Custom Shaped Surfboard Website

[miket78]

Hi all,
Just trying to see if you all would you be interested in a website that made it easy for you to have a custom surfboard shaped for you? If you could answer yes or no I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[IB_Surfer]

sure, go for it

[miket78]

Thanks for the positive reply, Anyone else?

[dtc]

Most shapers offer something like this, from the 'tweaks' that Firewire allow online to the forms that other shapers have (fill out and submit). Plus, of course, many people go to a shaper not quite knowing what they want in terms of dimensions or shape, just knowing roughly what they want to use the board for and issues to be covered (paddling ability or size of waves etc) - then the shaper responds with suggestions. Finally, lots of people buy boards from a specific shaper because they like that shaper, not because he (are there any female shapers?) is the only person who can make a board of the right type. Every shaper can make a 6x20x21/4 board.

I guess my question is - what will your site offer over what shapers currently already provide?

[miket78]

Thanks for the reply dtc. I think often for a lot of newbies and intermediates going to a shaper is kind of intimidating, and knowing which shaper is the best is kind of a gamble. What I am suggesting is a site where you can see all shapers boards and style and have a selection function that chooses the one that is best for you. Does that make sense?

[jaffa1949]

Hi miket78 it certainly could be interesting since we are an international forum I'm certainly curious how you get to cover all the factors across nations. It's a challenge for you.
You are certainly going to have a range of opinions shot across your bow. I'm going to watch with a great deal of interest, might even join a forum if you have one!
BTW that's a long winded yes!

[billie_morini]

miket,
you've shared with us, "What I am suggesting is a site where you can see all shapers boards and style and have a selection function that chooses the one that is best for you. Does that make sense?"

A few thoughts came to mind.
1. Why would the surf board selection gamble be removed for an intimidated surfer using the proposed selection guide? While the selection guide could be interesting, it would not alleviate intimidation or trepidation for a neophyte spending $600+. More than anything, I would imagine after 3 or 4 guys spend a load of dough on incorrect selections made using the selection guide, there would be 3 or 4 seriously angry guide users.

2. How is having a "black box" selection guide superior to speaking directly with a shaper? I sincerely believe it will facilitate the incorrect board purchase by neophytes. It's daunting to create a selection guide that can address the varied surfing conditions found on a single continent offering surf. It's daunting to create a guide that will correctly/accurately identify a surfer's physical condition and ability, weight & height, etc. There will be neophytes that input false data into the guide so it'll select the board they think they want. This doesn't happen when a surfer is face to face with a shaper.

3. #1 and #2 are probably moot because a neophyte surfer doesn't need to buy a relatively expensive shaped board. Neophyte surfers are perfectly well off buying used boards and, thereby saving 50% off of new because a) they may not stick with surfing, and b) they have to learn a lot and gain experience before they are ready mentally and physically for a "good" shaped board.

[miket78]

Hi guys,
Thanks for the reply.

Jaffa- Thanks for the positive feedback. I don't have a forum, but when I do I will post it here to let you know.

Billie - Thanks for your comments. I think you are absolutely right. Would it change your opinion at all if there could be more of a interface that allowed dialogue between surfers and shapers, rather than just checking a box?

On your #3 point I strongly believe that when I was a beginner surfer I would have loved a shaped board rather than paying over $1000 for a pop-out longboard. So all I am trying to do is make shapers more accessible and approachable for the non-pros out there, and also getting more money to our shapers.

Does that change your opinion at all? Thanks.

[billie_morini]

miket,
you are devinitely a good sport. Not all of my comments are positive. The interface that faciliates communication between surfer and shaper is a unique idea. I'd like that , but am afraid that shapers will grow tired of the endless stream of repetitive monolgues that often go like this:

"I'm new to surfing. I'm really good at skateboards, snowboards, and [insert every other activity known to man]. I want a short board. My surfing friend has 20 years experience. He told me I should get a longboard. But, I want a short board. The shaper whose shop is located at the break where I am learning to surf says I should have a longboard. But, I want a short board. So, what is the best short board you can make for for me?"

mike, seriously? You paid a grand for a pop-out longboard? Want to buy a bridge? (kidding ya') I see new pop-out longboards new at prices between $395 and $500 frequently. I see used pop-out longboards used at prices between $150 and $300. I find used shaper's longboards for $350 and less all the time. I splurged once and bought a Don Mel Freeline longboard from private party for $375. I'm a proponent of buying used: cars, motorcycles, sports equipment, books, music CDs, tools, etc. Although I splurged once and bought a new car (1 new out of 11 isn't bad).

All in all, I'm not convinced neophyte surfers need shapers. Maybe you're correct that neophytes may like a shaped board. In your case, I know we could have gotten a new one for you for the $1000+ you paid for a pop-out.

billie

[miket78]

You could be right. Just wanting to get some money to the local shapers, rather than to the mass industry - by Pop Outs I mean the Robert Augusts What I ride etc, which are around $1200 new. Thanks for you feedback though, and really I am just trying to get peoples opinions right now. Some are interested, some arn't but just want to find out. Thanks.