Just like to comment on this post, please tell me if I’m wrong, but is’nt the surfboard one of the only pieces of functioning art, musical instruments aside. The designs of those surfboards come from SURFERS spending lots and lots of time in the water, in different conditions, then the bay, either doing it themselves or transmitting information to their shaper. I don’t think anyone is a bigot as such, it could be a large manufacturer out west that had nothing to do with surfing, or any country for that matter, the fact of the matter is when people ,who may or may not make you redundant, have nothing to do with surfing, people are entitled to get a bit narcy. Whether it be smoking a joint and listening to the Eagles in California or having a beer and listening to Ac/Dc in Australia, surfing and surfboards are different from the straight world. It remains to be seen if the market can handle x amount of factories pumping out x amount of boards. There is nothing like making surfboards and it still is mystic, albeit dirty and the guys who just do a few count, cause they are feeling it, I’ve handshaped over 20,000 boards and I certainly feel it, let the surfers choose, H.
Do you have any idea how many non-surfer (non-documented, for that matter) Mexicans are making surfboards between LA and the border. You can hold what ever fantasies you want about how groovy the soul of surfing is but ignore reality at your own peril.
I understand that most on this boards are hobbyist, not professional board builders, but if this really is your source of income and you have a family to think about then you really might want to be honest with yourself about what a surfboard is, how it’s made, what a business is, how it’s run and what behavior we can predict from wholesale and retail customers.
As far as people questioning if there is surf in China and if the workers surf… WHO CARES? The boards are designed and spec’ed by some of the best shapers in the world working with the best surfers in the world.
Mass produced surfboards, there is no comparision to a custom board.When I go to a shop look at, touch and feel the two different boards, there is no rush from looking at mass produced boards like there is a custom. With a custom you can see who shaped it and when, with the prices almost the same I dont see why anyone would buy a mass produced board.
I wish someone would post some sales numbers that would confirm that most of the surfers on the planet would agree with you. If it was really true, noone would ever have to worry about boards made in China taking over the world. Somehow I doubt that the average Surfer Joe cares, all he cares about is the right logos…
Custom handcrafted boards made by local craftsmen for local spots will always keep board building gurus highly sought after. They probably spent many years to get to that status.
The stuff coming out of China, Thailand, and Korea is great for the beginners, those that want several identical boards, or someone that wants a board designed by a legend like Velzy.
If someone would rather buy a board made in china or a surftech instead of your custom boards, you need to make better boards. Once people start saying that your boards are better then a surftech designed by a legend, they’ll come looking for you.
What I worry about with the foreign workers, is when they decide to move to the US. They work harder than any american ever will, and they will work for much less just to get started. So if that guy that has become a great glasser decides to move to the US, he’ll kill the competition wherever he moves to.
If I was giving advice to a good friend I would tell them to find a job outside of the surfboard industry. You simply can not compete with Asian factories. You can’t afford the equipment and materials required the kinds boards that will soon become the industries standards. Now that some companies are actually making profit, and aren’t spending all their time chasing their tails trying to keep up with day to day production, they are spending time and money on R&D. They want to make better surfboards (what this board is all about, right?) One of the most important business aspects of this is to originate technology that is superior, but can not be easily or cheaply reproduced.
The most sucessful computer company does not make the best computers nor does the most sucessful software guy argueably. They are some of the best marketers. The clothing industry especially companies like Volcon are living proof that you don’t have to have anything thats the best or even worthwhile to sell…just slick marketing and they also have all the best surfers and blah blah blah.
There is no reason smart custom shapers can’t compete and thrive. Look at Smity and Hawkin tools. They used to sell high end garden tools when most Americans were buying the cheap crap. Those that figure it out will do fine. I know a couple of shapers who make a very nice living and never have to wonder where their orders are coming from while also living a great surfing lifestyle.
As soon as you say something is impossible to discourage people…someone is going to use their brain and prove you wrong. The only thing the chinese and all those pros you keep harping have to sell now a days is…Price.
American white power KKK racist , racist , racist … hate black people , chinese , aisan , mexican , muslim … no wonder u guys are terrorist all time fav
American white power KKK racist , racist , racist … hate black people , chinese , aisan , mexican , muslim … no wonder u guys are terrorist all time fav
um last time i looked harry lived on the goldcoast
