Shaping School Main Page

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Welcome to Essence Surf's Shaping School Page!

Page Sub Sections:
Introduction.
What do I need to build a board?
How much does it cost?
What is included?
What is NOT included?
How do I get Started?
How long does it take?
Where is the school located?
Shaping School Student List.

Introduction:

Here at Essence Surf we have learned there is nothing more rewarding then entering
the water with a personally hand built board. This, to us, is truly the Essence of the surfing experience.For many years individuals have been denied the resources to build surfboards on their own.
Shapers were very reluctant to share their skills to an individual that would most likely become
a competitor at a later date. Today, with lathing machines and mass production techniques,
home shaping is a dying art, and the garage shaper a dying breed. Essence wishes to revive the trend of garage-style hand-shaping. We encourage individuals to open shop and start shaping for friends, family, and local surf shops. We also encourage the passing of knowledge between people so that they may do the same.For nearly the price of a brand new production board, Essence Surf is willing to invite you to private lessons in basic shaping, glassing, and sanding techniques. Once finished, you receive a new surfboard that you have built. If you decide this is something you wish to do...our shop is yours.

Sincerely,

Eugene Wahl Jr.

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What do I need to build a board?

1)First, you need to live in NJ. Non-NJ residents can apply, but you should check how long it will take you to drive. ( See Location section). Some aspects of the building process, such as glassing & hot coating are done in stages, and do not take long to complete, but take time to dry. Be aware that you will have to come to the shop a few times to complete a board.
2) Over 18 or guardian present. Since we use tools that are potentially dangerous and can injure the user if not handled properly, customers must sign waivers before they begin. Since minors are not legally bound to contracts a guardian or parent must be in the area and sign said contracts.
3) Desire. This is a sweaty, sticky, smelly process. Surreal-G resembles Pig Pen from the peanuts
when he leaves the shop. If you are not prepared, mind getting dirty, and have no patience, don't
bother wasting our time. We are here to teach you, and for you to have a good time doing it.

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How much does it cost?

1st 10 people who sign up w/ deposit for the Jersey Shore location get 15% off their base cost.

We vary our school pricing according to basic board size. (1) Custom Lamination is also included in the base cost. If you have any questions please email us at surrealg@essencesurf.com.

Board Size	Base Price	Base Price Fin Configuration	Fin Plug Type	Airbrushing PERHOUR	Resin Swirl or tint (Bottom) Per Color
5'8" to 6'9"	$695	Tri fin OR twin	FCS OR SPEED	$15	$85
6'10" to 7'11"	$770	Tri OR Twin Or 8.5 Box	FCS OR SPEED	$15	$85
8'0" to 9'1"	$870	8.5" OR 10.5" Box	NA	$15	$95
9'2" to 9'8"	$1,000	10.5" Box	NA	$15	$110
9'9" to 10'3"	$1,080	10.5" Box	NA	$15	$120

Custom Lamination: Digital images of any custom Lams have to be supplied prior to glassing the board.
Fin Systems: Fins are NOT included in Base Cost. Speed Fins are sold at an addditional cost. Please contact surrealg@essencesurf.com for information.
Resin Swirls: Additional resin work also has to include pin lines and gloss coat.
Additional Fin Plugs: Any fin configuration beyond standard. FCS or Speed. Add $20 per additional fin.
Safety Equipment: Customers MUST provide their own safety equipment for hygienic reasons. Dust Mask(s), Organic Respirator, Latex Gloves, Chemical Gloves. Clothing protection is recommended.
Waiver: All customers must sign a contract and assumption of risk wavier. If under the age of 18yrs, parent or gaurdian must sign said contracts and be present at all times during the construction process. Safety equipment must also be worn in order to attend.
MEETING: We do not accept any students until we meet with them. This is so there are no misconceptions between the student and instructor.
Payment: A 50% down payment on estimated cost (base). Additional items would be added to final payment. Remaining balance paid prior to collection of the board.
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What is Included?

In the class you will recieve personalized instruction on basic surfboard construction. Which includes shaping the blank, glassing the finished shape, hot coating, fin plug or fin box installation, and sanding. We gear our class so individuals can learn enough about the process to continue on their own without having to learn the basic techniques through trial and error. After the course is complete you get to keep the board you have built.

In the base cost, fin plugs or a fin box is included. Also you can have a custom lamination put into the board. Digital image must be supplied by customer. An Essence Surf logo will also be included in each students board.

Individuals who wish to photograph the process can send the photos to Essence Surf and we will build a personal web page dedicated to your class. If you continue to build boards after the class under your own name we can also list you as an affiliate and personalize a web page for your boards. See Stores & Affiliates for information.

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What is NOT included.

Fins: Fins are NOT included in the base cost. Essence surf can supply FCS fins and box fins at 10% above our cost. SPEED FINS pricing can also be supplied prior to plug installation.

Safety Equipment: Due to hygenic reasons, customers or individuals watching MUST have their own dust mask, organic respirator, goggles, surgical gloves, and chamically resistant gloves. You cannot enter the shop with out the proper protection.

How do I get started?

1) Essence Surf does not accept any payments until the student comes to one of the shops and can see what the classes entail. We do not want any misconceptions as to what the student will be involed in. Individuals MUST schedule an appointment by contacting surrealg@essencesurf.com or call between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 201-259-4655. Please leave a detailed message is no one picks up.

2) A 50% down payment must be made prior to the ordering of any materials. Payments can be made by cash or check.

3) A contract and waiver must be signed by the customer explaining their responsibility to their instructor and themselves. Safety equipment must be purchased prior to any construction.

4) The remaining balance must be paid prior to the customer taking their new board.

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How long does it take?

This is the most frequently asked question. It is very dependent upon the type of customer and the complexity of the board they are building.

A rough estimation is:

Shaping: 1-3 sessions ranging from 3-4 hrs per sessions.

Glassing: 1-2 sessions ranging from 1-2 hrs per session. Glassing can be done in one day but is at the discretion of the instructor and the type of glassing that is being done..

Hot coating: 1 session ranging from 2-3 hrs.

Gloss coating: If the student chooses to do resin swirls pinlining must be done on the hot coat and then recoated with gloss resin. Pinlining can take about 1-2 hrs, and the gloss coat an additional 1-2 hrs.

Sanding: 1-4 hrs. Depending on board size and students ability. Usually the instructor will sand down the first grit for the student since it is the most critical part of sanding.

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Where is the school located?

Our main shop is located in Totowa, NJ (about 30 min west of NYC). We will be opening up a second location in South Jersey (about 15 min from Manasquan Inlet) in the mid spring. We will take reservations for this location presently. Please see the LOCACTION page for more details.

Visit some of our students individual pages!

Nick DeJianne