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  Buttons and his Aipa Quiver with shaper Ben Aipa. Photo: (c) Steve Wilkings

Press release:

(DEL MAR, CA., MARCH 19, 2014) — — The Boardroom Consumer Surfboard Tradeshow is pleased to announce the six shapers honoring Ben Aipa this May in Del Mar. A call went out to shapers around the world. Three were randomly selected from a large international pool. Two were personally selected by Ben Aipa. The final shaper of the six competing is defending champion Matt Calvani.

“We are humbled and extremely stoked to honor legendary Hawaiian surfer, shaper, waterman Mr. Ben Aipa,” said Scott Bass, Executive Director of The Boardroom. “Since 2007 all of the shapers that participate in the shape-off do so out of respect for the honoree, and the craft of surfboard shaping – a sacred craft. A craft passed down through the generations, beginning in Polynesia and carrying on today with icons such as Ben Aipa, as the spirit and culture of surfboard building, designing and manufacturing thrives.”

“It’s such a privilege being the first Hawaiian honored at the Boardroom Show,” said Ben Aipa. “The Aipa label has a lot of history in the San Diego area and it’s gonna be unreal watching these guys shape a classic Sting. Hey guys, don’t wing it, STING it!”

SHAPERS : Icons of Foam Tribute to the Masters Shape-off presented by USBlanks.

–   Matt Calvani – BING (Encinitas, Ca)

–   Cordell Miller – CORDELL (Newport Beach, Ca)

–   Davey Smith – CHANNEL ISLANDS (Santa Barbara, Ca)

–   Roger Hinds – BEAR (California, Hawaii)

–   Axel Laurentz – PUKAS (France, Spain)

–   Skye Richards – SAR (Florida)

ICONS OF FOAM TRIBUTE TO THE MASTERS SHAPE-OFF presented by US Blanks

–   Six shapers will each receive 1.5 hours in the shaping bay as they attempt to replicate a classic Ben Aipa shape.

–   Each shaper will bring in his own tools; we will provide the blank & the outline template.

–   The shapers will only be able to measure and/or touch the board during the allotted 1.5 hours in the shaping bay – which is strictly timed.

–   Ben Aipa, along with sons Akila and Duke, will then judge the anonymous blanks.

–   The winning shaper receives $1K and their name etched on the Mike Marshall Perpetual Trophy alongside past winners Ricky Carroll, Pat Rawson, Marc Andreini, Wayne Rich, Matt Biolos, Ward Coffey, Stu Kenson, & Matt Calvani.

ICONS OF FOAM TRIBUTE TO THE MASTERS

PAST HONOREES AND WINNING SHAPERS

2007 honoree – Mike Diffenderfer / Ricky Carroll

2008 honoree – Bill Caster / Ricky Carroll

2009 honoree – John Bradbury / Marc Andreini

2009 honoree – Dick Brewer / Pat Rawson

2010 honoree – Renny Yater / Wayne Rich

2010 honoree – Simon Anderson / Matt Biolos

2011 honoree – Doug Haut / Ward Coffey

2011 honoree – Carl Ekstrom / Wayne Rich

2012 honoree – Mark Richards / Ricky Carroll

2013 honoree – Rich Price / Stu Kenson

2013 honoree – Terry Martin / Matt Calvani

2014 honoree – Ben Aipa / ???

WHO: Surfers from all over
WHAT: Great deals on the finest surfboards & gear
WHEN: May 17 & 18, 2014
WHERE: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Wyland Exhibit Hall
WHY: Because surfers really only care about two things: 1) waves and 2) the equipment to ride them.

Two days of surf culture including the world’s FINEST contemporary surfboards, designs, technological innovations, fins, wetsuits, board bags, leashes, cameras, accessories, techy gadgets, board shorts and surf gear; plus live shaping & laminating, exhibits, demos, art, music and good times. The dates for the THE BOARDROOM are May 17 & 18, 2014 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the Wyland exhibit hall.

* Limited booth space available. A floor plan, a booth form and exhibitor information is available by clicking here. First come, first served and a few booths remain. FOR INFORMATION ON EXHIBITING OR ATTENDING CLICK HERE NOW!

About THE BOARDROOM

The history of our lifestyle is the history of the surfboard. Nothing has defined the surfing experience more than that on which we ride the waves. Nothing defines the surfer more than his (or her) surfboard. So much more than a tool, the surfboard has become a philosophical icon, a sacred craft, a culturally pervasive symbol of freedom, adventure and enduring youth. THE BOARDROOM is an opportunity for the entire surf industry to come together under one roof and share their boards, their products and their authentic passion with other surfers.