As the founder of Killer Dana Surf Shop, one of my favorite things has been helping customers with custom surfboard orders, and I am still as stoked today as I was way back in 1991 when we opened our first shop. After all, surfboards are the foundation of what we do…GW
A custom built surfboard is one of the few things you can still get to order that is truly hand-crafted to your exact specifications. We thought it would be fun and interesting to show you how a custom surfboard is created, from the order form through the finished product. Master shaper Mark Ellis has been making surfboards for Killer Dana since we opened in 1991, and he has shaped literally thousands of custom surfboards for our customers. I asked Mark to build a quad fin for us, and the photos below show how the entire process is done, from start to finish. Enjoy.
-GDub









Comments
I still keep track of you guys and the surfing industry, from out here, in the Midwest (St. Louis). Anyway, Bravo Mark Ellis for hand-craftsmanship! I understand why shapers have gone the way of computers. After all, if Donald Takayama, with all of the dues that guy has paid, swears by it, it’s okay. However, I am still impressed Mark. Go for it!
I had Mark shape a board for me about 5 years ago and it is still the best board I have ridden. He’s great to work with. It was fun to see him featured on your site.