Description
Introducing the Master Shaper Series by the Damascus Production Group – a groundbreaking journey into the art of surfboard shaping. Born from the passion of aspiring shapers and backyard foam enthusiasts, this series elevates the craft of building longer, more traditional surfboards to new heights.
The “101” series laid the foundation for many eager learners, unveiling the secrets of modern surfboard construction. Now, the Master Shaper Series dives deeper, reviving the lost techniques of the ’60s and ’70s that have become some of the most coveted collectibles in the surfing world.
Meticulously crafted with input from the most popular surfboard design forums, this program caters to both beginners and seasoned builders alike. Join renowned shaper Jim Phillips, whose name is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and innovative foam and wood blank designs, as he shares his expertise.
Unlike other surfboard shaping films that offer a mere 20 minutes of instruction amidst entertainment, the Master Shaper Series provides an unprecedented 2-hour deep dive into shaping education. Experience a comprehensive, informative, and practical approach to the art of surfboard shaping, and gain an invaluable glimpse over the shoulder of one of surfing’s true artisans. Get ready to elevate your shaping skills and embrace the legacy of classic surfboard design!
Chapters:
- Tools and Safety
- Design Theory
- Layout
- Shaping
- Finishing
Reviews:
“Cue up this impressive, highly detailed, no bells or whistles look at the craft of shaping custom surfboards. Jim ‘the genius’ Phillips guides you through the tools, secrets, standard practices, and basic methodology of the shaper’s craft. The producers couldn’t have picked a more apt instructor. Jim’s direct delivery and obvious well of knowledge shine through; the effect is like having a 75,000-board guru take you in as a promising apprentice.”
— The Surfers Journal
“Got the video today. Good stuff, great tools. Thanks for putting it out there for us.”
“The tape is so detailed that when you first see it, you tend to get intimidated by all of the info presented. You cannot get it all in one play. That is where the rewind button becomes a tool in itself.”
“I’ve gone through my VHS copy for the third time. Each and every time, there is another nugget of useful info that I missed the first time. I really can’t say enough about what a great teaching tool the Damascus Master Shaper Series has been. Jim is not only a very fine craftsman, he is an outstanding teacher. His methods and dialogue are in perfect sync throughout this instructional shaping video.”
“Thank you, Jim. The video is definitely a prize piece. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.”
“I received my copy of the Jim Phillips Shaping Video today and just finished my first viewing. This is not an average how-to tape; it’s a very serious work from a remarkable journeyman. Its focus is on the craft, and its value is only exceeded by owning a Jim Phillips board… and I own a few.”
“There’s a pretty important lesson in the Phillips Video, which will likely turn out to be extremely important for me, and that’s in the way the construction of a board is approached. I basically copied my approach to building a board from someone who had been shown by someone else out in CA. It seemed logical, each step to be done in sequence and brought to completion: straighten out the blank, cut and finish the template, do and finish the bottom, do and finish the deck, do and finish the rails, then do finish sanding. It’s probably a good way to learn; the only problem is that my boards kind of look like I followed a rigid sequence—they’re a sum of parts, but not really a whole. My boards seem to surf fine, and I’m not sure the average weekend surfer would really be able to pick up on such subtleties. But I see the problem, especially now after having made a few boards. When I hit 12 boards, or when I seem to be making a little progress in the craftsmanship side of things, I began to sense the slight disconnect between deck, bottom, rails, etc. So I started to cheat a little and moved around a bit: deck, bottom, rails, back to the bottom. Maybe I would have hit upon a good approach after a thousand boards, but that’s a maybe. Jim’s approach is far more natural and balanced. You may be able to analyze a surfboard in terms of this section or that, but in the end, it is a blended whole, and Phillips’ surfboards are more than the sum of their parts. If you haven’t ordered the video, I recommend you do. It will be the best $59 you will ever spend. The tool tips alone are worth the cost. I can’t wait for the glassing video. I can’t wait to shape my next blank— in my gut, I know my shapes are about to take a quantum leap.”
“I ordered my copy today and can’t wait to see it. I already own Shaping 101, Glassing 101, Airbrushing 101, and Carve It Up. From what I’m hearing, this is going to be a lot better than the other tapes out there. I’m stoked and can’t wait. Later!”
“If you can’t get a shaper to teach you, I suggest you buy the Master Shaper Series video. In it, Jim ‘the Genius’ Phillips will teach you all the basic and advanced concepts and techniques of the surfboard shaping art, along with some amazing tools for shaping. This video is a masterpiece!”
