Album Surfboards - Matt Parker

Writing this, I have just watched John John Florence secure a space in the final of the Oi Rio Pro. He will face either Medina or Freestone, in short its quite exciting if you are into watching the Pros going head to head in a thumping beachie.

I do, however feel distracted.

Yesterday a friend of ours that had been traveling and that knows of our penchant for quality, handmade wave vehicles passed me a name. Matt Parker. He was making a bit of a fuss and at the time which may or may not have been alcohol fueled, rant about skills and talent and how we had to check out his work.

This morning I saw my first Album Surfboard. The world stopped for just a minute while I adjusted what was possible and what I now knew was what I needed. One of Matts boards.

Some shapers tend to design more retro, some push the envelope of whats possible, some change the construction methods or materials and some stick to whats traditional and add their stamp. Matts Album Surfboards brand seems to do all of that and more. It seems that he can do anything. And it looks more than great.

I was more than stoked when I got a reply from Matt saying he would answer a few questions with us as that meant I could share his boards with you.

SB: Hey Matt, firstly thanks for talking to us, how have the waves been in the surf town of San Clemente?

Matt: We've had a really fun summer so far! Surfable pretty much everyday so no complaints.

SB: How and when did you start getting into surfboard shaping and building?

Matt: I started surfing when I was around 12 or 13 and was always obsessed with the boards from the get go. The curves, glass work, glass on fins all fascinated me. I think I bought my first blank and rudimentary tools around the year 2000. I hacked out a couple boards, didn't even use a planer - just a saw, surform and some sanding blocks (laughs). It was really addictive because I could see with each board how much room for improvement there was and how many possibilities there were with all the different kinds of boards I wanted to make and ride.

SB: There is so much variety in the style of Album boards, how do you decide what you are going to build next?

Matt: It's all selfish! (laughs) - a lot of the time it comes down to just making something I want to ride and experience or finding a new take on something that'll get me stoked to paddle out. I'm really into riding what best suits the conditions for the day too - whether it be a performance board or a log or something weird. I always want to get the most out of the session and different boards allow that and give me lots of good info and feedback on what works and why.

SB: Why the name Album?

Matt: In the beginning I liked the dual aspects of the word - sound & images. I like how you can hear a song you used to listen to as a kid and it instantly takes you back in time. Same with a photo. And when a collection of songs or images come together an Album is what it becomes. I thought that the deeper response you get from that would translate into creating a surf brand that was different from tradition and wasn't cliché. It's fun to bring in some of those elements into what we create too -- board model names, logos, styling, etc all kinda flow from that vibe.

SB: I see you have some stockists in Taiwan and in South Korea, any plans to bridge the Atlantic to Europe?

Matt: Yes! just a matter of finding the right distribution partner. We're pretty methodical in our approach and try not to rush things. So we stay open minded and at some point I think we'll find the right fit. We get inquiries from customers in Europe and abroad every week so I think there's a good audience to build on. We actually already ship quite a few boards there pretty regularly.

SB: If you could give some advice to a young shaper starting out, what would it be?

Matt: Reps! Shape as much as you can and get yourself through the learning curve. Ride as many of the boards you make as possible to see what works and get direct feedback. Pay attention and learn from other shapers processes and experience to find what works for you.

SB: What is your favorite board. The design that you are most proud of?

Matt: The Ledge model probably. It's just a beautiful timeless shape. It draws inspiration from the past but is definitely a modern surfboard. And its meant for the waves we all dream about. I know that model has gotten a lot of people the very best waves of their lives and that is a really satisfying feeling!

SB: We are torn, we love the look of the diamond tail Doom but really would like to try the Disasym too. Whats the waiting time like? How much would they set us back and would you do a discount on two?

Matt: Yes! Two of my go to boards! The Doom goes insane in the small stuff. So much response and liveliness in a fishy shape. And the Disasym is pretty much what I've ridden more than anything else over the last year or so. The speed and feel is so addicting. I come back to that shape on the regular. Turnaround times on customs is anywhere from 4-7 weeks depending on construction, color & finish. Prices start at $650.

SB: What was the first board you ever shaped and do you still have it?

Matt: I wish I still had it! had to sell it to have enough money to buy materials to make board #2 ha! It was a 5'11" x 20" x 2.5" square tail hybrid thruster with glass ons. low rocker, foam friendly. It rode pretty good - looked a little clunky though.

SB: Great thanks to Matt for sparing the time. Your life is now a little fuller and you know what you need to do when you are ordering, or thinking about ordering your new board. Talk to Matt from Album. As I type these words my mind is fighting over which Album board I am going to order.

All of Matt's boards have been designed by someone with an ungoverned perception of what is possible and we think that everyone could learn a little bit about themselves and their own surfing by relenting to the probable.

To sum up. You are welcome.