Ray Hamon (Rick's Son) Machine Shaping

This is the burning question that seems to be firing up board builders world wide; here is what Rusty and a few of our other shapers had to say...

"As the body wears out the romance with the planer cools off. It's really the concept that matters; master your tools and bring good ideas to life. Computers definitely bring consistency to the equation."
-Rusty

"The Computer is just another tool, but, I think something is lost if someone has no hand shaping experience."
-Rick Hamon

"One completes the other- you can't design a board on the computer if you can't hand shape one."
-Pedro Battaglin

"Consistency is a plus. Great for keeping track of subtle design changes."
- Hoy Runnels

"At first I was down on computer shaping. I know that it is just another tool, but, it just isn't shaping. But, I guess maybe it has redefined what shaping is, for better or for worse? I don't know. I do know that shapers should be able to hand shape anything and do a good job on it, or you are not a shaper."
-Michael Russo

Photos: Brody

For the second year in a row, the Sacred Craft event has given the surfboard consumers a chance to directly interact with their shapers. A plethora of surfboard history, technology and craftsmanship could be seen at the event. Archived boards from the past were dusted off and crazy contraptions of the future were brought to life...

The Rusty booth was stacked with a full line up of boards and Rusty, himself, was in attendance along with several other R Dot Artisans such as Rick Hamon and Michael Russo. Check out the full story and photo feature on Surfline.com.

Photo: Brody