How to Set up a Surfboard Shaping Shack

Learning how to shape your own surfboard will give you a great, new relaxing hobby and a new appreciation for the sport of surfing as a whole. You will learn about the science that goes into surfboard construction. Before you start shaping your first board, it's important to have a shaping shack set up just for this purpose.

Things You'll Need

• Clean workspace
• Vacuum
• Hand sander
• Hand planer
• Foam pieces
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

Instructions

1. Find a clean, open space to commandeer for your surfboard shaping room, or "shack." You will need an area that is not used for anything else, so that they do not cross-contaminate each other such as surfboard shaping and engine repair.

2. Assemble a list of various supplies. These are all basic items that can be found any where and are the basic essentials for a surfboard shaping shack. You should have a work bench or other table to set items on. Keep everything organized to find them more quickly and easily.

3. Install a side light. This should be at a slight angle out towards the table, stand or work horses on which you'll set the surfboard in progress. These should also be slightly above the line for that table. This is to cast a shadow enabling you to see the imperfections and blemishes easily to be able to smooth them accurately.

4. Use proper safety gear, like protective glasses, dust masks and ear covers. This will keep the sanding dust out of your mouth, nose, eyes and lungs, helping to prevent you from being exposed to the large amounts of dust caused by surfboard shaping.