Shaping Your Own Stick?

General Discussion
1

Hi Everyone,

I am 19 and have been surfing for over ten years. I have just begun to be interested in shaping but am not sure where to start.

  1. Do you know any good shaping videos/books that discuss many different shapes?

  2. What would be a reasonable amount to spend on shaping tools or can I rent them?

  3. Are there any books/DVDs on shaping fins?

  4. What would be the easiest design to start with?

Thanks for any comments and I hope everyone has been getting some good waves.

2

Hey Swoggie - I would say pick up the John Carper "Shaping 101"DVD. I got mine through FOAMEZ. JC talks you through the shaping process as well as going over all the tools required. Lots of different oppinions on tools and technique so gather as much info as possible and dive in. Good luck!

3

just make what ever board you were going to buy and you’ll love to ride that board more than the board at the shop

4
Quote:

Hi Everyone,

  1. What would be the easiest design to start with?

Thanks for any comments and I hope everyone has been getting some good waves.

Get a blank close to your desired finish shape. In my opinion, shorter (up to a point) would be easier to shape.

5

Hey Nubie:

I can remember many moons ago when I was in your shoes!!! My first board was a 6’ single fin

made from a stripped down longboard. By the looks of your avatar, you might be into longboarding.

If you are, your selection of a blank is of major importance if you are thinking of a longboard. Your

rack setup and technique need to be polished to do 9’ rails and have them come out dip free and even.

I would suggest that you check out some funboard shapes and like suggested, look at a even-density (consitent all the way through)

blank that is the closest to the shape you want to make so if you cut a little deep you won’t be getting into soft foam.

Repost when you have thought about it, there are lots of great shapers lurking here that will help you out. I’ll catch a

wave for you on Thanksgiving, you are in for a great adventure!!!

BKB

6

Thanks for all of the posts.

SurfTeach: I am looking into doing a small single fin, something like Doc’s retro single but maybe with a bonzer set-up.

Does anyone have thoughts on the Pravda shaping bay or would it be better to do it on my own?

Thanks.

7

swoggie just stear clear of swallows they are a pain in the butt(no pun intended) to glass.

8

Cleanlines video for longboards. JC’s shows a shortboard. Plus Mr. Phillips is a Swaylocker!

http://www.damascusproductions.com/MasterSeries.php?ID=Shaper