You can read the first part of ‘The Blank’ if you haven’t already. If you want a quick summary, you can find it here:
It would be great to walk you through the entire process of creating a Fatum Surfboard. Each step is carefully planned and updated to ensure the best possible outcome. In Part One, we discussed blanks, different types of blanks, how to choose suppliers, and how to select the correct blank for your surfboard.
Let’s get to what Gero considers the most essential aspect of the entire process. Part Two: The conversation with the client.
Conversation with Gero
We want to explain why we believe this.
Gero believes that after 35 years of designing custom surfboards for clients of all kinds, he has developed a good sense of what people want or need. Both of these things do not necessarily go together.
Fatum Surfboards offers a customized deal. Some people already know what they are looking for and browse our stock boards to find the one they like. Most people will order custom-made panels. Gero, the shaper, must first understand what you want or need. It all starts with the conversation.
Some people know what they want. For them, it’s easy. They ask, and Gero will make it happen. We recommend that anyone needing help choosing the right board (and why not? ) speak to Gero.
How does Gero obtain the information he requires from you without your knowledge? He knows exactly what to ask and, more importantly, how to listen.
Gero stated, “The real challenge is to help those who need it.”
Surf industry ads are everywhere telling you how to surf. John John surfs like this, and so should you. It’s nice to have someone to help you who is experienced and has been doing this for a long time.
Gero’s ability to listen is a skill that many would attribute to his success as a shaper.
Gero said, “I would like to know some things.” “I like to know a few things,” said Gero.
Gero smiles: “But its about reading between the lines of the answer and the questions which go from
Fatum’s main concern is that each surfer receives the best board possible. It’s the one that makes the corners of our mouths go up. Every surfer is unique, just as everyone is.
Gero said, “There is no bad board out there right now.” “The real art is matching the right surfboard with the right person.”
Going shorter will increase their performance. Although this may be true in certain respects, it is essential to consider the board they want to improve.
Two minimal or “mid-lengths” are always in my quiver. No matter your surfing level, they’re the best choice for many situations, conditions, and people. It’s all about perspective.
We want you to be comfortable when using your custom Fatum surfboard. It would help if you felt comfortable on the board. We want you to have a lot of confidence, as 80% is down to it.
Here are some facts about surfboards.
No board can make bad surf any better
Shorter does not always mean better
Volume isn’t everything
The pointed part of the surfboard is useless
Custom is King
The Test Board Quiver
The Test Board Quiver made up of 35 boards, is one of the most incredible tools Fatum has at its disposal. We will always have at least two panels for each model we produce to test.
You can test a board for a few days to determine what you want. You can always try another model if it doesn’t turn out. It’s so cool.
Conclusion
This article should have given insight into choosing the right surfboard for you and what we do using the various tools available.
