New Wave shapers Ralph Blake & Vish Lalla come from opposite ends of the world but have ended up together in Gisborne, the small town mecca of New Zealand surfing, keeping alive a tradition of style, innovation and quality craftmanship.
Ralph, one of the most experienced surfboard shapers in New Zealand has been making boards in Gisborne since the 70s when he established New Wave. He has also shaped for several international brands such as Al Merrick, Quick Silver and Town and Country. Over the past 40 years as Gisborne surfers made their mark at a national and international level, more often than not it was on a board shaped by Ralph.
Vish began his surfboard building career over twenty years ago working for a local shaper in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. He learnt everything he could from ding repairs to sanding, glassing and shaping. He moved to New Zealand in 2005 and eventually established his own surfboard labels before teaming up with Ralph Blake at New Wave. In a sport where competitors and everyday rippers are looking to their equipment to provide them with a edge, has meant knowing what boards suits best certain conditions, maintaining a high standard of craftmanship and staying on top of the latest developments in design and materials. But as well as shaping boards for a long line of the country's top surfers, New Wave has been turning out board for weekend warriors and everyday enthusiasts. Ralph and Vish's combined experience and knowledge mean they work with individuals to make sure they will have the board that will allow them to get the most of out their surfing. Our aim is to offer high quality boards at a affordable price. " We offer a combination of expertise precise craftmanship - and a love of surfing to create your magic board."
Come in and have a chat to us about custom building your board. We make boards to your specifications, and if you have something in mind but aren't sure, both Ralph and Vish have the experience and knowledge to help you chose the style of board that suits your surfing and the waves you mostly ride.
We use the latest technology from Precision Shaper Systems US on our new CNC shaping machine to build and design the right board for you.
