WSL Interview: Matt Biolos - A Time of Challenge
Being a surfboard shaper isn't easy. It's a highly competitive business with high costs and low margins. Investors often advise against it. The surf industry is filled with true craftsmen who prefer to build with their hands rather than rely on calculations. Many carve out a niche where they can devote their energy to survival.
Matt Biolos chose a competitive market for high-performance basketball, and growing up around the San Clemente gang of the late '80s, including Shane, Gavin Beschen, Matt Archibald and Christian Fletcher, is a factor.
Today, Bioros shapes countless boards for touring pros, especially during USA competitions. We caught up with him during his busy schedule to see how he keeps up.
"How busy are you this month?" (Interviewed on August 1st)
The US Open is the biggest event of the year. The Hurley Pro is busy, but since it's an elite event, it's big enough to accommodate both men's and women's. However, for the US Open, we'll probably make boards for 25-30 QS competitors, as well as juniors, boys and girls, and CT women's.
How are you preparing for an invasion?
For our riders, it's a normal process. We check the weather forecast—if there's hurricane swell or a bad day, we'll go for a wide, short board with lots of resin. Then, out of nowhere, we get a call from overseas saying, "Hey, I'm going to California, I'd like to order some boards." Since I don't work with them on an ongoing basis, it's basically a gamble; we'll make some boards and hopefully make the best boards for them.
"For example, who won a high-stakes game this year?"
Probably Luis Ayres, the kid who won the junior division this year. I never met him, and still haven't. He's from the Canary Islands and had never even been to Huntington. It was a case of luck working out.
"Who are the new faces to watch on QS?"
The QS has changed. It's a more international tour. There are only about three Americans in the top 50. So I'm working with a lot of international surfers, like very aggressive Brazilians.
"You've been with Brazilians for a long time, who do you think will be next?"
I've probably been to Brazil about 20 times. Actually, anyone who was there 10 years ago could have seen this coming. Next up from Brazil is Michael Rodrigues, a young man who has a huge presence on the QS. He's 21 years old and doing great.
"Around here?"
Speaking of local surfers, Ian Crane is also very good. He's worked hard to get into big events, catching big waves, making big moves, and showing off classic rail surfing. I think he could compete with anyone on the QS.
Also, we're really excited about this kid from San Clemente, Griff Colapinto. He did a lot of amazing things last year, and I think his talent and build have earned him a spot.
Are there any design trends that you think are amazing?
I think there's a lot of open-mindedness on the QS. There are often bad waves on the QS, so guys are more willing to try new things, whether it's materials, shapes, or constructions, to gain an advantage. That's a little different than the CT guys. I've been having a lot of fun shaping lately, because every few times someone comes along with something new and shows off a board that just blows my mind, and I get excited. Like Stu Kennedy on Snapper, or Mick Farming on a little 5'9" channel bottom board at J-Bay. It's good for everyone that this is happening. It's very beneficial for the shaping industry as a whole.
"It's interesting to see that once again board size has a big bearing on creativity.
It reminds me of Mark Richard and the revolutionary era of Simon Anderson."
Well, when MR came out with the Twin and beat the others to it, and then what Simon did a few years later, it was a great event for shapers all over the world.
When customers come in and see the boards and say, "Hey, that's really cool, can you do it?" we can say, "Yes, you can. We're already doing it. We're already doing it, so let us show you."
"Final question: what do you predict for the second half of the WSL this year?"
Lol. I'm not a smart guy. If I had to hang my house or if I was held at gunpoint, yeah, I'd probably say Medina. He's a proven winner. I think John John is an unknown, he's got it so easily, he could be a world champion. I think Wilco would be popular too. Our brand and tastes are aligned with him, so he's like... lost man (lol). But if I had to choose, I'd say Medina.
