Shapers Rack

Reviving a Surfboard: The Journey

3/2/2025

Repairing a Delaminated Surfboard

Recently, I encountered a bit of a setback in the water—delaminating the nose of one of my favorite boards. It wasn’t an expensive new one but a groveler that had seen better days. A combination of wear and tear, along with some damage from a wave, led to a delamination issue. So, I decided to repurpose it into something new.

The Repair Process

I started by removing the glassing and fiberglass with a 5n1 tool. With some elbow grease, I stripped it down to the core. To make the board rideable again, I turned to drywall sponges, a recycled sawzall blade and a planer, quickly shaping the repurposed blank.
The damage in the nose caused the board foam to break slightly, so I had to shorten it to a 5’6". However, I kept the tail wide and preserved the bulk of the foam throughout the board. This kept the board's natural float and maneuverability, which were already built into the design.
I also worked on the concave, increasing the single concave down the middle, which you might call a single with slight double to vee concave. I also increased the rocker in the nose by planing it thinner to help improve performance on steeper waves.

Comparing Profiles

In this photo from Levitate Surf Shop in Marshfield, MA, you'll see a legit RNF from Lost Surfboards in a custom made Shaper Stand, which was crafted on the South Shore of Massachusetts. The purpose of this photo is to compare the profile and rocker of the RNF to the board I’m currently repurposing. Seeing the difference in design helps to understand how my adjustments—like increasing the rocker in the nose—compare to the performance-focused contours of a high-quality board like the RNF. For more on Lost Surfboards, visit lostsurfboards.net, and to explore Levitate Surf Shop, check out levitatebrand.com.

Glassing and Potential Options

I reached out to Space Rock Glassing in Matunuck, Rhode Island, to get an initial quote. You can visit them at www.spacerockglassing.com. They’re known for handling most glassing jobs in the Northeast. However, the quote I received was a bit higher than expected. It made me rethink whether investing that much in glassing for a repurposed board was the best move.
The reality is that spending significant funds on a glass job for a board that can’t compete with CNC-designed boards might not be the best way to support my surf hobby in the long run.

Keeping You Updated

I'll keep you posted on how the board turns out once it’s glassed. In the meantime, I’ve been making the most of the snowboarding season, catching up with friends up north for the Methodology event. It’s always a blast riding with seasoned pros, banked slalom champions, and even some amateurs. Check out the Methodology event website to learn more about this fun event here.
Also, I bought some ice-cold wax and warm-temp wax from One Ball Jay to keep things moving for next year. You can check them out at www.one-ball.com.
Feel free to follow along with the journey, and I’ll keep sharing updates on the board repair with photos when I get to it, along with any updates to the Shapers Rack as well!

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The Evolution of the Shapers Rack: Lessons Learned

10/14/2024

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When I first came up with the Shapers Rack, the idea seemed promising due to the large market—over 20 million surfers worldwide, plus countless other board sports enthusiasts. Filing a preliminary patent felt natural given my background (I’ll attach a photo for fun). However, after extensive reflection and creating a detailed pros and cons list, I’ve decided not to bring the rack to market or distribute it. Ultimately, the costs of production outweigh the long-term benefits.

Here’s how I reached this conclusion:

I initially manufactured one rack and displayed it at a local surf shop, but it didn’t make the front display, and initial reviews weren’t great. There’s also a local competitor making stands, though their designs lack utility for proper storage or board comparison. Despite interest from some, most were not fully on board with my concept.

Conclusion Continued:

The rack I built for the shop evolved—I modified it to be easier to disassemble and stow. However, poor wave conditions, isolated to that particular area in the northeast, limited its use. Interestingly, my original pine rack, which I use to store my own boards, has remained in regular use. This reaffirmed that while the rack is practical for personal use, manufacturing a mahogany version for wider distribution isn’t necessary, especially since I can customize one to fit my own needs.

Competitor Products Worth noting:

After much research, I found some competitor products worth noting. One, sold in Australia, resembles an upside-down ironing board. Another, from Huntington Beach, California, is stowable but lacks the utility of my design. My rack allows boards to rest securely off the ground, which makes it better in some ways, though it is bulkier. I also came across Rado Racks, which offers a surfboard storage workbench. However, it lacks an option to position the board sideways in the stand, which seems strange—I may be missing something here.
While all of these competitor products are clearly not better for storage and don’t share the same utility as mine, they are significantly less expensive. Additionally, I discovered a surf rack maker based in Dana Point. He’s an artist and creator who produces some amazing pieces that are definitely worth a look: Crawford Craft.

Links to competitor products:

Both are solid, but while one focuses on display and quick repairs, mine was designed for storage and occasional repairs. Over time, I’ve realized the Shapers Rack is best suited as an indoor storage solution for recreation equipment, not outdoor use. Features like magnets, cleats, and latches became unnecessary, as the product is rarely moved once set up.

Donations:

One idea I considered was donating a portion of proceeds from the rack to local competitions or charitable causes. While some felt this wasn’t the best approach, I believed it could be a meaningful initiative within the northeast community. However, since the product will not be coming to market, this plan will no longer move forward.

PROS and Cons:

Reflecting on my pros and cons list (192 pros and 222 cons), it’s clear that mass production and market release aren’t the best route. The Shapers Rack will remain a custom-made, final sale product with no returns. It will come in a kit without magnets, cleats, or latches since those features don’t add value for most users.
Please reach out directly by email to inquire about purchasing, as that will be the best way to speak directly to me. However, the product will still be available for purchase via the cart on the website. Feel free to reach out at [email protected] if you have any questions!

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Shaping the Future: Updates to The Shapers Rack

8/4/2024

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When I first designed The Shapers Rack, the idea was simple: create a versatile, sturdy rack that could store and shape surfboards efficiently. The initial design featured legs approximately 24 inches in length, providing a stable base. However, early feedback highlighted a practical issue—the legs were too long, causing people to trip over them and taking up too much space. After giving this some serious thought, I decided to experiment with a smaller leg structure.

I tested this new design at my family’s beachfront property. The smaller legs significantly reduced the footprint of the rack, making it less obtrusive. While the shortened legs won’t be a standard feature in the product line at this time, the experiment led to some exciting advancements.

Key Enhancements

Latches with Cotter Pins: One of the key updates is the addition of latches on the cross members. These latches come with cotter pins, making it easier to break down the rack for storage. This feature enhances portability without compromising the rack's sturdiness.
Velcro Hook-and-Loop Straps: I’ve also improved the padding on the rack. The pads are now secured with velcro hook-and-loop straps, ensuring they stay in place and making it easier to replace or adjust them as needed. This small change adds to the rack's overall functionality, whether it’s being used for surfboard storage or surfboard ding repair.

Integrated Magnets for Tie-Downs: Another innovative feature is the integration of magnets at specific points on the rack. These magnets provide convenient tie-down spots for securing boards or other essentials, especially in windy conditions. This is particularly useful for those unexpected gusts when boards seem ready to take flight. With these magnets, you can ensure your boards stay put until it’s time to bring them inside.

Built to Last
The Shapers Rack is crafted from durable mahogany, which not only provides a sturdy foundation but also ensures longevity. Originally, The Shapers Rack wasn’t intended for outdoor use, but it’s proving to be quite durable in exterior settings. The pads dry out quickly after heavy rain, and the latches and hold-downs perform well even when exposed to the weather. If you’re hosting a party or need to clear some space, the rack can be easily disassembled and stowed away.

Assembly Required
To meet shipping requirements, The Shapers Rack will now require some assembly. The product will come in a kit, with the shaper stand portion and the leg structure needing to be put together. Pocket screws will need to be screwed into predrilled holes for the legs, and the shaper stand extensions at the top will need to be fastened into predrilled holes as well. If assembly might be an issue, I recommend buying directly from your local board shop, where you can pick up a fully assembled rack.
DIY Customization Option
Instead of selling The Shapers Rack with a shorter leg structure, I decided to offer it as is. If you prefer a shorter leg structure, this can easily be done as a DIY application. This approach provides extra lumber, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences and needs.

Available Now
The Shapers Rack will be sold as displayed on the product page, without the shortened legs. However, all the new features—latches with cotter pins, magnets, and velcro hook-and-loop straps—are included. Whether you’re looking for a reliable surfboard rack, surfboard storage, or a tool for surfboard ding repair, this rack has you covered.
If you’re ready to purchase, head over to the purchase page or visit the contact page for more information or inquiries.

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Reviving a Surfboard: The Journey

Repairing a Delaminated Surfboard

The Repair Process

Comparing Profiles

Glassing and Potential Options

Keeping You Updated

The Evolution of the Shapers Rack: Lessons Learned

Here’s how I reached this conclusion:

Conclusion Continued:

Competitor Products Worth noting:

Donations:

PROS and Cons:

Shaping the Future: Updates to The Shapers Rack

Shop

Company

Support

Reviving a Surfboard: The Journey

​Repairing a Delaminated Surfboard

​The Repair Process

Comparing Profiles

​Glassing and Potential Options

​Keeping You Updated

The Evolution of the Shapers Rack: Lessons Learned

Here’s how I reached this conclusion:

Conclusion Continued:

Competitor Products Worth noting:

Donations:

PROS and Cons:

Shaping the Future: Updates to The Shapers Rack

Shop

Company

Support

Repairing a Delaminated Surfboard

The Repair Process

Glassing and Potential Options

Keeping You Updated