![]() "Pat O'Connell came through and grabbed that board that Italo made. I have as much fun today as the first board I shaped," Patterson says. That's what I love about shaping boards, it's rad just to be in the shaping bay with someone talking shop and making surfboards. I cleaned it up a little, but it turned out pretty good, he was psyched. "The last time he was in here I gave him a blank and let him shape it. In a similar vein, Kelly Slater's continued experimentation with different design concepts over the last few years, while entertaining and enlightening, has sometimes hampered his results because of the lack of a consistent and specific design.īut more than anything, for Patterson, as well as Ferreira, it's about performing in the water and keeping it fun and loose. The result was he often appeared lost when it came to equipment choices. Jordy Smith's early years on Tour were plagued by ordering boards from anyone under the sun. "There's a lot to be said for consistency when it comes to shaping for these guys." There are so many design options and so many materials out there, for the surfers, that can create a lot of noise and confusion," Patterson says. "You build this trust and you keep working on things until you get it right. Surf prodigy Matt Archbold advanced aerial progression in the 1980s and continues riding Patterson's boards. ![]() Both surfers have been working with their respective shapers since they were kids. He points to Kolohe Andino and Matt Biolos and John John Florence and Jon Pyzel as prime examples. Patterson notes that the most successful Tour surfers tend to be the ones that have longstanding relationships with their shapers. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, we're trying to give Italo something that works to the point where he doesn't have to think about it when it's under his feet." "You find what works and make subtle adjustments from there. "You don't want to overthink things, that's easy to do," Patterson said. Same thing with the fin placement, his thruster measurements have remained consistent over the years. It fits perfectly on the boards that Ferreira is riding today. He has a rail template that reads "Matt Archbold" that he made 20 years ago. Patterson's also artfully tucking under the rails the same as he ever has. "You can take a couple inches off the nose and add some width to the front of board instead, but it's the same entry and exit rocker." Ferreira inhereting the legacy of Fletcher and Archbold as he pushes the boudaries of what is possible in the air. It works, we know it works, so why mess with it? Length and outlines change, like boards have gotten shorter and wider, but the rocker hasn't changed," explained Patterson. "The rocker for Archy's boards, Adriano's boards and Italo's boards are pretty much the same. But Patterson admits, it's a tried and true formula. The collective fruits of their labor were on display at both the Airborne and Quik Pro Gold Coast events, where Ferreira was able to launch himself to the highest of heights. Technology has helped solve some logistical issues as Patterson is able to send digital files of the boards he designs to his partners in Brazil, Silver Surf, where nearly 75-percent of Ferreira's boards are actually made. Patterson and Ferreira's work together has been paying off ever since. "Pinga brought him to me when he was like 12 years old and said, ‘I've got this kid that needs some help with his boards.' He was so small when I first met him," Patterson explained. Luiz "Pinga" Campos was managing De Souza during his San Clemente stay, and it's Pinga who first connected Ferreira with Patterson. It's epic because, salt of the earth or surf star, we're all living this rad surf life together." Timmy Patterson finishing a board for Ferreira at his factory in San Clemente, California. ![]() He was hanging with all the glassers and sanders. That's what real surf community and surf culture is - to me anyway." Patterson continued, "I have barbecues at my shop all the time for all the workers just because that's what we do, it's a family. "Maybe it's the Hawaiian influence on my family, but we're always welcoming people in and feeding them and giving them a place to stay. Jadson Andre is another Brazilian Tour surfer who's spent time under the Patterson roof. Not only did he make boards for De Souza during his World Title run, but De Souza actually lived with him in San Clemente when he dedicated himself to improving his game at Lower Trestles. So, how exactly did Ferreira come into Patterson's orbit? Patterson has always had a strong relationship with the Brazilian contingent. I was literally born into this life," Patterson joked this week from his surfboard factory in San Clemente. "My mom would walk through the factory to come visit my dad when she was pregnant with me. From his humble roots to explosive aerial game, WSL filmmakers explore the life of the new World No. ![]()
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