Surboard Shaper Icon Chris Christenson Interview, Today’s #surfpodcast show recounts the time Tiger Woods got him disqualified from a golf tournament, why Dick Brewer invested in him, how Clark Foam’s closure was the best thing that ever happened, and discusses going to war with a corporate behemoth and inadvertently becoming an environmental activist in the process. Enjoy!
Surf Splendor – #SurfingPodcast – Chris Christenson | Surf Splendor 522
https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/522-chris-christenson/
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 Chris Christenson’s early experiences with golf and Tiger Woods
08:21 Chris Christenson’s early influences
12:18 Growing up in a neighborhood with theft
14:18 Chris Christenson’s journey from golf to surfboard shaping
23:53 Worked at various factories and shaped surfboards while juggling school and work
25:30 Choosing surfing over orthopedic surgery
28:50 Started making stamps and selling re-entry tickets at concerts
34:18 Surviving on bitcoin and serial dating, evading capture and jail time
36:00 Influence of surfboard shaper Skip Frye
39:27 Transition from small shop to big time shaping
52:29 Chris Christenson the North America license for Dick Brewer surfboards
55:58 Importance of serving and putting a smile on someone’s face
57:39 Good lifestyle and being environmentally conscious
1:03:11 Struggling through tough times in the surfing industry
1:08:11 Small glass shop and grew to be the best production glass shop in the world
1:13:57 Survived a devastating wildfire at his sanctuary
1:17:22 Facing challenges rebuilding home after fire
1:22:36 Chris is passionate about wildfires and advocating for the environment
1:24:16 Transitioning business ownership for legacy and continuity
1:33:23 Discussion on various athletes and shapers in the surfing industry
1:35:09 Influence of surfers like Temple Cummings and Tom Curren
1:40:13 Exploring the awesome surf splendor
🎧 About This Surf Podcast: In this episode: Dive into Chris Christenson’s captivating journey from golf to surfboard shaping as he navigates through challenges and triumphs.
Growing up in the same area as Tiger Woods, Chris Christenson’s early experiences with golf and a memorable connection with the legendary golfer shaped his path. From burning his scorecard in embarrassment to finding solace in golf after a tragic event, Chris’s passion for the sport evolved. Transitioning to surfboard shaping, Chris defied conventional career paths, hustling through college to establish his own shaping business. Despite setbacks like Clark foam shutdown, Chris persevered, aligning his passion with mentorship to foster growth and innovation in the surfing community. Reflecting on his journey, Chris emphasizes the importance of serving through surfboard crafting while maintaining environmental consciousness and enduring tough times for business expansion, highlighting the resilience and dedication required in the industry.
🏄♂️📚 Guest Info: https://www.instagram.com/christensonsurfboards
https://christensonsurfboards.com/
Chris Christenson (California) crafts some of the most epic and most varied surfboards for his brand, Christenson Surfboards.
🌟Presented by: Surfrider.org 🌊 https://www.surfrider.org
🌟 Presented by: REALWatersports.com 🏄♂️ https://www.realwatersports.com
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🌟 Partner: WaterwaysTravel.com 🏝️ https://www.waterwaystravel.com
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🎙️ Host & 🎬 Producer: David Scales
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#ChrisChristenson #Surfing #HandmadeSurfboards #SurfboardDesign #SurfCulture #UniqueSurfboards #CaliforniaSurfboards
12 Comments
I would have never thought christenson would have been from artesia/cypress. As an inland kook myself I can say that this man is an inspiration of its not where you're from but where you end up. Thank you surf splendor for the great video.
Very interesting guy 😎
Half way listening and this interview is bitchin’. Writing this while I’m listening and super rad.
DAVID Lee Scales, you are a fantastic interviewer. Perfect amount of personal anecdotes and perfect conversational prompts. Keep up the work.
Definitely similar age and trajectory that I can relate to. Thanks for a great interview!
Moonlight is the best and glad Peter is ok
🤩
epic
yah CC !!
Fantastic interview, and what an interesting character 🤙🏻
Great interview with Chris! Very interesting guy, humble and hard working!
Is there any relation to EC?