Jeff Alexander is a surfboard builder, artist, shaper, and the owner of Alexander Surfboards. Jeff currently lives on the island of Bali and makes a variety of surfboard styles and equipment.
When did you build your first surfboard and where?
1975. San Diego. California
In your opinion, what was the best and worst innovation in surfboard construction and surfing culture?
The best was the pre molded Clark blank 1970. So no one had to hanshape anymore. The worst thing was the leash/kookcord or leg rope.
Do you consider surfboard building an art? If so, how does the use of the CNC machine and mass production affect the artistry of surfboard building?
Of course it is an art. It is a myth that it effects the industy for the worst. That’s just ignorance. The machine is programed by each shaper.
It’s quicker to cut your own blanks. then wait for the service to get them cut. Unless you are a big brand with bìg numbers and have your own machine. But either way it rides the same.
The soul part is in your file, the machine can’t do that part yet. 3D printing is the same. That’s how they make those hollow boards. Someone has to create it.
Once you have your own files you’ll get it. To redo someones board you use templates and configure it all by eye and pencil, one year later its a mission …
Just depends on how long you wanna do this stuff. Brewer was using it . And most do. Ive been through 3 machine service here on Bali and now have # 4 who is the most profesional — they have 4 machines running. And speak good English. They’re doing some glass jobs for me now.
They do the whole job so the brands can do the sales and marketing. We just supply our file and sample. Its 90% marketing. It’s not the same now days.
Whats your opinion on the new generation of surfboard builders who are not using the computer based machines and experimenting with alternative shapes?
They say hand shaping, but they’re not. A Symmetrical and channels have been done before, not much left to claim. Someone who’s dead did it all before.
Whats your favorite surfing soundtrack song?
Pipeline by the Ventures
