strict budget I really want to make something I am going to use where it will be a little while before I can attempt again. So the design is still up in the air between a 6’10" big guy board and a 9’ish noserider type.
Kokua: I have read many discussions here, many of which I do not understand fully, and found a lot of talented people reside here. I really look forward to this project a lot.
I think you are going to find that Fiberglass Fla doesn’t carry Marko Blanks anymore. I used to get them from FG Fla but GreenRoom Board Co. in Wilmington NC is now the East Coast Distributor. They have a website so just search for them. Great bunch of guys and a gal (Liz)! BTW FG Fla is super to deal with as well!
Howzit guy, Swaylocks has alot of talented board builders and will help you through the process. Alot of us have been in the business for many many years and I can understand you not understanding some of what we talk about but stick with us and it will get easier for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, we will answer them. Aloha,Kokua
Anyway thanks gain, and if you know someplace that stocks books in Central Florida that would be cool too.
but shipping and/or gas may negate that, although my Wife loves St. Auggie! My surfing skill is very low on the scale as I just began this spring. I wanted to craft a longboard for our small summer surf but I also wanted to keep cost down being my first attempt. Where I am on a relatively strict budget I really want to make something I am going to use where it will be a little while before I can attempt again. So the design is still up in the air between a 6’10" big guy board and a 9’ish noserider type.