I'm sure you have all heard of the latest technology at work in the shaping field: computer shaping machines that can be used with design programs to design and cut out a roughly-finished blank. Is this the future of shaping? Well, yes - one future anyway. But not the only or the best future, by any means. Most higher volume shapers are and have been using pre-shapes for production for many years, both to keep up with demand and to maintain a level of consistancy in their shapes (most larger labels have multiple "ghost shapers" working on boards, making it difficult to properly maintain the shaper's vision). Some shapers don't even consider themselves shapers anymore, calling themselves "designers" instead. Still, most of these shapers are incredibly skilled and can still whip a magic board out by hand at any time. Which brings me to my point. While I certainly don't want to condemn shaping machines, for I think they are a valid tool, one thing does concern me, and that is the loss of the craftsman. For decades, shapers have been sculptors, forging living, magical works of art from raw blocks of foam with their hands, simple tools, and nothing else. It has given them a tactile feel and an eye for curves: bottom contour, outline, rocker and foil. They know the feel and look of a good board by holding it and sighting down it's lines, not by interpreting digits on a computer screen. Only after graduating this stage do I believe someone can be called a shaper. And I ask, what will the next generation of shapers be like? Will they be craftsmen? Engineers or hydrodynamicists, maybe. But craftsmen? When the computer breaks down, will they be able to grab some blanks and rough a few out for themselves? Or will these "designers" be fumbling around with their tools, in the dark, wondering what shaping really is.
Long live the craftsman.