</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by JJR:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Waldo:
<strong>OK, I'll bite...
August makes nice boards, though he actually has 2 other shapers working under him, and he sells a wide variety of models. Check his website for more info.
I don't know much about Walden other than the name and a good rep. I've seen some good surfers on his boards.
Yes, it's absolutely better to get a hand-shaped board. SurfTechs are made by low-paid overseas labor, with some nasty materials that wouldn't be legal to use in the U.S. If your priority is to have a board you can drive over with your car, get a SurfTech. Otherwise, get a real board....it's much better for your soul.
Best of all, ask around and find a good local shaper. Go see him and if possible, watch as your baby is born. Develop a relationship with the shaper and you'll never be sorry, plus you'll be supporting an underapprciated local craftsman.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Damn, i'm not sure waldo, but you just may be a "soothsayer"! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> I like ya, I don't care what anybody else says! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">