Dylan Longbottom - Surfer and Shaper

Dylan Longbottom is an inspiration in the surfing industry. He is one of the most regarded surfer shaper’s in the world. He got started in surfing a a young age and his name is now one the most recognised in big waves surfing. He was included as surfer stunt in the Hollywood production Point Break. Founder of the famous surfboard brand with his name, Dylan Surfboards, he puts all his knowledge and years of experience in his creations.

When did you start surfing?

I started surfing at 7 years old

What was your first surfboard?

It was a Gordon and Smith surfboard made by my dad

What sort of education did you have?

I finished year 10 of school and then did my bricklaying apprenticeship before my shaping and surfing career.

What inspired you to start shaping boards?

My father made surfboards and I was always around surfboard factories as a kid. That was definitely my inspiration.

What do you love about surfing and the ocean?

I just love the feeling of riding a wave and being cleansed in the ocean.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I can work my own hours and can surf when it’s pumping!

When did you surf your first big wave and how did you feel?

That’s a hard one as it was a natural progression surfing big waves but I would say it kind of started in Hawaii when I was 19

Do you have one wave that you’ve caught that stands out in your mind?

Yes, a wave I rode on the code red swell in 2013 at Teahupoo

And the scariest moment surfing big waves?

I had many scary moments but the ones at huge Teahupoo have been most violent

You appeared as stunt surfer in the movie Point Break. How did that happen?

Yes I matched the actor and they needed someone experienced at Teahupoo to pull off these stunts and they looked up my bio. Participating in the movie Point Break was the best experience!

You shape tow boards, what is the challenge about shaping these sort of boards?

The biggest challenge with shaping tow boards is making them perfect because there is no room for errors on large waves

Do you have any words of advice to anyone looking to get into the shaping industry?

The best way to get into surfboard industry is work experience and learning the whole board making process first.

Where can we find you online?

Posted by: Marta Gallardo, on June 24, 2016
Categories: Interviews

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