DAVID SUHADOLNIK
Q&A with Del Mar surfer and shaper David Suhadolnik. Photos by Todd Glaser.
How did you find surfing?
I moved to SD when I was 5 and my parents would spend the majority of their free time at the beach. First my dad started surfing, then my older brother, soon after I joined in.
How did you get into shaping?
In 2014 I was working on a horse ranch in Del Mar and a buddy of mine had started shaping and was looking for a place to shape, we decided to clear out a shipping container and turn it into a shaping and glassing room.
Are there any shapers who have inspired you?
Todd Pinder from Honolulu is a big inspiration for me. He’s built me a handful of boards and we’ve become friends over the last year, he’s insanely talented at shaping and I dig his old school no bullshit approach.
What gets you inspired creatively?
I get inspired to build boards that allow me to blend a classic approach to a modern surfing style. The shortboard has its place but most of the time, especially in San Diego, our waves lack the energy to produce good shortboard waves. The hybrid fish twin fin boards and single fin egg designs fit our waves and can smooth out ones surfing. These boards are also very functional when the waves get overhead, there’s a misconception that they are meant for small waves. I’ve found these designs to be extremely functional in bigger surf too.
What is your approach to shaping?
I like to build boards that allow for glide while not compromising for performance. Mixing the classic aspects of flat decks and fuller rails and incorporating more contemporary outlines I can maintain a good balance of the two. I wouldn’t say my approach is much different than others but I have been able to experiment and build one off unique boards for myself and friends which keeps things interesting and allows me to see what works and what doesn’t.
What are you listening to right now?
I’m disconnected with new music most of the time, I can always count on 90’s rock etc. I dig bands like Alice In Chains, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, and Jane’s Addiction.
What is your favorite spot?
Blacks is my favorite wave, it’s close to home and in the winter provides the opportunities for some great barrels. It’s quite a special place with the set up, there are big cliffs on the beach and a deep trench out the back which creates unreal peaks. When the swell and conditions are right there is no place I’d rather be.
What is the grail of all surfboards for you?
A 1970’s Lightning Bolt Pipeliner by Gerry Lopez.
Any words of wisdom for anyone wanting to get into shaping?
Keep it simple, less is more.
