Axel Lorentz: On high performance vs alternative boards

In this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, I’m joined by Axel Lorentz, the legendary shaper from the Basque Country. When he was shaping for @pukasurf his boards made it to five out of six finals for Stab in the Dark. He is now shaping under his own label. Axel takes us behind the scenes to reveal what makes his designs excel for both pros and everyday surfers, why rails are one of the most important elements in a design, his views on volume, and the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a board.   Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down, video library, and newsletter   Chapters 00:00 The Art of Shaping Surfboards 02:52 Understanding Paddle Power and Training 06:10 Personalizing Board Design for Surfers 09:07 The Importance of Rails in Board Performance 11:58 Rocker and Volume: Key Elements in Board Design 14:52 Exploring Alternative Boards for Everyday Surfers 17:49 The Journey into Surfboard Shaping 29:46 The Art of Shaping: Understanding the Craft 32:41 Navigating the Pressure of Big Wave Shaping 38:31 The Balance of Speed and Control in Surfboard Design 40:55 Personalizing the Surf Experience: Shaping for Fun 44:48 Passing the Craft: A Legacy of Shaping 49:59 Finding Flow: The Importance of Routine in Shaping 51:57 Surfing Philosophy: Enjoying the Ride 55:44 Dream Waves: The Perfect Surf Spot 57:39 The Ultimate Board: Versatility in Design   Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!   Join our community of over 88k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook