In October 2011, when the Sacred Craft Consumer Surfboard Expo returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, surfboard shaper Carl Ekstrom will be honored during the ‘Tribute to the Masters Shape-off.’
Ekstrom developed the first asymmetrical tail design in 1965, based on the idea that the board should better match the surfers own nonlinear stance. In 1988 Ekstrom and Windansea surfer Tom Lochtefeld began working on a stationary wave later dubbed the FlowRider, which made its public debut in a Texas waterpark in the summer of 1991. Ekstrom’s design influence can be found restaurants, military training helmets, Reebok shoes, and beyond. Ekstrom’s asymmetrical surfboard is enjoying a major resurgence with La Jolla surfer Richard Kenvin and the Hydrodynamica crew helping Ekstrom with R&D in and around San Diego environs.
In the competition shapers will be asked to shape anything they want as long as it is asymmetrical. Follow the jump for the rest of the details.Carl Ekstrom to be Honored at Sacred Craft
Expo returns to its Del Mar roots with new exhibits
Encinitas, Ca., (June 10, 2011) — — During the second weekend of October in 2011 the Sacred Craft Consumer Surfboard Expo will honor Carl Ekstrom during the ‘Tribute to the Masters Shape-off’ presented by US Blanks. The forward thinking Ekstrom’s rejuvenated asymmetrical surfboard concept (germinated in the ’60s) is the focus with verve entrenched in the design’s proven performance.
Carl Ekstrom was born in 1941, raised in La Jolla, began surfing at age 11 and built his first board at 15. He and fellow La Jolla surfer Al Nelson began making boards in the late ’50s, in and around various garages. In the early ’60s Ekstrom shaped for Wardy, Ole, Jacobs, Bing, and Con among other surfboard companies. In ’63 he opened his own shop with Al Nelson. Ekstrom developed the first asymmetrical tail design in 1965, based on the idea that the board should better match the surfers own nonlinear stance. In 1988 Ekstrom and Windansea surfer Tom Lochtefeld began working on a stationary wave later dubbed the FlowRider, which made its public debut in a Texas waterpark in the summer of 1991. Ekstrom’s design influence can be found restaurants, military training helmets, Reebok shoes, and beyond. Ekstrom’s asymmetrical surfboard is enjoying a major resurgence with La Jolla surfer Richard Kenvin and the Hydrodynamica crew helping Ekstrom with R&D in and around San Diego environs.
At Ekstrom’s suggestion this year’s shape-off will not be exact replications but rather new variations of the asymmetrical design. In honoring the iconic Windansea Surf Club member, a selection of shapers will be asked to create whatever board they desire, the only parameter: it must be asymmetrical. The winner will receive $1K.
“This is great, I’m very stoked,” said Carl Ekstrom. “The asymmetrical design is obviously unique. There is a renewed interest, and it’s all very fresh and interesting. I’m shaping a lot of boards these days: experimenting, tweaking, changing. It’s what I love, so it’ll be fun to see what these extraordinary craftsman come up with.”
“Carl Ekstrom has been shaping boards since the ’50s, and the stuff he’s shaping now is arguably more relevant than anything he’s ever designed,” said Jeff Holtby of US Blanks. “US Blanks is elated to be a part of Carl’s continuing legacy.”
On October 8 & 9 plan to enjoy all the great exhibits: Art of Shaping LA Edition Auction presented by Billabong, ‘Antique Roadshow’ style surfboard and memorabilia appraisals, live laminating demos, the Golden Ticket surfboard giveaway, the Art Grotto, Korduroy TV lounge, Quintessential Quivers lounge, Longboard Skatezone, 2012 fullsuits on sale, surfers playing music for surfers including Seth Pettersen, movies, PRIMO beer, great food, incredible deals on surfboards and much more.
Sacred Craft brings together surfboard lovers in what has become the surfboard industry gathering. ‘Less fashion, more passion’ is how someone once described it. Aptly put, as passion for surfboards and the authentic culture that flows forth never goes out of style.
WHO: Surfers, shapers, and surfboard manufacturers
WHAT: Two days of surfboard heaven
WHEN: October 8 & 9, 2011
WHERE: Del Mar Fairgrounds
WHY: Because surfers care about two things: waves and the equipment to ride them with
HOW: $10 at the door; kids 12 & under free
To exhibit/reserve booth space at Sacred Craft click here now to download the booth space contract.
About SACRED CRAFT
The SACRED CRAFT Consumer Surfboard Expo is an opportunity for shapers, surfboard craftsman and surfboard manufacturers to come together under one roof and share their passion with the surfboard loving public. It operates with one objective, to unite passionate surfers with the surfboard industry.
About US BLANKS
Our comprehensive line-up of blanks is unmatched in both design and quality. Proven classic shapes, together with a larger and exciting new offering of cutting edge designs, puts US Blanks at the forefront of surfboard cores.
