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
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