Recently there have been many beautiful boards floating around on Instagram/Pinterest/Sways/etc. by shapers all over the world. The craftmanship on some of these boards is beyond amazing but that all goes out the window once it hits water. I’m sure I can gather what some of the opinions on here will be like, and I encourage everybody’s input. However, I’m more interested in how important it is for shapers to know how to surf. Also, were/are there any legendary shapers past and present that aren’t skilled in the water? Did that effect their shapes?
examples of pretty boards that are dogs in the water?
i’m sure some of the best F1 car builders and engineers couldn’t even qualify for an amateur go kart race.
it could be argued that many of the best designers and craftsmen in any industry aren’t adept at using the product they design.
w/ that said i’ve always been more interested in the skills of the glassers and finishers than the shapers and being skilled at glass/finish really has little to do w/ actual surfing when compared to shaping the foam.
One of the main shapers where I live is also one of the best surfers. It certainly gives his designs a bit of credibility.
There are some very good shapers who no longer surf due to health and mobility issues. I think even the ones who do surf rely a lot on their team riders’ feedback, that was one thing that came across loud and clear at the recent shapers round table. And that they all ride each other’s shapes 
And there are probably plenty of shapers who surf but make boards they themselves couldn’t ride.
I’m not a huge sports fan but I’ve always heard that sometimes the best coaches arent necessarily great athletes. I would think the same scenario could pertain to surfing. That being said, I think it is awesome when shapers can put their designs to the test. When I watch videos and read about the old guys, Pat Curren comes to mind, their designs really amaze me. What they were able to do with those designs out in the water amazes me even more!
1st off I’m with Surfer 0
“Pat Curren”
great surfer with the ability to see and do what was necessary.
Legend and we all owe…
Some good surfer/shapers have the gift…
Don’t overlook the everpresent, surfer that can’t surf. They’re everywhere ! They’ve ruined surfing.
Haha good one Bill. And with the advent of the machine can we add shapers who can’t shape?
When I first got a simple understanding of the surfing / shaping connection in the early 60’s, nearly ALL the shapers were champions and I looked at the contest results to see their names each issue. It was quite the family tree.
I personally feel you need to be an above average surfer to put all the info together to be the complete shaper, but being a good surfer doesn’t instantly mean you’ll be a good shaper also.
To blow my own horn, I am 3 time US short board champion and a shaper of 45,000 boards, I followed he pattern of Donald and Phil, shape it, surf it, win on it
There are those who design and build fighter jets (e.g. F-22 Raptor).
There are those who test fighter jets (test pilots).
How many do both?
Then again, are there jets that can fly themselves (F-35 Lightning)?
Just opened account here on Swaylocks. Started browsing and saw this thread. VERY far from being a great shaper. Met wife (breathed surfing), bought a board, rode 3 times then had kids! Came up with the concept of my board. Been creating ever since. One day I’ll learn…one day
There was a guy/kid in the mid to late 90s who worked in an inland surf factory who was one of the most popular shapers in Brazil.
he was I think 17 at the time and had never seen the ocean, he just had a knack for being able to recreate boards brough in and the computer in his head that allowed him to manipulate and re-create.
One of the most prolific shapers ever stopped surfing in his early 30s after a motor cycle accident wrecked his ankle.
What I think is even stranger is when people just stop surfing (not for health reasons) but keep shaping.
I.e. Carl Ekstrem
I’m too tall, too goofy, and grew up too far away from good surf to have ever been a notable surfer, so I guess that means I’ll never be a good shaper either?
Surfing and shaping are two different skill sets.
Surfing is more athletic and balance focused. Shaping is hand to eye coordination and spatial reasoning. Certainly, being able to read your board/work in the water to get feedback can lead to design improvements but an understanding of hydrodynamics without being able to surf is also important.
Can a surfer shape a board without any knowledge of physics? Sure. Can that shaper make a decent board with poor fundamentals in wood working? Absolutely.
All these elements of knowledge aids in the production of a quality stick but lacking in one area does not eliminate the possibility of creating a great ride.
BEETHOVEN WAS DEAF!!!
If you shape boards for yourself and have fun on the boards you make you’re a good shaper.
If you’re a “good” surfer who shapes boards you can’t ride than you were never a good surfer.
But the photos of your Day Job craftsmanship show you know your way around tools, I see guys who can barely turn on a planer, if they have one
Everything else falls to the wayside. Although I know some phenomonal craftsmen who arent known for their surfing, they are the exception, not the rule. Shaping, Surfing and/or running a business are seperate skills, and talent doesnt always cross over. We all know surfers who cant stand 2 hours of hard work…
When you do find out a board company handshapes their own designs, It adds credibility and a more personal experience in dealing with their boards. When a shaper surfs, It represents the soul of surfing to find out that a board label is based on surfing itself. Just like when a surf company is based on handshaped boards and not just a clothing line.
There are a few board labels out there who Ive never heard the shapers name, but they have great team riders. Therefore they must be getting good feedback on the boards they build. A shaper doesnt have to have all the skills to put out a good product. There have been plenty of partnerships through out history that prove this point.
Desire alone is not enough.
Surfing is a lot harder than shaping.