historic logos and surfboards is second to none; he can recall specific design differences in boards made fifty years ago).

Years of damage can make the process seem like an impossible job, and there is much more than meets the eye in a board restoration. For starters, the board is reground and then filled to back to match its original

shape. Then all the rotten or damaged wood is routed out and re-laid. The entire board gets glassed and hot coated. Then the color work is added, either matching the original color if possible, or utilizing color swatches that match the schemes typically used on similar era boards. Once the color is complete, the board is glossed, sanded and polished.

For a process that sounds simple in description, it can take days to weeks to finish one restoration. “Ed did a Hannon not too long ago (boards made by notable 1960’s era New York shaper, John Hannon), and it took him 88 hours from start to finish,” says Mike Becker, about how long the process can take.

The reasons people come to Mike and Ed for a restoration can differ. Some want to restore old glory in their childhood board, others want to ride their past, and others don’t even surf, they just want a surfy and enduring piece of art. Whatever the reason, they can look to Mike Becker and Ed Fawess of Natures Shapes to preserve the art and soul in their beloved old board.

Learn more about Natures Shapes. Their blog is HERE.

www.artizenmagazine.com

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