Build Your Own Surfboard

Build your own surfboard in Lisbon with Vasco Mónica at Pastor Surfboards, a three-session immersive workshop at 785 euros where you design, shape and finish a custom surfboard from concept to completion using the same techniques, software and equipment trusted by professional shapers. This is not a spectator experience. You play an active role in every stage of the process, from your first design sketch using Shape3D professional software through hands-on shaping at the foam blank stage to a guided visit to the lamination workshop where your board receives its final fibreglass and resin layers. The result is a custom surfboard built by your own hands, ready to ride.

The workshop unfolds across three distinct stages. Stage one is a one-to-one consultation with Vasco to discuss your surfing experience, riding style and goals, followed by designing your board in Shape3D, the same professional software used by surfboard manufacturers worldwide, customising dimensions, rocker, rails and outline to create a board that is completely unique to you. Stage two begins at the foam blank factory where you select your blank before it is precision-cut using CNC technology, then move to the shaping bay to work side by side with Vasco using professional shaping tools to refine the rails, rocker, contours and overall finish. Stage three takes you inside a professional laminating workshop where you follow every step as experienced craftsmen apply the fibreglass and resin layers before sanding and polishing, gaining a complete understanding of the full manufacturing process before collecting your finished board.

What you’ll learn

🏄 How to design a surfboard using professional Shape3D software
🏄 How to select the correct foam blank for your design and surfing style
🏄 Traditional surfboard shaping techniques using professional tools
🏄 How to refine rails, rocker and contours by hand alongside an experienced shaper
🏄 The complete surfboard manufacturing process from blank to laminated and polished finish

What’s included

🔧 Personal one-to-one consultation with professional shaper Vasco Mónica
🔧 Professional Shape3D design session with full customisation
🔧 Foam blank selection and CNC precision cutting
🔧 Hands-on surfboard shaping experience with all shaping tools and equipment
🔧 Guided visit to the lamination workshop and complete manufacturing overview
🔧 Expert guidance from Vasco throughout every stage
🔧 Your completed custom surfboard ready to surf

What you leave with

A custom surfboard designed, shaped and finished to your exact specifications, built with your own hands alongside a professional shaper in Lisbon, and a deep understanding of the craftsmanship behind the board you ride.

I am Vasco Mónica, shaper and founder of Pastor Surfboards. I combine traditional hand-shaping techniques with modern design technology to create boards that are both functional and personal. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is sharing this process with others, inviting surfers to step inside the workshop, understand the craftsmanship behind every board and take an active role in creating one of their own. Whether you want a custom board built for you or want to experience the unique journey of shaping one yourself, I would be delighted to welcome you into the workshop.

Price 785 euros. Three sessions of approximately three hours each. Takes place in Lisbon. No prior surfboard building experience needed.