In this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, I’m joined by Axel Lorentz, the legendary shaper from the Basque Country. When he was shaping for @pukasurf his boards made it to five out of six finals for Stab in the Dark. He is now shaping under his own label. Axel takes us behind the scenes to reveal what makes his designs excel for both pros and everyday surfers, why rails are one of the most important elements in a design, his views on volume, and the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a board.

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Chapters

00:00 The Art of Shaping Surfboards

02:52 Understanding Paddle Power and Training

06:10 Personalizing Board Design for Surfers

09:07 The Importance of Rails in Board Performance

11:58 Rocker and Volume: Key Elements in Board Design

14:52 Exploring Alternative Boards for Everyday Surfers

17:49 The Journey into Surfboard Shaping

29:46 The Art of Shaping: Understanding the Craft

32:41 Navigating the Pressure of Big Wave Shaping

38:31 The Balance of Speed and Control in Surfboard Design

40:55 Personalizing the Surf Experience: Shaping for Fun

44:48 Passing the Craft: A Legacy of Shaping

49:59 Finding Flow: The Importance of Routine in Shaping

51:57 Surfing Philosophy: Enjoying the Ride

55:44 Dream Waves: The Perfect Surf Spot

57:39 The Ultimate Board: Versatility in Design

Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!

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