This is arguably the best short story/tongue in cheek short documentary on surfboard shapers and about the 'soul' that is involved in shaping a board. Without meaning to, it also highlights how surfing is seen in the Untied Kingdom and how behind it is, as a country, in recognizing surfing as a sport. Anyway enjoy this, it is truly a classic humdinger.
So what is all the fuss about, why are boards such pieces of art, and why are millions of people drawn towards possessing them? What is it about a surfboard that inspires the feeling that your board has a character? What makes them so different from one another? So individual? Have a look at this short flick below of Mr Trigger explaining very simply, the effect that each part of the shaping of the board has on the end result, on the surfing.
If you ignore the background music, this helps to dispel some of the 'mysticism' around shaping and assist the average surfer to comprehend more about his equipment. Surfing is a unique sport in the way that, to get your equipment custom handmade and local, is just a fraction more than buying it off the shelf, and by supporting the small, local shaper you are helping to keep it that way.
Long live the surfboard shaper.
Tools of the Trade
By hand.