Shaping Lessons

Have you ever gazed at the waves and imagined riding your very own handcrafted surfboard? At Caves Beach Surf Garage, we're passionate about helping surfers bring their dream boards to life. Our shaping lessons are designed to guide you through every step of the process, transforming raw materials into a unique surfboard that reflects your personal style and skill.

What You’ll Learn in Our Shaping Lessons

Our shaping lessons offer a comprehensive, hands-on experience that immerses you in the art of surfboard craftsmanship. Here’s what you’ll master:

Design and Planning

It all starts with understanding the fundamentals of board design. We’ll teach you how to create a template that matches your vision, considering key factors like size, shape, rocker, and volume. This step is crucial for ensuring your board performs the way you want it to on the waves.

Cutting and Profiling

Next, we’ll move to the shaping bay, where you'll learn how to cut an outline from your blank and profile it down to the desired thickness. This involves meticulous measurement and cutting techniques to achieve a consistent and balanced form.

Crafting the Rocker and Rails

Shaping the rocker—the curve of the board from nose to tail—is an essential skill for optimizing performance. You'll also learn how to create smooth, precise rails that impact how your board rides and handles on the wave face.

Routing and Plug Installation

Once the core shape is perfected, it’s time to add functionality. We’ll show you how to route out and install fin and leash plugs, ensuring a solid and reliable setup. These installations are as much about precision as they are about structural integrity.

Fiberglassing

To bring everything together, you'll learn the art of fiberglassing. This step involves layering fiberglass cloth and applying resin to seal your board and give it strength. We’ll guide you through techniques for achieving a smooth, even finish that enhances durability and aesthetics.

Sanding and Finishing

Finally, it’s all about the finishing touches. You’ll sand your board to perfection, smoothing out the surface and ensuring it’s ready for the waves.

Why Choose Caves Beach Surf Garage?

At Caves Beach Surf Garage, our lessons are about more than just technical skills—they’re developing a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship. With guidance in a welcoming, hands-on environment, you’ll gain the confidence to shape your own boards and the knowledge to understand what makes a great surfboard.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer looking to expand your horizons or a beginner eager to dive into the world of shaping, our lessons cater to all levels. By the end of the lessons, you won’t just have a board; you’ll have a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing it’s something you made yourself.

Make Your Vision a Reality

There’s no feeling quite like riding a wave on a board you’ve shaped with your own hands. At Caves Beach Surf Garage, we’re here to make that dream a reality. Join us for shaping lessons and experience the art, precision, and joy of crafting surfboards from start to finish

Lesson Options & Pricing

Complete Surfboard Shaping Lessons

  • Includes: Full process from designing and shaping the blank to glassing and finishing.

  • Lesson Time: Approximately 16 hours (8 hours for shaping + 8 hours for glassing). Booking needs to be spread over multiple days due to resin curing times and is flexible, We work with you availability!

  • Price: $1,800 (includes all materials and guidance).

Shaping the Blank Only

  • Includes: Shaping the blank from template to rocker and rails.

  • Lesson Time: Approximately 8 hours.

  • Price: $1,000 (excludes glassing).