This year's Inaugural Coastal Craft Event will feature notable shapers from all around the Pacific Northwest! Six of these shapers will be donating their time and efforts to shape a board during the event to auction off, with all proceeds going to the Pacific City Skatepark. Each of these shapers has a unique, individual style and got their starts shaping in many different ways. To get you acquainted with these six shapers before the event, we will be featuring a profile on each shaper. This way you can know their history, background, and shaping style before you get to see them shape a board in person on September 15th! Our first shaper profile is of Al Ciske, owner and shaper of NME Surfboards right here in Pacific City, Oregon!
Coastal Craft: Where did you get your start and why?
Al Ciske: I started shaping about 15 years ago, it was one of the only ways for me to keep my mind straight through our sometimes unfavorable winters.
CC: Where are your board shaped and sold?
AC: I hand shape all of my boards in Pacific City, OR. All new boards are by custom order only. On the other hand, we do have used boards here at our local surf shop or at various shops along the coast
CC: What's your go to board to shape and surf in the PNW?
AC: My preferred shape would have to be the "Pick Pocket". It's a board shaped for less than ideal conditions and that's basically all we have here.
CC: What draws you to this event?
AC: As a long time Oregon coast surfer, it is and will always be an amazing time to meet new people and talk about the one thing most of the people come to talk and do... surf!
CC: What do you want visitors to take away from this event?
AC: People in Oregon always support local, but I want them to know why they are supporting local. It's a good time to keep the stoke alive.
*** Don't forget, the board Al is going to shape along with all the other boards shaped during the event will be available at our silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the Pacific City Skatepark!
Be sure to join us from 10am - 4pm on Sunday, September 15th so you can watch Al and the others shape their boards, enjoy some live music, beer, food and fun!
