UK Surfboard Shapers

A surfboard shaped by hand for your height, weight, ability and local waves can transform your surfing. The UK has a small but highly skilled community of surfboard shapers, many of whom have been building boards for decades. Working from workshops close to the coast, they combine traditional craft with modern design, and they know exactly what works in British waves.

Why choose a custom board

Off the shelf boards are designed for the average surfer and the average wave. A custom board is made for you. Your shaper will ask about your experience, the breaks you surf most, the kind of surfing you want to do and the boards you have ridden before, then adjust the length, width, thickness, volume, rocker, rails and tail to suit. The result is a board that paddles better, catches more waves and feels right under your feet.

Supporting local craft

Buying from a UK shaper keeps money in the local surf community and helps to keep a traditional craft alive. Many shapers are also experimenting with more sustainable materials and methods, such as recycled foam, bio based resins, wooden boards and longer lasting construction. Ask your shaper about the options, as a well built board that lasts for years is often the most sustainable choice.

What to expect

Custom boards usually take several weeks to make, depending on the shaper's order book and the time of year. Prices vary with the size of the board, the materials and any extra artwork or finishing, but are often similar to a high quality off the shelf board. Many shapers also sell ready made boards and second hand boards, and most will repair boards too.

Getting started

The best way to start is to visit your local shaper, talk through what you want and see some of their boards in person. Bring your current board if you have one, as it gives the shaper a useful starting point.

Find a surfboard shaper

Browse surfboard shapers from across the UK below, from the workshops of Cornwall and North Devon to Scotland. Featured shapers appear first, and every listing shows where the workshop is, with contact details and directions.