Went to Sacred Craft yesterday and watched six pro shapers work: Ned Mahon, Ward Coffee, Chris Christenson, Ricky Carroll, Dave Daum and Mica Wood. The first four competed in the “shape-off” with each attempting to duplicate the same ‘70’s Caster 6-10 bump-wing single-fin, with four bottom-channels. Just amazing to watch the craftsmanship of each shaper, and the variety of tools and techniques. I spoke briefly with Mannie Caro and Greg Noll, talked bamboo fins with the RFC people and watched Brad Gerlock’s first shaping attempt (with encouragement from fellow big-wave rider Jeff Clark). Coulda chatted-up Robert August and Wingnut but didn’t have the time. Likewise for Tom Wegener. Today I hope to get Jerry Lopez to sign his new book for me, watch Matt Calavini shape, listen to Dan Malloy talk about quivers and Swaylock’s own LeeV talk about, well, Swaylock’s. San Diego is so lucky to have this annual event.
There were some interesting boards on display there. Of particular interest was the woodwork of John Cherry, fins and boards. I had a sense of sadness, seeing the smiling photos of a youthful Billy Caster, the way I remember him best. I had the pleasure, and gift, of his freindship for many years before his passing. That he, and his legacy, are recognized now, speak eloquently of his character, and the respect that many who knew him, had/have. Like so many things in life, the true value is not understood, until it is lost. Billy had a strong influence on many in the industry, he was a ‘‘yardstick’’ that many others were measured by. Most were found wanting. There was an aura of positive energy in the building, not only from the public, but also from the exhibitors. A very worthwhile time spent. If you can, go there today.
“Billy had a strong influence on many in the industry, he was a ‘‘yardstick’’ that many others were measured by. Most were found wanting.”
You got that right. He was my first “shaper/hero”. I used to hang out at his shop in the lumber yard under where the freeway is now. They, Bill and “fast Phil” used to let us unload blanks, BIG THRILL. His three stringer speed shapes where THE BEST.
LeeV did a really nice talk today covering the backyard builder in the history of surfing, the beginnings of Swaylock’s, and the present community. Just finding out where the name came from was worth the price of admission!
To me, the event had a better flow than last year. Attendance seemed high, but not crowded, and the exhibitors were very friendly.
Brad
The organizers of these events are going to have to invite Ricky as a judge in the future to give others a chance. I’m guessing he probably won the shaping event again.
sounds like a lot of fun. wish i could be there.
The organizers of these events are going to have to invite Ricky as a judge in the future to give others a chance. I’m guessing he probably won the shaping event again.
Yep
A great gathering of those who love surf. Conversations among everyone, small group photos, Rory walking around with his black Lightning Bolt, Hilbers, KP, and Andrieni in one booth with hulls galore, Bonzer boys, Tom and Jon Wegener, Big Jeff Clark, Noll, Rusty, and Bing, plus the mighty Saf. Great to see Bill T. at the Shapers Time Line. Saw an asymetrical; fish on the right and smoothie on the left, and even a board with a cardboard honeycombed core!
The greatest aspect of the event for me was the easy accessability to the shapers and legends alike.
What a magical day. You should’ve been there!
I really hope the boy appreciates the enormity of this some day…
John Cherry was the reason I decided to go down to that show and he did not disappoint.
I was rather surprised by the fact that nearly every booth had an agave or balsa board in it.
What was up with that hexagonal Walden noserider thing!?
I was really impressed by the craftsmanship of the Gordon Palandrani booth…those stringers
were phenomenal.
Ted, where are you?
I tried getting a similar photo with Greg Noll. Unfortunately, my two year old boy was terrified of him and buried his head on my chest. All he wanted to do was run around and try to knock over his big wooden surfboards. Greg was a nice guy and smiled through the whole thing.
The GP boards are badass and surf really well. Whenever I am in SC, a buddy hooks me up with one of the three models he owns.
The stringers are INSANE.
LEE V DID A GREAT JOB!!! LOng weekend, my head is still spinning. Off to my Real JOb, more later.
I was wondering how long it would be before I saw that up here. Arthur is gonna be a shredder!
One of the most classy guys in the industry…Ricky Carroll…wins the shape off…again.
Congratulations Ricky!!
who was the guy doing the longboard in the back of the hall on sunday?
I enjoyed watching him.
I think it was Dave Daum.
is he related to Tom Daum (manufacturer of RedX and Lokbox)?
This post needs more photos.
awesome event. i bought an alaia blank and i am going to start shaping it this week (tonight). i spent the rest of the weekend with my head reeling from all of the ideas that i needed to try. overall, it was a great event with the following highlights for me:
-
Tom and Jon Wegener seminar on the alaia, pure stoke (followed by a presentation at patagonia at night)
-
Many references to the daunting task of shaping in the tribute in front of Terry Martin and other greats
-
Bing Surfboards representing the past and the future
-
Cliche surfboards and the awesome glassing
-
David Rensin rapping about Dora
ryan g. kloostra
dutchsurfboards