While describing a surfboard as a “sacred craft” may lean a little to the hyperbole end of the spectrum there is no doubt that to those who hand-shape boards and the surfers who ride them it is a completely true statement.
Few are better at explaining and promoting the relationship between surfers and shapers than Sacred Craft Expo founder Scott Bass. Transworld Surf’s Justin Cote interviewed Bass to get the backstory on sacred crafts and the reason people need to get together to share shaping knowledge.
Surfing culture is sort of broken down into regions, into communities. You know like San Clemente, Encinitas, La Jolla, etc. And all the different regions have their regional shapers, which are the fabric of the surf culture in their communities. I think if you lose that, then we’re losing a real sense of self, and identity, and our culture. So my concept is look, lets bring all the surfboards in front of all of the public. Get some insight, meet these people, and recognize them by face.
As much as we love the immediate thrill of buying boards off the rack and putting them directly in the water, we really can’t really argue Bass’ point. Click the link for the rest of the interview.
[Link: Transworld Surf and Sacred Craft]
