When does it stop?

When does it stop being hard to shape? I’ve done 10 boards over 2 yrs and it’s a beating every step of the way. The videos make it look so effortless. I know they are masters but…skin=trouble, foil=trouble, turn rails=real trouble, glassing is a whole other can of worms. I find that it’s more fixing my mistakes than making what I want. I’ve tried the Jim Phillips little at a time method but using the planer is an beating no matter how little I take off. Does the “shaping eye” come or is it a “you got it or you don’t” kind of thing? I see pics of 1st and 2nd boards that look GREAT. Does it come or shall I just find better ways to spend time and money?

When does it stop being hard to shape? I’ve done 10 boards over 2 yrs and > it’s a beating every step of the way. The videos make it look so > effortless. I know they are masters but…skin=trouble, foil=trouble, turn > rails=real trouble, glassing is a whole other can of worms. I find that > it’s more fixing my mistakes than making what I want. I’ve tried the Jim > Phillips little at a time method but using the planer is an beating no > matter how little I take off. Does the “shaping eye” come or is > it a “you got it or you don’t” kind of thing? I see pics of 1st > and 2nd boards that look GREAT. Does it come or shall I just find better > ways to spend time and money? …It’s an individual thing.As far as first boards go, they all show there flaws,maybe not over the web in some small pics ,but up close and personnal you’ll see them.@ TEN BOARDS you are just finding out about what it takes to get yourself in trouble.It’s up to you,if it’s a hobby, slow down and take your time.As far as: is there “Gods gifted builders” out there,YES THERE IS.Herb

When does it stop being hard to shape? I’ve done 10 boards over 2 yrs and > it’s a beating every step of the way. The videos make it look so > effortless. I know they are masters but…skin=trouble, foil=trouble, turn > rails=real trouble, glassing is a whole other can of worms. I find that > it’s more fixing my mistakes than making what I want. I’ve tried the Jim > Phillips little at a time method but using the planer is an beating no > matter how little I take off. Does the “shaping eye” come or is > it a “you got it or you don’t” kind of thing? I see pics of 1st > and 2nd boards that look GREAT. Does it come or shall I just find better > ways to spend time and money? Wait for the day when your overly-thick, under-rockered, lumpy-bottomed, assymetrical pride and joy gets you spit out for the best tube of your life and you’ll see just how easy (and rewarding) it is. Besides, you can’t go back now to getting the board that your local guru thinks you need (despite what you ordered) can you?

When does it stop being hard to shape? I’ve done 10 boards over 2 yrs and > it’s a beating every step of the way. The videos make it look so > effortless. I know they are masters but…skin=trouble, foil=trouble, turn > rails=real trouble, glassing is a whole other can of worms. I find that > it’s more fixing my mistakes than making what I want. I’ve tried the Jim > Phillips little at a time method but using the planer is an beating no > matter how little I take off. Does the “shaping eye” come or is > it a “you got it or you don’t” kind of thing? I see pics of 1st > and 2nd boards that look GREAT. Does it come or shall I just find better > ways to spend time and money? Hi Slim, My experience with shaping, starting in 1965, is that you must grow on two levels: One is learning how to work the foam, and the other is learning about design…both in terms of what works in general, and what you like specifically. You begin with a phase where everything seems difficult, then you evolve into a period where things seem pretty simple and straight forward. Then you begin to understand how complex design can be beyond the basic “make something that works pretty good” phase, and it becomes difficult again. Depending on your personality, the latter phase can be a fascinating challenge that hooks you for a lifetime, or a nightmare you can’t wait to wake up from. Your board building should be just like your surfing…fun, even in the face of failure. Because ultimately, you can never conquer it. It’s the journey, as the old saw goes. Numbnuts is right. The instant you experience a moment of absolute grace on your own board, you will be changed forever.

Slim just keep shaping… It would help if you could shape everyday??? Just think if surfed only 10 times a year… Chill and enjoy what you have done on your own… It’s all about the Soul not the Look??>>> Hi Slim,>>> My experience with shaping, starting in 1965, is that you must grow on two > levels: One is learning how to work the foam, and the other is learning > about design…both in terms of what works in general, and what you like > specifically.>>> You begin with a phase where everything seems difficult, then you evolve > into a period where things seem pretty simple and straight forward. Then > you begin to understand how complex design can be beyond the basic > “make something that works pretty good” phase, and it becomes > difficult again. Depending on your personality, the latter phase can be a > fascinating challenge that hooks you for a lifetime, or a nightmare you > can’t wait to wake up from.>>> Your board building should be just like your surfing…fun, even in the > face of failure. Because ultimately, you can never conquer it. It’s the > journey, as the old saw goes.>>> Numbnuts is right. The instant you experience a moment of absolute grace > on your own board, you will be changed forever. http://surfnwsc.com

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am really into it but I’m just getting frustrated with fumbling through every board. Funny though, evey time I go to a shop I see designs, contours and flaws that I never noticed before I made my own. And when I get the cash to buy a professional board I’m thinking what two blanks shall I order next. Thanks again, gentlemen.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am really into it but I’m just > getting frustrated with fumbling through every board. Funny though, evey > time I go to a shop I see designs, contours and flaws that I never noticed > before I made my own. And when I get the cash to buy a professional board > I’m thinking what two blanks shall I order next. Thanks again, gentlemen. Mixing the occasional “professional” board with your own homemade boards is the fastest way to progress. Just remember to let your pro shaper do his thing. Do the most you can to understand where he’s at without influencing him. Then explore your own ideas with your own boards. Eventually, you’ll develop some firmer ideas as to what you like and dislike.

You will be a better surfer if you ride what you make… It might take time, but mastery is linked with dedication… Paul http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/