what your purchase means

greenfish · #1 (**permalink**) 5th May 2006, 18:53

reply from a big UK board maker, to a job application....

"Hi Robert,
Many thanks for your enquiry and interest shown for surfboard production.

We are sorry to say we do not have any surfboard production in the UK anymore.
All our surfboards are made in the Far East. Due to the competitive industry we could not continue to manufacture products in the UK.
All our product range is now produced overseas.
We unfortunately do not have any positions available.
Many thanks for your interest."

when you buy the cheapest, machine made popout surfboard, think about who made it, the craftmanship, and who's job depends on your purchase, and what you are doing for your local community.

Stormrider · #2 (**permalink**) 5th May 2006, 20:03

Learn how to make custom surfboards,and set up your own business.

starfish · #3 (**permalink**) 6th May 2006, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormrider

Learn how to make custom surfboards,and set up your own business.

it would be the most amazing job. i'm hoping to focus on graphic surfboard designs and decals when i go to do graphics in september! should set me up nicely to move into the business

Stormrider · #4 (**permalink**) 6th May 2006, 11:09

If you do graphics on the PC Starfish.Maybe you could design for me some new Stormrider Surfwear logo's.

I am sure there are opening for new shapers.

greenfish · #5 (**permalink**) 6th May 2006, 16:35

hey stormrider,

well that's just the point. i do make my own boards(for me and for sale) but, as you may know, that doesn't always pay the bills... so extra work is always taken on. plus, before you can call yourself a professional, you need experience.

i may(but can always use more) not need it, but if younger guys who want to shape, don't have the avenues to learn, there is going to be a huge void left when the older guys pass on, or are replaced by overseas production.

anyway, i just wanted the readers here to be aware of a bad situation, getting worse everyday as people are opting to buy only the cheapest board the can find. when i couldn't afford to buy a new board, i would buy a used one. and that's another concern, what happens to al lthe used boards? sent to the landfill? or overseas?

i am glad to hear that you are getting custom boards made. if more people would support their local guys, there would be work/boards for everyone.

thanks for reading/replying. i will be in cornwall this summer, setting up shop/working in a factory, and hope to get some people together.

regards

Stormrider · #6 (**permalink**) 6th May 2006, 17:03

When you go to Cornwall this Summer,take the boards down that you have made.Then go around to all the shapers scattered around Cornwall.Ask them to take you on.Good luck with your shapeing career.