I'm new around here and thought i'd do a post on my favorite shaper, Mitchell Rae. He was originally from my local area and is good mates with my dad and all the old guys around here. His boards are still by far the most popular boards ridden by young and old blokes around here (in an area that produces a lot of good surfers).
I know this is mostly an American message board, but if you ever come for a trip to Australia I encourage you to go check out his stuff. His boards aren't cheap, but they're durable and of the highest quality. His factory is 20 minutes from some great waves too.
Here is a recent article on him by Nick Carrol:
http://outerisland.blogspot.com/2011/10/return-of-master-craftsman-by-nick.html?spref=fb
Perhaps the most interesting design element he has innovated and perfected is his use of flextails. I've been lucky enough to surf on a few of them and they are freaking awesome. It's a unique feeling almost like a spring out of each turn, giving a boost in speed that allows you to transition to your next. It is great for good old fashioned power surfing. See: http://www.outerislandsurfboards.com/articles/flextail.html
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUauB_35hOg
Finally, I have to say he is my go to man for Indo boards. His guns are without a doubt his specialty. If you're going to get one board from him, make it a gun (with a flextail). I have never surfed anything even close to one in big conditions.
Anyway I thought i'd just highlight some of his design elements for conversation and leave this here in case someone goes searching the forums for a review or something.
I know this is mostly an American message board, but if you ever come for a trip to Australia I encourage you to go check out his stuff. His boards aren't cheap, but they're durable and of the highest quality. His factory is 20 minutes from some great waves too.
Here is a recent article on him by Nick Carrol:
http://outerisland.blogspot.com/2011/10/return-of-master-craftsman-by-nick.html?spref=fb
Perhaps the most interesting design element he has innovated and perfected is his use of flextails. I've been lucky enough to surf on a few of them and they are freaking awesome. It's a unique feeling almost like a spring out of each turn, giving a boost in speed that allows you to transition to your next. It is great for good old fashioned power surfing. See: http://www.outerislandsurfboards.com/articles/flextail.html
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUauB_35hOg
Finally, I have to say he is my go to man for Indo boards. His guns are without a doubt his specialty. If you're going to get one board from him, make it a gun (with a flextail). I have never surfed anything even close to one in big conditions.
Anyway I thought i'd just highlight some of his design elements for conversation and leave this here in case someone goes searching the forums for a review or something.