Women in Surfboard Shaping – Catherine Girard and the Florida Surf Scene

Surfboard shaping has long been one of the most important crafts within surf culture. Behind every wave ridden is a surfboard carefully designed by a shaper who understands the connection between surfer, board, and ocean. In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Florida-based surfboard shaper Catherine Girard, whose dedication to shaping boards reflects both craftsmanship and passion for surfing. Florida has its own unique surf culture. While the waves may differ from those found on the Pacific coast or in Hawaii, the East Coast surf community has produced many talented surfers, shapers, and innovators who continue to contribute to the evolution of surfing. Within this vibrant community, Catherine Girard has developed her own approach to surfboard shaping. Surfboard shaping is a blend of science and art. Every detail—from the outline of the board to the rails, rocker, and fin configuration—plays a role in how a board performs in the water. Experienced shapers spend years refining their designs to help surfers generate speed, maintain control, and adapt to different wave conditions. In this conversation, Catherine Girard shares her journey into surfboard shaping and explains how she developed the skills needed to shape boards. We discuss the process of shaping surfboards, the challenges of building boards that perform in Florida's waves, and the importance of understanding the relationship between surfer and equipment. Catherine also reflects on the shaping culture that exists within the surf community and how collaboration between surfers and shapers helps refine board design. Feedback from surfers often plays a crucial role in helping shapers improve their boards and experiment with new shapes. The episode also explores the broader evolution of surfboard shaping and the increasing diversity within the shaping world. As more surfers become interested in the craft behind their boards, shaping continues to grow as both a technical discipline and an artistic expression within surf culture. For surfers interested in surfboard design and the craftsmanship behind their equipment, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the shaping process and the dedication required to create boards that perform in the ocean. 🌊 Topics discussed in this episode • Catherine Girard's journey into surfboard shaping • Surfboard design and performance • Florida's unique surf culture • The shaping process and craftsmanship • Collaboration between surfers and shapers • The evolution of surfboard shaping 🎙 About The Temple of Surf Podcast The Temple of Surf Podcast features conversations with surfers, surfboard shapers, photographers, artists, and innovators who shape surf culture around the world. Each episode explores the stories behind the personalities and ideas that continue to influence surfing and ocean culture.