easiest thing to do is get off your computer, head down to local surf shop and talk to them. Tell em what you like and they can match you to a shaper (or multiple shapers) that make it. There are a bunch of good shops in delmarva (chaunceys, malibus, k-coast whatever) - you can't miss
Scott Busbey and Lynn Shell still do business together,for instance,I know Scott's gone up to get my blanks there,and some of Lynn's boards are sold in Scott's shop,but Lynn went to Hawaii for a good while to do HIC,Hawaiian Island Creations,and now is Lynn Shell Shapes at OBBC,Outer Banks Boarding Company,in Nags Head.He is world class,but not nearly as well-known as many lesser shapers.Him and Scott have been together down there shaping since the 70's,so they've seen it all and can shape anything.To my knowledge Lynn does not shape In The Eye, that is Scott's brand,and he's never left his Hatteras shop, Natural Art Surf Shop, in Buxton.His original partners set up in Hatteras together,but left Hatteras the first winter there and went back home to Florida,but Scott stayed,so his shop is Natural Art,but he has nothing to do with Natural Art Surfboards,as those are from his ex-partners in Florida. I ride In The Eye, and Scott is the best shaper there is.
I'm not all the confident that the 'go to your local shop' idea will work anymore in OCMD. Doesn't anyone even carry locally shaped boards in any shop there anymore?
Tim Nolte in OBX without a doubt. He made me a great custom high performance longboard. He spent a few ~20 min. phone calls going over all the details and was generally interested in making the board to my specifications, surfing abilities and specific surf conditions. He made it on time and delivered on schedule during my yearly trec to Rodanthe. Delivery schedule was critical, because if he missed delivery I would have not had the new board for the OBX trip and would have had to make a separate trip down. He also added some additional features such as a beautiful redwood tailblock at no additional cost. Most importantly though, the board is a magical wave catching machine. I have been using rack boards all my life. This was my first custom board, and fits me so well, that in just one season on this board my surfing ability increased 10-fold. I can't believe I wasted all those years on rack boards. That is a part of the equation that many people don't consider, but really should. When a custom board is done right, it is perfect for the surfer, so you get more waves, ride them longer and more aggressively, and therefore, your surfing ability progresses much faster. Now for those that don't live right next to the ocean, and/or, have careers that limit their surfing access, a custom board is even more important so you can maximize the time you do get in the water. I have also heard good things (and spoken with) Mike Hague in Lewes DE. My daughter is going to have him shape a board for her once she saves up a bit more $. I'll let you know how that goes.
Fantastic info, thanks everyone Funny story about that... i was in K-coast a while ago, and didn't see anything i liked, and didn't really see any local boards either. The next week, i was up in RI, and found about 8 brand new Ashton's at a shop in Newport! I couldn't help but think something was sort-of backwards....
I just realized that i have to retract this statement... my first ever board was a custom Tim Nolte that i got for Christmas when i was about 9.
I feel like I'm continually plugging the guy and putting his name out there, but Doc at Ocean Atlantic in OCMD is a great shaper, and great dude. He's old school, and definitely knows his stuff.
Jon is huge up in RI. There has been some bad blood with k-coast (egos on both sides). My advise is the go see Jon at his shack and talk to him. He really knows his stuff about board making. You just need to be very specific about what you are looking for and be sure not to ask for really wild paint jobs!! Tell him how you surf and the kinds of waves you like to ride and he'll create a great board for you for a fair price.
Couldn't agree more. Great guy and superior craftsman. I never had a board from Tim that I didn't like.
I saw them in the shop this past fall. I questioned Tony's son, and he said they decided to start that label back up. Said they were being shaped by someone on the outer banks, but it sounded like the shapes were to Tony's specifications. Had some quad fishes and some shortboards with a little extra volume/width. They looked nice and the prices were good as well. I still have an old Creme from back in the '80s I take out now and then.
