About Dan Bekis
I started shaping surfboards back in 93 while working as an ‘all-rounder’ at Dion Chemicals. During my early career I’ve been fortunate enough to work in almost every aspect of the business including: blank blowing, stringer gluer, glassing, sanding and delivery driver. It was during this time I began to take a real interest in shaping and made friends with a few of the skilled Sydney shapers who were at the top of their game.
Back in the early nineties, people were pretty tight lipped about surfboard shaping I’d often have the door literally closed in my face if shapers caught on that I was watching them but there were few guys back then that did take time out to give me tips and feedback. There were a few guys who let me stand around in the corner of the shaping shop and observe while they worked. I was super keen, always watching and learning.
Back in the early nineties, people were pretty tight lipped about surfboard shaping I’d often have the door literally closed in my face if shapers caught on that I was watching them but there were few guys back then that did take time out to give me tips and feedback. There were a few guys who let me stand around in the corner of the shaping shop and observe while they worked. I was super keen, always watching and learning.
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It was really out of necessity that I started shaping my own boards. My aim was to improve my own surfing style by having the right board for me but I also enjoyed making a bit of cash on the side by shaping boards for friends, it all snowballed from there really. The hobby kind of took over and became a business, 20 years later DJB is going strong.
These days I’m still a ‘Jack of all trades’ but I’m also a family man, business owner and whenever possible a social surfer. I love what I do, shaping to me is still an art form. |
