It took Ricky Carroll nearly 2.5 hours and calling in fellow shaper Stretch to figure out who the winner of this year’s shape off would be. Every point that could be measured, from nose to tail, got measured. This year’s model was one of the last surfboards the late Joe Shriver made for his son. And it came down to a difference of 1/16 of an inch.
Mike Whistnant was shocked when his name came out of the manila envelope. “When I saw the strip of paper with my name, I was like ‘No, it can’t be’. I really did not expect to win.”
The first runner up, Adam Warden, was also stoked as well as surprised. He graciously accepted to take Joe Johnson’s slot on Friday, when Joe, due to unforeseen circumstances, was unable to shape. Very enthusiastic and a bit nervous since it had been some time since he had picked up a planer, Adam went as far as placing the blank on the ground and stepping on it to put the pressure dings, just like the model copy had.
A stoked Adam Warden (middle) with Ricky Carroll and Paul Eaton
Just like the other years, the winner was handed the perpetual Florida Shape Off trophy which he gets to keep until the next shape off. But this year, the Surf Expo provided a beautiful, crystal trophy for the winner to keep. Another pleasant surprise from the Surf Expo, was that the winner received a free booth for the next show. An immense thank you to Vicky Vasil and the Surf Expo crew for making this event bigger and better.
We also want to thank all the shapers that participated in this event. Though there can only be one winner, you are all winners and heroes of surfing to us all.
It’s been a year already since we lost Yancy Spencer III. Yancy died after surfing his favorite spot in California on February 14, 2011.
