SHAPER DIRECTORY
Diverse Surf Equipment
Interview with Feral Dave
Whats your main motivation for shaping surf crafts at the moment?
I am motivated daily when satisfied customers have massive smiles as they leave my factory with the new improved version of their last magic board!
Is there anything you are doing differently now as opposed to 12 months ago?
Currently I find myself making boards more individual and customized for regular clients who have entrusted in me to develop their boards around improving their enjoyment and skill levels.
How have board designs changed in the last five years?
Firstly, the logos have become very graffiti orientated! Surfers are becoming more individuals and are steering away from major board labels that are based in big factory's & opting for a customized product from an actual shaper they can meet & discuss their board with!
How long have you been shaping?
Commercially 14 years.
Approximately how many boards have you shaped in your lifetime?
5000 with 80% custom orders.
What design innovations are you currently working on at the moment?
Material innovations and glassing techniques to give the end user a better performing, longer lasting product! In addition, creative new fin shapes.
What do you think the current surfboards designs could improve upon?
Today's surfboards are quite boring… the boards generally are the same as 97% of the sponsored pro surfers who are judged by officials who are in turn working at contests run by the same sponsors! Board design could benefit more from individualism eg: the Airshows have created a sub culture of boards and surfers. Other examples that could be beneficial are more variety contests like single fin days, Twin fin comps & tube riding contests etc.
What advice would you give the average punter when ordering a board for the first time?
My advice to the average punter wanting a magic board is to head in to your local approachable board factory or shaper, take in a carton of beer sit down with the staff & shaper And talk honestly about your influences, peers & personal desires in surfing.
Who is on your surf team? (Give me the dimensions of your best team riders short board)
Dru Adler, 6'7" tall 90 kg = 6'4"x19"x2 3/8" Basic model, Dale Richards, 5'5" tall 55 kg = 5'6"x17 1/8"x 1 7/8" cadet pro model.
What is your advice on fins considering the options available today?
C-DRIVE, the fastest loosest fin available today! Just look for a fin solution that is compatible with the most fins/plugs and spread yourself around.
Apart from yourself, what other shapers do you think are leading the way at the moment?
Anyone who is experimenting with alternative materials eg; Salomon, Greg Loehr and most of all... the computer shaping machine operators who have the most influence over all the designs of the busiest shapers around!
Anything else you would like to get off your chest?
When is our industry going to be recognized as a trade! Therefore, we can indenture apprentices, grow qualified staff and have wage accord!
