Jeffreys Bay. Its reputation for long, demanding right-hand waves is undisputed. Surfing here requires equipment that is not just well-made, but is also born from an intimate understanding of these specific aquatic formations. For nearly half a century, the Sawyer family has been developing such surfboards, working from a deep-seated knowledge of what makes J-Bay tick.
Des Sawyer’s Early Craft
The Sawyer story began in the early 1970s, a period of significant evolution in surfboard design. Des Sawyer took on the challenge of mastering the shaper’s art by hand. This was not a theoretical exercise; it involved countless hours with tools and materials, learning the subtle responses of foam to the blade and the way resin and fibreglass could be combined for strength and flex.
Des dedicated himself to understanding a wide spectrum of surfboard models. As surfing styles and board designs shifted, he adapted, consistently refining his methods. This practical, hands-on approach resulted in boards that performed, earning the respect of discerning surfers who recognised the integrity of his work. These were individuals who understood the difference a well-considered shape could make to their surfing.
Steven Sawyer’s Immersion
Growing up, Steven Sawyer experienced surfboard building not as a distant concept, but as an integral part of his environment. His father’s workshop was his classroom. He observed, absorbed, and eventually, participated. This was less a formal apprenticeship and more a gradual immersion into the core principles of the craft.
Steven’s interest wasn’t superficial. He delved into every stage of a board’s creation:
- Shaping: Understanding the critical curves and contours.
- Glassing and Laminating: Learning the techniques for optimal strength-to-weight ratios.
- Spraying: The art of colour application.
- Fin Construction: Even crafting his own fins, gaining insight into a crucial performance component.
This comprehensive, practical education, combined with his own extensive experience as a versatile surfer, equipped him with a profound understanding of how design translates to feeling and performance on a wave. It was a natural progression for him to continue the family tradition.
Steven Sawyer: The Shaper, Surfer, and Individual
Steven Sawyer’s contributions to surfing extend beyond his shaping abilities. His diverse talents and approach make him a notable figure. You might recall his success in the 2016 WSL J-Bay Open trials, where he earned a place in the main Championship Tour event – a significant achievement on a standard shortboard.
His surfing is not limited by board type or stance. He is known to ride fish designs with impressive fluidity and has been seen exploring different feelings on a wave by switching his stance. Beyond the water, music is a significant part of his life; his guitar often accompanies him on his travels.
However, it is in longboarding that Steven has made a particularly strong mark. As a competitor on the WSL World Longboard Tour, his abilities are well-recognised. A defining point in his career was securing the 2018 WSL World Longboard title. Critically, he achieved this on a surfboard he shaped himself, a direct testament to his skills both as a craftsman and an athlete.
What Defines a Sawyer Board?
The defining characteristic of a Sawyer surfboard is its deep connection to the waves of Jeffreys Bay. This is not merely a geographical association; it’s about designs informed by decades of direct experience with these world-class point breaks.
- Local Wave Dynamics: The length, speed, and power of J-Bay’s waves demand specific design considerations. Sawyer boards are built with this in mind.
- Generational Knowledge Transfer: Des Sawyer’s foundational experience provides a direct lineage of understanding that informs Steven’s current work. This continuity is a valuable asset.
- Focus on Performance Attributes: Rather than chasing trends, the emphasis is on creating boards that offer control, drive, and responsiveness suited to quality waves.
This is not about reinventing surfboard design with every board, but about refining proven principles and applying them with a craftsman’s attention to detail.
Why This Matters for Your Surfing
When you consider a surfboard from a shaper with such a specific background, you are looking at equipment that has been developed and proven in demanding conditions. The Sawyer family’s long history in Jeffreys Bay translates into boards that are attuned to what good waves require.
This means you can expect:
- Designs tested and refined over many years.
- Shapes that are intended to work harmoniously with powerful surf.
- A level of craftsmanship that comes from a deep personal investment in every board.
For the surfer who appreciates the connection between a board’s design and its performance in the water, particularly in waves of consequence, this lineage offers a distinct advantage.
Sawyer Surfboards represent a continuous thread of dedication to the art of surfboard building in Jeffreys Bay. Steven Sawyer’s current work builds upon the solid foundation laid by his father, Des, ensuring that their understanding of how surfboards perform continues to evolve. If you are interested in learning more about their specific models and approach to shaping, further exploration of their work is recommended.