Shaper Profile: Jeff Johnston

Date of Birth: October 16, 1959 (43 yrs)
Height and Weight: 5'10", 180 pounds
Number of Boards Shaped: 15,000 - 20,000, Over 10,000 By Hand
Influences on your Shapes Surfer Shapers: My brother Don Johnston, Gerry Lopez, Peter McCabe, Al Byrne, Dennis Pang, Eric Arakawa, David Lewis, Dick Brewer and Pat Rawson.
Surfers you carved foam for: Sunny Garcia, Tom Curren. Dane Kealoha, Andy & Bruce Irons, Johnny Boy Gomes, Chris Ward, Matt Archbold, Brian & Rusty & Buffalo Keaulana, Ross Williams, Lance Hookano, Kahea Hart, Jason Shibata, Keala Kennely, Lisa Anderson, Shawn Briley, Dayton Segundo, China Uemura, Danny Fuller, Jeff Hackman, Myles Padaca, Mark Occhilupo, Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Pancho Sullivan, Elijah Young, Allen Sarlo, Fred Patacchia, Gary Elkerton, Russel Winter, Michael Lowe, Armando Daltro, Marcelo Nunes, Jamie Obrien, David Riddle, the late Eric Diaz and moreÉ
How you started shaping: I started as a glasser. When I was surfing Pro in the early 80s, I was always breaking boards. In order to get boards in one day, I learned how to shape. My home break was Newport & River Jetties. I moved to Hawaii in 1980. Lived at OTW for 8 yrs. Then it was Backdoor, O.T.W. Pipe.
Favorite Surf Spot: I love to surf Backyards and Haleiwa. I surf wherever the waves are good. All over the North Shore. You can say I am a North Shore surf dog.
Magic Boards: I have had a lot of them. I know boards from start to finish. I can do all steps in production. This helps in fine tuning the boards and gives you a better chance in getting a magic one. Fine tuning is the key.
Highest Surfing Accomplishments: 1st place NSSA National Championchips 1978. 1st place Pro Class Trials 1985. 1st place Haleiwa Interational Shortboard 40 & over-1999 & 2nd 2000/01. 1st place Haleiwa International Longboard 40 & over: 2000/01. Still Ripping and surviving the North Shore after 23 winters!
Favorite Sounds: Rock, Jazz, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop. It's all good.
Favorite Feast: Sushi, Fish, Mexican.
Other Interests: Traveling the world. Learning about new cultures.
Inspiration: I would have to say my brother, surfs as good as a pro, and is a great shaper. World class all the way. 100% Real.
World View: This is one world, so everyone needs to work together to make it better for all.