Hand Crafting North East Surfboards
Tucked away along the rugged coastline of North East England, a quiet but passionate surf culture has been steadily thriving—and at its heart is the meticulous craft of surfboard shaping. One of the region’s most respected names is Steve Parks, a seasoned craftsman whose work under the banner of ND Surfboards has earned a loyal following from local wave-riders and beyond. Steve builds North East Surfboards and ships them all around the UK producing thousands of boards over the decades he has been fine tuning his skills.
What is a Surfboard Shaper
A surfboard shaper is a skilled crafts person who designs and builds surfboards, transforming foam blanks into custom boards tailored to suit a surfer’s style, ability, and the specific waves they ride. The shaping process involves precise cutting, sanding, and contouring to create the board’s outline, rocker (curve), rails (edges), and bottom contours—all of which influence how the board performs in the water. Shapers must have a deep understanding of hydrodynamics, materials, and the subtle interplay between board design and wave conditions. Whether shaping shortboards for sharp turns or longboards for smooth cruising, a surfboard shaper blends technical knowledge with artistry to craft boards that become extensions of the surfer themselves.
Custom North East Surfboards
At ND Surfboards, Steve Parks offers fully custom surfboards, designed in close collaboration with the rider to match their ability, style, and the waves they love to surf. Whether you’re a beginner looking for stability and ease, or a seasoned surfer chasing performance in challenging conditions, a custom board ensures every curve, contour, and dimension is tailored to your needs. The process is simple and personal—through the ND Surfboards website, you can easily get in touch with Steve to discuss your ideal board, from shape and size to materials and finishes. With expert guidance and a deep understanding of local surf conditions, ordering a custom board from ND Surfboards is as much about the experience as it is about the final product.
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