Barry Snyder Designs
Shaper: Barry Snyder
Location: Oceanside, CA
About: Just like fingerprints on a rap sheet, no two are alike. Much like the surfboards I build. My surfboards are not for everyone. However, they do appeal to people who appreciate a truly handcrafted product.
I build surfboards for the handful who aren't afraid to flip the big middle finger to the norm! The rule breakers, the ones with an unwavering sense of who they are, what they stand for, and have the guts to put it there for all to see. And just like them, my surfboards are one of a kind. I pride myself in making surfboards that others can't. Just like that super-sick Hot-Rod at a car show. Unique, like no other.
I started surfing in the late seventies. Boards were getting shorter. High-performance surfing was in it's infancy. The gap between skateboarding and surfing was getting closer. Soon after that, I got my first surfboard gig. Dick Brewer Surfboards in Oceanside Ca. Working under the tutelage and skilled hands of Gary Linden, Dick Brewer, and so many more. I started with a broom in my hand. Before I left, I had worked at every stage in surfboard manufacturing. I worked exclusively out of that factory for 16+ years.
30 years I've been doing this surfboard thing. That's a long time. But when you do something you love, time fly's. I was fortunate to be taught the art of board building in the areas largest surfboard factory. By seasoned pros with many, many years under their belt. In that facility, I learned some very old-school skills with state of the art new-school technology.
Although I don't really consider myself a "Master", we often hear about people starting their craft as children, in a way that almost seems predestined. They seem to just know from the start that they were meant to do that thing. But is that looking at it backwards? What if it's just that if you stick with something long enough, you have the time to attain true expertise?
Author Malcolm Gladwell says it takes about 10,000 hours of diligent practice to attain real mastery at something. His research shows that "masters" are often just people who hit the 10K hour mark early in life. I actually hit that mark long ago.
I began building surfboards as a teen. I have been fortunate to learn from what is described above as "Masters". I payed attention. I did not get to go to college. SURFBOARDS and SURFING were my college. I would like to think I graduated at the top of my class. I absorbed as much as I could. I'm still learning. Many shapers claim to be influenced by Dick Brewer. To some, he is the father of modern surfboards. I got payed to learn from him and countless other craftsmen. I should have paid them.
I hope you can see my passion for building unique, quality surfboards. Take a look. Stop by. See and feel the difference. I would gladly put my skill set up against any other so-called surfboard builders. After 30 years of doing this surfboard thing, I'm not the new kid on the block. I hope it shows.
I do believe to be an expert in design, development and the hand shaping, you must partake in every phase of the surfboard manufacturing stages. I am dedicated to bringing the most functional and modern shapes for any wave conditions and all types of surfing. I oversee production every step of the way from shaping-to-the fine sanding, assuring that your Barry Snyder Designs Surfboard will be of highest quality both in shape and performance.
