Shaping. Where to start?

[beni72]

Hey guys,

I'm interested in getting into shaping boards.
Can anyone direct me to a good starting point i.e. book, pdf, website etc?

Thanks!!

[dtc]

Do you want very basic stuff? Swaylocks is a website all about shaping but it can be a bit esoteric. But if you hunt around there you may find some recommendations.

Some places sell DVDs and even complete kits, you can google them up. If you are shaping a PU blank, then I've heard good things about 'shaping 101' DVD by John carper.

[oldmansurfer]

I think the best way to learn about it is to observe others doing shaping. Maybe you can meet a shaper and offer to clean up the shop or something if he/she will let you watch them shape.

[waikikikichan]

I'm interested in getting into shaping boards.

For what reason(s) ? To get the stoke of riding something you made yourself ? To bring your ideas into reality and take your surfing to the next level ? To make money ? Cause you think it'll be something cool to do ?

"Anyone" can be a shaper now with computerized shaping machines. Hopefully you want to really shape your own boards and "mow foam" with a planer. Please don't be a scrubber who just smooths out the lines left over by the shaping machine.

I would recommend you learn to "glass" than "shape". There's 1000's of Shapers compared to few Glassers. They're the ones that can make a good shaped board better. Or worse and screw it up.

[kitesurfer]

DVD's "Shaping 101,and Glassing 101" contain everything you need to know.

KS

[oldmansurfer]

Anyone can shape a board but to make one that works well that is another story. I think if you want to try shaping your own boards that is one thing but if you want to shape boards for others you have to be better at it. Shaping is not a science it is more of an art. They haven't figured out what makes a board work yet but commercial shapers know what sells and what makes customers happy so it depends on what you want to do.