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 Since the 70's when Bill Stewart opened up Stewart Surfboards, the tradition of high performance and soul surfer shapes continues to grace lineups from New York to Hawaii. And now, Bill Stewart has put his knowledge and experience into producing a line of high demand stand up paddle surfboards featuring Stewart's signature hydro-hull rails.
In this special, we'll visit the shop, check in with Bill, and tour the shaping bay where the magic all begins.
Without the man behind the mask, a shaping bay is just a room full of equipment. But when the history and experience of a master shaper have left their mark on that room, even when it's empty, a visit to the shaping bay feels like a spiritual retreat.
In the early days, Bill Stewart shaped surfboards for Rick James and put his hand to work at the Hobie factory along with Mickey Munoz, Terry Martin and others before opening the first Stewart factory in Capistrano Beach and later a retail store in Laguna Beach. From pioneering the invention of the snowboard and the 2+1 fin setup, to being voted best airbrusher of the year by Surfing Magazine, and shaping for champion surfers such as Colin McPhillips, Stewart's history is spilling over with experience and success.
Still today, the master shaper is airbrushing, shaping, and running a killer shop in San Clemente at the corner of Cornelio and El Camino Real. The man loves his work. I even heard him selling a surfboard over the phone to a telemarketer who called while I was in the shop. Thanks again to Bill for taking the time to sit down, talk surfboards, and allowing us to capture some of the magic of the shaping bay.
You'll find Stewart Surfboards at the crossroads with plenty of parking behind the shop.
The wave watch is always out front to greet the customers. Nice shades.
It's surfers wonderland with all the mags, clothing, books, and gear you can think of.
Three points for carrying SUP instructional videos. Definitely
Through the magic corridor to the stocked showroom.
Bill Stewart (far left) is usually on the floor. "Need help or have any questions? I should know the answer. . . I shaped it."
Stand up paddle surfboards with hydro hull rails all lined up.
Beautiful custom wood paddles.
Flash your backstage pass to the guards in and you're in.
After getting scrubbed out, these blanks are ready for the airbrush and glassers.
One of da' boys putting the finishing touches on another finished blank.
On deck, one 11' stand up paddle surfboard.
The magic begins here.
Power Planer: An indespesible tool in the hands of a skilled shaper.
An endless supply of sandpaper of all grades for a clean finish.
Grinder, Sander, Polisher: Swap out the attachment and let her rip.
Goggles, hand saw. . . mask. . .air. . .and the operation begins.
Templates stacked on the side ready for use.
The cool colors of the shaping bay command reverence.
Bill Stewart with one of his latest designs on his left and SUP paddles to his right.
Located at: 2102 S EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672
Be sure to stop by Stewart Surboards or visit them on the web at
www.stewartsurfboards.com
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