I began building boards at the age of 13, having an intense interest in board design and construction at a young age. I continued off and on until 1998 when I was able to dedicate more time and energy to the craft I love. From 2005 until today it has been a full-on dedication to developing skills and acquiring knowledge in the design and construction of surfboards.

I have learned from some of the greats in the craft. Bruce Jones was a early influence and via discussions, I learned a lot from this late master shaper who is greatly missed. Other influences were Dick Brewer, Owl Chapman who taught me the mechanics behind a proper big wave gun, and Pat Rawson who also has given guidance and knowledge especially about Rocker and bottom design. Other contemporary influences are Brock Jones, son of Bruce Jones and a master craftsman and board designer. I have also learned from Matt Kinoshita of Kazuma surfboards, who is also a master craftsman in all aspects of board building and design and Joe Blair, legendary long-time shaper and designer who helped point the way with proper high-volume boards, bottom design and fin placement.

In the art of glassing, I was taught by one of the greatest glassers of all time, Greg Martz. The lessons learned from Greg are kept in mind as I strive for perfection with every board I build. My other greatest glassing influence is Jack Reeves who needs no introduction. A virtuoso of the craft, I have been fortunate to have had some discussions with Jack regarding the finer points of glassing as well as board design especially in the specialized craft of Sunset beach guns.

There are of course many other influences I have, too many to list as I am a perpetual student of the craft and always searching out knowledge and what is currently being done.

I have surfed for 51 years and have 14 winters on the North Shore of Oahu under my belt as well as travel to Northern Calif, Mexico and Peru. I have built surf craft for a very broad range of conditions from 1 foot slop to 20 foot plus bombs and ridden them all. I consider myself very fortunate to also have a great crew of surfers riding my boards from here to Hawaii to Mexico in all conditions and greatly appreciate and listen to the feedback they provide. This invaluable feedback goes into pushing my designs constantly forward, always fine tuning the designs specific for the conditions and the rider.

The things that make me tick are my love of surfboard design and construction and how it correlates with function. I have a natural affinity for building things and apply it to the craft. I deeply love the ocean and strive to spend as much time in it as I can both surfing and paddling, This time also affords me the opportunity to watch my riders and how their boards respond and look in the water, this is part of building truly custom boards, knowing your customer, how and where they surf, what they are riding, likes/dislikes, age, weight, foot size and literally watching them surf and taking notes.

My favorite surf spot is Sunset beach Oahu, I’ve been fortunate to have had many consecutive years of surfing there in every condition and on a wide variety of boards which subsequently has increased my knowledge of surfboard design especially in bigger, heavier surf. I also enjoy simple weekend sessions with my friends very much, just go out, get wet and chat. Long distance paddling is a favorite pastime and I am always working on pushing the distance and endurance on my paddle board. I have developed a love for SUP and always make time to work on that form of surfing and water travel. Staying well rounded is fun, healthy, increases my overall knowledge of watercraft and is the way of the old school Waterman.