Viking Surfboards Shaper: Christian Bendz Wolthers

Year started shaping: 1972  Boards shaped: 20,700

What’s your shaping philosophy? To produce designs of all sizes that add speed and maintain full maneuverability.

What led you to become a shaper? I was a surfer before becoming a shaper. The need for more boards and the search for the next level in performance surfing drove me toward the shaping bay.

Who is your biggest shaping influence? Homero Naldinho, a Brazilian shaper very active from the ’60s through the ’80s. He still shapes today.

What do others consider your expertise? A designer and shaper looking outside the box, always in pursuit of the next level in surfboard design.

What do you consider your expertise? The close relationship I have between my creations and the performance level they produce.

What are your most popular models? The Super 5’7” squashtail, the 5’11” thumbtail, the Hybrid 5-Fin Fish 5’7” and 6’0”, the 7’2” Fun thruster, and the 9’0” squash—all with regular bottoms and or the special “CAT” bottoms.

What makes your boards different? The proven and ultra-tested high-performance models in different sizes and the added CAT bottom design that increases speed and promotes unparalleled maneuvers.

How does your location influence your shaping? Not much, as I travel a lot. It’s out in the different surfing conditions that I get the inspiration to shape and create new designs.

What advice would you give to customers to help them get the best board possible? Choose by experience and brand reputation, and talk about your expectations with the shaper.

What’s the biggest lesson learned in your shaping career? That no matter how perfect the design and shape may be, it’s only 50 percent of the equation. The surfer and the waves must do their part as well.