Garrett Teng: Shaping Over 100 Custom Surfboards — All From His Backyard
Interview by: Carson Kropfl
Photo: Nick D’Ornellas
Garrett Teng has already carved out a reputation as one of the most dedicated young shapers in the local surf community. With nine years in the water and a shaping bay built right in his own backyard, he's combined a deep love for surfing with a commitment to the craft of hand-shaping, producing over 100 boards that blend traditional roots with modern performance. From his first lesson under the guidance of surf coach Michael Schlueter to selling out a packed movie premiere celebrating the surfers who ride his boards, Garrett is doing something rare: building something real. We sat down with him to talk shaping.
How long have you been surfing? Nine years.
When did you start shaping and why? I learned how to shape in 2023 and started shaping consistently in 2024.
Where do you shape? I shape, laminate, and sand all on my own. My family and I built a shaping shade in our backyard.
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How would you describe your shaping style or the type of boards you make? I would describe them as authentic. With every board, I try to honor traditional styles while incorporating modern elements. I spend hours making sure each board is tailored to the surfer — focused on making every board fluid and well foiled out.
What's your favorite part of shaping a board from start to finish? Seeing the board come to life through every step. It's really cool watching it form into a functional board and then finally seeing it in the water, being enjoyed by someone you shaped it specifically for.
Who helped you learn how to shape early on? My old surf coach, Michael Schlueter, taught me how to shape and guided me through the process. I taught myself how to laminate by watching others and figuring it out on my own.
What's the importance of hand shaping in today's surf industry? It's the connection between the shaper and the board. So many boards today have no soul, they're mass produced with nothing behind them. Hand-shaping gives a board personality. You can see it come to life. With each customer, you really get a feel for what they want, and you're able to portray that in your own style.
How many boards have you shaped to date? 102 boards.
Do you shape for other surfers, or mainly for yourself? Mostly for other people now. Recently I haven't had time to shape myself, but I have a number of people who strictly ride my boards.
What made you decide to make a movie? I wanted to create something that portrays the boards I've made and the surfers who ride them. My good friend Nick D'Ornellas shot and produced the whole thing. As a team, we wanted to put something out that highlights our community and how much we all love surfing.
How was the movie premiere? It went way better than we ever could have imagined. I wasn't expecting that many people to show up, it was amazing seeing everybody come out to support. It was also really special seeing the whole community hang out together.
Are you going to make more movies? Definitely. Nick and I are already planning the next one.
How can people buy one of your boards? The best way is to DM me on Instagram @garretttengsurfboards
