How’s this for surfing longevity: Bob McTavish has been shaping boards since 1961.
“That’s what, 62 years ago?” McTavish said in the video above. “That’s been my thing all my life, surfboard engineering. More than anything, I’m a designer more than a shaper.”
In this custom-centric video from the McTavish team, the renowned Australian surfer and shaper collaborate on a board for Matt Titone. Titone is an A-list graphic designer at Ital/c Studio and owner of Indoek art gallery. He’s worked with companies like Patagonia and Reebok and huge SoCal music venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl. Also a surfer based in Ventura County, Titone was more than stoked to get some hardware from the inimitable McTavish.
Frame: Beatriz Ryder
Thanks to the power of Zoom, McTavish (in Byron Bay) and Titone (Ventura) put their heads together to build a unique asymmetrical shape for Titone. Despite the more than 7,000-mile gulf between them, they created a gorgeous final product – a beautifully glossed 6’0″ / 6’3″ x 19 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ thruster (with all three of the fins at different sizes.)
This video is a testament to the team behind McTavish and the care they put into each order. McTavish said they’ll even give updates through the various stages like glassing, sanding, fin mounting and polishing. The team behind this board included lamination by Nico Saint-Cas, custom fins by Ben McTavish, filler coat by Reed Smith, sanding by Troy Bundy and polish by Gabriel Speirs.
Photo: Beatriz Ryder
“Usually during these Zoom shapes it’s been fantastic because we share the experience of this one special board,” said a visibly giddy McTavish. “And it becomes very specific to their wants and needs. And I really love doing it.”
Related: Interview: Bob McTavish’s Lifelong Mission To Make A Better Surfboard
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