SHAPER DIRECTORY

Brad Bishop Surfboards

Interview with Brad Bishop

Whats your main motivation for shaping surf crafts at the moment?

Fun and food. Being really excited with the feedback and release of our new construction.

Is there anything you are doing differently now as opposed to 12 months ago?

A new unique way of producing my hand shapes. The best way to describe the way we produce our surfboards is we use old school hand shaping and handcrafting with new school materials, techniques and designs. My construction is a 100% hand shaped epoxy surfboard.

How have board designs changed in the last five years?

Not a great deal apart from the introduction of new technology surfboards and the small design compensation that are needed to enhance performance of these materials.

How long have you been shaping?

8 years.

Approximately how many boards have you shaped in your lifetime?

2000 profile shapes as a contract shaper and 4000 hand shapes, give or take a few.

What design innovations are you currently working on at the moment?

I am always working on balance. Taking every aspect of the board such as rail, outline, concaves etc then matching them to the customer's needs as balanced as possible.

What do you think the current surfboards designs could improve upon?

trength to weight, flexibility and durability. Most current designs are very good. Improvements in construction are where it's at. Designs will be upgraded as more dynamic materials are used.

What advice would you give the average punter when ordering a board for the first time?

Give the shaper as much information as you can. Know what dimensions you ride. Talk to the guy who is actually shaping your board, relax, smile and be patient.

Who is on your surf team?

I don't have any "team riders". I am a small independent company. I have pros that test my boards and give valuable feedback, however as for team riders, you could say that every surfer that orders a board from me is a "team rider".

What is your advice on fins considering the options available today?

I recommend going with set fins (glassed on). Why? Because they feel smoother. Most good shapers have tested a wide range of fin templates and know which fins work best in each of their designs. Fins are one of the most important features in a board's performance and need to be compatible with the original design. Removables for this reason can be detrimental to your surfing. Carbon fibre Kelly Slater F.C.S fins may not work as well with my designs if the board is set up for G5's and vice versa.

Apart from yourself, what other shapers do you think are leading the way at the moment?

For performance reasons: Salmon s-cores.
For production reasons: shaping machines.
But most of all for customer service reasons: any and every good hand shaper. Respect. Having a good hand shaper in your back pocket is a valuable thing to have for your surfing.

Anything else you would like to get off your chest?

Yes. This is only my opinion.