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

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