Surfboard Shapers in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a premier destination for surfers worldwide, with talented surfboard shapers establishing workshops in the country's most vibrant surf towns. They have settled primarily in Playa Hermosa and Playa Jaco, two of the most consistent year-round surf destinations along the central Pacific coast. These locations offer the perfect environment for shapers to test their boards in various conditions, allowing them to create boards specifically designed for Costa Rica's waves.
From Edwin "Carton" Villalobos in Playa Jaco to Nicolas Fischer in Playa Hermosa, local shapers bring unique perspectives to board design. International brands like Channel Islands have also established workshops in Costa Rica, recognizing the country's importance in the global surf industry. These shapers contribute significantly to Costa Rica's surf culture.
The Heart of Costa Rican Surf Culture
Costa Rica's vibrant surf culture thrives in its coastal communities where local shapers transform raw materials into works of art that perfectly match the country's diverse wave conditions. Traditional techniques and modern innovation are used to create the best boards for the local conditions also taking into account climatic conditions, such as high humidity.
Shaping the Waves in Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa stands as one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations, known for its consistent waves and thriving community of board shapers. Mark Wooster has established himself as a cornerstone of this community with his brand, Wooster Surfboards, creating custom designs that perform exceptionally in Hermosa's powerful breaks.
Nicolas Fischer operates his shaping room in Hermosa, where he crafts boards under his brand Nico Fischer Surfboards. His designs are specifically tailored for the region's wave characteristics, making them popular choices for both locals and international surfers.
Hermosa's reputation attracts intermediate to advanced surfers. The town's tight-knit surf community provides valuable feedback to shapers, helping them refine their designs for optimal performance in local conditions.
Artisans of the Surf in Playa Jaco
Playa Jaco, a bustling surf town with waves suitable for all skill levels, hosts several respected board shapers. Edwin "Carton" Villalobos runs his workshop here, crafting his Carton Surfboards with techniques honed since his early days at Boca Barranca.
Channel Islands Surfboards maintains a workshop in Jaco, bringing their internationally recognized craftsmanship to Costa Rica. The Jaco workshop produces CI's signature performance boards with the same quality standards as their California headquarters.
Founded by Al and Terry Merrick in 1969, this iconic brand brings decades of shaping expertise to Costa Rican waters.
Their presence has elevated Costa Rica's standing in the international surfing community. Expert shapers at the workshop offer high-performance boards to the powerful Pacific waves that attract surfers worldwide.
Jaco's position as a surf tourism hub means shapers here create boards for a wide range of abilities. Many offer surf lessons for beginners alongside their shaping businesses.
The proximity to other renowned breaks allows shapers to test their designs across various wave types, resulting in versatile boards that perform well throughout Costa Rica's diverse surf spots.
Iconic Surfboard Brands and Shapers
Costa Rica's surfboard industry features a mix of internationally recognized names and local artisans who understand the unique wave conditions of both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. These shapers create boards specifically designed for the diverse breaks found throughout the country's surf towns.
Banzaii Surfboards in San Jose
Banzaii Surfboards, based in San Jose, represents Costa Rican craftsmanship at its finest. Owner and shaper Javier Orna creates custom boards while also producing Timmy Patterson Surfboards under license in Costa Rica. One of Costa Ricas best surfers, Carlos Muñoz, is gets his boards from Timmy Patterson Surfboards.
The shop has become known for excellent ding repairs and customer service. Their boards cater to the diverse conditions found from Tamarindo to Jaco.
Cheboards Surfboards in Tamarindo
Cheboards Industries, headquartered in Tamarindo, produces two renowned local brands: Cheboards and Evangelista. Shaper Juan Diego Evangelista has developed designs specifically for Costa Rica's breaks.
They also manufacture Lightning Bolt Surfboards for the Costa Rican market. Both companies maintain surf shops that serve as community hubs for local riders and visiting surfers seeking authentic Costa Rican craftsmanship.