6'6" Simmons for Jeff at Haut Surf Shop Santa Cruz 2011
Laminating is one area that most people making boards don't want to do. Polishing is probably up there as well. They're some parts or making boards that are pretty thankless in the overall process. Everyone looks at the shape, or the color, but rarely look past that to appreciate the entire build of the board.
If I was going to give someone advice on how to have job security in the surfboard industry, it would be learn to glass boards, really, really well. Because, even though almost everyone can be replaced with a computer, doing super Gucci, clean glassing will be hard to replicate.
No one who hasn't put in the time will ever be able to replace those hand skills. It's not just having the tools, or the right idea either. It takes timing, a sensitivity to touch, and how you cut the cloth, or drape it on the blank.
Sure, mass produced boards now come with tints, and dips, and all the other boring techniques. Getting good at really clean cut laps, delicate color patterns, or even a super tight clear 4oz is going to be hard to find.
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