You can never have too many surfboards in your quiver! It’s just a matter of finding the space to keep them all. Before you go forking out cash for your next factory-made generic shortboard, consider grabbing yourself a silky, hand-cut board from one of these local custom boardshapers.
In no particular order, please see our list below of the 17 best local custom surfboard shapers in Australia.
1. Wayne Lowen
Brand: Lowen88
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
With 30 years’ experience in boardshaping, it’s no surprise that Wayne is one of the most highly regarded shapers in QLD.
2. Paul & James King
Brand: Sanctum Surf
Location: Warriewood, NSW
These two brothers have expanded their custom surfboard operation to an online store that stocks a wider range of surf products. They specialise in twin keel boards which are super responsive under foot.
3. Pieter Stockert
Brand: Pieter Surfboards
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Pieter is a real character and loves to post video diaries of his shaping shenanigans on social media (check out his long-form interview with a customer here). Surfers from across the world seek out Pieter’s boards to add to their quivers.
4. Ross Marshall
Brand: Off The Lip Designs
Location: Cabarita Beach, NSW
Ross Marshall was something of a surfing legend in Cronulla NSW in the 70’s and 80’s. Now based in Cabarita Beach on the NSW North Coast, Ross has been making surfboards on and off since 1976 and is now addicted to photography.
5. Andy Collyer
Brand: AMC Surfboards
Location: Halls Head, WA
Despite shaping only being a hobby for Andy, his simple designs are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
6. Dean Gladman
Brand: DMG Shapes and Designs
Location: Ocean Grove, VIC
Dean shapes a huge range of boards of varying different lengths and types. Dean can truly shape the perfect board for any surfer.
7. Murray Bourton
Brand: Pipedream Surfboards
Location: Currumbin Waters, QLD
Murray is a hugely experienced shaper. He mixes 70s design with modern shapes to make some seriously sexy boards. Due to popular demand, Murray has re-opened his previously shelved vintage brand, Pipedream Surfboards.
8. Steve Middleton
Brand: JARVEN Surfboards
Location: Engadine, NSW
Steve’s “High Performance Fish” is super popular with locals. He achieves the perfect blend of performance with a little extra volume for easy paddling.
9. Christian Laing
Brand: Christian M Laing Surfboards
Location: Berkeley Vale, NSW
These guys are bit of an institution on the Central Coast and rightly so. With huge amounts of experience in the team, these guys pump out boards on the regular.
Bronte Series 1.5mm Wetsuit Top
Brand: Flatrock Wetsuits
Location: Bronte, NSW
Flatrock Wetsuits began when two brothers from Bronte Beach grew tired of the discomfort caused by mainstream wetsuits. With the expert guidance of an award-winning, Sydney-based, industrial design firm, they designed their first wetsuit, the Bronte Series 1.5mm Wetsuit Top.
10. Steve Del Rosso
Brand: Clearwater Surfboards
Location: Currumbin Waters, QLD
Steve is a verified expert when it comes to gloss polish finishes and resin tints. His boards are seriously smooth on the eye.
11. Dylan Longbottom
Brand: Dylan Surfboards
Location: Port Kembla, NSW
Not only does Dylan have a reputation for being a top bloke but he's also a very talented shaper. Plenty of pros rely on Dylan's boards for big contests.
12. John Harris
Brand: FreeGlide Surfboards
Location: Tweed Heads, QLD
John's been shaping since 77 and even worked in the legendary Bob McTavish's garage in the 70's. John carefully plans every contour to ensure he shapes your board to precisely match your style of riding.
13. Bruce Kay
Brand: BK Shapes
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Bruce never uses cheap materials so his boards can withstand even the heaviest of thrashings.
14. Jye Gudenswager
Brand: Gen4 Surfboards
Location: Tweed Heads, NSW
Jye’s great grandfather, Frank Adler, was one of the pioneers of Australian surfboard riding and shaping. Jye is the fourth generation to shape boards in his family and was practically born into the craft.
15. Stuey Campbell
Brand: Waterpistols Surfboards
Location: Noosa Heads, QLD
"The Toe" all-rounder is one of our favourite boards in their range. Stop in to their studio in Noosa for a coffee or beer.
16. Hayden Cox
Brand: Haydenshapes
Location: Mona Vale, NSW
Hayden started shaping at the tender age of 15 and has grown up to be an absolute force in the global custom board market. His store in Sydney has such a sharp aesthetic it feels like you're stepping into an Apple store for surfboards.
17. Matt Hurworth
Brand: MH Surfboards
Location: Tweed Heads, NSW
Matt creates high performance boards for legendary Aussie surfer, Chippa Wilson. Matt continually strives to push the boundaries of surfboard design to push the sport to the next level.