Tim Olafsen: Shaping the community

South Bay legend Tim Olafsen is shaping the community around him one board at a time. Like most good things, Tim’s shaping days started out of necessity. He couldn’t find the perfect board so started shaping his own. He bought a VHS tape called Shaping 101, watched it 500 times and the journey began. It took a while but before he knew it, he was creating functional boards he liked to ride. At first he was shaping boards just for himself and his daughter. Soon people started asking Tim where he got his board and asking him to make them one as well.

Tim started surfing when he was thirteen years old. He used his paper route money to buy his first board at Bing Surf shop in Hermosa Beach. The Bing board was 10 feet tall and weighed 50 pounds. To get his new board down to the water he needed a buddy to help him carry it down.
Tim has been surfing the South Bay for sixty years. When he isn’t in the water, you will often find him talking shop to the community. Tim’s favorite part of shaping is connecting with community. He likes to get to know his clients, that often become friends, and shape the perfect board for
their needs.

The Olafsen shaping logo was inspired by a Nordic vegvisir, often referred to as the Viking compass. This symbol resonated deeply with Tim as a nod to his Nordic heritage and a symbol of making your way home safely.
For Tim shaping boards has been a way to stay connected and express himself creatively. Looking for the perfect board?
Reach out to Tim at Olafsen Shaping here 

Follow Tim here 

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