Magic Quiver - Magic boards for Magic Rides

get my hands dirty

2012-02-13T15:11:00.000Z

To save some time and money, I'm doing some of the construction work myself. Mostly ripping old floor, tearing down wall footers, clean old stuff from the walls, etc. Even the hardiest and heaviest work feels easy because I'm my shop, it's my dream. Instead or giving all the work to professionals, I'm getting involved and sweating to get the job done.

The shop needs a lot of work. It was in pretty bad shape. Between changing the electrical system, fixing walls, getting a new floor and new painting, there's a lot to be done before we start to get furniture inside.

The decision about the decoration wasn't easy. Had so many ideas that was hard to settle them down. But, fortunately, I have a really good architect working with me who instantly understood the concept and was able to translate it into a beautiful project.

I will do my best to share with you a bit of this process but as you can imagine, I can't show everything. Soon I will announce the opening date. It's not far!

Board #1

2012-02-09T19:22:00.000Z

Today I've started to build the shop. Remove old floor, wiring, garbage... Next week it will start to get a new look.

So it's time to tell more about the shop and what you will find inside it.
I'll start with a surfboard (what else!!)

First (for no particular reason) it's a beautiful 5'11 Quad Fish by Josh Hall. Board features a full tint in some kind of rusty orange, a shiny polish, and Lokbox plugs.
Shape came out amazing, with perfect volume distribution, nice rails and Josh performance bottom contours, with enough vee to make your rail to rail transitions easy and fast. One of the best Quads I've seen from Josh.
Glassing by Blend Glassing and as always, flawless!

Benjamin Jeanjean x Sew'n Sing x Blend Glassing

2012-01-30T08:01:00.001Z

When talented people work together, the result can´t be less than amazing.

French artist (and shaper) Benjamin Jeanjean got together with the girls from Sew'n Sing for a beautiful collab. Benjamin shaped 2 nice surfboards and made the most awesome drawings, Erika and Eli cut some nice pieces of fabric and Fabrice got to put it all together with resin and fiber glass.
The result is two authentic pieces of functional art.

Benjamin Jeanjean x Sew`n Sing x Blend Glassing for RVCA from RVCA on Vimeo.

I’m proud to have for the shop a very special surfboard, born from a collab with Ryan Lovelace, Sew’n Sing and Blend Glassing. I will show pictures of that board one of these days!

Jose's Quartet

2012-01-19T15:58:00.000Z

Better than the photos I can take are the ones you do with the board you just received.

A couple hours after receiving his Neal Purchase Jnr Quartet, Jose was taking photos to send me to show how stoked he was with his new toy.

Hope you have a lot of fun with it. See you soon!

busy busy busy

2012-01-16T08:00:00.005Z

I haven't been posting as usual and letting down those who come here looking for cool stuff. Been really busy organizing everything for the shop.
Just over 2 months for the opening (schedule for late March), it's time to do the necessary works inside the space and give it a proper decoration. And talking about it, it's looking sooooo good. Working with a really good Architect and she captured my ideas really well and the result (on paper) exceeds my expectations.
So, I'm still stuck in budgets, paperwork and many decisions to be made. But very soon, I'll put my construction suit and get my hands dirty! Can't wait to see it finished.

Soon the blog will get a facelift and a new website will appear. One of these days I will show you the new logo! And more of the stock boards.

Not a long way till the opening, but surely a busy and happy one.

Leave you a couple shots from my last visit to Wavegliders.

Driftwood Collective

2012-01-09T08:00:00.001Z

One of the best projects coming out of Portugal, and I dare to say, Europe, during 2011.
Driftwood is a group of talented people with a common passion for surfing and art.

In their own words "we're a group of friends, craftsmen and artists that don´t take themselves too seriously and who, however lost in life they may be, are always easily found floating ashore. Surfers of dubious skill, who have decided to make something out of the idle hours languishing in between swells. Ultimately, the Driftwood Collective aims to contribute to the expression of an alternative surf culture still very incipient in Europe. A culture not necessarily set against the mainstream but definitely endeavored to the pursuit of beauty"

Lately they've been realeasing some great videos like the one below.

Visit http://driftwoodcollective.org/ to see more.

Last days of December from pedro vieira on Vimeo.

Quadster

2012-01-05T23:28:00.000Z

Coming soon from Wavegliders

first of 2012

2012-01-04T20:13:00.000Z

Four days in to 2012 and I'm on full throttle to get the shop going, planning events and shaping trips. It's going to be a busy year but surely one of the best years of my life.
To welcome the new year on Magic Quiver I leave you one of the best videos I've seen in a while: Intuition by Ryan Lovelace

Intuition from Ryan Lovelace on Vimeo.

Happy 2012

2011-12-31T16:43:00.000Z

2011 has been a good year with a lot of changes in my life but 2012 is going to be much better!

Believe in your dreams and make it happen!

Wish you all an amazing 2012! Be happy, life your dreams, enjoy life!

Xmas gifts

2011-12-26T09:18:00.001Z

Santa came by and deliverd some nice NPJ's!
Thanks UWL and Neal Purchase Jnr for these beautiful boards!

5'8 Squail for Miguel

6'6 Quartet for Chris

Magic Quiver Surfshop

5'10 Quartet

6'2 Cuttlefish

6'0 Pink Lady

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T18:49:00.000Z

Feliz Natal
Merry Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noëll
Frohe Weihnachten
God Jul
Hauskaa Joulua
メリークリスマス

one step closer

2011-12-21T23:41:00.000Z

Been a crazy week so far and not a lot of time for blogging. But for a good cause.

Yesterday was a happy day, another giant step to make my dream come true. Signed the rental contract for the shop. Now Magic Quiver Surfshop have a home!

And later that day, the NPJ's finally arrived. Just unpacked mine and LOVED IT!!!! Will take photos when have time.

It's all coming together!!!!

more NPJ's on the way

2011-12-15T23:28:00.001Z

Soon to arrive in Portugal, just in time for Christmas

Andrew Kidman

2011-12-14T11:09:00.000Z

From movies, so music and surfboards, Andrew Kidman does it all well. Glass Love is probably my favorite movie and All at Sea is the number one CD on my playlist. Just miss one of his boards... but we never know!

Andrew Kidman Innerviews on Korduroy.tv

Andrew Kidman - InnerViews from www.KORDUROY.tv on Vimeo.

Forty Bonzer years

2011-12-12T07:30:00.001Z

Drift Surfing just posted a great feature on the 40 years of the Bonzer. The article was an original idea of Portuguese photographer, Miguel Barreira, who also took the amazing photos that go with it.Miguel asked Malcolm to write down forty notable things, divided in four categories, to represent the forty years of the Bonzer.
The result is awesome, a genuine and personal view on the Bonzer and people involved.

You can read the feature HERE

The beautiful photos on the feature deserve a place of its own, so I'm posting them here so you can have a better view on them.

Great work Miguel!

Santander Surf Film Classic

2011-12-05T08:00:00.020Z

This sixth edition, is dedicated to the Australian brothers Paul and John Witzig, so they will screen three wonderful and timeless classic Films of Paul "The Hot Generation" 1967, "Evolution" 1969 and"Sea of Joy", 1971.

Also on this edition, movies like Come Hell or High Water, Sight and Sound, Manufacturing Stoke, ThirtyThousand, Lost in the Ether and many many more.

I'm not fortunate to be around but if you are, you'll sure have a great time!

Sharing II

2011-11-30T15:10:00.001Z

I was going to entitle this post Bucket Cunt, as it's says on the board, but some people might find it offensive, so I went the safe way. (google it if you don't know what it means!)

Like I wrote on a previous post, some customers go over the internet barrier and became friends. One of them is Lennart, a good friend from Sweden who recently returned to Portugal to share some waves and pick up another special board.
A while back he had told me about a Neal Purchase Jnr surfboard he had bought from another friend. The board was Neal's personal that his friend had bought directly from him on a trip to Australia.
Lennart brought the board with him to Portugal and in a gesture of true friendship, he left it with me so I could try it and keep it until he returns.
It's one of Neal's 2+1's but with curved channels and a nice story behind the shape.

In Neal own words:
"...was for myself, an experiment in curved channels
the initials are from the channel shapers Jim Pollard being the first known channel shaper
AB is for Allan Byrne
CS is for Col Smith
NP is my dad who was there doin' it too with AB
they learn't from Jim and then straightened them up to what we see now
AK is Andrew Kidman who put his input in with me when I shaped it
and yeah AK was joking about the bucket cunt at the time so ..."

Thanks for letting me keep it Lennart!

Today

2011-11-28T08:00:00.001Z

When I started planning the shop I knew I had a long road ahead and a lot of obstacles to overcome. One after the other, I’ve been able to get them behind, sometimes easily, sometimes stressing out, but always happy to be working on something mine, something I’ve dreamed and worked for so long!

With most of the clothes, wetsuits and surfboards ordered, all my attention now is on the shop project and bureaucracy. Portugal isn’t an easy country for those who want to work and create their own job. But, with time and patience (a lot of patience), it’s possible.

Today is a very important day for me and Magic Quiver Surfshop. Another huge obstacle gets behind. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make during this process and one that will influence my future and the success of the shop. For many reasons, I can’t tell you about it now, but soon you will know.

Now I’m going to surf with a few friends, try some boards and have fun, to release the pressure before the great moment.

Sharing

2011-11-21T08:00:00.001Z

Since I started Magic Quiver always tried hard to build good relationships with my "costumers". Always worked to stay away from the common online shop idea, where you just do a few clicks and get what you bought. On Magic Quiver you have to write or call me and you always get a personal answer back. I like to keep my business personal, know my costumers, make friends, share histories and experiences.
Selling the surfboard isn't the goal. Making people happy is my main objective!

During these 4 years I've sold a few surfboards to "costumers" all over Europe. Some went to far countries like Finland, Sweden or Ireland. Most of them keep in contact, sending feedback on how the board rides or just talking about life. Getting an e-mail saying they had a great session with that board makes everything worth and brings a huge smile to my face.

This post happens after getting another e-mail from a stoked "costumer" saying he had a great session with a board I've sold him a few weeks ago. It wasn't easy to get the board to that remote location in Ireland and it reminded me a board I've sent in late 2009 to Finland. Sending a 9'5 there wasn't easy but his stoke after riding it made everything worthy.

The words I'll keep to myself but their photos I'm sharing with all of you, because that's what Magic Quiver its all about... Sharing!

a few more NPJ's

2011-11-18T07:30:00.002Z

UWL is working hard to finish all the NPJ's.Between Neal boards and and the usual worlflow at UWL, is a lot of foam to glass. But they know how to do it fast and still offer the best quality. But the wait, smaller or bigger is well worth. Neal Purchase Jnr shaped some really nice boards that are just perfect for most of the European waves, specially now during winter time when the surf is better.
Here are a few 2+1's and Quartets.
The 2+1 with glass on fins, is mine... can't wait to have it at home and ride it in decent surf.

photos courtesy of UWL

fresh NPJ's

2011-11-14T16:13:00.000Z

Just received some photos of the NPJ's. By the end of the week most of my orders will be finished and ready to ship. Can't wait to try mine.

Lovelaces

2011-11-10T12:11:00.000Z

Some boards from Ryan Lovelace, already delivered to the happy costumers.

#1 5'11 Fush
#2 6'7 Throughull
#3 6'5 OG

100% handshaped in France by Ryan Lovelace, glassing by Nico and Fab at Blend

Kook back in stock

2011-11-08T12:08:00.001Z

Chegou mais uma remessa do jornal Kook. Primeira e segunda edição em stock.

Envio por correio, pagamento por transferência bancária.
1 edição: 5 euros
2 edições: 9 euros
(portes incluidos)

contacto: magicquiver@gmail.com

Portugal only, for other countries go to http://kookpaper.blogspot.com/

Lennox

2011-11-07T08:00:00.001Z

The world of surfboard design isn't anywhere near stagnation and every week we see new shapes being born, old shapes being updated and new and interesting stuff happening all over the world.
These are amazing times to be a surfer. Don't be afraid of trying something new. Surfing is all about having fun!

John Wesley - Lennox

Available from 6’0”-7’0”
The pinnacle of Australian short board revolution circa 1969-1971. A bit curvy template up front straight tail lines rolled, displaced nose entry, going into paneled vee out the tail. For drawing long lines in open faced point breaks or quick tubes and banking turns in beach breaks. Think Sea of Joy. Ridden with a variety of 7.75”-9” flex fins. Also modernized and ridden smaller with less roll thinner and spiral vee with glass on side bites for more twin fin oriented quivers

Blending passion and resin

2011-11-03T23:00:00.001Z

Drift Surfing just posted my short story on Blend Glassing. It's a small text about great people that do an awesome work. Fabrice is a super cool guy and amazing glasser.
Had a great time there and hope to return soon.

http://www.driftsurfing.eu/index.php/archives/8670

first look

2011-10-31T07:15:00.001Z

It was impossible to resist so I had to show some of the amazing boards I will have in stock for the shop opening. Don't ask me for details, don't ask for better photos... be patient and wait. If you like what you see in these photos, wait until you see the real thing. Photos don't do them justice!

TwoThirds

2011-10-27T11:27:00.002+01:00

TwoThirds is a San Sebastian based surf-inspired brand, born in 2010.TwoThirds stands for pure design, high quality, sustainable fabrics and a deep connection to the ocean.

Their range of clothes is like nothing you would expect from a surf brand. Clean designs, super high quality cotton, beautiful fabrics and a strong environmental friendly policy.

Take a few moments of your time and enjoy this beautiful video with their Fall/Winter collection.

For more info visit: http://www.twothirds.com

Protect What You Love

John Wesley

2011-10-26T15:29:00.001+01:00

A lot of great things coming up next year!

John Wesley is one of them. Great shaper with new and interesting designs that I'm in love with and I'm pretty sure, you will be too!

Learn more about JW at http://allshewantsisdiamonds.blogspot.com/

film

2011-10-20T07:27:00.001+01:00

After so many photos with digital cameras, a few months ago I went back to 35mm film. Bought a used Pentax P30 on Ebay and started shooting, mostly in B&W.
Shooting film is another experience. You think a lot more before you press the trigger. Every photo, coming out good or not, has an intention behind it, something you want to capture and you try to do it the best you can, taking time to think, setting aperture and speed. Not shooting 10 photos of the same scene to edit later!
On this recent trip to France I used both the digital and the analogue camera. Got some great photos with both but the film ones have a special appeal.

Here is a few, more on my facebook page.

Drift article

2011-10-17T08:00:00.001+01:00

Drift Surfing just posted my story about Neal Purchase Jnr and UWL.

Hope you like it!

http://www.driftsurfing.eu/index.php/archives/8566

Postcards from France - part 2

2011-10-13T07:39:00.001+01:00

Second half of the trip started with a visit to Le Salon de Glisseurs in Seignosse to meet Neal and the UWL crew. Then, 2 amazing days spent with Neal (and his wife), the factory crew and the generouns and kind Cardinal family. Too many good moments!

Postcards from France - part1

2011-10-10T07:30:00.001+01:00

There's so much to write about this amazing trip to France, but I need time and you need patience!

For now, let images talk.

A couple hours in San Sebastian, checking out Muskaria in Zarautz, Blend Glassing with Fab and Nico and some logging with Nico.

French Virgin

2011-10-05T15:17:00.001+01:00

First two boards shaped by Neal Purchase Jnr out of Australia.
First is a 6'6 2+1 Neal shaped for himself, second is a 6'3 2+1 for me, shaped under the sound of The Haldanes Daughthers, Neal's band! Super cool!

Such an amazing guy. Boards are awesome and I'm stoked with mine!

France

2011-10-03T09:54:00.000+01:00

Currently in France with Fab and Nico from Blend Glassing. Picking up boards from Ryan Lovelace and Josh Hall. Later heading to UWL to meet the crew, get some Mccallums and work with Neal Purchase Jnr.
Been a great trip so far, with amazing weather, warm water and small but nice surf.

Dennis Pointer

2011-09-27T12:34:00.000+01:00

First board from Ryan Lovelace coming out of Blend Glassing.
A 9'0 Pointer for Dennis. Hand shaped by Ryan, glassed by Nico and finished by Fabrice.
Dennis wanted it last year but unfortunately his order came out too late. But it was well worth the wait, board looks amazing!

Have fun Dennis!

2012

2011-09-26T07:00:00.001+01:00

Bureaucracy sucks! It's true and no matter how hard you try, it seems to win all the time. Portugal is a though country of those who want to work and get their business going.
I had to make the best option for my future and avoid killing myself with stress, so...

Magic Quiver Surfshop will open in 2012.

I've already chosen most of the boards, wetsuits and clothes. Only the best brands, the best designs and highest quality. I don't want to disappoint my friends and costumers and especially I want the shop to be like I’ve dreamed it to be, a perfect place for those who love surfing from its essence, without all the mainstream/commercial crap.

See you there… soon!

Cuttlefish & Snubb

2011-09-22T13:07:00.001+01:00

This are the ones that got Neal Purchase famous all around the world.

The Cuttlefish is Neal original 2+1 design. After tried Andrew Kidman’s Widow Makers, Neal worked around the fins, fine tuning them to get the “perfect” combination. They get away much faster than Thrusters, due to their forward placement but are drivier cause of the larger back fin, plus looser and smoother from the cluster.
It’s very versatile, a real all round surfboard, that can handle everything, from small beach breaks to good size Sunset.

The Snubb is the squash tail version of the Cuttlefish, sharing the same good elements just with a wider tail that also allows for a little wider outline if surfer needs.

The Pink Lady

2011-09-19T07:00:00.005+01:00

The Pink Lady, is Neal Purchase Jnr alternative to the standard 2+1 which was based on power surfing and all round surf.
The Pink Lady is a super low rockered, wider outlined, semi hull inspired design.

Neal shaped the first one for Dane Peterson while he was in town with Alex Kopps, who is making the movie “Displacement”. After spending a week ridind Kopps Cali Hulls, Neal did his own interpretation. It’s more tri-plane than Hull, more user-friendly and a better all round surfboard.

Board in photos: 5'9 x 20 1/2 x 2 5/8

NPJ Quartet

2011-09-15T10:13:00.002+01:00

Although Neal Purchase Jnr has gained recognition with his 2+1's, I will start from one of his latest designs and the one getting more attention all over the web right now: The Quartet.

Instead of writing bull$%# here, let’s just use Neal own words:

“The Quartet, good in ALL conditions, I surf faster, carve harder, and get way deeper. Ha! My knees are actually sore from the G's goin' thru carves. No spinning at all. After two years now of constant development, the Quartet has settled into a groove! Enough said!” full text HERE

For me, it’s the perfect daily driver, one that will never disappoint you whether it’s small, big, offshore or onshore.

Still on time to order your NPJ. Contact me at: magicquiver@gmail.com

it's a repost but always a pleasure to watch: Neal Purchase Jnr riding a 6'2 Quartet

Neal Purchase Jr

2011-09-08T07:00:00.003+01:00

It’s with a big smile on my face that I write here:

Neal Purchase Jnr is coming to Europe!

Neal Purchase Jnr is one of my favourite surfers and shaper and I’m extremely honoured to be partially responsible for his first shaping trip to Europe.
Neal captured the world’s attention with his smooth backhand style on Andrew Kidman’s movie Glass Love. Son of one of the most influential shapers of Australia, Neal was born with a hand full of talents. Not only he shapes and surfs amazingly well but he is also a gifted guitar player that we can listen in bands like the Brown Birds from Windy Hill (with Andrew Kidman) or The Haldane’s Daughters.

His boards don’t stand just for the colourful tints or shinny polish but above everything else, for their outstanding performance in the water.
Neal is famous for his 2+1 designs, like the Cuttlefish or the Snubb but lately has captured some attention with his modern quads like the Quartet or the Sweet Pea.
All his boards share the same basic concept… performance is nothing without glide!

Neal will be shaping in France, at the UWL Factory, from October 2nd to 14th.

To order your NPJ contact me at: magicquiver@gmail.com

For more info about Neal Purchase Jnr Surfboards visit: http://nealpurchasedesigns.blogspot.com/

photos by the super talented Dane Peterson. Thanks Dane!

Mccallum at UWL

2011-09-05T12:58:00.000+01:00

Jeff Mccallum is back in France for the 4th time, shaping at UWL factory.
This time Jeff brings seven (yes, 7) new models.
Jeff Mccallum is just 28 but has a huge background already. He started working on surfboards in 2001 and has since shaped around 1600. He first started sweeping up and packing boards for Chris Christenson and then worked for him for over three years learning every aspect of surfboard building. Now he does all the boards by hand, in-house, under his roof.

Until about four years ago, he did every step himself but he has now a highly skilled and experienced team working with him, that all together have more than 100 years of surfboard manufacturing.
Jeff gets most of his influences from names like Chris Christenson, Skip Frye, William Riedel, Larry Crow, Bob Simmons, George Greenough and has been working a lot lately with Joel Tudor and his label Kookbox

If you're interested in getting one of his amazing surfboards visit http://www.mccallumsurf-france.com/

photo by Garrett_Highhouse

photo by Elsa Girault

photo by Winer

Sew 'n Sing

2011-08-24T17:22:00.001+01:00

Had the pleasure to meet the nice girls from Sew 'n Sing at the Salinas Longboard Festival. It was also the opportunity to see their beautiful surfboard bags in person. I have to say that I was really well impressed. The quality meets the looks. Well made, with perfect stitching and a wax/waterproof material inside to protect the fabric. And all in an exclusive one of a kind hand made bag.
I couldn't resist getting one for my Twin Keel.

Fresh Kooks

2011-08-22T12:32:00.000+01:00

A batch of Kooks just arrived in the mail. Kook #2 is even better than Kook #1. More mature, with loads of interesting stuff and that fresh out of the box look.
For me it's a huge honor to have 3 small text in it. Hope you like them.
I have some to sell but only for Portugal, if you live anywhere else, just visit http://kookpaper.blogspot.com/ and get your copy.

-------------------------------

Para facilitar a vida aos Portugueses que desejam adquirir uma cópia da Kook, agora podem fazê-lo através da Magic Quiver poupando tempo e dinheiro. O envio será feito por correio e o pagamento por transferência bancária ou Paypal. Preço: 4,5 euros
contacto: magicquiver@gmail.com

Ryan landed at Blend

2011-08-17T19:52:00.000+01:00

Ryan Lovelace is already in France, at Blend Glassing, in Soustons.
Ryan will stay there till the end of the month so you're still on time to order one of his shapes.
We can ship it anywhere in Europe if you need.

Check out Ryan new website for his models: http://rlovelace.com/

shaping the first blank in france, a Pocket Pickle, photo by Nico

Twin keel photos

2011-08-16T16:11:00.000+01:00

Been a while since I post a photo of a surfboard in my lawn! It’s nice to finally have fresh foam and resin at home!

My new surfboard shaped and glassed by Manila, of MSD Surfboards, in Aveiro, Portugal.

Asked him to do a performance Twin Keel with good waves in mind. A light glassjob to keep it fast and responsive and glass on wood fins to match a clean and simple white tint and wetsanded finish. The result exceeded my best expectations. The boards carries good volume while keeping low rails and thin tail. The smooth single concave to vee bottom provides speed and easy rail to rail transitions. All perfectly shaped, nothing out of place.

I only had one session with it and the waves weren’t good enough so I will leave feedback for later but first impressions were really good. It will be amazing on a good wave.

Dims: 5’10 x 20” ¾ x 2” 5/8

Wood fins by Quilhas Alfredo

(click images for bigger)

Ryan Lovelace is back

2011-08-08T07:00:00.002+01:00

After a very successful trip last year, Ryan Lovelace returns to Europe.

Ryan is coming from August 15 to 31 and this time he will shape in France, at Blend Glassing, in Soustons. All boards will be glassed by Nico from Wavegliders, who is currently working there, and the Blend crew.

Ryan Lovelace is one of the most talented and creative shapers from California and has been Considered one of the most talented and innovative shapers from California, Ryan is all about fluid curves and surfing with the wave instead of surfing against it. His designs come from his environment, from the boards he sees and surfs and the waves around. Although not following anyone, his boards get some ideas from names like George Greenough and Greg Liddle. But like he said on a interview for Drift “I don’t have influences or a preconceived notion of what works and what doesn’t. I’m free to do whatever I want and explore any path I find interesting”.

All boards will be 100% hand shaped by Ryan and fully adapted to the surfer’s needs and waves. High quality finishing will be done by master glassers Nico (from Wavegliders) and Fabrice from Blend Glassing.

Shipping across Europe available and wholesale prices for shops on request.

For more info contact by e-mail: magicquiver@gmail.com

Twin Keel

2011-08-06T18:02:00.000+01:00

First shots of my new surfboard. A beautiful Twin Keel by the talented Manila at MSD Surfboards, in Portugal.
Board is 5'10 x 20" 3/4 x 2" 5/8 with a light white tint, wetsanded finish and glass on fins by Quilhas Alfredo.

Glassed light and shaped with good waves in mind. Can't wait to try it.

Here's a couple shots taken in Salinas with my friend Chris holding it.

Salinas

2011-08-02T17:11:00.000+01:00

Friday 6:30 am I left home on a solo trip journey to the X Salinas Longboard Festival.

For a couple years I’ve been hearing good things about the Festival but never had the opportunity or really big motive to go there. I’m not even a longboarder!
This year I had tons of reasons to go. A few potential business partners were going there, some good friends and also a few of my Spanish costumers and online friends. Just for the opportunity of meeting a lot of people I talk online, the drive was worth.
And it was quite a long drive, 8h. But what I found there made it really worth.

The organizers put out an amazing Festival. The ambience was really nice, with everybody having fun. Salinas is a beautiful town/beach that provided us some nice waves and a warm sun.
I was expecting it to be big, with a good crowd but I was impressed on how big it really was. I won’t talk about numbers, we’ll leave it for the organizers but there were a lot of people there. The “camping” where we slept was packed and trying to catch a wave between the huge crowds of longboarders was a hard task.

I went there to meet some shapers and business partners and that turn out a huge success. Had great talks with the Bing Crew: Matt Calvani and his wife/sales manager Margaret, Chris Del Moro and Bing Copeland (huge respect to this legend, nice to everybody all weekend), Jaime from Tablas Surf Shop, Robin Kegel, Josh Hall, Manila (delivered there my new surfboard), the talented and super nice girls from Sew and Sing, the Panadero Brothers/Gliders House; Miguel and Eduardo, the Fish Brotherhood; Alex and Nuno and my friends from Wavegliders, just to name a few. Even got some words with Joel Tudor about Kookbox!

Can’t forget all the nice people that I met, like Jose, Chusma, Oier and many others that just stopped for a couple minutes to say hi and meet. A BIG THANKS to all of you. It was great to see how many people knew Magic Quiver. Unfortunately time wasn’t enough to meet more of you and share some waves.
I got some surf, talked a lot (almost lost my voice), had some beers, watched the amazing surf from the Duct Tape guys, saw great movies on the big screen and most important HAD A LOT OF FUN!

Congratulations to the organizers. You manage to put out a great Festival and I only regret for all the years I’ve missed it.

A Final word to my good friend Chris Haiderer, who joined me there and shared all the good moments. Chris is working on the design for the future shop and I will never me able to pay him for his help and continuous support. OBRIGADO Chris!

you never know...

2011-07-25T20:09:00.000+01:00

... what might happen in the (near) future, but I'm working so it can be a bright one!

I'm on vacations mode but still working everyday to get all the goods I want in the shop. From surfboards to wetsuits and clothes, I'm looking to get just the best and all my (and yours) favorite brands.

Thank you all for the support

my new twin keel

2011-07-20T15:54:00.000+01:00

First shots of my new surfboard.
5'10 Twin Keel, shaped by Manila, in Portugal.
Although I've had a few Fishes in the past, this is my first Twin Keel. It's a modern shape, though for everyday conditions but working better on juicy surf. For those 2' summer waves there are better options than a Fish!
Like I expected, Manila did an amazing job shaping it. I couldn't be there to watch it but he has all my trust so, work goes like expected. Now it's glassing time. Can't wait to try it.

photos courtesy of Manila

Salinas Longboard Festival 2011

2011-07-18T16:52:00.000+01:00

The 10th edition of the Salinas Longboard Festival kicks off in just 10 days. And this year it's going to be even better with the organization hosting the first European edition of the Joel Tudor Vans Duct Tape, a very unique Longboard event.

This year I couldn't miss it. Going there to see great surfing, great surfboards, make some connections for my future shop, but most of all, to have fun and meet everybody, specially the crew from the Costasurf.com forum and all the Spanish surfers that follow Magic Quiver. See you soon guys!

the sound of change

2011-07-12T08:00:00.001+01:00

Episode I

from Rhythm Livin on Vimeo.

Episode II

from Rhythm Livin on Vimeo.

Panadero Brothers

2011-07-06T22:54:00.000+01:00

Nice video by Juan Talavera with the Panadero Brothers, Eduardo e Miguel and their project Gliders House.

GLIDERS HOUSE - Panadero Brothers from POTOTO TV on Vimeo.

the future is what we make of it

2011-07-04T08:00:00.003+01:00

Since I was on my middle 20’s I have the dream of opening my own business, especially something surf related. But it was just that, a dream. Until a few weeks ago!
The opportunity knocked on my door and after many days, and nights, thinking I’ve decided to leave the job I’ve had for the past 13 years, a safe and “well paid” one. It wasn’t an easy decision, leaving a comfortable and stable life for the uncertain, but finally I was going to follow my dream.
Since last Friday, July 1st, I’m unemployed and going after building my own business, Magic Quiver Surfshop!

After almost 4 years doing this blog, selling surfboards and accessories, organizing shaping trips and writing for other publications, it’s time to take Magic Quiver to the street and make it more than a hobby, make a living out of it.
Some may say I’m crazy, that it’s not the right time, the economy sucks, that the market is too small, etc etc etc. But I’ve heard all that when I started Magic Quiver and imported the first batch of surfboards. When you do it with passion and you work (really) hard everything is possible. And now, I have all of you that read this blog. You helped making this possible, without the support of each one of you this wouldn’t be possible. I will work hard to keep Magic Quiver an interesting project and deserve your time and attention.

The road is long ahead, with a lot of work to be done during the next couple of months. Don’t ask me where the shop will be and when it will open. Still early and secret is also part of the business! One thing I can already tell you; the surfshop will be like the blog, just better!

See you at the shop

Rui Ribeiro

Wavegliders goes to France

2011-06-30T12:24:00.000+01:00

Nico and Carlos, the super talented crew from Wavegliders Surfboards will spend the summer working at Blend Glassing, near Hossegor SW of France.
It's a great opportunity to learn more and expand their knowledge on surfboard construction and knowledge of the European market. A big investment on the future of Wavegliders that will benefit all of us that love their work.
Nico will still shape his boards there and ship them anywhere in Europe so don't wait and order your new Wavegliders now. The first French Wavegliders is already shaped!Contact them at wavegliders@gmail.com

Mccallum

2011-06-22T18:50:00.001+01:00

It's not new that Jeff Mccallum is one of my favorite shapers out there. His boards are insane and he is always capable of surprising me with his work. His boards stand out of the common alternative scene and are shaped with just one thing in mind... Performance!
Jeff will return to Europe at the end of the summer, so better start thinking what you want.

In the meantime, here's some great photos by Garret Highhouse (except photo 2 of Mitch Abshere by Mark Choiniere)

Joel Tudor Single fin for sale in Spain

2011-06-21T09:57:00.002+01:00

A nice and clean used single fin by Joel Tudor Surfboards. Size 6'3.
Board is in San Sebastian, Spain, and the owner is willing to send it across Europe.
A good opportunity for just 600 euros.

Contact Rachid at: steadikam@gmail.com or +34 679907609

Kook #2

2011-06-20T09:35:00.000+01:00

New edition of Kook, independent surf newspaper, will be available July 1st. If the first one was very interesting , can't wait to read the this. More info on http://thisrichtapestry.blogspot.com/

A lot of new stuff to happen soon. But not the time to talk about it... yet!

Yowza

2011-06-13T05:24:00.000+01:00

Neal Purchase Jr on one of his Quartet quads

++YOWZA++ from Rhythm Livin on Vimeo.

Interview with Renaud Cardinal

2011-06-07T09:25:00.000+01:00

2 in a row!
Drift posted yesterday my interview with Renaud Cardinal of UWL Surfboards. Full feature on main page that came out really good.

Thank you Renaud, Thomas and Elsa. And a special thanks to Howard, Drift editor/founder for the continuous support.

You can read the full interview at Drift Surfing Europe (main page features) or directly at http://www.driftsurfing.eu/surf_article.php?id=1894

photos by Elsa Girault

Interview with Robin Kegel

2011-06-07T09:04:00.000+01:00

Drift Surfing Europe just posted my interview with Robin Kegel of Gato Heroi.

"RR: Some say you’re shaping the future of longboarding, some that your logs are too weird and hard too hard to ride, what’s the truth?

Well, it’s a muddied perspective. I mean, look at the traditional longboarding death and resurgence led by Joel Tudor. Personally I think classic longboarding has no future – just as shortboarding has no future. I’ll explain.
When a surfer is ready to take off and is moves to walk (and pose) there’s no wave function or setup dynamic. Just as shortboarding experienced decades ago, when the approach was to engage only in the end zone of the wave, to boost tricks.
Modern surfing incorporates the full use of waves and functional direction change, harnessing power and poise. Pivot fin logs and concave noseriders don’t allow themselves to be set on the rail properly. They rely on drag. There’s no future in that, the best one can do on those is get a controlled noseride or dropknee cutback. It comes down to design =function = style."

Read the full interview at http://www.driftsurfing.eu/index.php/archives/7937
photos by Elsa Girault

Ryan news

2011-06-06T10:02:00.001+01:00

By now, most of you were expecting to see some of the boards Ryan was shaping in Portugal, but as you might have figured out, he didn't arrive yet.

The trip was planned for late May/early June but we have to postpone it a bit. Organizing a trip like this isn't that easy and there's a lot involved. I took some risks choosing such an early date (May) for the trip because I wanted to deliver boards before summer. But it was impossible for Ryan to make it here now. Not easy to leave everything behind in such a short notice.

We are already working on new dates, safe ones, probably very soon (July) and I will keep you all updated.

I'm sorry for this short delay but I'm sure you understand.

Rui Ribeiro

Josh Hall returns to Europe

2011-06-01T22:51:00.002+01:00

Josh Hall, the super talented shaper from San Diego is returning to Europe to shape some boards. Josh will arrive in a couple of days and will spend his time between France and Spain.
If you want to grab one of Josh fine shapes, contact him for more info: jhallsurfboards@gmail.com

Josh is a great shaper and a really nice guy and was great to have him in Portugal in Nov. 2009. Maybe next time he can visit us again.

photos by Hugo Correia

Light Bee

2011-05-30T20:00:00.000+01:00

5'6 Bumblebee/Light Vehicle mix for Lennart.
Love to deliver boards by hand and see the smile on their face when looking at it! That pays it all!

There's something about...

2011-05-16T08:00:00.001+01:00

...this board! I just love it!

Surfer and shaper Neal Purchase Jr holding one of his amazing 2+1's.
photo by Dane Peterson

Used DK Quad for sale

2011-05-12T12:51:00.000+01:00

A friend is selling his DK Canard Quad 6'0, shaped by DJ Kane during one of his trips to Portugal and glassed by BoardCulture. Board has a grey tint both sides with black pinline and a nice polish to finish. Lokbox fins included.

Board was only ridden a couple times and has no dings or much pressure dents. It's almost new!

I don't remember the full dims but it's around 6'0 x 20" 1/2 x 2"1/2. Plenty of foam under the chest while keeping the rails thin enough for nice carves!

And the price is just perfect for the shape and condition... just 450 euros.

Contact Jorge at (+351) 967220850 or e-mail jorgius@net.novis.pt

Manila Surfboards Design

2011-05-10T09:16:00.001+01:00

As many of you read a couple weeks ago, Malcolm Campbell was in Portugal shaping at Manila’s factory.
Antonio “Manila” Antunes is the founder and shaper of MSD Surfboards (Manila Surfboards Design). Manila started surfing in the early 90’s and in 1998 he built his factory near Aveiro, North of Portugal. He shapes mainly shortboards and shapes them really well but his interested goes beyond them. He has been working with Malcolm for a few years and also had the honor of having Ian Zamora and Chris Christenson shaping at his factory and sharing important knowledge and experience. All the work with those shapers and a great understanding of surfboard dynamics got him the second place at the European Fish Fry that was held in Portugal, back in 2008 with an awesome Twin Keel.
Manila is a great shaper and a nice guy and will shape my next board which I’m sure will be a blast!

You can know a bit more about Manila and his work at http://www.msdsurfboards.com/

Now something to please the eye, Bonzers, hand shaped by Malcolm, finished by Manila and his crew.

- 5'6 Bumblebee/light vehicle for Lennart

- 7'0 Custom shape for Sam

- 5'7 mini Light Vehicle for Miguel

Robin in France

2011-05-03T17:51:00.001+01:00

Some photos of Robin Kegel during his visit to France last year, shaping, glassing and surfing with the crew from ATS Surfshop.

photos courtesy of ATS Surfshop

Gato french connection

2011-05-02T18:12:00.002+01:00

Robin Kegel is arriving in France any day and will do most of his shapes with the crew from ATS Surfshop. So if you want to get your hands on a Gato Heroi surfboard, 100% hand shaped and glassed by the super talented Robin Kegel, go to http://www.board-kulture.com/ or email: contact@board-kulture.com

Also, check out Gato's blog for more information and and tons of amazing boards and photos!

Organik World

2011-04-28T19:36:00.001+01:00

Ciro Bicudo aka Organik is an amazingly talented Brazilian artist. I’ve been following His work for a long time and it’s always a pleasure to my eyes to look at His work. He has done a few collaborations with Siebert Surfboards and Almond, drawing some nice t-shirts, hats and boardshorts for them. He is also known for the beautiful headers he made for some blogs like Pineapple Luv, Grass is Greener, Liquid Salt, amongst others.

Please, take a few minutes of your time and have a look at Ciro’s work in http://organikworld.blogspot.com/

Gato Heroi goes to France

2011-04-19T11:16:00.000+01:00

Robin Kegel, the man behind those amazing Gato Heroi boards is going to France to shape a very limited number of surfboards at the UWL Factory.

If you want one, hurry up and contact them at: contact@gatoheroi-france.com or go to www.gatoheroi-france.com for more info

Ryan by Miguel Barreira

2011-04-18T11:39:00.001+01:00

Miguel Barreira is a professional sports photographer, a stoked surfer and real surfboard addict with a unique passion for alternative surf crafts. Last summer he added another piece of history to his collection by ordering to Ryan Lovelace a Flexspoon, true to George Greenough legacy. For all of us involved it was a very special moment seeing that board come alive. (see post Special One here)

Miguel was at the factory shooting Ryan and his Flexspoon and the result couldn’t be better.

This last photo, probably the most impressive one, was featured at SurfPortugal mag, on a article about Greenough legacy, so I will post it like that, respect for all involved!

Ryan Lovelace, Portugal May 2011

2011-04-11T08:00:00.001+01:00

Ryan is coming by the end of May and will shape at the Wavegliders Surfboards factory, which will finish all the boards.

Ryan Lovelace is one of the most talented and creative shapers from California and it's a real honour to have him with us.

We are now taking custom orders as well as accepting orders from shops all over Europe, just ask us for our wholesale prices.
Start placing your orders now so we can deliver your magic board in time for your summer vacations.

Contact me at magicquiver@gmail.com or phone: +351 919936850

Ohdawn

2011-04-07T22:49:00.000+01:00

Ohdawn is a brand new Copenhagen based independent surf brand. They make hand made products like board bags, T'shirts, handplanes and skates.

"Ohdawn arises from the surf blog collective, Shredsled Society. It’s a collaborative effort of friends who enjoy surfing and making things. This is what we love to do. We try to bridge the gap between surfing and the Copenhagen way of life on our mission for a unique aesthetic. Our goal is to provide hand-build, quality items with strong emphasis on design and functionalism. We specialize in being special…" from http://www.ohdawn.com/

The Handplanes look really good. Gotta try one of those sometime soon.

Check out their work at http://www.ohdawn.com/

Bonzer 3

2011-04-04T08:00:00.003+01:00

Although the modern Bonzer 5 are amazing surfboards, with great performance, my attention is still on the original design, the Bonzer 3. The Russ Short Light Vehicle and the Bumblebee are my favorite boards from Malcolm Campbell and it's one of those I'll be asking Malcolm to shape me.

Whether you prefer the original or the modern versions, don't loose the opportunity to have a genuine Bonzer. Still taking orders for Malcolm visit to Portugal later this month. Contact me at magicquiver@gmail.com

InnerViews on Ryan Lovelace

2011-03-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

Most of you already saw this, but it's well worth another watch.
For those who havent't seen it... shame on you!

Ryan Lovelace - InnerViews from http://vimeo.com/apeel on Vimeo.

You can start to place your orders for Ryan. The sooner you order ir, the sooner you will get it! Boards will be shaped and finish on a first come first served basis.

Bing Lotus for sale

2011-03-24T09:48:00.000Z

A friend from the Canary Islands is selling this beautiful 6'6 Bing Lotus. Board is in excelent condition, no dings and goes with fin for only 400 euros. Great board for a really good price.

Contact Jose for more info at: uancanario@gmail.com

Ryan Lovelace, May 2011

2011-03-21T08:00:00.001Z

www.magicquiver.com

2011-03-14T08:00:00.001Z

Since last week the blog address is shorter and easier to remember. It’s a small change but a sign that it’s still alive and looking at the future.

As seen in the post below, I’ve started the first collaboration on a shaping trip for 2011. It’s just the first of a few to come, like Ryan Lovelace and Robin Keagal.
This time, I will share with the factories more work and concentrate on sales/promotion rather than factory work.
For all of you that come to me looking for a new surfboard, I will do my best to help you from order to delivery, providing all the info and work follow up. Like before, costumer comes first and I only want to get great feedback so will do my best to deserve it.

A friend wrote on my facebook page “Magic never ends; it just waits to happen again”, …so let’s make Magic happen!

Malcolm Campbell is coming back

2011-03-07T07:30:00.002Z

One of my favorite shapers, Malcolm Campbell, is coming back to Portugal next month to shape a limited number of Bonzers at Manila factory.

40 years ago, Malcolm and his brother Duncan defined the archetype of the modern surfboard placing 2 side fins ahead of the center fin. Since 1970 Malcolm has been fine-tuning and diversifying the Bonzer concept creating a wide range of models to suit the needs of any surfer, from the classic Russ short Light Vehicle to the high performance Contemporary Bonzer 5.

If you want to get an original Campbell Bonzer contact me by e-mail or phone. I’ll be collaborating with Manila on sales.

e-mail: magicquiver@gmail.com
phone: +351 919936850

Get more info about Malcom, the Bonzer and available models at http://www.bonzer5.com/

Russ Short – 3 Fin Bonzer - Mexico ‘77

Taylor Knox - 5 Fin Bonzer - Mexico

The Alley Fish Fry

2011-03-04T08:00:00.001Z

WG candy shop

2011-03-02T11:32:00.001Z

Wavegliders keeps impressing me with their outstanding work. The shapes are better than ever and their glassjobs are beautiful and flawless. Great Work Guys!

Sean Mattison interview for Drift

2011-02-26T10:15:00.000Z

Drift just put out my interview with Sean Mattison.
Sean has been a good friend, always supportive and willing to share info and some of his huge knowledge about surfboard design.
I think the interview came out quite nice and it's worth reading.
(click the image or link below to view it)

http://www.driftsurfing.eu/surf_article.php?id=1888

Grafikboards

2011-02-09T11:46:00.001Z

GrafikBoards is a new project by a group of very talented people from Portugal. Grafikboards is basically a printing service for the surfing industry, but not the common kind. They print in a very thin fabric anything you can dream of, from high quality photo to a simple single color or black and white graphic. Fabric is then glassed on board like a normal logo.
100% custom and easy to apply for perfect results.

Check out their website at: http://www.grafikboards.com

Here’s a great example. Daniel Costa, from Essential Surfboards (http://retromovement.blogspot.com/ ), uses one of his personal photos on the nose of a longboard. Can’t get more custom than this!

Photos by Dan Costa Photography

original photo

more after the break

2011-01-27T19:39:00.001Z

When I wrote the previews post I was having a terrible week and was pissed with life. Life isn’t always fair and sometimes it’s easier to throw everything in the air and give up than fighting.

I’ve worked hard to get Magic Quiver to this point. Even if sometimes I think nobody cares about it or read the stuff I write that’s probably not true. A few of you care and read it. And you showed me that with your messages, comments and e-mails. I’m overwhelmed with the support I got from people all over the world.

Yesterday I had a nice chat with Rob from Royal Surfboards about surfboards and the surfboard business and after I went home all I could think was that I was being stupid (I used other words!). If those guys that live from shaping and glassing surfboards are having a hard time to make money and still keep doing it why should I quit instead of supporting them so we can enjoy their amazing talent for a long time? I can’t support all of them by buying boards but I can share their work online and spread the word so more and more people know about them. And that’s what Magic Quiver is all about.

I still need a break but I’ll be back soon with more shapers, more amazing surfboards and all the stoke that made me start this.

See you soon

the end

2011-01-17T07:00:00.001Z

I'm sure I will miss writing and reading your comments or e-mails but the bad won over the good.
2011 just started a couple weeks ago and I'm already missing the bad year it replaced.
Talking about surfboards all the time and not surfing isn't doing any good to my mental health either.
Spending too much time on something only a few care about.
Have to concentrate all my energies on my real life.

So, it's done. Magic Quiver is ~~over.~~ (read post above)

europeans

2011-01-13T11:57:00.001Z

De La Uz Surfboards, Spain

Empire Surfboards, UK

Chusma Surfboards, Spain

Daniel's Longboards, France

Wavegliders Surfboards, Portugal

Sergio Gomez Surfboards, France

Essential Surfboards, Portugal

size doesn't matter

2011-01-08T15:03:00.000Z

Although with some delay, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I don’t expect much from 2011, health, love from my family and if possible less problems and more happiness. And of course, I hope to surf a lot more than last year.

Sometimes we complain too much and don’t make the best of what we have. So I’m starting the year with a beautiful video of Felipe and Fabio Siebert making the best of tiny conditions that most of us wouldn’t surf. Video was filmed and edited by Rafael Ribeiro. Nice work!

Siebert Surfboards from Rafael Ribeiro on Vimeo.

Last one for 2010

2010-12-27T08:30:00.001Z

It’s the last week of this year and time to look back and analyse all that happened.
2010 was the best year for Magic Quiver, mostly because of Ryan Lovelace trip to Portugal. The number of visits to the blog increased a lot, sales went pretty well with costumers coming from all over Europe and even manage to get some attention from the local surf media. But it wasn’t all good and 2010 was also be the year when Magic Quiver ended as a shop. It was a though decision but the dream was over.
The worst moment of 2010 it’s probably the surfing accident I had in August. It was a scary moment that could have been a lot worst. I was very lucky.
I haven’t surfed since then. First because I just couldn’t and then life and all it’s problems kept me away from surfing and I end the year with an empty surfboard rack at home.
The best moment? All the ones I’ve spent with my family, especially with my kids.

Regarding surfboards, I want to end the year with my good friend Nico and his Wavegliders. Nico and Carlos have been building some of the best surfboards I’ve seen in Europe and I’m sure they have a bright future ahead.

Thank you all for spending some of your free time here.
Hope you have a great 2011.
All the best
Rui Ribeiro

Feliz Natal

2010-12-23T05:03:00.001Z

Nacho Agote

2010-12-20T08:00:00.001Z

Nacho Agote is a 36 years old shaper that is building a solid reputation amongst Spanish surfers.
He started surfing very young at 12 and at 18 he shaped his first surfboard. But only a few years later, at 26 he went back to the shaping bay and decided to take it serious.
Doing everything on his own, from shaping to glass, sand and polish, Nacho makes almost every kind of surfboard according to his costumer request either it’s a classic log or the modern version of the Simmons design but he is most recognized for his modern Egg shapes that he makes in several fin configurations. It’s a user friendly design that fits the needs of most of the surfers and been a success in the water.
More than just surfboards with beautiful tints and polish his work is focused on performance and quality because in the end, that’s what really matters. But if the costumer wants the full package, Nacho won’t let him down and will make a beautiful tint and shinny polish.

I really like his boards, specially the shorter four fins eggs. It’s a very functional design great in most of the every day surf. But like nacho said to me, make it a 2+1 and will be amazing in the strong winter waves I have at my local beach.

Visit http://www.nachoagote.es/blog/ to know more about Nacho Agote Surfboards.

photos 1 to 4 by Manuel Gamba

Gliders House

2010-12-16T12:07:00.001Z

Miguel Panadero is an artist from the Canaries and a stoked surfer. He just started his own label Gliders House and is making some really nice T-shirts.
His hand drawings resemble those we’re used to see in great artists from the California but without loosing a very personal identity. For now he is only selling T-shirts but soon he will add more products.
These tees make a great Christmas gift.
Congratulations Miguel.

More info: http://www.glidershouse.com/

Monster on video

2010-12-15T15:26:00.000Z

orain: 52 monster surfboarding from debolex films on Vimeo.

Monster Surfboards

2010-12-13T08:00:00.001Z

Eduardo and Fernando are the two talented guys behind Monster Surfboards. Born in a small village in Asturias, north of Spain, they started surfing at the age of 13 but only 3 years ago they decided to shape their first surfboard. Like many in Europe, they couldn’t get all the different shapes apart from the "classical" shortboard. Twins, singles, quads, mini-simmons, hulls and classic logs were very hard to find at the local shop and the ones available didn’t look good enough.
Without the opportunity to really see or touch most of those shapes, they started searching for information on the internet and applying some of the concepts in shortboards. “There’s a great difference between them, and the only way to do things right is thinking and discussing a lot, physically making boards, and test them. Learn and doing it again.” - Says Eduardo

Influenced by names like Harbour, Almond, Rusty, Takayama, Mandala, Junod, just to name a few, their shapes respect the old school tradition but without sacrificing performance. Doing all in house, they searched for inspiration for their glass jobs with Dain Thomas crew at Sea Surfboards. Not an easy task but looks like they’re on the right track.
Monster Surfboards offer a good selection of models from Twins, Quads, Singles, Mini-simmons, guns and Longboards, all nicely finished.

Eduardo and Fernando are a humble and hard working team. All they want to do is to keep experimenting new stuff, improve the designs they already have and learn more so they can grow and make even better surfboards.

In my opinion, these guys are on the right track and have a bright future ahead.

Learn more about Monster Surfboards at: http://www.amazinghorrorsurfing.com/

Live shaping from UWL

2010-12-06T11:54:00.002Z

The UWL crew came up with another great idea. Now instead of looking for shaping videos on youtube, you can watch it LIVE, directly from the UWL workshop.

This week Jeff Mccallum will be live with morning and afternoon sessions!!!

For more info check their website at http://www.uwl-workshop.com/

stoke

2010-12-03T08:00:00.004Z

Stoked Carlos after his first ride on the 5'4 The Bob by Wavegliders

Jeff interview for Drift

2010-11-30T08:00:00.001Z

Drift just posted a short interview I did with Jeff Mccallum about his trip to France, his new models and the collab with Joel Tudor.

You can read it HERE

Jeff Mccallum back in France

2010-11-29T08:03:00.000Z

The super talented and innovative shaper from San Diego, Jeff Mccallum, is coming back to the UWL Workshop in

France

from December 5 to 12.

Jeff will be shaping some of his amazing boards including 5 brand new models:

STAND UP SPOON

SEXY TIME

PURPLE STUFF

Pintail PIG

CALIGUN

2010 has been a great year for Jeff with a few shaping trips, a new factory, many new models and a collaboration with Joel Tudor developing some models for Joel’s label, Kookbox.

What better for Christmas than a brand new surfboards from one of the best shapers n California?

For more information contact UWL at:

http://www.mccallumsurf-france.com and e-mail : shaper@mccallumsurf-france.com

Incut Fish

2010-11-24T14:26:00.002Z

One of my favorite designs from Rob Lion is the Incut Fish. It’s a different approach on performance on the Fish design and seems to go really well, according to all the feedback from surfers that tested it.
The idea is to have all the best features of a small twin keel but with better hold on vertical surf or surfing backside. The incut keeps it loose but allows for easier and more in control top to bottom surf

A while back I chated with Rob about it and this some of the words from him:

“Maybe a little dramatic, but the Incuts work so well it is hard to believe more people aren't doing them. They work similar to the way a winged tail works, by creating a narrower tail for turns, but without all the skatey release.

The outline looks weird, but what you end up with is 2 boards in one. If you ride a 5'10" you have the outline curve of a 5'4", which makes the board super loose, but still has the glide and hold of the 5'10".

The idea isn't all mine by the way, as i was inspired by Mick Mackie in Australia, and he was inspired by skiing and incut boards from the 70s.. Alan Gibbons in Santa Barbara is another guy doing cool things with incuts as well.

Super fun!”

Well worth a double check before buying something else.

Rob on a 5'8 Incut Fish

Royal Surfboards

2010-11-22T08:00:00.001Z

Born in the Bahamas, Rob Lion got intimate with the waves at the age of 12, while living in Florida. His first surfboard wasn’t something worth looking at but enough to get him hooked.

From the beginning, Rob became interested in shaping and spent hours at the local shaper watching and learning until starting to do some ding repair and hand sanding.

A few years later he moved to California to study and work. There he got the chance to work at Channin Surfboards in Encinitas, where worked not only Tony Channin but also Rich Pavel, Jim Phillips, Steve Clark and some of the best glassers of California. Being in the centre of everything really opened his mind to another reality in the surfing industry.

After California, Rob moved again, this time to Brasil where he worked with names like Mauro Roxo, Jeff Lopes and Endyroy. It was time to explore performance shortboards and learn more about performance and alternative materials.

After Brasil Rob moved to the UK where he still lives and shapes.

Rob shapes under the label Royal Surfboards and his designs reflect his experience and personal view of the surfing world. He shapes some nice classic logs, beautiful Twin Keels, modern Quad Fishes and some unique shapes like the Simzer or the Incut Fish. Rob isn’t afraid to explore new ideas and materials and it’s surely at the top of the line in Hybrid/alternative shapes in Europe, where his boards are known for their quality and performance.

You can learn more about Rob checking his website at http://www.royalsurfboards.com/ or his blog at http://royalsurfboards.blogspot.com/

Nascido nas Bahamas, Rob Lion, iniciou-se no surf aos 12 anos quando a sua família se mudou para a Florida. A sua primeira prancha não deixou grandes memórias mas foi o suficiente para o deixar viciado no surf.

Desde cedo o Rob interessou-se pelo fabrico das pranchas e passava horas no shaper local a ver e aprender o máximo que podia até que começou a fazer remendos e lixar á mão.

Alguns anos mais tarde mudou-se para a Califórnia para estudar e trabalhar. Lá teve a oportunidade de trabalhar na Channin Surfboards com o Tony Channin mas também com nomes como Rich Pavel, Jim Phillips e Steve Clark além dos excelentes laminadores que lá trabalhavam na altura.

Viver e trabalhar no centro da indústria do surf abriu-lhe novas perspectivas e influenciou claramente a sua visão do surf e shape.

Depois da Califórnia o Rob mudou-se para o Brasil onde trabalhou com nomes como Mauro Roxo, Jeff Lopes e Endyroy. Foram tempos dedicados ás shortboard e á exploração de novos materiais.

Depois do Brasil mudou-se para o Reino Unido onde vive e trabalha actualmente.

Sob a marca Royal Surfboards, Rob faz fantásticos logs clássicos, belas Twin Keels, modernas Quad Fish e alguns shapes únicos como a Simzer ou a Incut Fish. Sem medo de explorar novas ideias ou materiais, Rob tem-se mantido na vanguarda do shape híbrido/alternativo na Europa e as suas pranchas são sinónimo de qualidade e performance.

Podem conhecer mais sobre o trabalho do Rob em http://www.royalsurfboards.com/ ou no blog http://royalsurfboards.blogspot.com/