Head Shaper:

Avelino A. Bastos

Behind the Brand:Based on the island of Florianópolis in Southern Brazil, Tropical Brasil was founded in 1981. Considered by its clientele to be a “genuine Brazilian company,” the label is completely managed by surfers, exclusively for surfers. It was born from an idea and the desire of its creator, Avelino Bastos, who attempted to shape his first surfboard at the age of 9, circa 1970, and then began to shape professionally in 1976. “I have always been self-taught,” he says, “but I learned the basic fundamentals of surfboard shaping from an old friend, Aldemir China, who used to shape his own boards. Then, when I began to shape professionally, I met Mark Jacola in Hawaii, who provided me with several tips and tricks. But my great leap in shaping knowledge and experience came in the ’80s when I lived in San Diego and worked with Gary MacNab from Nectar. I was able to greatly improve my shaping skills and I learned a lot about design, manufacturing, and quality.”

During its long journey, Tropical Brasil has worked with several talented surfers, including Teco Padaratz, Peterson Rosa, David Husadel, Pedro Husadel, and Neco Padaratz. Bastos has been awarded the title “Best Shaper in Brazil” seven times and has lived in key locales all over the globe, such as Hawaii, California, Australia, and Europe where he was able to improve and perfect his art and talent as a shaper. Recognized for its quality and performance worldwide, today Tropical Brasil is the largest Latin American company in the industry, exporting its boards to several countries.

About Tropical Brasil's Most Popular Models: “My team riders really seem to like our regular thruster,” says Bastos. “Its a rounded-squash tail that ranges from 5'10" to 6'1" with a slight concave in the bottom and channels in the center and tail.”

Shop Talk: “The most important feedback I’ve received regards the glide and fit of a surfboard on a wave. This directly relates to the drive and speed it generates—and with speed, a surfer can accomplish any maneuver.”

Tell us about the changes you’ve seen in recent years in the shaping realm, and how it has affected your craft. “During the ’70s and ’80s, there were a lot of differences in design. But it seems like nowadays everybody is working around a similar template. That drives me to steer away from the common. It makes me want to try to develop innovative shapes.”

What’s the most important quality that someone should look for in their surfboard? “Innovation. Boards need to be better, faster, and more durable, and innovation allows me to make a better, faster, and more durable board.”

Where would you like to see the future of design go? “If designers and shapers focused more on the surfer’s needs instead of what they want to shape, the future of design would be much better.”

How do you think shaping will change in the next decade? “Shaping and glassing will become more automated, and contrary to popular belief, this automation will allow us to better service our customers’ personalized shapes. Creating a new design will transition from a more physical, limiting process, to a mental process. Shaping machines will improve the designer’s mind.”