Choosing a Custom Surfboard

By Kent Senatore
TORE Surfboards Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu

Kent shaping one of his hi-performance shortboards

10 Things to Look For in Your Shaper

Desire - This my sound like a no brainier, but a surfboard shaper with a true desire to please his customers will increase your chances of being stoked with your board and increase your level of fun.
Flexibility - Some shapers can be set in their ways regarding Surfboard design. Look for a shaper who is open to experimentation, new designs and new ideas; He’ll keep you on the cutting edge of surf craft design.
Knowledge - Shaping is a craft that requires not only talent but also a real understanding of key design elements. A good shaper can shape a board that works; a great shaper knows why the board works.
Availability - When ordering a custom surfboard from any shaper, communication is paramount. If they’re not available to personally speak to you, chances are they’re too busy to give you the attention you deserve.
Personality - It’s a good idea to maintain a long-term relationship with the shaper of your choice, so try to find someone who’s friendly and easy to get along with.
Style - Surfboards and surfing for that matter are all about style. A shaper with good style both in and out of the water will infuse his shapes and designs with his own style and flair.
Passion- In order to be great you have to love what you’re doing. Find a shaper who’s passionate about shaping surfboards.
Skill- These days technology is our friend and with the advent of cad shaping programs and shaping machines, technology has opened the door to a whole new world of design possibilities but the best shapers still have the skill required to hand shape as well (a key element in the world's best shapers).
Value - Any good consumer knows you get what you pay for. A great shape can be altered by a poor glass job so look at the finished product; a shaper with attention to detail won’t stand for inferior craftsmanship and you get a great looking board that performs.
Experience - You can’t buy knowledge or experience which comes though years of effort and hard work. Ask a shaper about his background and look for someone who’s been mentored by a master and understands all aspects of the surfboard production process.

Looking for a shaper who will personally work with you and shape you a custom board? Tore Surfboards Hawaii will help you reach YOUR potential.

If you're a beginner and deciding on a custom made surfboard, be sure to speak with a knowledgeable shaper about different types of boards. The shape of surfboard you decide to choose can be determined by a variety of factors including your local break, dominant wind conditions, weight, height, athletic ability, budget, etc. It may also be more economical to buy a used surf board rather than a custom made surfboard. On a side note, make sure you protect your new custom stick with a padded surfboard bag.

As for the rest of us who aren't lucky enough to receive fifty custom boards per year compliments of our own personal shaper, researching a shaper's designs and techniques can help in getting the most out of our surfing. Some shapers are well known for their longboards, others for their shortboards and guns, and some shapers are just great at making anything consisting of foam. While all the different theories and techniques involved in shaping, from concave to vee, to rocker and rails, a good shaper can make a custom made surfboard that works well for you. Make sure your shaper takes time to hear your story and what exactly you want in a board.

We've put together a list of some of high quality shapers offering custom made surfboards here in Hawaii. There's nothing like having a custom surfboard hand made by a true professional. Custom surfboards are the key to unlocking the most of your potential. Each custom board can be fitted to a particular wave, style, ability, preference, and everything in between. Spending a few extra dollars may mean a few more waves and a few more barrels.

Other Custom Surfboard Resources

For more information on various shapers read our surfboard reviews. You can also view our list of custom shapers.