American Warrior Surfboards by Bill Whitley

Your Name: Bill Whitley

Your Brand name: American Warrior Surfboards

How did you hear about us? Surf Show in San Diego 2010

How was your initial experience at Foam E-Z? Great

Why did you want to build your own board? I have always wanted to shape my own board since the 70's and my family finally said put up or shut up and got me a blank for Christmas

Shape of finished board? Super Tanker (long board)


Size of finished board: Length 11'1" Nose 17" Width 23" Tail 16" Thickness 3 5/8

What blank did you use? 11'3"D US Blanks

How was your board building experience? Not at all what I expected. It was scary, fun, frustrating, learning experience, FUN. Little did I know just because you want a long board to cruise and have some high performance you can't have both, Grant knows I tried.
Did you use videos, books, web, other? Videos, Talk to some of the guys at different shops. Read some stuff on the internet.

What videos, books, web, other did you use? Used the Dick Brewer Video, Took some lessons from Grant @ Foam E-Z. Internet: Surfboard Design by Natural Curves Surfboards.

Do you recommend these resources? Yes. The Dick Brewer Video walks you through the steps, which is a lot of help, but doesn't really tell you why or how to do what he's showing you. The Surfboard Design was a lot of help telling you if you want your board to do this then do this. It also explains how each section works and explains what it does, like rocker, tails, rails, etc.

What do you wish you knew going into this project? What I know now. Patience.

What would you recommend to someone else for their first time? Plan well even before you buy the blank. Think what you want the board to do, see what the 10 million experts say how to get that then pick one that sounds right for you. They are all right for them and the boards they sell. Watch the Videos, Read, Get help from someone who has shaped. It's not really rocket science just looks and acts like it. Measure everything 2 times put marks everywhere to help guide you. Patience and planning are the most important. If you plan on do this in the Garage then check out a true Shaping Room and try to set that up at Home.

What tools did you find most useful? Shaping Box at Foam E-Z, Tape measure, Planner (was not going to use at first), help from Grant.

Where did you run into trouble? The Rails. I didn't do both on the same day so trying to remember what I did on one so I could do it to the other was really hard. They are very close I don't think anybody can tell.

What kind of fin system did you use and why? Futures because that's what the glasser put in.
Did you glass the board and what was that experience like? OH Hell NO. Maybe next time. Shaping was scary enough.

Where did you shape your board? Started in My garage then The Box at Foam E-Z. Had Foam E-Z send it to their glasser.

What type of board do you want to make next? Either a 9'0" fun board. Or if I can't get my old Plastic Fantastic fixed (delaminated) replicate it.
Any other input or interesting information you’d like to add? I'd like to thank everyone @ Foam E-Z, Grant for putting up with all the why can't I do that's and his help. Johnny for helping on my logo. Larry for his encouragement. Christina for putting up with me on the phone. If you are going to put any lams on your board get started on them as soon as you start your board so they will be ready when the board is ready to be glassed