Press release:
DEL MAR, Calif., May 13, 2014 – International Surfing Hall of Fame member Ben Aipa’s dedication as a surfboard shaper, surfer and coach has spanned half a century. Aipa will be honored this weekend, May 17 and 18, at the upcoming Boardroom Consumer Surfboard Tradeshow at the Wyland Exhibit Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The Boardroom tradeshow will feature two live shaping exhibitions. The Icons of Foam Tribute to the Masters honors legendary Hawaiian shaper Ben Aipa, who founded Aipa Surfboards in 1970. Six shapers, including defending champion Matt Calvani, will compete in the Icons of Foam Tribute to the Masters Shape-off presented by US Blanks. Each shaper will each receive 1.5 hours in the shaping bay as they attempt to replicate a classic Ben Aipa surfboard made specifically for iconic Hawaiian surfer Buttons Kaluhiokalani.
“It’s such a privilege being the first Hawaiian honored at the Boardroom Show,” said Aipa, who was named by Surfing Magazine as one of the “Top Ten Shapers of All Time” in 2004. “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.”
Thousands of surfers are expected at the global event as the latest in surfboard design and surf equipment are presented. In addition, there will be exhibits by shapers, laminators, artists and craftsmen. Design theory, new technologies, Best of Show, a ukulele building demo and shaping competitions highlight the affair with plenty to do and see as surf pros, legends, memorabilia, accessories, art, live music and much more are on offer.
Another shaping exhibition, the Chunk of Foam Challenge, engages four shapers (Chris Christenson, Kelly Connolly, Mike Estrada and Hank Warner) attempting to replicate a …LOST 5’5″ X19 1/4″ RNF surfboard with only one power tool, no measuring devices, and the board outline must be drawn by hand. Harken back to ancient Polynesia – very rudimentary tools, just a chunk of wood and some hand tools.
The Boardroom is open to the public. Tickets are $10. Those under 15 are free. The first 200 in the door on Saturday will be entered in a drawing for a new surfboard. A surfboard and wetsuit demo for those with wristbands will be held Sunday May 18 from 6 a.m.-10a.m. at 15th street in Del Mar.
For a complete schedule of events click the link below https://boardroomshow.com/the-boardroom/attend/
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.
WHO: Surfers from all over
WHAT: Latest & greatest surfboards & gear for Summer 2014
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.Â
