SHAPER DIRECTORY

JS Surfboards

Interview with Jason Stevens

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

Shaping for me lately has been about the next step. I have been tuning all my rockers and outlines and testing all the new stuff I have been working on lately, so as to keep the whole design aspect moving forward.

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

A lot happens every day, let alone twelve months. I've been working on trying to get better removable fins for my board is one and a lot of design work with all the team in developing the next years models.

How have board designs changed in the last five years?

In my own boards they have changed slightly in some areas and dramatically in others, overall just developing models to suit the huge range of styles of surfer out there. Working on your smallest lightest, to your larger powerful surfer and all abilities.

How long have you been shaping?

9 years.

Approximately how many boards have you shaped in your lifetime?

Just a couple.

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

There's a list a mile long and it covers every area of a surfboard. Fins, machines, laminating etc.

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

Design wise they change consistently anyway, due to who you are shaping for and the variety of surfers that you would shape for. As I have already said, I shape for so many weights and abilities that the designs are forever being updated.

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

Try and buy one that has been designed around someone of your height and weight characteristics, and then adjust it to your ability.

Who is on your surf team?

I make boards for a lot of people, so whoever is riding one.

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

A lot of choices, so I generally will put in glass-on's for team and use a removable system that I know is good retail support for the customer.

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

For shaping ability alone, it is Greg Webber. The guy's a freak.

Anything else you would like to get off your chest?

Thanks to everyone who supports us.