If you have ever considered shaping your own board I highly recommend attending the class at the Essence Surf Shaping School in Wall, NJ .  Like most surfers, for years I had passively been learning about surfboard construction and design planning to one-day shape my own boards.  I started to develop skills by taking on major ding repair projects for my friends and myself.  I rebuilt tails, fixed snapped boards, and painted art on both new and used boards.  However, many of the concepts of surfboard construction still eluded me.  The investment in materials and tools coupled with the mystique surrounding the craft made me not want to risk failure on my own.  I wanted to make sure that I learned the right way, in a proper facility, with someone who was very knowledgeable to guide me.  Esence Surf invited me to check out their facility in Wall and after only a few minutes of talking shop I knew I had made the right choice to take the class. 

The Essence Surf crew is very knowledgeable on surfboard construction and continues to do research to stay up-to-date on new techniques.  I was very impressed by the creativity and ingenuity with which they work.  With a good teacher you will not only learn how to use your tools, you will learn how to make your own tools and save money.  They also are excellent teachers and always seems to know exactly how to explain something, so that you can understand how to do it yourself.  From the very start of the shaping process to the very end of glassing, They explain every single step by demonstrating the techniques, allowing you to try it, then coaching you through the process until you have the understanding and confidence to do it on your own. They conscientiously observes your technique while offering constructive advice on how to improve.  The shaping facility is top-notch and fully stocked with everything you will need to make a professionally constructed board.  They are also genuinely nice who bring the aloha spirit to the NJ surf culture.  They live and love surfing, and teach shaping with the pure intent of sharing the stoke with others. 

As a surfer, you know what works for you and what you want in board.  No matter what level experience, Essence Surf can help you take those ideas and turn it into a customized surfboard built with your own two hands.  From a beginning grom to a seasoned veteran, I am convinced that anyone can take this class, under the guidance of a great teacher, and learn surfboard construction while creating a board that they will love to ride.  Why take a chance trying to learn on your own when you can learn the right way from the start with someone who actually makes and sells surfboards in a professional environment?  Building your own surfboard will make you aware of intricacies of surfboard design and performance that you never realized before.  Take this class , and it will take your surfing to the next level.

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Go to Nick's Shaping School Page.