Internet is a fantastic shaping tool. As a shaper in training I'm always searching the web for tutorials, videos, forums about surfboard shaping. Last year, a particular blog caught my attention (http://learntoshapearoundtheworld.blogspot.com/). It is about a french guy named Loic Bourdon who decided to become a shaper from scratch: he sold his house and his cars and left for a one year around the world trip to learn how to shape with some of the most famous shapers. But his blog is not only about making surfboards, he also shares his cultural journey in the different countries he's visiting.
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| Loic with the new toy he bought at Mitch's |
Reading his adventures online I noticed that Loic would be stopping in San Diego to visit the famous shaper Tim Bessel. I could not resist to contact him in order to meet him. Few emails later, it was decided that Loic would be a special guest at our house for the time he would be in South California. He arrived mid-october and since then I am like an intern learning from the guy who learns from the famous guys ;) Loic is showing me a ton of useful stuff. He even upgraded my shaping stand for a more ergonomic one. We talk about boards and shapes in continuous... Oh, wait, I think we are ... shaping geeks ;)
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| I shaped board #006 under Loic's close supervision |
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| Loic is a very good cook: he made us an South American dinner |
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| Loic worked on my shaping stand... |
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| looks good to me! |
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| unfinished board#006 adopted the new stand. Thank you Loic!!! |
That is so wonderful. I love this story. How cool is that! You get to learn from some one who has "world" experience. I think this blog business is amazing. You learn so much, you get to put your words and experiences out there to share, and you get to meet some incredible people! Now I am more excited about you working on my board!
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