Finding a dedicated surfboard builder in the landlocked state of Oklahoma might seem unexpected. Yet, that is exactly where you will find the creative force behind VEAL Surfboards. Blending the laid-back surf culture of the West Coast with the quiet expanse of the Midwest, this unique shop is redefining where and how quality boards are made.

Building VEAL Surfboards in the Heartland

The founder of VEAL Surfboards originally hails from San Francisco, California. Growing up with the Pacific Ocean in his backyard provided a natural foundation for understanding wave dynamics and board performance. However, life and creative pursuits eventually led to a major relocation. Moving from the Bay Area to the open plains of Oklahoma brought a shift in scenery, but it did not diminish the drive to create.

Today, VEAL Surfboards operates in Oklahoma. The founder is not only a skilled surfboard shaper but also an artist and filmmaker. This diverse artistic background influences the design and aesthetic of every board that leaves the shop. 

The Seasonal Craft of Fiberglass

Working out of Oklahoma introduces unique environmental challenges that you do not typically face in coastal California. The most significant factor is the weather. The central United States experiences distinct and often harsh winters, which directly impacts the manufacturing process.

Fiberglass and resin, the primary materials used to coat and seal surfboards, is highly sensitive to temperature drops. Cold weather prevents the resins from curing properly, leading to structural flaws and a compromised finish. Because of this, the VEAL Surfboards factory completely pauses production during the winter months.

Instead of fighting the freezing temperatures, the winter downtime becomes a period for planning new designs and collecting materials. March or April brings warmer weather that allows the fiberglass work to resume, kicking off a busy season of shaping, glassing, and sanding custom boards for eager riders.

Catching the Next Wave

As the spring season approaches, the shop is gearing up for another busy production cycle. You can check out some of there work here-

https://www.instagram.com/davevealsurfboards/

Inspired to create or repair your own surfboard? Check out the fiberglass and resin we carry at Fiberglass Warehouse today!