A few months ago we did an interview with Girl Surfboard builder Whitney Lang. Staying in touch with new shapers and especially rarities like girl shapers, we decided to do a follow up interview. What we found is Whitney Lang, who will be graduating from college soon, has the spirit of a board builder who wants to know every aspect of creating surfboards. With a close knit set of friends for support… Whitney continues on in her quest of learning. Trying the best she can to spread the stoke and live a surfing lifestyle with spirit.

1. So Whitney, seems like you now have a logo and are shaping a variety of designs.  Are there any designs that are inspiring you more than others at the moment?  Yes I do have a logo, the W. As for designs, I’m into shorter boards like retro fish and some standard performance short boards. Fish are awesome and work very well in most of the waves here in Orange County.  

 2.  How do you feel your shaping is progressing? Are there any shapers you were not familiar with before who are having an influence or are you mostly progressing with your own ideas? My shaping has definitely progressed since day one but I still have some learning and practice to do.  My planning skills have improved, I like to feel board rails and concaves.  I’m starting to pay attention to the little details along with the big picture—outline, rocker, etc.  As for influential shapers, just to name a few: Eli Mirandon, Ryan Lovelace, and Michael Miller.  I enjoy looking at their designs and drawing inspiration from the shape and beautiful resin work.

3. What are you currently riding? Is it different than what you were riding when we did our first interview? I am currently riding my 5’8” quad fish and 5’4” twinnie retro fish, and a 6’0” standard thruster shortboard.  My surfing style has evolved and I’ve learned what I like and don’t like just by making a board and riding it.

4. Have you picked up any new techniques?  Resin color has been really fun.  I love glassing.  Most people don’t say that.  

5.  How about shaping tools?  Tools?  We’ve got lots of “tools” in Newport!!  HAH. I call them “TNT’s” “Total Newport Tools”. I am referring to those 40ish old men who think they’re 25 if you didn’t get the joke.  As for actual tools: a router to cut outlines, good sanding blocks…

 6.  Have you tried epoxy yet?  Yes I have… it turned out as a disaster. That’s a long story.

 7. Fin systems? Have you tried any of the new ones or do you have a preference at this time? Ever since I started, I’ve been using Probox.  I am looking to get into Surfinz or whatever.

8.  Have you started to get a few folks riding your boards yet or are you mostly shaping for just yourself? I’ve been shaping for myself mostly, but I have made a couple boards for friends.  Quite a few people have ridden my personal boards and commented on what’s working and what needs improvement.  Feedback is super important!   I’m ready to start shaping and glassing for others!  Let the orders roll!
9. What about other girl board builders?  Do you know any? Personally, I don’t know any other girls that build boards…but I’m sure there’s a couple out there.  Hollaaa.   Gotta love shapin’ in a bikini. 

10. I hear you just had a Birthday? What’s this about a girl sandwhich…ha ha…you don’t have to answer this one.  Sure did have a big milestone birthday & as for the girl sandwich, well, you’ll have to find out for yourself.

11. Any new projects planned?  ORDERS!  And at the time, I am working on a website along with more marketing things like stickers.  As for boards, I have some experimental ideas but I am ready to start making boards for customers.  I want to shape and glass an EPS/Epoxy SUP.   It’s gonna be a HUGE project!  14 foot baby!

12. Have you travelled anywhere lately?   I’m always somewhere in Orange County–Newps, Trestles, Salt Creek.  I’ve been down to San Diego quite a bit lately–La Jolla, Oceanside, Swamis and others. I’ve been up in Nor Cal (anything north of LA) surfing a lot — C-Street, Emma Wood, Rincon, Plaskett Creek, Big Sur, Santa Cruz…
 

 13.  How has your philosophy on shaping or surfing changed? Or not?  My philosophy hasn’t changed since I started.  I do it for the LOVE. I also surf for the LOVE.  I’m not a pro, but keeping the traditions alive is important.  I’m still into hand shapes, custom glassing, and the aesthetic functional beauty found in a surfboard. My latest 5’4” is a piece of art to me.  I’m very proud of that board.  14.  Any other life changes? Life changes? HMM… I am graduating with a BS degree in Exercise Science, talking to boys, surfing more, started Stand-up Paddling in the harbor, and trying to live life to the fullest. “Surf more to live more…” 
Keep in Touch…. Great things to come!