Ventura, CA- April
2010 Sacred Craft- There is a tradeshow for
everything these days. I’ve been to a few strange ones, I admit.
Whether it was a pet trade show, garden supply trade show, or even
watching trade shows on TV about fancy cars or tattoos. I’ve been to
quite a few surfing industry trade shows too, and Sacred
Craft takes the cake. The unique thing about the
Sacred Craft Surfboard Expo is it brings together passionate
craftsman/woman, surfers, designers, and even
collectors to talk surfboards….not energy
drinks, stretchy boardshorts, or bikini’s (well, ok bikini’s may have
been discussed). It allows conversation between the shaper and the
surfer. It provides the opportunity to speak with shapers, guys like Gerry Lopez and Robert
August. One of the best parts of the surfing world is that our heroes, legends, and
superstars are accessible. We often forget
the core of the whole surf world is right under our feet, literally. In a world where craftsman
can be replaced by computers and machines, or products can be
produced oversees to increase revenue, it is here, at Sacred
Craft, where you can see surfing still has strong roots. It gives attendants the
opportunity to “talk story” and technique with peers,
but also with the Masters.
This year the Sacred Craft honored master
shaper, Renny Yater, a perfect fit for the region. Yater worked with
names like Noll and Velzy, but one thing stuck out on the point breaks
of Santa Barbara, the Yater Spoon. The concept
here is to have a handful of today’s shapers copy a classic Yater Spoon
and see who comes out with the best shape.
Throughout the event, planers and compressors roar as
consumers peruse the shaping bays. Noses pressed
up on the shaping bay observing every pass of the planer.
Bleachers with focused fans attentive to the detail that gives
the board its magic. This year the six shapers were Todd Proctor,
Nick Pallandrini, Dennis Ryder, Michel Junod, Matt Moore, and Wayne
Rich. Wayne came away with the win, but similar to going surfing
together, everyone had fun.
