Meet the Shaper: Eric Elliott—Elliott Surfboards

By Staff

“Once you’re a surfer, it’s just an integral part of your life…” — Eric Elliott

Most Recent Addition to Local Community of Surfboard Craftsmen

Like so many others before him , surfer/shaper Eric Elliott had always dreamed of making Santa Barbara his home, drawn by the lure of countless pointbreaks. Raised on the Central California coast in Arroyo Grande, Elliott began surfing as a teenager in the early ‘70’s. During his college years, Elliott surfed mostly in the La Jolla area while attending Point Loma College and studying Physical Education and Psychology. A few years later he moved back to the Central Coast where he was a competitive surfer with both the JG (Jerry Grantham) Surfboards and PJ Wahl Surf Teams. Then, in the early ‘90’s, Elliott began shaping surfboards under the tutelage of Russell Hoyte, and learned to glass from Joey Nichols (Pearson Arrow in Santa Cruz). For the last 10 years, Eric has shaped for SLOT (San Luis Obispo Territory) Surfboards.

When asked who his biggest influences have been on his shaping, Eric replies, “Jerry Grantham and PJ Wahl”. “I try to draw (and apply) something from all of the boards I ever seen or ridden.”

Describing the types of boards he shapes for his clients, Eric says, “anything is possible”. Ranging from a 5’6” performance shortboard to a 9’4” noserider, Elliot can do it all. His most popular shapes are “The Gutter Sled,” “The Traveler,” “The Ramp,” and the “Performance Plus”. While visiting his shaping room, Eric shared with me an experimental project dubbed “The Blow Hole”—an innovative design that literally glides on a cushion of air.

As far as custom glassing goes, Elliott uses both Bob Haakenson and Studio 609 Boardcraft, depending on the job.

For more information, please visit www.ElliottSurfboards.com.