MEET THE SHAPER
Local Maui shaper, Eric Strawn has revolutionized
the longboard skateboard with his latest invention
of a MUCH stronger surfboard . . .
with wheels!

WSSM: Eric, do you shape surfboards or skateboards?
ERIC: I shape skateboards... when I started shaping again I was on the fence whether to learn to shape surfboards or continue to shape skateboards. I'd made them since I was a kid in Cali, and the competition was pretty thick in the surf shaping scene. I opted for my true passion... making custom
skateboards that were cool and functional.

WSSM: Tell us about StrawnBoards Maui?
ERIC: StrawnBoards Maui is a company that’s small enough to work one on one with the customer while delivering a high quality skateboard that will last for decades. We do customs AND signature boards (your signature).
The person ordering the board chooses; length, width, thickness, colors, graphics and griptape shapes... all done inhouse.
The skateboard we make you is one of a kind... cannot be duplicated ...hand signed and numbered like a surfboard. Average cost is $125.00-$270.00 depending on length, thickness, and shipping costs.

WSSM: How strong are they?
ERIC: My boards are pretty strong, holding up to 300 lb. Hawaiian braddahs. Kids ride them in skateparks, downhillstreet, and mountain boarding as well as casual riding. I recently used Kevlar Fiber on one board and it's stronger than most boards on the market. If you want a strong board as you volcano carve downhill Haleakala you might not want to be riding a foam skateboard (like others on the market).
Most skateboards are wood so that’s what I stuck with, and most surfboards are polyester fiberglass or epoxy so that’s what I use in my effort to blend skate and surf
literally, cosmetically and functionally without having to use high density foam or something too expensive.

WSSM: What was your inspiration behind StrawnBoards Maui?
ERIC: My two true inspirations are my son Gavin and my Dad (Larry Strawn). First, wanting to have father/son projects, things he might remember about growing up in Maui, or when we could not afford something we could always make it together.