![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/flynnglassing_94013-600x380.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
He focuses on vintage designs inspired by the 1970s, which he says are becoming harder to find.<\/p>\n
“I like to make and ride old designs because no one else is going to do it for me,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Old designs provide feelings that new designs don’t, and vice versa.”<\/p>\n
Larsson is critical of modern factory-made boards, saying individuality is central to good design.<\/p>\n
“These modern boards aren’t personalised \u2014 just popped out to make money,” he said.<\/p>\n
Hand-shaped surfboards are crafted using tools such as planers, sanding blocks and handsaws, while factory boards are typically cut by computer-controlled machines using digital templates.<\/p>\n
Larsson said working directly with a shaper offers surfers a more personal experience.<\/p>\n
“It’s a cool experience personally talking to a professional shaper to have a board made to suit your own needs, rather than simply picking one out from the 100 replicated boards made for the modern pro surfer in a store,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said the shaping process begins with a feeling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Technically, I’m riding my imagination,” he said.<\/p>\n “You imagine and design what you want to ride and feel with the board.”<\/p>\n Larsson describes hand-shaping as a labour of love despite the time and effort involved.<\/p>\n “After a long day getting foam dust in your eyes, it’s incredibly satisfying to finally see your imagination come to life,” he said.<\/p>\n He said one of the most rewarding moments was watching a close friend surf Hawaii’s Pipeline on one of his boards.<\/p>\n “That wave is seriously consequential \u2014 not the place for a board you can’t trust,” he said.<\/p>\n “It was so fulfilling to see my friend ride waves he’ll probably never forget, on something I made with my hands.”<\/p>\n Larsson said shaping is a lifelong learning process and credits fellow shapers for helping him develop his craft.<\/p>\n “Adam Lane first showed me the ropes, and I’ve since drawn great inspiration from people like Andrew Kidman, Wayne Deane, Glen Winton and Ralph Riddell,” he said.<\/p>\n “Surfing is an artistic sport, and it so follows that local hand-shapers should be supported in their crafts.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A YOUNG Murwillumbah surfer is keeping one of surfing’s oldest traditions alive, hand-shaping vintage-style surfboards at a time when most boards are produced by machines. Flynn Larsson says hand-shaping is a niche but rewarding pursuit. “I surf almost every day, and it’s always fun and rewarding to ride waves on something I made,” he said. […]<\/p>\n![\"Joanna](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/11-march-tng-18-600x380.jpg\")