exhibit curated by Kurt Spurdikus at the Maine Maritime Museum

In the last decade, the building of hollow wooden surfboards has taken off, especially in Maine which boasts the world’s largest wooden surfboard company and many individuals who design and build their own. Individuals who build surfboards are commonly called shapers.

Homegrown Shapes: Wooden Surfboards of Maine examines why so many Maine surfers choose to build with wood by chronicling seven surfing enthusiasts from across the state who surf using wooden boards made of wood which they made and showcases some of their amazing creations.

Ten boards built by seven different shapers, from York to Old Town, using a variety of construction methods are on display. In addition to the display of finished boards, there a kiosk features video interviews with each shaper sharing their passion for woodworking and surfing. Filmmaker Brian Goding, of Bridge to Shore Films, captured the dynamic experience of surfing and building boards.

Editor’s note: This is the last week to check out Home Grown Shapes at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath! The last day of this exhibition is Sunday, September 28th. Can’t make it? Check out this review of the show in the Portland Press Herald.