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“That works out to $25 per hour,” he chuckles in
true Sam fashion, non-plussed.
“They are just a labour of love I do when I don’t
have too many (foam and fibreglass) board orders
(Yep, you heard right. Sam is still shaping 5 or so of
those per week).
“They take so long. I will have them on my bench
for a few months. I have probably made about 10
or 12 over the last three years. I have always got
one going and tinker on it. You can’t rush it. It is
just a matter of take your time and do a bit here
and there. I do enjoy doing it though, as long as it
doesn’t take over my entire life.”
Photo: Sam’s third surfboard he made.
Sam crafts all manner of timber surfboard shapes
from chambered wooden guns through to skin on
frame collectables, that can be surfed but most of
his clients opt to just appreciate the workmanship
hung up on the wall of their home. Those clients
include people like Jason Stevenson, the founder,
owner and original shaper of JS Industries who
has one of Sam’s chambered balsa boards in his
collection.
He makes everything from nose to tail – fins, nose
blocks and tail blocks. He even sells the nose and
tail blocks to other shapers. They are works of
art in themselves. Same goes for the many surf
trophies he crafts and ornate timber furniture and
jewellery boxes. Sam explains.
“Well, I spent 4 years from the age of 15 as a
carpenter and joiner. Before I came out of my time I
was making some surfboards. As soon as I finished
my apprenticeship I left. So, I have only had two
jobs in my life. But yes, I can make furniture and of
course I make surfboards.”
Instagram: samegansurfboards
Photo: the first board Sam made - a 16ft paddleboard.
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