Surfboard makers design, make and repair surfboards.

Talks to clients about their needs; orders materials and equipment; designs and shapes the blank (polyurethane board); applies colour to the board; covers the blank with fibreglass cloth and resin; draws designs on tissue and transfers them onto the board; attaches fibreglass fins and/or fin systems; sands the board to achieve a smooth finish and sprays or brushes the board with a chemical finish.

• Surfboard workers work indoors in factories, workshops or their own homes, where conditions can be extremely dusty, noisy and smelly.
• May work with hazardous substances. Safety equipment, such as goggles, face masks and/or respirators must be worn at all times in the workshop.
• Surfboard makers also spend time at the beach testing boards, and may travel around New Zealand or overseas to sell boards, surf, test equipment and get ideas for new products.

• The physical work demand is typically medium.
• Standing is constantly required, frequently on concrete floors at many work sites.
• Walking is frequently required about the worksite to gather materials and tools.
• Sitting is not a significant component of this job.
• Stretching up and across is frequently required.
• Squatting, crouching, kneeling or crawling is not a significant component of this job.
• Bending is occasionally required.
• Climbing ladders and work at height is not a significant component of this job.
• Twisting of the body or neck is occasionally required in carrying out typical work tasks.
• Lifting and carrying of material and equipment is frequently required.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required especially in the use of hands and arms for shaping, sanding and painting the blank.
• Driving can be occasionally required but is not a significant component of the job.
• Employees frequently use hand, power and machine tools. If designing, workers may use CAD computer software.
• Mental skills necessary include technical and problem-solving skills and knowledge of surfing and wave behaviour.

There are no specific secondary educational requirements for surfboard makers (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). However, useful subjects include art, workshop technology or technical drawing.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.