Darren Handley: Shaping Surfing’s Future

Tappa sits down with legendary surfboard shaper Darren Handley. From his early days in Kirra to shaping boards for icons like Mick Fanning and Steph Gilmore, Darren shares his journey from Australian rules football to surfing and, ultimately, to becoming one of the most respected shapers in the industry.They dive into the evolution of Kirra’s surf culture, the balance of artistry and engineering in board design, and how custom shaping impacts everyday surfers. Darren also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of competitive surfing, the challenges of sustainability in board production, and the future of shaping in a world of wave pools.With decades of experience and a lifelong passion for creating the perfect ride, Darren gives us an inside look at the craft, innovation, and dedication behind the boards that define modern surfing.