Scrawl Surfboards: What Is It and Why Did It Happen?The first Scrawl Surfboard is officially glassed — and it came together in the most roundabout but fitting way possible. It all started with The Shapers Rack — a product I designed to help shape, store, and work on boards more easily. Somewhere along the way, while field testing the rack and experimenting with board outlines, I decided to shape a board myself. That turned into the first prototype for what is now the Flux model. Around that same time, I had reached out to a local surf brand. I sent an email, hoping to connect, but never heard back due to a glitch with my ShapersRack.com Google Workspace email. About a month later, while cleaning out my inbox, I came across the missed message and finally reconnected with the company — specifically, the glasser. He glassed the Flux using epoxy resin — clean rails, a solid hot coat, and a polished finish. The result? A board I’m stoked on — and the first official model released under the Scrawl Surfboards name. The Shapers Rack: What It Is (and What It Isn’t)While The Shapers Rack isn’t pictured here, it played a crucial role in shaping the Flux. It supported the board through every stage of the process — from foam stripping and rail cleanup to sanding and fine-tuning. The rack served as a stable shaping and repair stand for the entire project. That said, The Shapers Rack is not a commercial shaping stand. It wasn’t used during the glassing process — The glasser completed that separately at his space. Instead, The Shapers Rack was built to be a multi-purpose surfboard stand that also functions as a board storage system — ideal for home shaping setups, ding repair stations, or just keeping your gear clean and off the floor. It breaks down easily for transport, stores compactly, and holds up under real use in a garage, workshop, or shaping tent. Interested in Buying This Board?This board is for sale. If you're looking for a small-wave board with a clean aesthetic, hand-shaped foam, and a light but strong epoxy glass job, this might be it. Go to shapersrack.com for more details or email through the site for pricing, pickup, or delivery options. A Word on the PatentI’ve filed a non-provisional patent for The Shapers Rack. Fingers crossed the process goes smoothly — it’s a long road, but it’s worth protecting. The rack has proven itself as a useful tool in my setup, and neither the Scrawl Surfboards project nor the Flux model would’ve happened without it. I’m also working on a redesigned version made from materials better suited for shipping. A flat-pack version is likely next, which should make it easier to get The Shapers Rack into more hands without the oversized freight hassle. (Photos of the redesign will be posted eventually.) 👉 Looking to Buy One?You can purchase the original Shapers Rack here. Built for small workshops and real-world board work, it's a practical surfboard stand and storage solution in one.
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Repairing a Delaminated SurfboardRecently, 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 ProcessI 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
Glassing and Potential OptionsI 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 UpdatedI'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!
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. Key Enhancements
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.
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. |