Looking to have a new board shaped for me and I live in Baltimore. Not a lot of shapers around here. My best friend and his wife own a house in Beach Haven, LBI. They rent it out during the summer, but let us use it in the off season and my wife and kids and I get there a few times a year. Headed there in late April/early May to help him refinish his hardwood floors and do some painting. Can anyone recommend a shaper in the area? I am looking for a big-guy shortboard/fish shape. I am 6'3" and 215 lbs. Looking for a board to ride when it is waist high up to a little overhead. Waist high and under, I am riding my longboard. I rode my sister-in-law's 6'10" Walden Magic Fish in chest to head high waves at Ft. Pierce Inlet a while back and had fun, but felt like that was too much foam. Rode my buddy's 6'8" 7S fish in Hatteras on a clean chest to head high day and it felt like the perfect board. Thanks for the help. Go Giants and Ravens.....****.
Mgarbutt (forum member) lives in lewes, de and could make you a sweet board. I shaped a 7'2" retro egg with him and couldn't be happier. https://www.facebook.com/pages/MGarbutt-Surfboards/302353056452733
I just picked up a Mahady 6'8 HP fish. Awesome, so fast and turns like a go cart. Super cool guy will let you ride before you buy.
not sure if he is still in the area, but vinnie balis of planet blue. his shop is right on route 9 in tuckerton about 15-20 min south of l.b.i. i have had a couple of boards from him over the years. not too bad, but just make sure he doesn't skimp on the glass on the deck.
brian wynn (surprised he hasn't been mentioned yet) makes great boards. great guy, too (haven't met a shaper who wasn't, really). http://wynnsurfboards.com/
Dock Rd Surfboards There's a guy by the name of Steve that shapes boards on Dock Rd in Beach Haven. You see a number of locals riding his creations. They're great boards and if you give him 2 weeks or so he'll turn out a beauty of a custom board. He shapes out of his garage. If you head back behind the Polywog you'll see his RV on the right side of the road (unless he's out surfing of course)
I have always bought off the rack new or used boards and have never had one custom shaped. I would like to experience that process. Hey, thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions so far. I really appreciate it.
http://matadorsurfboards.com/page/1cwko/Home.html Matador Surfboards in LBI. See Mike at Brighton Beach Surf Shop in LBI. http://matadorsurfboards.com/page/1cwko/Home.html
Matador and Boneyard Boards are great. Just bought a "Bull Fish" from Marko at Wave Hog in Ship Bottom. They specialize in bigger boards for bigger guys and they are really good boards. Heavy glassing and great design. I know of the guy Steve mentioned before with Dock Road boards and have heard really great things about his boards as well. He used to have a website but I think it's down now. You can likely contact him through the local surf shops.
Marko at Wave Hog and Mike at Brighton Beach are two really good guys to deal with. They are genuinely interested is selling you a board that will work for you. I believe you can demo / rent most of the boards they sell before you buy. As far as 7S boards - The glass work is clearly substandard and they do not hold up - no doubt.
