Shaper Studios

The folks at Shaper Studios can help surfers of all levels to create the perfect board. They know everything there is to know about surfing, but more importantly they are able to communicate that knowledge to new shapers. Highly recommend!

Custom hand shapes are running 600+ these days, so I figured I might as well learn to shape along to way for my next board. As some who loves to create and surf, shaper studios was a no brainier for me. Me and my friend went in on a buddy lesson and had a great experience with Derrick. With two 3ish hour lessons and a laid back (beer on tap whatttt) atmosphere we had an amazing time shaping our first boards. They have a whole bunch of templates available so if you have a shape in mind, they will most likely have a good outline for you. Derrick was receptive and knowledgable about all questions we had and his many years of teaching really showed. The turn around time is supposed to be 2 – 3 weeks for glassing. Even though my hand shape may not be as slick as an Al Merrick or Rusty, I’m more stoked than ever to get my latest board in the water.

‘Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.’
–George Carlin
I wanted to get your attention so I could explain to you how an average surfer with no artistic ability or fine craftsmanship skills was able to make a board he never thought possible.
I had heard of Shaper Studio but was intimidated by the idea of making a substandard board I would be frusteradted with every time I looked at it. My wife forced my hand and got me a gift certificate. After meeting with Chris, Kory, Brad and the rest of the guys they got me stoked and confident to try a Mini Simmons.
The experience itself exceeded my expectation and the final product… Not only will these guys break down how to shape your own board, but they will ensure you leave with a board that will most likely become one of if not the go to board in your quiver. A week hasn’t gone by I haven’t taken MY board out.
The story doesn’t end there. Since my experience the guys have kept in touch asking me how I thought the board turned out, gone out for a couple surfs, invited me to a few get togethers and not once asked me when was going to shape my next board. They are genuinely stoked on life and enjoying it!
I will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Getting the opportunity to shape my own surfboard has brought me even closer to surfing. It had always seemed like you either had to know someone or be an insider to find a good shaper to make you a custom board. I am so excited that Shaper Studios is providing the tools and knowledge to the people, and in North Park out of all the places in San Diego.
Jeff was my Private instructor, he is insanely good at his craft and has the patience and ability to teach another human.
I came in with the idea of shaping my own noserider. I had a few ideas in mind, favorite shapers, designs etc… In the end it was like getting to have my cake and eat it too as I learned the science behind the noserider style. I was able to hybrid and combine all the little details that I loved into one big beautiful board.
I now have a greater respect for the science and history of surfing. Walking into a board shop will never be the same.

My shaper studios experience began with a group shaping lesson as a Christmas present from my brother. This was an economical way to introduce ourselves to this art. Our group shaped a Black Beauty inspired thruster. Kory thoroughly explained each phase of the process. Each student was able to get hands on experience with the various shaping tools. This experience inspired my brother and I to become members. This has allowed us to further increase our acumen and experience through Tuesday happy hours, guest shapers and shared knowledge amongst the Shaper Studios family. This spot is a throwback to the surfboard shops of the past where the focus was on surfboard craftsmanship. Stop by if you want to feel the stoke of creating your own board or if you need some gear. The Shaper Studios community is full of passionate people sharing positive vibes.

Me and my girlfriend signed up for a group lesson and there ended up being only two other people in the group which was awesome. Derrik was our instructor and ran us through the basics of shaping and was super friendly and helpful. They also have free demos occasionally and we ended up joining in on a glassing demo by Kory. Kory was a super helpful and awesome dude! There location is really rad as well!

I grew up with the boys that run and own shaper studios and I’d have to say they welcome everyone with open arms that steps in the shop. The vibes are always good and there’s normally beer in the fridge. I’ve shaped a few boards here and instantly got addicted. The way they teach technique and shaping skills are straight forward and easy to understand. It’s a craft not very many surfers know how to do and they are providing a space to change the industry. I would rather come in and shape my own board to my preferred dimensions over buying a board off the rack at your local surf shop.

My brother and I learned of the Shaper Studio from a Groupon. Our frugal asses took a group shaping lesson and that’s how this whole board shaping life began. We had a group of 5 and none of us had ever shaped a surfboard. Kory, our instructor, took his time explaining how the rails, concave and foil effects the board’s hydrodynamics. Most of the information went over my head that day but since then I’ve learned so much from the team at the Shaper Studio. During the group lesson we all took turns working on the board. Kory let us do just enough so that we could feel how to plane, cut and sand but not enough that we jack up the board. Eventually the board was available for purchase… my bro and I went halves and scooped it up. The price was a steal for a custom shaped board. We had such a great experience from that lesson that we decided to join as members.
As a member I have learned a lot about the process of shaping surfboards. I’ve also met some cool members that are very passionate about this art form. Everyone has been extremely helpful and willing to share their knowledge. Every Tuesdays the studio hosts happy hours where they shape a new happy hour board and it’s our chance to see the seasoned shapers use their skills in shaping these beautiful surf crafts… Oh and there’s FREE beer! The board are then available to member to borrow. Just think of it as an extension to your quiver.
Overall I give the studio 5 stars. I am stoaked to be a part of the Shaper Studio family. You have to come by the shop and check it out. Even if you don’t want to shape a board, they have some cool gear from shades to wetsuits. They also have locations in Vancouver and Orange County – spreading the stoak internationally.

Shaper studios is the cool backyard warehouse you’ve always wanted but never had. Better yet, it comes fully stocked with chill friends and ready-​to-​use shaping bays. Moved to San Diego a year ago, found Shaper Studios, and have been happily plugged into the group ever since. Can’t speak highly enough about the great management, overall vibe, or ease of shaping surfboards with the Shaper crew. If you’re not already plugged in, I highly recommend you check it out ASAP. Cheers and hope to see you there soon!

I just want to say that I am new to surfing. And really wanted to learn about boards the right way. So I joined the studio and it has really taught me so much. Everyone in there is so awesome and it’s like a family. I am usually one of the only girls and they welcomed me with open arms !!! I love this place.

Do it! There is no better felling than waxing up a board you made. The depth it will add to your surfing experience is priceless. All the guys there are supper down to earth friendly and genuine. They have everything you need from tools and blanks to fiberglass, tint, resin, everything! Summer time is here. Why not make yourself that new fun board or that sick as old school fish you’ve always wanted for half the price.

I’ve shaped a handful of boards at Shaper Studios and have had a number of them glassed here as well. When I started, the most I’d done is repair a few boards here and there and from a group lesson I learned the basics and with time and help from the great staff here I began shaping better and better boards with cleaner lines. Everything is available for you here to create a beautiful work of art that you get to ride.

I came to Shaper Studios to make my first hand-​shaped board. The friendliest group of guys staff this fine establishment! I did the private shaping lesson and I had tons of fun shaping a cool single fin egg shape. Shaper Studios provides a great environment (several shaping bays), all the tools, the foam blanks, knowledge and ample amounts of stoke! Needless to say the team were very enthusiastic and made my first shaping experience relatively easy and super enjoyable. I was so stoked that I went on to do the glassing lesson as well! I became instantly hooked and have now finished shaping my second board. Learning the process of how to shape/​glass a surfboard hands-​on gives you a higher sense of appreciation for the craft. The guys at Shaper have done a great job building on a community that shares the same enthusiasm for surfing. Do yourself a favor and give Shaper Studios a visit. Shape your next surfboard! Become a member! Guarantee the perks are worth it!

If your into surfing or sup check shapers studio out you’ll be stoked. All the dudes working there are super awesome friendly and they’ll teach you everything you need to know to shape your bored. Come in sign up join us for happy hour and next thing you know you’ll be an expert and you’ll never have to pay full price for a custom surf board you made ever again. On that dude in the front counter Korry super dope dude lol. Definitely check him out its worth it…

Awesome!!! Great People, Great Beer, Fun Times. If you’re looking for a new board, cool clothes or just a good time. Definitely check it out!!!

Why blow close to a grand on a factory pop-​out because it has some cool brand on it? Just because some pros ride the board doesn’t mean it was meant for me.
The guys at the shop know what they’re doing. I told the crew what type of shapes I normally ride, conditions of my local break, surfing ability, and body dimensions. I ended up making a Flyer II clone with the correct volume to my body size.
Having zero experience in shaping (only ding repair) I felt a little intimidated. That feeling quickly left as the crew eased me into process. They explained the intricacies of each tool and how to make them work for you. A few times I thought I had messed up my foam blank, but the crew was super reassuring and are there to fix your craftsmanship.
The one process which I’m glad I didn’t have to do was the glassing. The glassing staff are machines. From my anecdotal experience, the slowest part about buying a custom made board is the glassing. The shop called me about two weeks after I finished shaping telling me the board was ready to be picked up.
tl:dr version: make a board here, increase wave count by 10x.

Awesome experience! I started by taking a lesson and now I’m starting to shape my own boards with much less assistance (I probably ask too many questions, but the guys there are super knowledgeable and are more than happy to help out). I’m on board #3 and hoping to start #4 soon. The whole vibe of the place is great. The shop is welcoming and very familial. Whether you’re just looking to shape your own board for fun or you need space to continuously shape that’s outfitted with everything you need, Shaper Studios is the place.

My girlfriend and I recently did the buddy shaping program over the weekend and can say that it was an eye opening experience for both of us for the labor of love that the shop staff puts into the experience. Neither of us have had any shaping experience in the past besides reading blogs about the process but I can say that after shaping for 6 hours with Brad and Kory that two of us took so much away from it and are looking forward to shaping more boards in the near future.
It wasn’t your cookie cutter shape either, you have the freedom to create whatever you heart wants for size, thickness, rocker options, and width along with fin set up and different color options for resin. If you want some radical off the wall shape, the staff is super supportive because this is how new ideas are made, in the shaping bay and they bring a wealth of knowledge to table to help you build your first perfect board!
I wasn’t sure what to expect out of the entire process coming in on a rainy Saturday afternoon but after getting a tour of the shop and getting into the shape bay, I was truly stoked on the possibilities of turning a 6’2″ foam blank into a rideable board. If your new to the process go in with an open mind and ask all kinds of questions about things. I can guarantee you that they will have an answer for you on the best setup and what is going give you the most fun in the water.
Not too mention that it’s a super chill atmosphere with an awesome staff, couple shaping bays, a glassing studio upstairs and surf shop with all the accessories and swag that you need… but it has a keg of beer from one of the local breweries for you to drink from while shaping. I mean you really can’t beat drinking beers and talking waves.” With your buddies.
If your new to surfing, been around for a salty minute or looking to shape your first or seventh board you have to check out Shaper Studios in North Park.
A big shout out to Kory, Chris and Brad for the support and helping me shape my first of many new boards. Join the membership program as well, Anna and I are looking forward to many more visit to the shop in the future to talk surf, shape a new board, drink beers and be around awesome company and a solid environment!

I LOVE these guys and this concept! Learn to shape your own board. Neat! They have shaping bays right in the store and they’ll even teach you how to shape your very own boards. They have several shaping bays, complete with tools, sanders and materials! Seriously, if your like me, you’ll use and/​or go through a lot of surfboards. This is a much cheaper alternative. I saw the sign from 30^th street and stopped in there to grab some wax. They offered me a cold local beer from Fall Brewing. (They have a kegerator in the store, how cool is that!?!) Then I saw their line of wet-​suits and ended buying the cutest one piece booty suit I ever saw with rash guard sleeves and a neoprene belly and back! The best part is that it was made in right here California. I love it!!!
I am seriously considering going back there and learning and shaping my next new board. So stoked to actually have this in my neighborhood. Even for other stuff like wax, zinc, etc…
Stop in for a beer and talk surf with Chris and the guys! You’ll be happy you did!

Started my first board here a few months ago. The staff is very chill and ready going as well as the members. I was impressed with how easy the instructors make it to learn. I am making my board from start to finish, taking both the shaping and glassing classes. I am now signed up as an official member which has super great benefits. If you’re thinking of buying a new surfboard bring your money here and shape it yourself with pride and the guidance and knowhow of the inductors at Shaper Studio.