G&S Custom Surfboard Orders: How does it work?
We've been shaping boards since 1956 — and if there's one thing we've learned over seven decades in the water, it's that the right board changes everything. A custom G&S isn't just a surfboard. It's built around you: your break, your style, your progression.
Whether you're chasing small, punchy beach break or long, peeling point waves, we have the experience and the design range to dial in exactly what you need — and we'll be with you every step of the way.
What Goes Into a Custom G&S?
Almost Every board we build is 100% hand shaped. We work with Polyurethane foam from U.S. Blanks — quality material that's been the backbone of traditional board building for generations. From there, each board gets two layers of glass on the deck and a single layer on the bottom, giving you the right balance of strength and flex.
When it comes to fin systems, you've got options: Single Bahne box, FCS plugs, FCS Fusion, FCS II, Futures, or Glass-On fins if you want to go old school. For color, we offer airbrush, resin tints, and pin lines — subtle or bold, your call.
A custom can mean a fully dialed shape built to your exact dimensions, or simply a stock shape in a custom color. Either way, it's yours.
Before We Get Started
To put together an accurate quote, we'll need to know a few things about you and what you're looking for:
- Your height, weight, and experience level
- Where you surf and what kind of waves you're riding
- What you're on now — and what you want to change
- Desired length and shape
- Fin system preference and number of fins
- Finish: Sanded, Acrylic, Wet-Sanded Gloss, or Gloss & Polish
- Color: Airbrush, Pin Lines, Resin Tint, or keep it clean
Not sure about some of these? No worries — that's what we're here for. Our shapers have answered these questions thousands of times and will help you figure it out.
How the Process Works
- Get a quote. Give us a call and we'll work up an estimate based on your length, model, fins, finish, and color. Shipping and packing within the Continental USA typically runs $225–$275.
- Put down a deposit. We require a $500 deposit to get started — you can do it online or in person. It's fully refundable up until the board is shaped, unless you've requested a custom stringer configuration in the blank.
- Lock in the details. We go over your order with you one more time to make sure everything is dialed before we order the blank from U.S. Blanks.
- The blank arrives. It goes into the shaping queue. If there are any remaining design questions, your shaper may reach out to nail down the final details.
- Shaping and glassing. We shape and glass in our own factory — full control, start to finish. The glassing process includes lamination, hot coat, fin system installation, sanding, and your chosen finish (acrylic or gloss coat & polish).
- Quality check. Every board gets a thorough once-over before it leaves the shop. If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't go out.
- Turnaround time. Most customs take 6–8 weeks, though it can run longer depending on your options and the time of year. Spring and summer are our busiest seasons, so plan accordingly.
- Pick it up or ship it out. We'll reach out when your board is ready. Come grab it in person or we'll ship it straight to your door.
Ready to Get Started?
Place your $500 deposit online to kick off your custom order — or give us a call and we'll talk it through.
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm
(858) 270-1140
5151 Santa Fe Street #A, San Diego, California
