The legacy of surfboard shaping in Santa Barbara

30-year-old Ryan Lovelace at his studio along Haley Street in Santa Barbara.

He shapes all his boards by hand rather than machine.

Paul Mathieu/West Beach Films

Santa Barbara isn't a big city, but it's played an out-sized role in the development of the surfboard industry. Since the 1960s, Santa Barbarans have created some of the most iconic boards, experimented with different building techniques and used new technology to streamline their craft. And the city continues to be a hub of surf innovation.

The Surf Shapers from West Beach Films on Vimeo.