SHAPER DIRECTORY

CHP Australia

Interview with Howie

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

Shaping, just like surfing is a passion to me. Working with surfers, like my team riders as well as my customers is so rewarding when they progress or succeed in what they want out of one of my custom designed boards.

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

The way I see it is that 12 months come and go so quick and surfboard design goes around and around just as quick. The only thing that happens is that board design gets more refined and we learn to look at surfboards more and more technically with high tech machinery. For us shapers I think this is taking all of the guess work out and surfers are getting what they want.

How have board designs changed in the last five years?

High tech machinery. Understanding the different conditions and ability from Sydney to Victoria, from Victoria to Japan and on and on.

How long have you been shaping?

14 years

Approximately how many boards have you shaped in your lifetime?

Thousands

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

Currently I have been refining and fine tuning my boards for each individual team rider and customer to suit each area, state and country on this planet.

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

I think it's always going to be the same 2 things - weight and strength.

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

Be honest about your ability. Don't be scared to start at the bottom and work your way up. Listen to your shaper and try to go surf with him. Most of all, make sure you are having fun.

Who is on your surf team?

I'm working with Sir Martin Potter, Steve and James Noble in Victoria, but my team riders are: Drew and Blair McPherson, Nic Laidlaw, Louis Birks and Karl Atkins.

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

Fixed fins are my choice. It's because the board is one, rather than the board and the fins. But don't get me wrong. Fin systems have their place in the industry. I just think the flex of the fins have a lot to do with thrust in and out of turns.

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

Jason Stevens, Darren Handley, Greg Webber, Erik Arakawa, Al Merrick.

Anything else you would like to get off your chest?

s a lot of other shapers have said, buy Australian and Australian made surfboards, along with the best one on one service and maybe have a look at what goes on behind the walls and into making our board that gives you the enjoyment of riding the waves that roll in FREE day after day. Then the price you pay for quality brands won't seem so expensive!!!