Collective Surfboards

We sent Stefan our Shaper Stories questions to find out a bit more about him and his boards...

Tell us where you’re from and where you’re based

I'm from Germany and since 2007 I have been based in Cantabria.

What inspired your logo/brand name?

Collective Surfboards was born out of my dream to work in a shapers collective with different people, influences and techniques.  Currently, I am still the only shaper, but I'm looking to forward to fulfilling this dream one day.

Tell us a bit about how, when and why you got into shaping

Since I started surfing I dreamed about shaping surfboards.  My first surfboard was a windsurf board, built in EPS/sandwich tecnique at a shared hobby shapers workshop up in the north of Germany.  During my travels through South America I became friends with some shapers and learned the skills from them.

When I came to Cantabria to live, I helped out Neptu from Jalaika repairing and later glassing surfboards.  Through this I gained insights into the shaping process.  In 2008 I opened my own workshop in Loredo, the same place I still work today.

What kind of boards do you mostly shape?

Our shapes are focused on retro boards: Twin fins, single fins, surfboards with channels, retro fishes, egg shapes and classic noserider longboards.

We only use recyclable EPS and bio sourced epoxy resin to build our surfboards.

What’s your preferred fin set up to a) shape and b) surf?

My favourite fin setup for shaping is the twin keel setup.  And to surf I also prefer twin keels or single fins, especially with the Bow fin.

Best tip for the budding shaper?

First: think of what you want to create.  Then: let your hands follow. 

What’s been the most memorable board you’ve ever shaped & why?

It was a big wave gun made for a firefighter and big wave surfer.  It’s a special board because I know he enjoys it in those monster waves.

What's the bonus of using Macho Fins in your boards?

The quality of Macho Fins is unbeatable. The foil and finish of the fins is of a very very high level.  It’s what we want to offer our clients.  Surf gear made by hand and taking care of every detail.

The fins are made just a few kilometers away, which fits perfectly with our philosophy of using local materials and products.

Thanks Stefan!  And you can check out Collective Surfboards on their Instagram, Facebook and website.