"Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson
About me.
The surfboard is both watercraft and work of art. its sleek curves and lines are designed for high-performance travel upon the dynamic liquid medium of ocean swells and waves.
Just like fingerprints on a rap sheet, no two are alike. Much like the surfboards I build. My surfboards are not for everyone. However, they do appeal to people who appreciate a truly handcrafted product.
I build surfboards for the handful who aren't afraid to flip the big middle finger to the norm! The rule breakers, the ones with an unwavering sense of who they are, what they stand for, and have the guts to put it there for all to see. And just like them, my surfboards are one of a kind. I pride myself in making surfboards that others can't. Just like that super-sick Hot-Rod at a car show. Unique, like no other.
I started surfing in the late seventies. Boards were getting shorter. High-performance surfing was in it's infancy. The gap between skateboarding and surfing was getting closer. Soon after that, I got my first surfboard gig. Dick Brewer Surfboards in Oceanside Ca. Working under the tutilege and skilled hands of Gary Linden, Dick Brewer, and so many more. I started with a broom in my hand. Before I left, I had worked at every stage in surfboard manufacturing. I worked exclusively out of that factory for 16+ years.
30 years I've been doing this surfboard thing. That's a long time. But when you do something you love, time fly's. I was fortunate to be taught the art of board building in the areas largest surfboard factory. By seasoned pros with many, many years under their belt. In that facility, I learned some very old-school skills with state of the art new-school technology.
Although I don't really consider myself a "Master", we often hear about people starting their craft as children, in a way that almost seems predestined. They seem to just know from the start that they were meant to do that thing. But is that looking at it backwards? What if it's just that if you stick with something long enough, you have the time to attain true expertise?
Author Malcolm Gladwell says it takes about 10,000 hours of diligent practice to attain real mastery at something. His research shows that "masters" are often just people who hit the 10K hour mark early in life. I actually hit that mark long ago.
I began building surfboards as a teen. I have been fortunate to learn from what is described above as "Masters". I payed attention. I did not get to go to college. SURFBOARDS and SURFING were my college. I would like to think I graduated at the top of my class. I absorbed as much as I could. I'm still learning. Many shapers claim to be influenced by Dick Brewer. To some, he is the father of modern surfboards. I got payed to learn from him and countless other craftsmen. I should have paid them.
I hope you can see my passion for building unique, quality surfboards. Take a look. Stop by. See and feel the difference. I would gladly put my skill set up against any other so-called surfboard builders. After 30 years of doing this surfboard thing, I'm not the new kid on the block. I hope it shows.
I do believe to be an expert in design, development and the hand shaping, you must partake in every phase of the surfboard manufacturing stages. I am dedicated to bringing the most functional and modern shapes for any wave conditions and all types of surfing. I oversee production every step of the way from shaping-to-the fine sanding, assuring that your Barry Snyder Designs Surfboard will be of highest quality both in shape and performance.
"Old School Craftsmanship"and "New School Technology".
Modern Surfboard Manufacturing
I believe a lobotomized circus monkey can sand out the grooves on a CNC'd surfboard blank. Computers have made hack craftsmen look like hero's. I design all my surfboards in my shaping room. Not a little computer screen. On a 1st quality blank, my vast collection of outline, rocker, and rail templates, my Skil-100 planer & my own two hands. No computer-aided anything!
My boards are made in the USA. By people who surf. If they don't, they can't work here. 1st. quality resins, fiberglass, and fin systems. This is a surfer-owned company. My competitors rely on cheap, foreign made boards, 2nd. quality foam, and poor glass-jobs. I only use US made blanks and the best materials on the market. Not the cheapest. My customers deserve the best.
Some surfboard builders grasp the concept. But very few possess the skills to implement them. No shortage of posers in this business.
I believe in innovation. Not imitation. I've been influenced by the So-Cal lifestyle. Surfing, skateboarding, punk rock music, Hot-Rods and Kustom Kulture. All Americana at it's finest.
I remain true to my punk rock, non-conformist ways. I strive to NOT follow trends, and let that dictate the look and style of my boards. It is these beliefs that differentiate myself from other surfboard builders. Most in this business consider a surfboard as just a file on a computer. Or a name on an order card. To me, it's just so much more than that. Some buy a blank, hand it over to a guy who owns a shaping machine. Returns, then finishes it, then signs it. Who did he apprentice under?
To me, a surfboard is personal. Both to me, and my customers.
Handcrafting a truly custom surfboard requires a completely different skill set. From hand-shaping, gluing a custom blank, woodworking, fin building, airbrush graphics, to resin work. I do it all. Daily. And much, much, more.
I started Barry Snyder Designs for two reasons.
I love to surf, and other peoples stuff sucks!
It's a philosophy you'll see reflected in everything I put my name on. Whether it's a Kustom surfboard, a sick airbrush graphic, or one of my other creations. I honestly believe you won't find my level of Quality and Craftsmanship anywhere.
And if you do happen to think there's a better way of doing things, just let me know. I'll be happy to point out where you're wrong.
Keep surfing,
Barry
Just like fingerprints on a rap sheet, no two are alike. Much like the surfboards I build. My surfboards are not for everyone. However, they do appeal to people who appreciate a truly handcrafted product.
I build surfboards for the handful who aren't afraid to flip the big middle finger to the norm! The rule breakers, the ones with an unwavering sense of who they are, what they stand for, and have the guts to put it there for all to see. And just like them, my surfboards are one of a kind. I pride myself in making surfboards that others can't. Just like that super-sick Hot-Rod at a car show. Unique, like no other.
I started surfing in the late seventies. Boards were getting shorter. High-performance surfing was in it's infancy. The gap between skateboarding and surfing was getting closer. Soon after that, I got my first surfboard gig. Dick Brewer Surfboards in Oceanside Ca. Working under the tutilege and skilled hands of Gary Linden, Dick Brewer, and so many more. I started with a broom in my hand. Before I left, I had worked at every stage in surfboard manufacturing. I worked exclusively out of that factory for 16+ years.
30 years I've been doing this surfboard thing. That's a long time. But when you do something you love, time fly's. I was fortunate to be taught the art of board building in the areas largest surfboard factory. By seasoned pros with many, many years under their belt. In that facility, I learned some very old-school skills with state of the art new-school technology.
Although I don't really consider myself a "Master", we often hear about people starting their craft as children, in a way that almost seems predestined. They seem to just know from the start that they were meant to do that thing. But is that looking at it backwards? What if it's just that if you stick with something long enough, you have the time to attain true expertise?
Author Malcolm Gladwell says it takes about 10,000 hours of diligent practice to attain real mastery at something. His research shows that "masters" are often just people who hit the 10K hour mark early in life. I actually hit that mark long ago.
I began building surfboards as a teen. I have been fortunate to learn from what is described above as "Masters". I payed attention. I did not get to go to college. SURFBOARDS and SURFING were my college. I would like to think I graduated at the top of my class. I absorbed as much as I could. I'm still learning. Many shapers claim to be influenced by Dick Brewer. To some, he is the father of modern surfboards. I got payed to learn from him and countless other craftsmen. I should have paid them.
I hope you can see my passion for building unique, quality surfboards. Take a look. Stop by. See and feel the difference. I would gladly put my skill set up against any other so-called surfboard builders. After 30 years of doing this surfboard thing, I'm not the new kid on the block. I hope it shows.
I do believe to be an expert in design, development and the hand shaping, you must partake in every phase of the surfboard manufacturing stages. I am dedicated to bringing the most functional and modern shapes for any wave conditions and all types of surfing. I oversee production every step of the way from shaping-to-the fine sanding, assuring that your Barry Snyder Designs Surfboard will be of highest quality both in shape and performance.
"Old School Craftsmanship"and "New School Technology".
Modern Surfboard Manufacturing
I believe a lobotomized circus monkey can sand out the grooves on a CNC'd surfboard blank. Computers have made hack craftsmen look like hero's. I design all my surfboards in my shaping room. Not a little computer screen. On a 1st quality blank, my vast collection of outline, rocker, and rail templates, my Skil-100 planer & my own two hands. No computer-aided anything!
My boards are made in the USA. By people who surf. If they don't, they can't work here. 1st. quality resins, fiberglass, and fin systems. This is a surfer-owned company. My competitors rely on cheap, foreign made boards, 2nd. quality foam, and poor glass-jobs. I only use US made blanks and the best materials on the market. Not the cheapest. My customers deserve the best.
Some surfboard builders grasp the concept. But very few possess the skills to implement them. No shortage of posers in this business.
I believe in innovation. Not imitation. I've been influenced by the So-Cal lifestyle. Surfing, skateboarding, punk rock music, Hot-Rods and Kustom Kulture. All Americana at it's finest.
I remain true to my punk rock, non-conformist ways. I strive to NOT follow trends, and let that dictate the look and style of my boards. It is these beliefs that differentiate myself from other surfboard builders. Most in this business consider a surfboard as just a file on a computer. Or a name on an order card. To me, it's just so much more than that. Some buy a blank, hand it over to a guy who owns a shaping machine. Returns, then finishes it, then signs it. Who did he apprentice under?
To me, a surfboard is personal. Both to me, and my customers.
Handcrafting a truly custom surfboard requires a completely different skill set. From hand-shaping, gluing a custom blank, woodworking, fin building, airbrush graphics, to resin work. I do it all. Daily. And much, much, more.
I started Barry Snyder Designs for two reasons.
I love to surf, and other peoples stuff sucks!
It's a philosophy you'll see reflected in everything I put my name on. Whether it's a Kustom surfboard, a sick airbrush graphic, or one of my other creations. I honestly believe you won't find my level of Quality and Craftsmanship anywhere.
And if you do happen to think there's a better way of doing things, just let me know. I'll be happy to point out where you're wrong.
Keep surfing,
Barry
“Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse.” Winston Churchill.
“There's a rebel lying deep in my soul. Anytime anybody tells me the trend is such and such, I go the opposite direction. I hate the idea of trends. I hate imitation; I have a reverence for individuality.”
― Clint Eastwood, Wild Open Spaces: Why We Love Westerns
― Clint Eastwood, Wild Open Spaces: Why We Love Westerns
My message to all those posers out there! You know who you are.
Fishes, High-Performance Shortboards, Single-Fins, Guns, Longboards, Hybrids, Tow-Boards, Paddle-Boards (stand-up and prone), Alternative Shapes.
Foam & Fiberglass. Exotic Wood. High-Tech Composites.
Custom Airbrush work. Volan cloth. Tints. Opaque. Balsa, Agave Cactus, Redwood, Cedar. Wood nose & tail blocks. Custom-made fins. Show finish gloss & polishes.
Custom glued blanks. Surfboard shaping tools. Pinlines (both airbrushed & resin).
and more...
Foam & Fiberglass. Exotic Wood. High-Tech Composites.
Custom Airbrush work. Volan cloth. Tints. Opaque. Balsa, Agave Cactus, Redwood, Cedar. Wood nose & tail blocks. Custom-made fins. Show finish gloss & polishes.
Custom glued blanks. Surfboard shaping tools. Pinlines (both airbrushed & resin).
and more...
