If you surfed in the 1980s, you either rode a surfboard designed by Peter Schroff, knew someone who did, or you wanted one. Schroff Surfboards is back, and Peter is back in Costa Mesa, shaping on the 1800 block of Westminster Avenue.
In 2010, Peter Schroff is shaping a completely new line of surfboards that are just as groundbreaking in function and style as ever. According to Peter, today's surfboard scene is in need of some excitement and identity.
In addition to the most aggressive twin fins and quads available on the planet, Schroff has created a shape called The "Mini Model" that explores the new standard that Kelly Slater has set in terms of board length and a shorter "Egg" style shape that will empower mature, skilled surfers to shred in knee-to-overhead conditions without riding the longer "big guy" shortboard or a "funboard."
Born in Newport Beach, Peter Schroff took up surfing at the age of eleven on a stolen, purple, spray-painted Hobie given to his father. This was during the heyday of the Blackie's parking lot scene. It was around this time the shortboard revolution exploded in Newport.
First on the scene was Brad McCall riding a Hobie "Corky Carrol Mini Model." Amazed by the new possibilities of this style of surfing, Peter knew that the longboard days were over.
It was shortly after this time Peter began experimenting with his own shapes. At 14, Peter shaped and glassed his first board on the kitchen table and shortly afterward moved to Maui.
Heavily inspired by Wayne Lynch, Peter began shaping surfboards in the family home for his school friends under the name "Underdog."
After a series of surf trips to Australia to study a phenomenon known as the twin fin, Peter spent many years reinventing and eventually perfecting the modern twin fin.
It was at this time the Schroff Label was born alongside what is considered to be the genesis of ultra-high-performance surfing known as "Echo Beach."
The Schroff group, although small in number, is comprised of individuals who know what surf culture is presently all about and what will make it exciting and fresh again.
For the future, the strategy is simple – continue to push the boundaries of what is possible without abandoning popular culture.
Learn how to shape a surfboard.