Ben Aipa video interview

Ben Aipa is most famous for designing progressive shortboards in the 70's. He helped rocket the careers of Hawaiian surfers Larry Bertalmann, Buttons and Dane Kealoha with his "Sting" design. The Stinger's futuristic shape with its "Winger" cut away low on the rail increased a boards planning speed. Ben's scaled version of a split tail, named "Swallow Tail", added quicker turning power to the board, creating the most radical wave carving maneuvers of the time. Ben is also credited for starting the modern longboard movement in the early -80's making them lighter and more maneuverable. Ben Aipa has been surfing and shaping since 1966. His surfboard designs and fierce competitive record have earned him a place in the International Surfing hall of Fame. Ben has been coaching young surfers for the Hawaiian Amateur Surf Team for over 20 years; he is the embodiment of "Aloha Spirit". In February 2006 I interviewed Ben at His Surfboard Factory in Honolulu.