You have a reputation for being able to duplicate “magic” custom surfboards. How did this come about?
Most shapers in the 70’s stuck to their model or plan or just made their own surfboards to promote themselves. I’ve been mainly a ghost shaper and have had to learn how to make so many different kinds and models of boards. It’s just ended up that I haven’t been promoting me… but in the process I also saw big name guys go through their highs and lows…as a ghost shapers and having versatility I could move between shapers. So when someone comes to me it’s just what I’m used to. Basically ghost shaping prepares you for that…you see so many shapers ideas…lots of interesting stuff. Today I work for 5 different people. The only bad thing is all 5 use 5 different types of foam and that gets a little crazy.
What’s different about being a shaper now?
It’s interesting. In 70’s and 80’s people came in to watch their board shaped. I guess people just have better things to do now, cause I hardly do that anymore. It’s weird, really different. Although even back then there were a few crews that wouldn’t let you watch…like the Brewer crew. Now people will bring their boards in and say what they like or don’t like and then leave. Also, now the surf industry seems to be really into “models”. Instead of being constrained by models I try to listen to the needs of a customer and to put what they want into a board.
Your thoughts on the state of surfing and the surfboards you’ve been making?
Finally people are coming around to some width and length. High School kids always seem to stick to what pros are riding…thin etc. That’s not likely not to go away. In the last issue of Surfer Journal Kelly Slater was talking about… he said people were just riding board that were too narrow. People are happier now (with the new style custom surfboards). I’m making a lot of shorter boards with fuller noses. It’s gone from 10.5” to 11.5” to now at 12.5” to 14”…sometimes a little bigger…we call them “tweeners”.
This started in the late 90’s with “tweeners”…hybrids. The first ones didn’t have wings but we added those and it took off. Now you see lots of people following. People are opening their eyes more and riding boards that work. Magazines are finally starting to promote them also …which is nice…not just selling what the pros are riding. Customers are now also seeing a design they like and then they will tune it. And that’s a great trend… starting to fine tune their primary board. In my case it’s often that what people want isn’t readily available…that’s where I come in.
You can read more about Bill here: http://www.surfboardbuilders.com/shaper_bill_minard.aspx
To see Bill’s custom surfboard styles: http://www.surfboardbuilders.com/BrowseBoard.aspx?ShaperID=32
