Monster props and big love to winner Juan Rodriguez and the crew of fine craftsmen who participated in the First Annual Florida Shape-Off, sponsored by Paul Eaton and Ice-Nine Foam Works. With only two hours in Ricky Carroll's portable, formidable shaping bay, the competitors weathered stiff competition as they strived to successfully replicate the signature 9-6 Robert Strickland Con Rail Model. Then the clock tolled, the judges deliberated, and legendary wavemeister Greg Noll called for Rodriguez to step up and claim his prize. But he had vanished! Or so it seemed. "When 'Da Bull' announced the results," Rodriguez said, "I was sure that it was a joke." The surprised victor has been shaping boards for nearly forty years, and has heard it all. When the truth finally kicked in, Rodriguez made a dramatic walk to the podium, strolling down the red carpet with a celebratory beer in each hand - appropriately drinking foam. Kevin Welsh / Surfer Magazine |
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