Guy Okazaki: Surfboard Shaper
Guy Okazaki remembers when surfboards were composed of redwood planks that would take two people to carry to the beach. He has watched generations of surfers cycle like ocean currents and witnessed the evolution of surfing techniques. Okazaki is a seasoned shaper and carves each board by hand, a trade passed on by his father. As popularity grew, surfboards became mass produced overseas and local competition dwindled. Once prolific surf shops and shapers such as Dewey Weber and Harold Iggy have moved inland for more affordable property or have moved on entirely. Okazaki's clientele remains the more serious surfers, paying a higher price for a high quality surfboard. It is easy to lament the "good old days", but nothing seems to make Okazaki happier than seeing a father and son surf together.
On Being Current
"What I'm doing today is something that maybe I picked up this morning. The technology that I can bring to the table is something that's very, very current."
The Art of Shaping
"I've gotten to the point in my career where I would rather be absolutely sure about something than be on a clock."
Surf Culture
"I think that through the decades surfing has been an industry that's always been here. I feel almost an obligation to maintain it. "
Venice Surf
"But yet we're all this sort of network brotherhood."
Board and Materials
"My boards started disappearing and I realized I had to make another one, and another one. And it went from one to five, and it just took off from there."
