Happy 4th July!

Thats right folks, 4th July is closing in and Riff Raff Surfboards would like to take this time of the year to show our appreciation to our military. So, if your in the military or retired let us know and we'll throw in a free hoody with your board order!
Thank you for your service and commitment!!

www.surfriffraff.com

Shaper to Shaper with Mitch McClain

Shaper to Shaper: Nick Thomson & Mitch McClain

9/21

Oahu shaper Nick Thomson / Riff Raff Surfboards puts Mitch McClain / Sasquatch under the microscope in this installment of Shaper to Shaper.
Name:
Mitch McClain dba Sasquatch Board Company

Location:
‘Ewa Villages, O’ahu

Do you feel it’s important for a shaper to surf his/her own boards or is it enough to have team riders?
I think both are important. I have my own style of surfing, so receiving feedback from other surfers helps me tune equipment and make surfboards thoroughly custom. Sometimes though, you have to choose to be the mechanic or the driver… I can’t ride a little 6′0″ potato chip or blast airs, so feedback will always be paramount.

Who was your inspiration to become a shaper?
Growing up in Hawai’i, I was always surrounded by inspiring waves and board builders. Honestly though, the main reason I started shaping was to build my own boards.

If you could give some advice to aspiring shapers what would it be?
I firmly believe that every surfer should shape at least one board in his/her lifetime. Most surfers will wish they were surfing, but a small handful will fall in love with board design and construction. Be true to yourself and remember there is very little money to be made, so do it for the love… cliché, I know.

What do you love about being a surfboard shaper?
Helping people have fun in the water. I am always excited to meet fellow surfers who love to talk shop and geek out on things like fin foils and tail flex. At the end of the day, there is no better compliment than a return customer.

What are your thoughts on the machine versus hand-shapes?
I can see the temptation to use machines and computers to increase production numbers, replication and bottom lines. However, entering numbers into ROBO8000 doesn’t make you a shaper; hands-on experience will always win out. Who doesn’t love the feel of foam dust underfoot and the scream of a planer?

What type of planer are you currently running?
Clark Foam Hitachi

Do you have a favorite blank material? Also, what shape do you enjoy building the most?
I currently use U.S. Blanks foam and poly resin. I am addicted to resin tints and pigments. Right now, I am having fun riding a Keiki Simmons and building twinzers.

Any thoughts on surfboard imports from overseas?
Yes, I firmly believe that surfboards should be built by surfers. Our lineups are flooded with surfboards built by non-surfers. I hate to think of surfboards as just another piece of sporting equipment, instead of as something individualistic.
I have been fortunate enough to work with surfers who feel surfboards are art and firmly believe in custom built boards. As surfers progress in their surfing, they become more serious about tuning their equipment. One size doesn’t fit all.

What do you feel you offer in your boards and why should surfers pick you as their shaper?
Maybe I can help turn someone’s design ideas into foam and resin along the way. I am just having fun and hope to help some surfers get some waves.

What is your stance on new eco-friendly materials being used in the industry, regarding performance and quality?
I am all for the research and development of new, cleaner surfboard building supplies. The words “green” and “eco-friendly” are over-used, so as consumers, we have to educate ourselves about all products. Is a traditional board built on island “cleaner” than a “green” board shipped here?

Sadly, the monetary cost is what will decide how “clean” surfboards become…if we aren’t willing to pay a higher cost, things will remain the same.

Last thoughts?
Support surfer labor and remember why we started surfing…to have fun!

For more info on Mitch McClains boards check him out at www.sasquatchsurfboards.com/

To see this interview in its full context goto www.driftsurfing.com

www.surfriffraff.com

Interview with Ben Aipa!

Shaper to Shaper: Nick Thompson & Ben Aipa

7/31

Interview: Nick Thomson

For over 40 years, Ben Aipa has been one of the most influential shapers in surfing. Born in Honolulu in 1941, he was the second eldest of three children and a competitive all-round sportsman, playing semi-professional football after high school. Unfortunately, Ben injured himself at work, forcing him to abandon his pursuit of football.
In 1962, Ben, an avid swimmer and bodyboarder, paddled out on a surfboard for the first time. That day changed his life forever; a few short years later, in 1965, Ben entered his first contest and won. Ben became a competitive surfer and continued winning events, eventually earning a place on the Hawaiian surf team and competing at the World Surf Contest in Puerto Rico.

In 1965 Ben also started his shaping career, thanks to Joe Kuala, who offered to help him shape his first blank. Since that time Ben has produced thousands of boards, creating the well-known “Stinger,” which was ridden by world champion Mark Richards and Buttons, among others. Additionally, Ben helped coach many top surfers.

Creator of the Stinger, a successful career surfer and legendary shaper; Ben was recently inducted into the International Surfing Hall of Fame.

Here’s what Ben had to say in a quick interview–Shaper to Shaper:

Thomson: Aloha Ben, give us a brief ‘about yourself.’

Aipa: Ben Aipa, from Hawaii, shaping for 46 years.

Thomson: What is your estimated board count?

Aipa: Ha! Shaping boards since 1964, you do the math!

Thomson: Ben, where will most people see you surfing?

Aipa: Any spot that’s firing and challenging

Thomson: A lot of shapers use the name Ben Aipa as mark of accomplishment, with over 40 years of shaping experience under your belt, what gave you the inspiration to become a shaper?

Aipa: Of course, Duke Kahanamoku. Both my sons, Akila and Duke and my daughter Lokelani gave me a lot of inspiration.

Thomson: Do you feel it’s important that a shaper can surf his/her own boards or is it enough to have team riders?

Aipa: If you can`t surf your own designs, then you may as well give up now, so yes, it’s important!

Thomson: If you could give some advice to aspiring shapers what would it be?

Aipa: Get a real job!

Thomson: What are your thoughts on the machine versus hand shapes?

Aipa: I am all up for new technology, but now anyone can call themselves a shaper.

Thomson: What type of planner are you currently running?

Aipa: Da’ Dinosaur, Skill 100

Thomson: Any thoughts on surfboard imports from overseas?

Aipa: Sooner or later, like golf clubs, balls, tennis rackets, running shoes, etc. it`ll all be made overseas.

Thomson: What do you feel you offer in your boards and why should surfers pick you as their shaper?

Aipa: People enjoy what I build, even if it’s expensive compared to other boards.

Thomson: What is your stance on new eco-friendly materials being used in the industry, regarding performance and quality?

Aipa: I am up for using materials that help the environment, just so long as quality and performance is not compromised.

Thomson: Thanks Ben for taking the time, anything else you wanted to add?
Aipa: Just surf, go with your heart and enjoy da’ moments!

Check out Ben Aipa shapes at www.benaipa.com.

A hui hou! –Nick Thomson, Riff Raff Surfboards, Hawaii

FOR FULL ARTICLE GO TO http://driftsurfing.com/blog/?p=801

Interview from Drift with Robin Johnson by Nick Thomson

Shaper to Shaper: Nick Thomson & Robin Johnston

10/28

Oahu island boy Robin Johnston, of Johnston Surfboards, started his shaping career in 2000. Since then, he has shaped over 2,000 surfboards and a slew of top surfers riding for his brand. He produces a quality product and devotes an incredible amount of energy to his boards.

Johnston is a competitive surfer, and is clearly passionate about the sport: there wasn’t a day that I spoke to him throughout this interview when he wasn’t in the water. His surfing prowess has definitely informed his shapes, and is the predominant reason why his brand is where it`s at today. It’s hard to drive up to Oahu’s North Shore without seeing a Johnston Surfboards bumper sticker, either on a surfer’s car or the Haleiwa road signs.

Here`s what Robin had to say about his career as a surfboard shaper:

Name:
Robin Johnston

Location:
Sunset Beach, Oahu

Favorite Surf Break?
Pipeline

What color and size is your shaping room?
Dark blue, about 9” x 15”

Do you feel it’s important that a shaper can surf his/her own boards, or is it enough to have team riders?
I feel that surfing well assists a shaper with design progression.

Who was your inspiration to become a shaper?
Wade Tokoro

If you could give some advice to aspiring shapers, what would it be?
Be patient, have fun and don’t quit your day job.

What do you love about being a surfboard shaper?
I love the creativity and freedom.

What type of planner are you currently running?
Customized Hitachi

Do you have a favorite blank material? Such as PU or EPS?
What shape do you most enjoy building?
PU for most boards. EPS in small and powerless waves. I especially love shaping performance short boards and retro boards, but pride myself on the variety of boards I offer.

Any thoughts on surfboard imports from overseas?
Imported boards (i.e. China boards) are inevitable in a cost competitive market.

What do you feel you offer in your boards and why should surfers pick you as their shaper?
I offer ever evolving board designs that are tested by all types of surfers in all types of conditions worldwide.

In your eyes, what made you the successful, well-known shaper today?
I feel that my standout quality is that I am a versatile shaper with a competitive surfing background.

Some shapers are offering the use of more environmentally friendly materials, what is your current stance on this in regards to performance and being eco-friendly?
I love the idea of eco-friendly material and am excited about what`s to come. I hope to offer environmentally friendly boards someday soon!

Nick Interviews other shapers in Hawaii!!

Nick Writing for Drift Surf Magazine! Check it out at here

The Eddie Aikau By US!! 2009!!

The Eddie Aikau By US!! 2009!!

Coming Soon!!