AROUND THE BEND DISCOVERIES
Shaping a New Era of Surfboards IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY, LOCAL WOMEN WORK TO NORMALIZE FEMALE SURFBOARD SHAPERS BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ
T
hanks to modern technological advances, the surfing industry has moved toward prefabricated mass production of boards. However, there are a handful of surfers who prefer to savor the experience of making their own. Owning a hand-shaped board nowadays is not only an act of artistic appreciation, but also a point of pride — especially when the artisan is a woman. Three years ago, Emma Clarkson became interested in learning about the craft. She figured learning to shape would be a great way to combine her loves of creativity and surfing. As she began this journey, she realized two things: People were shocked to learn she made her own boards, and most people had never really considered women as shapers. “People would acknowledge that I made the art,” she said, “but they wanted to know who shaped the board.” Clarkson thought about ways to normalize the idea of female shapers, in addition to male shapers, in the community — and two years ago, she created the CC Lady Shapers. The Lady Shapers are cohorts of women, led by Clarkson, who work on the entire process of making their own boards, including shaping, sanding, painting and even glassing. “Shaping and glassing are two different skill sets,” Clarkson said. “Most shapers will shape their boards, and then take them to a professional glasser, but these women do it all!”
The ocean has always had a special place in Clarkson’s heart. She has a doctorate in marine biology and coordinates oyster restoration projects.
18 The Bend
