Surfboard shapers are revered as artisans of the surfing lifestyle. Through their vision and skill, they turn chunks of foam into refined surfboards that provide us with lifetimes of fun out amongst the waves. From a handful of backyard shapers in the 1950s the surfboard manufacturing industry has exploded into a billion-dollar business. Factories are no longer even based alongside surf beaches – some, in fact, are located in Asia where teams of non-surfers work alongside precision shaping machines to construct creations that will be shipped and ridden at beaches all around the world.
The hubs of surfboard manufacturing are Australia, the United States, and Brazil, with healthy industries in Europe, the UK, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, and New Zealand. There are some dominant players in the surfboard manufacturing industry – think Channel Islands, Firewire, Hayden Shapes – but there remains a whole spectrum of smaller players who produce boards that excel in terms of quality and craftsmanship.
Surfboards are beautiful things. Here is a list of companies that make them.
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Aloha
With a humble beginning in 1978 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Aloha quickly gained momentum and became a favorite among professional surfers worldwide. Their dedication to professional surfing has shaped the Aloha ethos, resulting in designs driven by performance and innovation. With a team comprising surfing legends, Aloha has etched its name in the surfing history books. With 36 years of experience, Aloha continues to be at the forefront of the surfing and lifestyle scene, earning the respect and admiration of surfers worldwide.
We are a growing group of like-minded individuals drawn together as custodians of the Aloha brand. Our goal is to create quality crafted boards, and apparel designed thoughtfully and with an attention to design and art. What we do is a little different, because you are.
Website: www.aloha.com.au
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Beach Beat
At Beach Beat, our mission is to deliver the best to our customers. Whether you’re a high-performance surfer or a beginner, we design and build boards that maximize your enjoyment and longevity. Our state-of-the-art CAD shaping programs and APS 3000 shaping machine ensure precise and accurate craftsmanship. With a team of talented designers and shapers led by Marcus Lascelles, Beach Beat tests its boards extensively in the water before releasing them to the public. We are proud to be one of the most iconic brands in the European surfing world.
With international surf stars and board shaper friends visiting Chops regularly and taking over the bars and breaks of St Agnes the surf and surfboard scene was truly buzzing. We now focus on shaping, designing and running our shaping machine and work closely with one of Europe’s finest finishing factories for the glassing and finishing of our boards.
Website: www.www.beachbeatsurfboards.co.uk
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Bear
The Bear surfboard brand was born in 1977 when John Milius developed it for the movie Big Wednesday, capturing the essence of the Malibu surf scene of the 60s and 70s. Legendary shapers Billy Hamilton and Randy Rarick joined forces, crafting boards of exceptional quality that earned Bear a reputation for excellence. Today, Bear continues to growl with excellent clothing and boards shaped by some of the finest craftsmen in the surfing world. The Bear legend lives on.
Website: www.bearsurfboards.com
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BIC
Over 20 years ago, BIC Sport revolutionized the surfing industry by introducing molded production surfboards, making the sport accessible to thousands of new surfers. Partnering with renowned shaper Gerard Dabbadie, BIC Sport designed a range of molded boards that combine performance and durability. Gerard’s expertise and belief in making surfing accessible to everyone have been instrumental in shaping the BIC surfboard range. With multiple awards for their environmental commitments, BIC Surf is proud to offer a comprehensive range of boards designed with new features and benefits.
Website: https://world.bicsport.com
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Channel Islands / Al Merrick
Since 1969, Channel Islands Surfboards has been synonymous with performance, quality, and innovation. From its grassroots origins to becoming a leading organization catering to the world’s best surfers, Channel Islands has maintained its commitment to hard-core surfing and exceptional design. The Merrick family’s legacy continues as Al Merrick’s son, Britt Merrick, leads the shaping and design team, collaborating with the world’s greatest surfers to create high-performance board designs. Located in Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands HQ represents a foundation for developing, testing, and building boards while supporting the local community.
Website: www.cisurfboards.com
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Firewire
Firewire is driven by a passion for building high-performance surfboards and accessories using innovative design, materials, and construction methods. The brand is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and actively supports environmental and humanitarian organizations. Firewire believes that the key to exponential performance improvement lies in developing new materials and construction techniques, allowing for new design possibilities. With a focus on sustainability and performance, Firewire continues to push the boundaries of surfboard design.
Website: https://firewiresurfboards.com
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G&S
G&S is a revered surf and skate manufacturer based in San Diego since 1959. Founded by Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith, the business is now operated by the second-generation team of Eric and Debbie Gordon. With their surfboard factory and skateboard warehouse, G&S is all about quality and craftsmanship. Their experienced shapers hand-shape all boards, offering the option to replicate a favorite design, create a custom board, or choose from their extensive library of proven models. G&S continues to honor their legacy while collaborating with team riders to produce reissues that capture the essence of their brand.
Website: http://gordonandsmith.com/
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Greg Noll
In 2009, Jed Noll opened the flagship store of Noll Surfboards in San Clemente. The store showcases vintage Noll surfboards, wood surfboards, and art shaped by Greg and Jed, making it a destination spot for surf enthusiasts of all ages. Offering a wide range of Noll surfboards, clothing, and surf accessories, Noll Surfboards remains committed to quality craftsmanship and preserving the rich heritage of the brand.
Website: http://www.nollsurfboards.com/
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Hawaiian Island Creations
Founded in 1971 by brothers Stephen and Jimmy Tsukayama, Hawaiian Island Creations started as a small surf shop in Kailua, on Oahu’s Windward shore. With a commitment to quality, service, and the aloha spirit, the brand has become an icon of Hawaiian surfing recognized worldwide. With fourteen stores across three islands, Hawaiian Island Creations provides authentic Hawaiian surf gear to both locals and visitors, delivering the spirit of aloha to every surfer.
Website: http://hicsurf.com
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Hot Buttered
Surfing is an art form, and HB (Hot Buttered) has been at the forefront of shaping surfboards for all levels of ability. Designed to perform when waves are at their best, HB’s surfboards undergo continual refinement through feedback from their team of surfers who test the boards in the demanding North Narrabeen arena. Using the latest computer software and the best imported raw materials, HB’s shapers ensure accuracy and high standards of production, resulting in quality, performance, and a wide range of options for every surfer.
Surfing is art. Art is surfing.
Website: https://hotbuttered.com
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Lost Surfboards by Mayhem
Lost Surfboards is the largest surfboard manufacturer in the United States, and their success is a result of consistent delivery, effort, quality, and market awareness. With a focus on innovation, cutting-edge technology, and seamless supply chain management, Lost Surfboards has established itself among the greatest surfboard manufacturers. They also take a raw approach in showcasing the reality of the surf world and dispelling false views perpetuated by the competitive surfing boom.
Website: http://lostsurfboards.net/
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Maurice Cole
Surfing is a personal pursuit, and Maurice Cole understands that every surfer has their own unique path and preferences. As a shaper, Maurice aims to design surfboards that push the boundaries of performance and continually evolve. He collaborates with the world’s best surfers and incorporates their feedback into the design process. Alongside performance, Maurice also focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices to create longer-lasting surfboards and pass on knowledge to future shapers.
Website: https://www.mauricecole.com/
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McTavish
Founded by Bob McTavish in 1962, McTavish Surfboards is a renowned surfboard manufacturer based in Byron Bay, Australia. With over half a century of experience, McTavish Surfboards continues to be a prominent name in the industry. The brand embodies Bob’s adventurous spirit, design excellence, and passion for surf culture. With a dedicated team of about 20 people, McTavish Surfboards maintains a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excitement, offering a wide range of boards and branded apparel.
Website: https://www.mctavish.com.au/
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NSP
At NSP, they go beyond in design, technology, and manufacturing techniques for their surf and SUP boards. With a focus on research, development, design, and customer support, NSP ensures that each board provides the best possible experience on and off the water. The brand’s name stands for Nature, Science, and Passion, reflecting their commitment to creating high-quality products that meet the needs of surfers worldwide.
Website: https://www.nspsurfboards.com/
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Pukas
Pukas Surf Shop is a renowned multi-branded surf shop chain that has been serving the surf community for over 30 years. With locations in Zarautz and San Sebastian, Spain, Pukas Surf Shop offers a curated selection of brands and surf hardware. They have also played a vital role in organizing surf contests, bringing pro surfers to the Basque Country during the 80s and 90s. Pukas Surf Shops are not just places to shop but also social hubs, where surfers can connect, find great products, and support aspiring young talents through sponsorships.
Website: http://pukassurf.com/shops/
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Rusty
Rusty Preisendorfer shaped his first surfboard in 1969/1970, and since then, his innovation and craftsmanship have gained recognition worldwide. By the 1980s, Rusty’s shaping was attracting attention, and more than half of the top 16 surfers were riding his boards. Over the years, Rusty’s brand has continued to grow and expand globally, driven by his passion for creating high-quality surfboards that push the boundaries of performance.
Website: http://www.rustysurfboards.com/
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Spyder
In 1978, professional surfer Dennis Jarvis founded SPYDER surfboards to meet his personal need for higher performance boards on the Professional World Tour. He later opened Spyder Surf Shop in 1983, where customers could witness the craftsmanship firsthand while browsing for surf gear. What started as a small retail space in Hermosa Beach has grown into a mecca for surf, skate, and snow enthusiasts. Spyder Surfboards, known for their quality and unique-looking boards, have been ridden by some of the world’s best surfers.
Website: https://www.spydersurf.com/
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Town and Country
Founded in 1971 by Craig Sugihara, Town & Country Surf Shop has become a globally recognized surf company. Craig’s passion for surfing led him to understand the anatomy of surfboards and their impact on performance. The strategic location of his first shop in Pearl City, between the two epicenters of surf on Oahu, helped establish Town & Country Surfboards as a leading brand. With a logo symbolizing balance and a commitment to quality, Town & Country has evolved over the years while maintaining its strong presence in the industry.
Website: https://www.tcsurf.com/
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Superbrand
Founded in 2008 by team riders Dion Agius, Clay Marzo, and Ry Craike, Superbrand has set new standards of excellence in the surfboard industry. The brand’s collaboration with the Superbrand Shapers’ Collective, a team of young and innovative surfboard designers, has resulted in skate-influenced aesthetics and full-board graphics. Initially gaining a following with their high-quality and unique-looking boards, Superbrand expanded to include an apparel collection that embodies their youthful, progressive, and high-quality aesthetic.
Website: https://www.superbranded.com/
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JS Industries
JS Industries, founded by Jason Stevenson, is a globally recognized name in performance surfboards. Jason’s talent and love for surfing have gained him recognition and built strong relationships with a world-class team of loyal surfers. The iconic traktor logo can be found under the feet of top-ranked surfers such as Joel Parkinson, Julian Wilson, and Owen Wright. JS Industries continues to evolve with a focus on high-performance board design, shaping, and the future of surfing.
Website: http://www.jsindustries.com/
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Donald Takayama
Donald Takayama, a five-time United States Surfing Champion, has been shaping surfboards for over 55 years. His passion for surfing and dedication to craftsmanship have made him a household name in the industry. From a humble beginning of shaping boards out of necessity, Donald has watched the surfing industry grow into a global phenomenon. With a mix of surfboards, apparel, and accessories, Donald Takayama/Hawaiian Pro Designs reflects his lifelong commitment to surfing and the surf culture.
Website: https://www.surfboardsbydonaldtakayama.com/
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Spider Murphy / Safari Surf
Spider Murphy, one of the world’s most experienced and prolific shapers, began shaping boards in 1963. His creative approach to surfboard design developed through his partnership with Shaun Tomson, resulting in boards that suited Shaun’s unique barrel-riding style. Spider has shaped boards for more than 20 World Champion surfers, showcasing his consultative style and ability to bring out the best in innovative surfers.
Website: http://www.safarisurf.com/
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Formula Energy
Formula Energy is dedicated to producing high-quality performance surfboards. Their meticulous oversight of the entire creation process ensures boards that last longer and perform better. Handmade at their solar-powered factory on the Gold Coast of Australia, Formula Energy’s custom boards are designed to meet specific requirements while being mindful of environmental impact. With a focus on artisan craftsmanship and high performance, Formula Energy offers surfboards built to outlast.
Website: https://formulaenergy.com.au/
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DVS Surfboards
Dick Van Straalen, known as DVS, has been at the cutting edge of surf craft design for over 30 years. His boards are true art pieces that combine functionality with unique aesthetics. Based on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, DVS continuously pushes the boundaries of surfboard design, creating boards that stand out in the market.
Website: http://www.classicwaterman.com/
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Simon Anderson Surfboards
Simon Anderson revolutionized surfing in 1981 with the invention of the Thruster surfboard. Since then, his surfboards have influenced countless shapers and riders worldwide. With a wide variety of boards and decades of experience, Simon Anderson Surfboards remains at the top echelon of the industry. From pro surfers to everyday riders, Simon Anderson offers boards to suit every surfer’s needs.
Website: http://simonandersonsurfboards.com/au/
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Stacey Surf
Stacey Surfboards, founded in 2009 by Lee Stacey, specializes in high-performance shortboards and surfboards for the everyday surfer. Based in Tweed Heads, NSW, Stacey Surfboards has gained a reputation for producing some of the highest quality boards on the market. Working closely with their team riders and customers, Stacey Surfboards continues to evolve through board development, ensuring they deliver the best performance and enjoyment to surfers.
Website: http://www.staceysurf.com/
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Chilli Surfboards
Chilli Surfboards is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to sourcing only the finest components. With a focus on creating a unique surfing experience, Chilli Surfboards goes beyond the basics of foam and resin to deliver boards that stand out in both performance and aesthetics.
One distinctive feature of Chilli Surfboards is their exclusive carbon weave, developed in collaboration with Colan Products Australia. This carbon weave is meticulously designed to strike the perfect balance between strength and performance. By strategically aligning the carbon fiber stripes horizontally along the tail’s rail line, Chilli ensures that the board maintains its natural flex, allowing surfers to feel a seamless connection with the wave face. The combination of a standard four-ounce weave and carbon fiber strands placed at regular intervals provides exceptional protection and durability without compromising on performance.
Website: https://www.chillisurfboards.com/
Stretch Boards
Since 1979, Stretch has been creating distinctive and innovative custom hand-built boards for various water sports. Born in Malibu, CA, Stretch learned the art of shaping from his father, Mike Riedel, a shaper for Velzy Jacobs Surfboards. Despite a life-changing windsurfing accident, Stretch’s passion for progressive wave riding remains strong. With a focus on technological advancement and a commitment to building the best boards possible, Stretch Boards continue to push the boundaries of design and performance.
Website: http://stretchboards.com/
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Almond Surfboards
Almond Surfboards is a family-owned surfboard building operation and surf shop, founded by Dave Allee in 2009.
These are seriously beautiful surf crafts designed and manufactured in California. From classic longboards to stylish fish designs, these are some of the coolest surfboards available today. Their R-Series recycled soft tops are also worth a look for those who seek high performance without fiberglass.
We like the Almond Surfboards online shop — it’s well-structured and a pleasure to use. The link is below.
You should be catching waves earlier, and catching them more often – so we build a wide array of surfboards to help you do just that.
Website: Almond Surfboards
CJ Nelson
With each board meticulously crafted and thoughtfully designed, CJ Nelson inspires a sense of freedom and exploration. Whether you’re an experienced surfer seeking a fresh perspective or a novice looking to embark on an exhilarating journey, CJ Nelson’s surfboards offer an invitation to connect with nature, find inner balance, and experience the purest form of wave-riding bliss.
As CJ Nelson continues to shape the surfing landscape, their surfboards epitomize a harmonious blend of artistry, performance, and soulful expression. From the moment you glide across the water on a CJ Nelson board, you’ll understand why these creations have become synonymous with a transformative surfing experience that transcends the boundaries of the ocean and resonates deeply within.
Website: https://cjnelsondesigns.com/
BING
The BING brand represents the culmination of a lifelong passion for surfing, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the ocean. With a rich history rooted in the early days of surf culture, BING continues to produce high-quality surfboards that capture the essence of the sport and inspire surfers worldwide.
BING Surfboards began its journey in 1959. Since then, it has carved out a significant place in surf culture, earning a reputation for crafting some of the most exquisite surfboards on the planet for over six decades.
Website: https://bingsurf.com/
These surfboard shapers and manufacturers represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication in the surfing industry. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of performance, embracing sustainable practices, or creating unique designs, these brands are at the forefront of surfboard excellence.