Nothing like a handshape. Image: James Mangano
A K58 original. Image: James Mangano
In this surfer’s opinion, being a great surfboard shaper surely must require the shaper to be one part artist (sculptor), one part engineer, and one part entrepreneur.
Sculpting is quite possibly the easiest part of the shaper’s skill set for surfers to be drawn to. It is the aspect where the artistry of surfboard shaping creates the functional shape and design that allows surfers to apply the power, speed and flow to the boards that we ride.
Engineering in surfboard shaping is not an exact science, but it is becoming more and more so among shapers today. An example is the increased number of shapers using quadratic formulas to achieve golden ratio in assisting them to determine the proper amount of surfboard volume to match a given surfer’s height, weight and skill set. This allows surfboards to take the form of less conventional shapes and also allows for major differences in surfboard volume distribution.
A strong marketing background would prove helpful in keeping your label relevant and branded properly.
Having said this, I feel it is of great benefit for every surfer’s continued growth to support and promote their local shapers. The benefits to your surfing experience are that your local shaper knows the waves and changing seasonal conditions in the local community; thus they will have a starting point in creating your board. Additionally, if you have the good fortune of surfing with your shaper, you will have the added benefit of them making fine tuned adjustments to your boards to match your surfing style and skill set.
Surf conditions vary greatly by season. As swell height, direction and proximity change, a change in equipment is often required to match those conditions. Maintaining a functional quiver of different boards is of great advantage to today’s surfer. Building and maintaining this quiver will keep both you and your local shaper dialed in to what each other are doing. This makes for a great symbiotic relationship.
Support of your local shaper can take many forms–from building up your own personal surfboard quiver to promoting your shaper’s label, as the opportunities present themselves. To do my part in supporting my shaper, I’m including this shout out. Shaper James Mangano is an artist and a surfboard shaping genius based in San Diego, California. When you order a K58 Surfboard, you get a superbly crafted surfboard as well as great customer service. If you surf in the south San Diego region, then you know of, and have seen, the well crafted workmanship of a K58 Surfboard.
Here is some additional information pertaining to K58 Surfboards, shaper and rider testimonials, along with board models and contact information.
