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SHAPERS AND THE DANCE OF THE INFINITESIMAL OPTIONS Should they really be called shapers? I think a better term would be combiner or compiler. Although the majority of the images you see of shapers are of a guy covered in dust, sculpting away at a piece of foam, there is so much more to shaping than the mere whittling of surfboard blanks. The variability of combinations of aerodynamics, weight, volume and area, combined with and often diametrically opposed to the needs of strength, durability and functionality, the options must simply be infinitesimal. The ‘shaper’ combines all those variables into a form that has the one objective, to perform. To achieve that success he must be master mechanic, a instrumentalist of form, an innovator, a visionary, an aeronautical engineer, a builder, a compiler and combiner and once completed he hands his creation over to be tested by the most critical (us) in the most harshness of conditions on earth, the pounding sea. And we are pissed if we get a compression ding on our first day.
With a test pilot like Manu Scott-Arietta living just down the road, Jamie doesn’t have to go far for feedback. Image by Cory
jaimie scott | TRIBAL SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I wanted to live on the coast and saw a demand for surfboards at the time...I had a background in sailing, windsurfing and surfing and was a keen designer, so it was an interesting option for where I wanted to be and it worked out. Best thing about being a shaper? For me it’s a creative outlet that incorporates my lifestyle and what I enjoy doing. Worst thing about being a shaper? Dust and chemicals...although, now we have extracting sanders, better safety gear and machines do a lot of the work, as well as new materials which offer safer options. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? Basically adjusting our board designs with the latest construction methods incorporating carbon fibre with EPS foam and epoxy resin. Just tuning our current models really, always pushing to perfect. Who inspires your shaping? Surfer? All my customers...I am trying to formulate the best boards for everyone; fine tuning basic models till they work for everyone in all conditions is the goal, so that is the direction for me. Feedback at all levels is always constructive I think. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base
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your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? Volume is a very useful measurement for matching the correct board to the requirements of the rider and comparing different designs. It will become more important than length and width as designs evolve further. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? Shaping is almost irrelevant as most shapers are now designers and the shaping is done mostly by the machine to the file or design of the board on a computer. The shaping as such is just smoothing off the foam for the next part of the building process. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Getting a performance board, just look at who’s shredding on what, and for any other recreational boards, find someone reputable to give good advice as there are so many options from fish to longboard, polyester to epoxy etc. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? Our Chubby model in Futurelite construction. This design will stoke any that ride it. A load of volume and super smooth lines. A different approach to performance riding that is easy and fun to master. Who's the future of NZ surfing? Our kids.
TRIBAL - MARCH 2013 SCREENPRINT STICKERS
CHUBBY /FUTURELITE $1000.00 Ahhhhhh...my favourite, I’m 5’9’’ and I ride the 5’5’’ Chubby, it’s 30 litres or so and it blows my mind every surf...speed, flow, snap, slide, punt, jam, float, TRIM, stall, wiggle, this thing does it all...easily.
COMPACT /FUTURELITE $1000.00 The Compact is a comp style groveller that is super fast and loose, for punting, spinning and general fin flashing!...flat rocker with wider more parallel outline...regular Sandy bay groveller to 4ft Peaks slasher...roughly!! good allrounder in the real world.
PROTOY /FUTURELITE $1000.00 The Protoy is for shredding like the pros...ridden by Paco/Manu/Patxi...and plenty more dedicated surf junkies...all round NZ.
WWW.TRIBALSURF.CO.NZ TRIBALSURFBOARDS@XTRA.CO.NZ 09 433 7119
Tim O’Connor a firm believer in the HC shapes. Image by Cory
hayden chamberlain | HC SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I knew I wanted to be a shaper not long after I started surfing at the age of about 15. It was my dream. I always liked working with my hands and was crap at the academic side of school. Best thing about being a shaper? Having a customer come in and tell me how stoked they are and how they are improving on their new craft. And just being out in the water and seeing people get so much enjoyment out of something that I have crafted. Worst thing about being a shaper? The toxic chemicals we have to work with every day. Who inspires your shaping? Slater, Dane, Craig Anderson, John John, Parko, Mick, Timmy O, Johnny Hicks, and all my mates and customers that are into board design. Also shapers such as Al Merrick, Matt Biolos, JS, Maurice Cole, Adam Fletcher. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? We are working on a new epoxy program at the moment, testing different laminates, cloths, blanks, stringers and composites, to fill the gap in the custom Epoxy board market. Most of the epoxy’s on the market are imported and only come in set dimensions and constructions, so we are trying to give customers a choice and input in their board. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions,
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do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? We use volume measurement with every board, it takes the guess work out of matching the board to the rider. Riders Weight x 0.35 and this gives you an expert riders volume. So normally I add an extra litre for the average surfer and more for older surfers or lesser ability. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? Even if they get a machine to make the whole board we are still going to need shapers to design the boards, so maybe there will just be surfboard designers. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board?Clean lines and an even foil, top quality finishing. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? A small wave groveller. How many days have you turned up to the beach and it is one to two feet… you can surf your normal short board and struggle or surf a fish or some sort of small wave craft and have a ball. Who"s the future of NZ surfing? All the grommies out there; so get off your scooters and video games and go for a paddle. Surfing rules!
THE RTW $850.00 TRI FIN $895.00 MULTI PLUG The RTW Round tail wing. 5’4 to 7’0 Was designed for big boys/old boys but with further testing we have found that it works for everyone, and is very versatile. Single to double concave with vee out the tail. A fuller outline with the wing pulling in the tail area behind the front fins, Vee makes it turn on a dime. The wing creates a straight in the rail line forward of it, which gives drive and volume. Low entry rocker for down the line speed and easy paddling. Ride as tri fin or multi plug. All our models come in P.U, Carbon rail stringerless EPS core or stringered EPS core.
THE JAM $850.00 TRI FIN $895.00 MULTI PLUG The JAM, 5’4 to 6’8 A low entry rocker for easy paddling and instant speed, A deep single to double concave, with a lot of bend out the tail so it fits in the curve of the wave. A great board to have if you just want to take one to the beach, Tri fin or multi plug. Ride 2 to 3 inches shorter and ¼ to ½ an inch wider.
THE GASFLAP $850.00 TRI FIN $895.00 MULTI PLUG THE GASFLAP, 5’4 to 6’2. A shorter version of the Jam, for smaller waves. I shrunk it 2 inches widened it 3/8 of an inch, pulled the pod and the nose out wider which makes the rails more parallel for great projection down the line. And gives more planning surface in the slop. A low entry rocker for easy paddling and instant speed, A deep single to double concave, with a lot of bend out the tail so it fits in the curve of the wave. Tri fin or multi plug. Ride 4 to 6 inches shorter and 1/2 to 1 inch wider.
HC SURFBOARDS | 11 RUPEKE PLACE, HENDERSON, AUCKLAND | 09 9621904, 021 475517 | WWW.HCSURFBOARDS.COM
TORQ ART SERIES – SPACE CRIME $629.00 Modern “fish” design built for speed. Excelling in chest to overhead high waves, it performs on those hollow, glassy days, yet enjoys mushy, sloppy and less than perfect conditions too. Epoxy 6’3” x 20 1/2” x 2 1/2”
SIMON ANDERSON FACEDANCER - XF $925.00 High performance small wave quad option all rounder for waves 1 to 5 feet. Medium nose and tail rocker with deep single concave to a slight vee right on the tail to assist quad rail to rail control. Available in 5’9” – 6’10”. Epoxy 6’ x 19 ¼” x 2 5/16”
ALOHA BEAN - XF $925.00 Fast and full of spark as a thruster or a quad; the Bean offers acrobatic performance in the smaller sizes, and reliability in the higher volume sizes. As a general rule you can ride the Bean 3-to-6 inches shorter than your regular shortboard. Available in 5’3” – 6’9”. Epoxy 5’9” x 19 ½” x 2 5/16”
PH: 03 3842-789 | SALES@EXITSURF.COM | WWW.EXITSURF.COM
ALOHA FRANKENSLED - XF $925.00 The Frankensled like the name suggests is a combination of several boards distilled into one pure shape, the result of which is the perfect all rounder.The slightly fuller outline combined with a performance rail and sensitive performance rocker means you can ride this board in a mushy shorey or solid barrels. Available in 5’8” – 6’8”. 5’10” x 19 ½” x 2 7/16”
STRIVE SKIP JACK BY SURFTECH $695.00 The Strive Skip Jack is a modern high performance board for everyday conditions. This wave catching freak turns on a dime and flies over flat sections. 5’10” x 20 5/8” x 2 3/8”
SURFTECH OWEN WRIGHT O-ZONE - ULTRAFLX $1045.00 The O-Zone is a fun performance board for smaller waves. It has a fuller, thicker nose with a hip going into a slightly wider rounded square tail. This is the ULTIMATE SMALL WAVE FUN BOARD, great for punting and cutting loose in the small stuff. Available in 5’9” – 6’3”. ’6” x 19” x 2 ¼”
PH: 03 3842-789 | SALES@EXITSURF.COM | WWW.EXITSURF.COM
johnny woods | JDUB SURFBOARDS NZ What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? Well I
real, be truthful to yourself and pass this onto your shaper, he really wants the
remember exactly what inspired me to start shaping, It happened when I
best for you and what your requiring in your boards, be truthful in level of skill,
was going into Seasons Surfboards to order my very first custom board, they
what you really want out of this fantastic passion called surfing, ask as many
were based on Teed St, New Market at the time, it had a tiny shop well back
questions as you need of your shaper to get the board you really want, we are
off the street if you blinked you would miss it, the factory was out the back
all lucky to now have the boards as close to perfect in every way as they have
and no one was allowed in, this all added to a mystique for a young budding
been throughout board making history so there is a board for everyone right
surfer. There always seemed to be lots of activity in and around the shop,
nowWith pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape
with groupies, customers and staff coming and going, I was a frothing grom
their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrele-
who had been in the shop many times drooling over the shiny new boards on
vant in the future? No, not at all, yes a guy can get hold of a cad file and
display, now I was ordering my very own first new board, the smell of poly-
tweak and tune it but a true designer still shapes a prototype or master board
ester resin and spray thinners were heavy in the air. BJ the owner and main
by hand to go off originally, I must admit it has taken some time for me to
shaper was a great guy to deal with he had me ordering a 5’11” six channel
adjust to using a computer shaping process as I hand shaped for years and I
bottom thruster, an of the features of this board did at all, it just looked fucking
was always working on a 1-1 scale , computer files on screen are not to scale
fast, lol. I will never forget that experience, waiting the 4 weeks to get that
of coarse so you can’t just pick a model your working and run your hands
new board in my hands was the longest 4 weeks of my life and enjoyed every
over it feel the flow from nose to tall, rail to rail like . Who inspires your
minute of it, hahaha. Best thing about being a shaper?Definitely mak-
shaping? I really like the way surfing is heading right now, big manouvers,
ing that magic board for a customer or mate, it’s special, a feeling and a real
big turns from guys like Joel Parkinson, John John Florence who have a fluid
pat on the back for putting the time into getting it just right for the customer
styles and can surf small a big waves equally. I also love watching surfers
concerned also getting positive feedback while at the beach, a guy walking up
ripping it up at my local. I watch and learn how boards respond in various
with a wide grin from ear to ear to till you your boards rock. Shaping your own
waves with surfers of different styles and body types, I can see how a board
equipment is a real joy too. I put in a lot of R@D into my own boards so I can
sits in the wave and how it responds in and out of the power zone of a wave,
use some new ideas after testing them out and perhaps incorporate into fu-
so I enjoy watching all surfing really! Shapers,, firstly would have be Eric
ture models! Surfboard companies are starting to include board
Arakawa of H.I.C surfboards a true guru and a humble and great shaper who
volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good meas-
inspires me a lot, I love what guys in California have been shaping for years
urement to base your board choice on and how do you decide
now, shorter hybrid boards that suit everyone and suit most of the waves we
what volume board fits you? Yes I think more and more surfers are
surf here in NZ, The Doc, Todd proctor,mayhem, rusty, these guys all focus
becoming aware of how many litres volume are in their current boards, I get
on these shorter wider boards that go off , I’ve taken some of what these guys
asked that question a lot from guys these days, we can learn heaps from this
do into my own current board models! All good shapers in NZ have something
measurement and adjust overall volume accordingly. There are still of course
positive to offer surfers, the board quality and finishing here are as good if not
many other factors to consider with volume for example where this volume is
better than any overseas boards being currently made!Who's the future
distributed through a board can change many factors not only floatation. Dis-
of NZ surfing? There are so many talented up and coming young surfers
tributing this volume accurate throughout the boards foil is a skill and one that
it s great to see, we need to keep pushing this sport in a positive way and that
comes from hand shaping lots of boards to know what volume does in differ-
there is this great options for kids most who usually grow up playing rugby or
ent areas of board including the boards outline.What are the key things
netball. We are slowly becoming more of a surf culture in this the best damn
a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Being
country in the world to be and surf IMO, peace!!
JDUB THE CLAM $895.00 5’6”X20”X2 1/2” ,A full fish style board with lots of short board attributes, a full outline while still retaining a pointed type nose, deep double concave boxy rails, great little summer board!!
JDUB CROSSFIRE II $895.00 6’1”x191/2”x2 3/8” Revised version of a very popular model, the outline has been filled out a little for 2013 the tail is wider, the board is best ridden 2-3 shorter then you standard board!!
JDUB THE THING $895.00 5’11”x 193/4”x27/16” A board for most waves in NZ, a one board quiver really, great for small up to over head barrels, deep single concave, relaxed rocker,a fast package. Order 2-4 shorter than standard.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JDUBSURFBOARDSNZ JDUBSURFBOARDSNZ@YAHOO.COM | 021 360 768
steve morris | MORRIS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I was always interested in how things worked so getting into shaping came from surfing. Best thing about being a shaper? Getting a call from a stoked customer and the people you meet through the process. Worst thing about being a shaper? Getting dust in my eye! Who inspires your shaping? Surfer? I like how Kelly is so into his boards so that’s inspirational I guess? Chris Garrett, I think he’s doing some nice boards, I like what the Euro glass guys are doing and of course the big names, but hey we can do all that stuff here. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? Getting my performance small wave shortboards dialed in and tuning up the range of Futurelite Epoxy boards we will be doing with the crew at Primal. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you?Volumes definitely the catch phrase right now but it’s great to know what suits and apply that to building a quiver based around volume as a starting point for sure. I think that using the computer helps getting that dialed in.There’s a few formula’s out there, I’ve got a good one which I’m happy to send out.
What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Where is it made, what is it made out of and does it suit where you are surfing and your ability. Is it made locally? Try a few out if you can before and figure out what you want the new board to be or do for your surfing. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? The shaper will never be irrelevant; a lot of my boards still come off the planer and I’m constantly updating templates etc and then building computer files to suit. You still have to be able to hand shape to innovate and keep things real, even the big shaping names around the world still know how to use a planer. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? A small wave groveller which turns average days into fun ones. Who's the future of NZ surfing? The everyday surfer who decides what to buy and how much of that thought process involves locally made products. It really is in the hands of the surfers who ultimately will shape the future of surfing in this country both in and out of the water.
FOAM FRIENDS’ FROM $825.00 Excels in small waves, wide nose for wave entry and a smooth cruvy outline into a round pin extra pite and area behind the fins giving control and release in small pocket sections, the full single concave gives it some zip, thruster/quad FCS combo. Available in PU and FutureLite construction. Size range 5’2 - 7’0. Featured board 6’3” x 2’1” x 2 2/3” 30L vol
GENERATION WHY? FROM $825.00 A revamp of the high performance shortboard. Designed for fast progressive surfing, tail slides, fins out, reo’s, airs, reverses and surfs on rail through carving round house cutties and in the barrel. Single concave to vee tail block. Avialable in PU and FutureLite contstruction. Size range, 5’8” - 6’10”. Feature board 6’0” x 19” x 2 2/3” 28.5L vol
PADDLEPOP $820.00 Performance small wave grovel board, single to double concave with vee out the tail, super responsive with plenty of volume hidden away, thruster/quad FCS combo. Available in PU and FutureLite construction. Size range 5’2 - 6’3. Feature board 5’9” x 19 3/4” x 2 1/2” 30.5L vol
WWW.MORRIS-SURFBOARDS.CO.NZ | STEVE@MORRIS-SURFBOARDS.CO.NZ PH 021 994916
V4 RAPIDFIRE $970.00 5’6” to 6’6” – 18” to 20 ½” – 2 1/8” to 2 7/8” Incorporating Tomo’s Modern Planing Hull (MPH), the V4 was born through Daniel’s ongoing quest to gain more speed and stability in the modern short board without compromising responsiveness and directional control.
BAKED POTATO TIMBERTEK $1145.00 | RAPIDFIRE $970.00 5’1” to 6’3” – 20 ¾” to 23” – 2 ¼” to 3” The BAKED POTATO offers the same small wave performance as the SWEET POTATO with a few subtle design adjustments. The nose is pulled in slightly and some of the rail volume has been removed to allow for even faster rail to rail transfers.
MICHAEL BOUREZ FST $1149.00 5’8” to 6’4” – 18 ¼” to 19 ½” – 2 3/16” to 2 13/16” Michel Bourez’s signature model combines speed, power and a tight turning radius in a well balanced high performance shortboard, allowing MB to approach any wave, anywhere, with the unrivaled intensity and power he is renown for.
WWW.FIREWIRESURFBOARDS.COM
VANGUARD RAPIDFIRE $995.00 4’8” to 6’2” – 16” to 20 ½” – 1 ¾” to 2 7/8” The Modern Planing Hull represents a radical change in the approach to high performance surfboard design and the Vanguard model is the result of precise mathematical formulas and geometry. The hydrodynamic architecture of the Vanguard opens the door to a fresh approach to surfboard design and the art of riding waves.
CHUBBY CHEDDA FST $1145.00 5’6” to 6’6” – 18 7/8” to 20 ¼” – 2 3/16” to 2 7/8” Designed by Luke Short, the Chubby Chedda is a refined version of the original Chubby Checker, a favorite of many including Julian Wilson when he’s free surfing or pushing it in expression sessions.
UNIBROW TIMBERTEK & FST $1145.00 5’6” to 7’0” – 19” to 21 ¼” – 2 ¼” to 3 ¼” With design features from the Dominator, Sweet Potat and Potato-Nator, the outline curve is compressed from a regular shortboard without sacrificing the width needed to maximize paddling and planning speed.
WWW.FIREWIRESURFBOARDS.COM
Alex Dive has been pushing the limits on Jordan’s since he learnt to walk. Image by Cory
andy jordon | JORDON SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? Well it was just a progression really, I was sanding foiling fins, polishing for 3 or 4 years here and in Australia but used to spend heaps of time in the shaping bay with my bosses talking boards and watching. Then one day Jim Carney went to Gissy for a surf and said, “can you look after the factory and here`s a blank go for it” so it started. Best thing about being a shaper? The best thing is that you never stop learning and thinking about something that you love doing, `surfing` and how to improve your boards and what I can ride next, it’s so much fun and just the buzz in people`s eye`s when they pick up their new board or talking about their board, but mainly it`s really good fun and interesting. Worst thing about being a shaper? Like anything it`s not all peaches and cream and sometimes it can be frustrating the way the market is so saturated with boards from everywhere which has downgraded the importance of a good board design. But the worst thing would be when an idea of a design pops into my head at like 3.30 in the morning and you can`t get back to sleep! Who inspires your shaping Me first as I ride all the designs I make and am always thinking on how to improve them. Then my team riders and friends and customers as they are the ones you get to talk to but also what pro`s and what’s going on overseas thanks to the internet. Shapers ? Well everyone really, it`s helpful to look at lots of different things, I find you absorb it all and bang you get new ideas, usually at 3.30 in the morning, but shapers that have really influenced me from the start would be first Jim Carney, Rod Dalhberg` and still does ` and Ralph Blake. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? Yep volume is important. Once you have the right volume for you you can try
different designs and sizes but keep that volume the same. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? The right volume but also the right design for their style and what sort of waves they want to ride and where they want to go with their surfing. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper?Focusing on really just improving the designs I have and a few different sorts that I`m into at the moment, even if they are just for me, but hopefully the customer as well. I enjoy riding lots of different designs which is good for my shaping and designing What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? The right volume but also the right design for their style and what sort of waves they want to ride and where they want to go with their surfing.. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? No I don`t think so as you still have to design the board, have ideas on improving your boards, be up to date and always improving. The computer is just like a planer, I was a shaper before the computer. If you’re just using it to copy other people`s design you are not a shaper just a finisher. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? Up to the surfer. Some a gun type board, some a fish type board as well as their normal board but it is good for a surfer to expand their surfing by riding more than one board. What board should every surfer have in there quiver? Up to the surfer. Some a gun type board, some a fish type board as well as their normal board but it is good for a surfer to expand their surfing by riding more than one board. Who's the future of NZ surfing? The way it`s going at the moment the shop assistant or the guy doing the web blog! but for me it`s the guy who is frothing on getting in the water!
THE WHITEBAIT $800.00 5`8``x 19`` x 2 5/16. The white bait is a performance board for 2ft up to 5ft waves, has a fuller outline with a deepish single with a slight double inside throught the fins can be ridden 1 to 2 inches smaller rd sq or round tails 3 or 4 fins up to you. fcs or future fins.
4 FIN 5`10`` X 18 3/4`` X 2 1/4`` RD TAIL $840.00 This is Alex Dives board. Medium rocker, single concave with a pronounced double inside through the fins, fast, drivey and a tube demon. Very popular at the island or if you want to do carvey type surfing, future or fcs fins some guys go 5 fin.
THE SHONAN $830.00 5`4``x 19 x3/4``x 2 3/8`` The Shonan is one of our most made and loved board this is mine and for small waves just fun fun fun single to double with vee and 4 curved channels has speed drive and loose as once again 3 ,4 or 5 fins mainly fcs.
JORDAN SURFBOARDS | 4 TYNE SREET, MT MAUGANUI | 075743463 AJSURFSHAPES@HOTMAIL.COM | FACEBOOK:JORDANSURFBOARDS
mark cummins | EYE SHAPES What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? Shapers get all the glory ha ha, it takes a team of craftsmen to create a real gem of a board. The glasser and sander always get forgotten, no glory. So I shape, glass and sand all my boards, quality control and I can share the glory. Best thing about being a shaper? Watching people getting stoked riding your boards. Worst thing about being a shaper? Flat out during summer when you really just want to go the beach. You need to order your boards during winter people, thanks. Who inspires your shaping? Surfer? Well its gotta be Kelly, he pushes where a board can go; Cloudbreak and everyone’s pulling out there 8’ guns and he rocks up with a 5’10” or a 6’0”. Outside the box, love it. Shaper? Could say this legend or that but it’s gotta be the quiet legend, Col Ladham, that guy’s forgotten more about board design than most will ever know. I was lucky enough to work with Col for a time and he really does cut some beautiful boards, all handshaped. Reckon he could shape with the lights off ha ha. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? Boards that go, I want lighter, faster boards. Getting great feedback from the team guys (Leon Santorik and Matt Bennett), which is helping develop the models. Just because the board goes great doesn’t mean it can’t go better. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? 18 NZSURFMAG.CO.NZ
It’s great to keep an eye on your volume for sure, as important as your other dimensions. There are some great calculators out there now that are pretty accurate but it does depend on the board you’re having made, the type of board and the conditions the board is been made for. Have an idea of your volume but that number isn’t the end all be all. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? The shaping machines are a great tool for sure, not only can you cut exactly what you are after but you can re cut exactly the same time after time, so for the surfer that loved that board the honeymoon ain’t over. As for the end of the shaper, it’s the knowledge going into the shape that counts whether it’s handshaped or created on software and finish shaped by hand. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? The Eyeshapes logo ha ha. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? An Eyeshapes ha ha, it was worth a go. The most popular boards by far are the slightly shorter, slightly wider, still keeping your volume, slightly fuller out lines. Boards that can be surfed 2’ to overhead and back again, just great all-rounder’s, yes they are available. Who's the future of NZ surfing? It’s all go at the Mount, young Kehu is going great and so are the Ririnui brothers Lee and James. Also Maaia ReidBennett is looking good for the girls. NZ looking good. Watch this space world.
THE BAKED KUMERA $745.00 5’6”x22”x2 7/16” available 5’2” to 6’0” . This boards proving popular with the bigger guys wanting to get on smaller boards and guys that want a real fun board for those smaller fatter days.
THE WORK HORSE $745.00 6’0”x18 7/8”x 2 5/16” available 5’8” to 6’4” also comes in grom range. Result of feedback from Leon Santorik this model is now under the feet of all our team guys. Goes great in a range of conditions.
THE FAD $745.00 5’6”x18 15/16”x2 3/8”. Coming out of many shaping bays around the world, this style of board is something a little different for your quiver. Fast and fun.
EYESHAPES.CO.NZ | MARK@EYESHAPES.CO.NZ | 0212082093 100% NZ OWNED & MADE SINCE 1985 19
SUPERANSWER $995.00 When you don’t know how the waves will be or what board to ride, SUPERbrand have an answer: the SUPERanswer! It’s really responsive for fast surfing in the pocket in a variety of conditions. Ideal for fast, steep beach breaks and points. Whether pumping or tiny, this is a board that quite literally does it all.
DION AGIUS’ SUPERCRAFT 2 $995.00 He travels, he parties, he photographs, he designs sunglasses, and he has more fun than you. Even with all the traveling and wide variety of waves he rides, Dion’s constantly ordering his boards short and stout. The SUPERcraft 2 is just that. It’s built to suit his needs and let his imagination run amok. Maximum maneuverability and versatility—enjoy!
CLAY MARZO’S SUPERMADNESS 2 $995.00 Clay’s gotten experimental, man. He loves his SUPERmadness pro model, but he got a bunch of the other boards from the line just to play with. SUPERbrand tallied the feedback and created the SUPERmadness 2, a board with the speed and pop of favored small wave boards and a fast, stable bottom concave for extra control in powerful waves. This board makes Clay smile.
WWW.ULTIMATESURF.CO.NZ | WWW.SUPERBRANDED.COM 20 NZSURFMAG.CO.NZ
SUPERTOY $995.00 It’s SUPERbrand’s best selling board, it’s the most reordered board, no one’s ever got shit to say ‘bout it, and every team rider has one in their quiver. Enough said? No? OK then, the SUPERtoy is the most fun, consistent board you could ever have a shred on, guaranteed.
SUPERVAPORS $995.00 Though shorter and wider than you might be used to, don’t be fooled: the SUPERvapors is one the most versatile boards and can be ridden just about every day, from tiny waves to head-high. It’s a favorite of Ry, Clay and the rest of the team and it’s one of the most demanded boards at shops worldwide.
SUPERFLING $995.00
Designed as a shorter and more modern/high performance take on the keel fin fish, it has all the grooviness of the throwbacks with none of the weird oldness. It’s young, rad, and classy all at the same time. Crazy fast down the line, lots of lift, smooth and tight through carves, and progressive in the pocket. It’s versatile: it can be surfed assertively off the tail, or with light feet for those that love airs
WWW.ULTIMATESURF.CO.NZ | WWW.SUPERBRANDED.COM
vishnu lalla | THE SURFBOARD FACTORY What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I became a shaper because I’d been glassing and sanding boards for 12 years, it was a natural progression. Best thing about being a shaper? Seeing people enjoy boards I have designed and shaped. Worst thing about being a shaper? Missing the waves when you are too busy shaping Who inspires your shaping? Surfer? Dane Renyolds Shaper? Al Merrick, Ralph Blake (RJB) What are you focusing on this year as a shaper?I’m keeping up with what’s happening overseas, as all shapers should be, I’m working on improving my shaping and designing. I’m pretty fortunate to be working with one of the best shapers in NZ Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? Volume should be one of the measurements when designing a new board, however too many surfers are reading
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recommendations off the internet that rate from beginner to advanced and are based on weight and skill level but fail to include other important factors like height, fitness level, injury and age. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? The length, width, thickness, volume, design, eg fish, surfers ability, conditions that you surf in and what will suit your ability. NZ boards for NZ waves! With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? I don’t think shapers will become irrelevant. Part of getting a new board is discussion and throwing ideas around with your shaper. Remember the person operating the computer has to know what they are doing; it’s a huge skill in itself. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? An all rounder like the Predator 6’2 squashed nose. Who's the future of NZ surfing? My boys!!
PREDATOR CUSTOM EPOXY $750.00 Shaper: Vish Lalla | 6’1 X 19 1/2 X 27/16 This board has a fuller planshape with a deep single concave. The low nose entry rocker offers speed and control. It can be ridden in waist high to overhead waves. If 6’1 is not your size, boards can be scaled down from 5’8 to 6’8
RBJ CUSTOM FOR 80 - 85KG RIDER $850.00 Shaper: Ralph Blake | 6’4’ X 19 3/4 X 2 3/8. Made to ride smooth and fast for surfer’s requiring a board to handle a decent range of waves. Single concave with double concave fins.
PREDATOR SWIVEL $750.00 Shaper: Vish Lalla | 60’ X 20’ X 2 1/2 This board has a single concave with a low rocker and high volume. The board paddles like a dream, allowing you to get into the waves earlier and taking the effort out of generating speed. If 60’ is not your size boards can be scaled from 58 - 66.
THE SURFBOARD FACTORY | 26 PARKINSON ST, GISBORNE 021 0732076 | SURFACTORYGIS@GMAIL.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISHSURF 100% NZ OWNED & MADE SINCE 1985 23
steve hamlyn | PRIMAL What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I love playing around with different ideas and the design process has always interested me. Best thing about being a shaper? Making your friends a board they are stoked on and always riding new boards. Who inspires your shaping? Top pros pushing the performance level, and people trying new things, get me inspired. Tom Curren rode a fish back when everyone was on thin, relatively long, highly rockered boards, and now you can see elements of the fish in a majority of modern shortboards. I wouldn’t be surprised if what Derek Hynd is doing now with his finless boards filters down in the future.
What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? What’s exciting me at the moment is tweaking
the board area and volume distribution to get different flex and hold characteristics. With pretty much every
shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? It’s all about the
design in my opinion, the computer is just a tool, whether you hand shape a board or a machine shapes it is irrelevant.
What board should every surfer have in their quiver? In New Zealand a short, wide, low rock-
ered board for sure to make those small fat days fun. Everyone seems to have one though, how about a standard shortboard? Or a gun? they seem like endangered species these days. Don’t forget about them, they have their merits. Who,s the future of NZ surfing? I’m paraphrasing Danny Wills here - grommets are the future, I’ll go with that. Go the groms!!
glen carkeek | PRIMAL What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? It was pretty accidental, I always was the kid
trying to make things in the shed and saw some second blanks for sale one winter weekend. I got hold of a couple of them and just kept going. Best thing about being a shaper? It would have to be job satisfaction. The process of thinking through design and transforming it into a functioning shape is very rewarding. The absolute best part is the general stoke it creates. For most surfers a surfboard is up there as their most prized possession, from ordering the board to surfing it for the first time and best case it being a magic there is an aura of stoke the whole way. To experience it week to week is a privilege. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? Our key focus this year is to get the Futurelite technology to a bigger market, both locally and internationally. Have the technology available through many shapers allows for surfers to get their favourite shaper to design. Internationally we have had Billy through Hughes shapes taking on the world’s best, winning in England on a Futurelite this month. Now Paige has just picked up a Steve Morris Futurelite to test drive. The plan is to take it to the international market, watch this space. Surf-
board companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide 24 NZSURFMAG.CO.NZ
what volume board fits you? Volume has always
been a key component in your board choice. With CNC machines we have that measurement at our fingertips. It is an individual thing dependant on ability, style of board and just outright personal preference. To know your optimal volume is just another tool in understanding your equipment, something every surfer should try and get a grasp of. It will always result in choosing the right board. What are the key things
a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Always be objective in what you really need.
Consider ability, conditions you surf the most, but most of all buy Kiwi. With pretty much every shaper using
a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? The big misconception on shaping machines is just that. The machine only cuts what the shaper designs, it takes thousands of boards to get an understanding of what makes a board ride the way it does. There are so many different levels of ability. Styles of surfing and surf craft. As a shaper we have to relate to all of these needs and design the right board for every need. Shapers are probably better described as surfboard designers now. It is a more precise and accurate process than it ever was, shapers are even more relevant than they ever were. Who's the future of NZ surfing? Grommets, we need more of them in the water.
SIDEWINDER FP $995.00 6’4” x 19 3/8” x 2 9/16” 33 litres. EPS Futurelite construction. This model is an update of our popular Sidewinder model, the staple high volume shortboard. The bottom rocker and conventional single to double concave similar to the HPS shortboard. The tail lift is slightly reduced with a slight vee, this combined with a rounded pin tail gives good hold in size and flow over the flat sections. The extra width up’s the volume combined with the extra float of EPS and the unique flex of the Futurelite stringers, keeps the big guys afloat and great range in small to larger surf.
PERFORMANCE LONGBOARD $1495.00 9’1” x 22 ½” x 2 5/8” 61.5 litres The revolutionary Futurelite EPS-epoxy technology make for the ultimate in performance longboarding. This construction has been ridden to the highest competitive level worldwide. Super light and strong, with incredible flex and spring, makes for a longboard that feels like its 2 feet shorter. Specked out to comply with international competition criteria. The bottom shape runs from a shallow single to a deep double concave through the back third. The rocker is very curvy with an exaggerated tail lift. Available in round pin tail and pulled in square. Get creative with any design imaginable with the glass in inlays.
SPEEDBUMP $995.00 5’10” x 20 ½” x 2 ¾” 34.5 litres Another new model this year, the Speedbump is the ultimate small wave specialist. With large surface area, low overall rocker and quad fin setup the speedbump makes surfing small summer junk fun. A great entry level board for grommets getting their first waves or a speed machine for punting, a super fun shape for all.
WWW.PRIMALSURF.CO.NZ
CHANNEL ISLANDS #4 ‘GROVELER’ $995.00 5’7 - 6’1 | Newly released by CI the “Four” was the fourth board in a series of numbered concept boards built for Dane Reynolds just prior to the 2012 US Open. After a few months of tweaks and refinements, the result is a fun design that can be ridden in knee to head high waves.
JS REVOLUTION 2 $995.00 5’8 – 6’4 | One of JS industries & Backdoor’s best selling models of all time, its shape and construction (both of which have been improved on for 2013) make it a leading performer in small to medium waves. The 2013 REVOLUTION has updated carbon, 5 fin setup and slightly fuller rails.
CHANNEL ISLANDS WEIRDO RIPPER $995.00 5’6 – 6’2 | The Weirdo Ripper spent over a year behind the scenes in development with Kelly, Dane and Yadin. The Weirdo Ripper is a user friendly design, full volume for easy paddling, wide point forward, V bottom, square-winged swallow that works well as a thruster or quad. This is one fun board!!
WWW.BACKDOOR.CO.NZ EMAIL: INFO@BACKDOOR.CO.NZ
CHANNEL ISLANDS #4 ‘DFR’ $975.00 No, not the “Dane Fred Rubble” the DFR is a new design from Dane freaking Reynolds. An ultramodern short board, the plan-shape allows for a short rail line while maintaining drive. The bottom is predominately single concave and features an aggressive flip in exit rail rocker. A full outline provides enough volume to ride the DFR about the same length as your height. This short board is not only ready for big airs but also allows for the heaviest carves you can lay down.
CHANNEL ISLANDS “FRED RUBBLE” $975.00 The Fred Rubble is actually quite a bit different than my other boards. It has a lower entry rocker and a wider outline. It has more volume than a Proton, but it isn’t really short and chunky like a Dumpster Diver. It’s just a fun board for waves from waist high to a little over head. I’ve been riding mine two inches shorter than my standard shortboard and 1/4 inch wider.
JS DROPPED SWALLOW $995.00 We’ve taken all the best components of the Matrix, added some area to the nose, a smoother outline, new tail shape and created the Dropped Swallow… This new model will have you flying across any section in that 1-2 foot range. One of the main talking points is the new tail shape; the sawn off effect offers all of the drive and leverage points that you can expect from a square tail, while the semi-swallow still allows positive rail to rail transitions. The best combination from 2 proven tail shapes
WWW.BACKDOOR.CO.NZ EMAIL: INFO@BACKDOOR.CO.NZ
Cain Aldridge reckons Sean Kettle is the future, he may just be right! Image by Cory
cain aldridge | CSA SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I always loved to try and make things and fix stuff. It was only natural for me to want to fix my own board and then try making one. Long story short - after making one in my high school years I was hooked and knew that it was all I wanted to do. Best thing about being a shaper? I enjoy being my own boss - I get to surf and see my family more than most people so I’m grateful and blessed for that. I also love to create and enjoy dealing with people. Worst thing about being a shaper? Dust. There’s not really that much but it gets everywhere, even in my socks somehow. Who inspires your shaping, Surfer? All our team riders and Kelly. Shaper? When I first started to shape I looked up to a lot of shapers like JC Hawaii; I had an old VCR of him shaping in the 90’s. Also local, Dada (Jason Lellman); good shaper/surfer from Opunake. Now all shapers and surfers inspire me. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper?My team and customer’s needs. Also my surfing - It keeps me up-to-date and fresh with what we are putting out the door. Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions,
do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? Volume is important because you could have 10 surfboards with the same dimensions but they can all be so different in float and foam distribution. We have a volume guide on our website to help everyone with it. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Talking with a shaper. Look at the boards you already ride and think about what you are lacking and what you want more or less of e.g. more paddle, more speed or more control etc. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? Never, because a computer is really just a new shaping tool/design tool for a shaper. It takes years and years of hard work and skill development to learn how to make (design) a surfboard work well and look good. I think it is very important to know how to hand shape surfboards before using the design software. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? THE FREESURF Who's the future of NZ surfing? Sean Kettle
FREESURF’ $820.00 5’11’’ x 19 1/2” x 2 ½” Vol 31 This board has been our best seller. It’s unreal in small surf and still holds when it gets a bit bigger. Feedback has been amazing from beginners to pros - they all love it. It’s wide, thick and really easy to surf. Fast through fat sections. A good board for anyone - whether you surf good or are just learning to ride shortboards. Ride this board about 3 - 4” smaller than your standard shortboard.
NEMKIN $820.00 5’11’’ x 19 3/4” x 2 1/2” Vol 34 Boards were all long, thin and hard to paddle... NEK-MIN they went short, stubby and easy to ride. This is a fun, small board for 0 - 3ft surf. It gets you out there on days you wouldn’t even think about surfing! It’s fast through the flat spots of the wave and fits in tight pockets. Loads of volume so you can ride this board really short..
SQUID $820.00 5’11’’ x 19” x 2 3/8” Vol 28 This is another of our up-to-date shortboards. Ride this board around the same height as you are. It has a single double concave with vee off the tail tip to make this board nice and loose. It’s 1” shorter than the HPX2 and has a wider nose and a fuller rail.
CSASURFBOARDS.CO.NZ | (06) 752 7646
paul barron | BARRON SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? I was totally addicted to surfing from age 16, surf-
board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? You can only know the volume of
boards seemed so expensive back then and I wanted to try out different types of boards so I picked up a planer and the rest is history. Best thing about being a shaper? Traveling the world surfing and working and trying out as many boards as you want, all in the name of research. Seeing people genuinely stoked on a product that I’ve made. Worst thing about being a shaper? The health concerns like dust, fumes etc (which is why I’m looking at more environmentally friendly ways of building boards, I’ve discovered some cool products I can’t wait to try out). Who inspires your shaping? Surfer? The everyday person out there who is so keen on getting a custom, they value the time and the skill involved in getting a custom made board. I get a buzz seeing people of all ages stoked as on their boards, acting like groms.
a board if it is computer shaped - it’s a good guide for guys buying a board off the rack. When it comes to a custom hand-shaped board then it’s between the shaper and surfer to work out the best dimensions. I use volume on all the Barron epoxy cyber lines, the new Barron flex also has a recommended weight for the surfer and the flex.
available for the New Zealand market by the end of the year. I’ve also got a few other different concepts and designs which will be released in the New Year.
What board should every surfer have in their quiver? A Craig Hughes, it would be a nice way to honour him
What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? The new patent Barron Flex, I am working on having it
Surfboard companies are starting to include board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your
What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board? Make sure the width and thickness suits your body type and ability as boards have got shorter and wider. Research the different types of materials available - there are some amazing materials to choose from now, some that help to enhance board performance and therefore enhance your surfing.
With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? Yes to some
degree we already are, most surfers know the brand of a surfboard but not the shaper. I still hand-shape all my poly boards, I love handshaping, I think it’s art. It’s still a challenge to get a truly custom made computer shaped board, that’s where the planer rules.
and his family, you would also be buying a pretty sick board. Craig’s results with his sponsored riders speak for themselves .
Who's the future of NZ surfing?
The guys and girls who support New Zealand made surfboards.
BARRON CYBERLINE HOG $945.00 New cyberline epoxy technology means our Hog is more epic than ever. It’s our performance fish with low rails, a slightly fuller nose, hidden volume to keep it floatier, and a quad setup for extra speed. Perfect as a change up board for a ripper, or a performance board for someone needing just a bit more float and paddle speed. These are fast and loose.. you’ll be stoked.
BARRON CYBERLINE B52 $945.00 This is one of our top model short boards, performance plus, super lightweight, low rails, progressive rocker. It is fast and loose, and now in CYBERLINE EPOXY, is even lighter and stronger. It will turn on a dime if you want it to. This is the board of choice for our team riders. These come in a range from 5’4 to 6’8 WWW.FUSHSURFBOARDS.CO.NZ
FUSH BUZZ BAR $680.00 You’ll be absolutely buzzing after riding on this racey wee shortboard. This is part of the all new Fush Shortboard Performance line, modern surfboard designs at a great price, with a new logo to boot. The Buzz bars fuller in the nose, nice and wide in the tail, and a bit of extra width makes it great for those smaller 1-2ft days when you want to get loose, or try a few airs. The bottom is pretty flat, with a slight concave, and a late low rise rocker in the nose. They are super fun, and come in some great colours too.
WWW.BARRONSURFBOARDS.CO.NZ
THE KERROSOVER $949.00 Part of the Kerrlection series, this is Josh’s go to competition board. Built for conditions the World over, from point breaks to beach breaks and everything in between. The Kerrosover has a single concave bottom, a performance rail, and Kerr’s performance rocker. We have added volume under the chest for extra paddle power, as well as a little width overall so Josh can execute his arsenal of maneuvers. Derived from the Jokerr DNA the Kerrosover is built to go.
THE MAGIC THUMB $949.00 The Magic Thumb is a carbon copy of our most successful model the Magic Door, but with a smooth round tail. The slight hip in the tail assists in turns and takes out that full square tail look giving you a smoother rail to rail transition. All design aspects… Rockers, concaves, and rail are all the same as the Magic Door
THE NIELL $1040.00 The Neil comes from the same family as the MAGIC DOOR and MAGIC THUMB but has now evolved into a 5 fin Diamond Tail. The Diamond tail shortens the rail length which makes your board feel a little smaller, easier to turn and a whole lot more alive in sloppy average conditions. It runs a wider outline and plan shape with a flatter rocker that makes it super fast through dead sections on a wave and also really quick right from the take off. The 5 fin option allows you to ride it as a Quad, Thruster or 5 fin, so it suits a variety of conditions and peoples styles.
WWW.RUSTY.COM
THE TDWART The TDWART is a narrower, thinner version of the original Dwart. Coupling a performance rail and slightly more rocker in addition to the double wing round tail, the end result is a quicker more agile surfboard for the slightly more advanced surfer. Most ride the TDWART 3 to 6 inches shorter then their regular board.
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WHITE BASE
THE MAGIC DOOR $949.00 The Magic Door is the latest trend to hit the Market at the minute! Its basically a squashed down short board with a flatter rocker and a slight double inside a deep single staring at the entry giving you instant high speed to get you moving through the small waves. It has a fuller Foil through the chest and tail so you wont bog as you can ride the Magic Door 3-5 inches shorter and most of all enjoy the benefits of what will feel like your your normal short board. A favourite amongst our Team and a finalist in the 2012 Surf Industry Awards.
THE STUMP The Stump is something new for the summer board niche. It’s got a fishy outline that provides the surface area for fast paddling and easy gliding through the flatter sections, and leaves you with a heavy curve in the tail. Add in a little more foam up front, an Arc Tail, and a semi-domed deck that concentrates the volume along the stringer and maintains thinner performance rails, and the result is a modern fish that allows the rider to sink a rail in the water with ease and confidence, and makes for an easy transition to and from your short board. The 5-fin convertible setup keeps this board working well in anything from knee to head high +, and keeps beginners to advanced surfers stoked.
WWW.RUSTY.COM
tommy dalton | LOST SURFBOARDS What made you want to become a surfboard shaper? My dad has been making surfboards from his early teens, so I guess it’s in the blood really. I used to get paid pocket money to do factory jobs when I was a grommet and it all started from there really. I went from cleaning and sweeping the factory to dings, glassing and sanding and then wanting to start shaping my own boards. Best thing about being a shaper? Testing equipment! I love making my own boards. Also making boards for fussy good surfers that push your shaping skills and ability, and figuring out what works best for each surfer. It’s been an amazing experience to travel and shape overseas in the U.S, Spain and Australia and meet lots of amazing shapers along the way! Worst thing about being a shaper? I’m friends with a lot of surfers and they all want discounted boards but I can’t run a business that way. Who inspires your shaping? My dad for sure, he worked hard against a lot of tough competition when I was growing up and still managed to hold a national following. Matt Biolos, he has given me the most amazing opportunities by getting me working with him in the USA year after year and also working in Spain amongst some of the world’s top shapers. What are you focusing on this year as a shaper? The same thing that I focus on every year, to build good quality boards so that any N.Z surfer will have confidence in supporting local shapers rather than buying boards offshore. I feel that the boards being made in my factory are as good as any, if not better than boards that are made offshore. Surfboard companies are starting to include
board volume on their dimensions, do you think it's a good measurement to base your board choice on and how do you decide what volume board fits you? Yes it has been good for me as a shaper and even better for the customer as it makes buying boards, once you know what volume you like, a lot more accurate. As a shaper I feel I have the knowledge to work out what volume suits each person for their surfing ability. With pretty much every shaper using a computer to shape their boards do you think shapers will ever become irrelevant in the future? The machines have made it a lot easier for people to start shaping, but it still takes years to develop the finer details of the craft, in design (even on a computer) and shaping/finishing. I think the shaper will change but to make consistently good boards and to put the right boards under the feet of many different surfers I feel the surfer will still need the shaper wherever the surfboard changes take us. What are the key things a surfer should look at when looking for a new board?Make sure it comes from a reputable factory so the standard and quality is high, from materials being used to the shaping and finishing of the board. Building a relationship with a shaper, consistently getting boards from the same shaper helps to build mutual understanding. And made with a touch of passion. What board should every surfer have in their quiver? The new Lost Taj Beach Buggy, this board has been ridden by NZ’s best surfers with overwhelming feedback. Who's the future of NZ surfing? Jett and Neko Dalton plus one more on the way. Watch this space!!
BEACH BUGGY WHITE THRUSTER $870.00 CARBON PATCHES $50.00 Derived from the Whiplash-TB. The TB-beach buggy is more of an “every-mans” high performance short board. Used by many World Tour and Qualifying Series competitors, because it works equally well in small junk surf. This is a High Performance short board that can be ridden and enjoyed by most surfers of average to above average ability…not just for skinny kids and pros.
LAY-Z-BOY WHITE TRUSTER $870.00 CARBON PATCHES $50.00 FIVE FIN $70.00 The Lay-Z-boy takes the high volume/low rocker and neutral bottom curves of a small wave surfboard design to a wider range of waves and a more versatile and diverse playing field. Using an elliptical, “double ender” influenced outline, you can surf this with a centered stance for down the line 70’s inspired speed runs, down carves and cutbacks…. or step back on the tail and go vertical off the bottom and in the pocket. . Paddling? What do you expect….like a Cadillac!
SUB-SCORCHER II WHITE TRUSTER $870.00 CARBON PATCHES $50.00 FIVE FIN $70.00 We removed all of the Sub-Scorchers trademark 1/4”vee from the last 6” of the tail. This loosens up the board, to better allow a more vertical and in the pocket attack. In spite of the Pros being so involved in the development of this design, it is actually a great “everyman’s” small to average wave short-board, with a relatively pulled in/pointed nose, in place of full nose hybrid or traditional fish type design.
WWW.SURFBOARDS.NET.NZ
PROJECT 15 $849.00 The Project 15 is a versatile performance model that can be ridden by all surfers. It generates so much speed and performs well in the air.
SCALPEL $849.00 This model is a real surprise for surfers looking for spark on smaller flatter waves. It was designed as a thruster/quad set up and it absolutely flies as a quad.
PUZZLE PIECE $849.00 The Puzzle Piece is an easy to surf, all round performer that anyone can ride in a wide range of conditions. It is a great performer for the beach breaks.
WWW.HYPERRIDE.CO.NZ
THE DOUBLE SHOT $849.00 The Double Shot was created out of increased demand for a board that enabled surfers to shred in waves which would normally not be deemed surfable
MICK FANNING EAGER BEAVER $849.00 Eager Beaver is the model that adds more life and fun to smaller, sloppier conditions. Its based off boards I’ve been riding in California and Brazil and features deep single concave into slight vee off the tail giving you more zing and the ability to change up your lines. I ride 5’11 x 18 3/4 x 2 ¼.” Mick Fanning
BATMOBOARD VAMPIRATE POWERLYTE $1299.00
The Batmoboard: “This model goes back quite a few years. It started from wanting more thickness in a shortboard. I’d been riding fishes religiously for ages and it had become so tricky to jump off my fish and adapt to a regular shortboard, so we came up with this cool bevelled rail that allows for extra thickness without the corkyness. It’s great for smooth power surfing and of course throwing down big clean airs.” Ozzie Wright
WWW.HYPERRIDE.CO.NZ