Todd Holland wins 2010 Florida Shape Off

It came down to the finish, the sanding technique, as all the other criteria, all the shapers tied.  Todd Holland is the guardian of the Shape Off trophy for one year and the 3rd Florida Shape Off winner.

The judging for the blanks shaped will start at 3:30 pm today, with the announcement of the winner at 4:oo pm.

Our second shaper, Matt Kechele bowed out, leaving us with a blank space. And along comes Balsa Bill, who I have heard myself say he will not touch foam, to help us out and shape! What a guy! Thanks, Bill for saving the day!

George Miller,  who will be inducted into the East Cost Surfing Hall of Fame Friday night, will be the 6^th shaper for the 3^rd Florida Shape Off. Miller will be the last shaper on Saturday.

The final line up:

 Friday January 15th

10 a.m.         Dick Catri

12:15 p.m.    Matt Kechele

2:30 p.m.      Phil Salick

Saturday January 16th

10 a.m.         Todd Holland

12:15 p.m.    Claude Codgen

2:30 pm.        George Miller

Judging starts after the last board is finished, with the announcement of the winner and trophy presentation taking place at 5 pm.

For the upcoming January Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, we are stoked to present “The best of the best: East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Legends”. In this exhibition of true talent, we’re bringing back names  like Dick Catri, Claudie Codgen, and Phil Salick.

As is every year, the winner will be handed the Shape Off trophy to keep until the following year’s event.  The winning board will be signed by all the participating shapers and donated to the Surfing Hall of Fame to exhibit.

Jeff Haney takes measurements

Pierce Meyer running along the edge

Pierce Meyer really studied the slot bottom.  He took all kinds of measurements; I liked his approach and procedure in shaping the blank.  By far, he measured the board more then the rest of the shapers.  As I put it up against the wall with the others waiting to be judged, all I could think was how I’d really like to ride this board.

Glenn Klugel

This contest has been so interesting to watch.  Glenn Klugel, one of our New School guys, shaped his board in a record 1 hour and 20 minutes. 

Pete Daly

Pete Daly was very particular so it took him the full time as he paid close attention to make sure his board was precise.

Patrick Madden

Madden, the first of the Old Schoolers, made an exact foam replica of a George Robinson balsa.

With what I’ve seen so far, I’d hate to be the judge and have to pick only one winning board.

For just $1 gives you a chance to win a replica of Robert Strickland/Skip Savage Con Rail Model shaped by Bill Eberwein at last year’s contest. This one-of-a-kind board will be on display at the surf expo and tickets for the raffle will be available Thursday and Friday during the shape off contest.  The raffle is to benefit the Surfrider Foundation

Seasoned and experienced or a young, sharp eye? The Florida Shape Off, sponsored by R&D Surf, is proud to bring the shaping contest back to the Orlando Surf Expo. This year’s theme is “Old School” (shapers 50+ years old) vs. “New School” (shapers 25 and younger). Old School contestants Patrick Madden, Chris Birch and Jeff Haney will be shaping a 7’7” fish. New School shapers Pete Daly, Glenn Klugel and Pierce Meyer will have the task of replicating a 1963 Greg Noll slot bottom.

Event Coordinator, Paul Eaton, recently released the line-up:
On Thursday, January 15th:

• Pete Daly – 10 am
• Glen Klugel – 12pm
• Pat Madden – 2 pm

On Friday, January 16th:

• Jeff Haney – 10 am
• Chris Birch – 12 pm
• Pierce Meyer – 2 pm

The winner is the shaper that comes the closest in replicating the sample board. Come by and support your favorite shaper as he scores one for the team: Old Guys Rule or Young Guys Rock

The 2nd Florida Shape Off contest this year will be “Old School vs. New School”: three guys over 50 years old will be shaping a 7′7″ fish and three young guns 25 and under will be shaping a 1963 Greg Noll slot bottom. Our shapers this year are Pete Daly, Glen Klugel, Pierce Meyer, Chris Birch, Micah Madden and Jeff Haney. 

Just like last year, the one that can duplicate the board the closest is the winner.  Last year winner, Juan Rodriguez will relinquish custody of the Florida Shape Off trophy to the winner

A big hang ten thanks to Ricky Carroll volunteering his shaping booth and for Sierra Brasher and Ice Nine for supplying the blanks.