Ever wondered what it would be like to have 18 surfboards from some of the most talented shapers in Hawaii showcased in one location for you to not only look at but have the opportunity to take home? Well, this is your chance. For every surfer who has experienced the stoke and the magic of seeing some of the finest craftsmen in Hawaii and each special surfboard that this pool of shapers created, the “Billabong 2008 Art of Shaping Hawaii Edition” held this September 4th-6th at the ASR Trade Show is a “must see” exhibit.

“I can’t wait to see what they present,” says esteemed San Diego shaper Rusty Preisendorfer. “This is a rare opportunity to see the work of these Hawaii based masters.”

“Who wouldn’t want to check out these designs?” says Joel Parkinson, #2 in the ASP ratings. “This is the dream team creating their dream shapes.”

This years’ event will feature what could be the greatest collection of shapers from the Islands ever assembled. The list of contributing shapers includes Eric Arakawa, Dick Brewer, Jeff Bushman, John Carper, Keone Downing, Greg Griffin, Roger Hinds, Harold Iggy, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Gerry Lopez, Glenn Minami, Steve Morgan, Dennis Pang, Glenn Pang, Tom Parrish, Pat Rawson, Charlie Smith and Wade Tokoro. Although the actual designs can’t be disclosed here, the finished products will be a wonder to behold.

“This is a display of artists that covers the entire era of modern surfing, says Rich Pavel, a master shaper himself. “Don’t miss it.”

As the selected shapers have been given the opportunity to build whatever they like, many have chosen “Hawaii Winter Guns” but others have gotten creative and submitted everything from Tow Boards to Stand Up Paddle boards to modern performance short boards, you could see anything!! The entries will all be placed on display in the “Art of Shaping” booth at ASR along with images of the shaper and a profile on each board.

A silent auction will run for the first two days of the show. The auction will go “live” at 3 PM on Friday, September 5th and each board will go to the highest bidder, all proceeds from the auction will go to the Liquid Nation Ball; the charity chosen for this years’ Billabong “Art of Shaping, Hawaii Edition” event.

The winner of the competition is the shaper’s board that brings in the highest donation and thus becomes the largest single donator to the Liquid Nation Ball. Each shaper is in competition with his peers for the grand prize of $2,000; along with bragging rights of winning the “Art of Shaping, Hawaii Edition”

For any additional information regarding this event please contact the following:
Royce Cansler royce@billabong-usa.com 949 466-4094
Jim Kempton jkempton@billabong-usa.com 949 753-7222 X 3363

(Source: Billabong)