How can I be a surfboard shaper?

Question

How can I be a surfboard shaper,

skill wise, I have done one surfboard myself, and i majored in sculpture so i am comfident about my shaping skill.

And, how much can you make a year as professional surfboard shaper?

Answer 1

You need to start making boards. I don't know how old you are, but there is a lot involved in starting a business, and you need a good business plan. If you want to apprentice for a local shaper, you may find one who is sympathetic and kind enough to take you on, but believe, it takes a lot more than one board to become a 'shaper'. Start at your local surf shop, and see if there are any local shapers who will let you hang out, and maybe become an apprentice.

You have to earn your street  cred in the business before you can start anywhere as a shaper, working for a big company. There, you might make a few bucks, but until you start building boards with your own logo, you're not going to buy a yacht.

When I was kid, we used to make lots of boards in a garages. We huffed way too much resin, and never really set the world on fire, although one guy who was little grom back then, is a professional shaper in NC.

I been surfing for 42 years, I wish you the best of luck.