How to choose a custom surfboard
A practical way to brief a custom surfboard shaper, based on the waves you surf, boards you know and the change you want from the next board.
Read guideNotes from the workshop.
Practical notes on choosing, repairing and understanding surfboards, fins and shaping days, written from the work James does in the Whitburn workshop.
Fish surfboard or egg?
Compare the speed and compact feel of a fish with the paddle power, range and flexible setup of an egg, using the Nudibranch and Eggspiracy as examples.
Read guideSingle fin or 2+1?
Understand how a single fin differs from a 2+1 setup in drive, hold, turning and tuning, with practical guidance for longboards, eggs and mid-lengths.
Read guideWhat surfboard delamination looks like
Surfboard delamination happens when the fibreglass skin separates from the foam or core. Learn what it looks like, common causes and when to request a repair assessment.
Read guidePhotographs for a surfboard repair request
Take the repair photographs James needs: the whole board, the damage at middle distance, close detail, a side angle and a simple scale reference.
Read guideWhat happens during a surfboard shaping experience
See what happens during a one-to-one surfboard shaping day with James near Winchester, from agreeing the board to shaping the blank and collecting the finished board.
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