Surfboard shapers on firmer ground

A little more than a year ago, the surf and surfboard-shaping industry was in an uproar and fearing an uncertain future when Clark Foam, the major supplier of polyurethane blanks used for surfboards, closed unexpectedly in December 2005.

But other foam manufacturers have stepped up to the plate, either ramping up production or starting new companies to ensure that local shapers can still produce their boards.

The competition in the marketplace has also proved healthy for the surfing industry, making foam companies produce higher-quality foam.

Sam August, son of legendary shaper Robert August, said that after a difficult year, Huntington Beach-based Robert August Surfboards, and other shapers, are hoping for a good upcoming season.

“It was difficult times for longboard companies and traditional surf brands,” Sam August said. “But now we have access to six different resources on the coast of California alone…. So all is well for now. Time will tell. As far as us missing Clark — we’re fine without it now, but when summer comes around, that’s when everybody will be tested.”

Gordon “Grubby” Clark closed his Laguna Niguel-based company suddenly on Dec. 5, 2005, sending out letters to shapers saying the closure would be effective immediately.

Clark basically had the monopoly on the market in the United States — and arguably around the world — with some competition in Australian and South Africa.

Ryan Sakal, 29, of Huntington Beach-based Sakal Surfboards, said he had rarely used anything but Clark Foam blanks before the foam manufacturer stopped production.

“I think this whole situation is a good thing because it’s kind of opened up people’s eyes to … the future … it has definitely been a learning experience for me, but now we can focus on making better foam,” Sakal said. “Before this happened with Clark, I had only shaped a handful of other blanks before, so I couldn’t have told you Clark Foam was the best foam.

“Now that I’ve been able to try lots of different foam and figured out what I like, it’s actually been kind of interesting and fun.”

Although polyurethane blanks still seem to be the most popular, the idea that Clark’s closure meant the end of foam blanks spawned shapers to look to other materials — some of which are hotly contested in the surfing industry.

Epoxy resin has been one up-and-coming material shapers and surfers have been experimenting with, although some say, including Sakal, said it can be difficult to work with and repair and isn’t flexible enough in the water.

“We’re not entirely sold on it. We think there’s a lot more that needs to be learned in that area,” said Newport Beach-based Russell Surfboards spokesman Tim Manno.

One of the advantages of Clark Foam — aside from Clark’s seemingly top-secret formulas for his foam and his commitment to fixing glitches — was the variety of blanks he provided to shapers. Huntington Beach’s Chuck Dent Surf Center manager Pat Lien said the foam is there, it’s just been a matter of finding the blanks the shaper needs and wants.

“Now the reality is that every week or month it’s getting markedly better as far as availability of a whole variety of things,” Lien said.

The consensus among shapers and surf shops seems to be “Think positively,” with competition hopefully spawning new innovations, better foam and better prices.

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