From left: Simon Anderson, Matt Biolos, Ryan Burch, and Rusty Preisendorfer at Sacred Craft Shape-Off in San Diego.

San Diego, CA (August 16, 2010) -- Surfboard craftsman Matt Biolos bested five other shapers to win the Tribute to the Masters Shape-off honoring Simon Anderson presented by US Blanks during the Sacred Craft Consumer Surfboard Expo on Sunday. Biolos, the head shaper behind LOST Surfboards, competed against a field of stellar craftsman which included Pat Rawson, Brian Bulkley, Larry Mabile, Jason Bennett and Michael Barron. Biolos' name will be etched onto the Mike Marshall perpetual trophy and Biolos also received $1000, which he quickly offered to a local charity.

"This is a bit of redemption for me, as I am sometimes pegged as a guy who is only known for his marketing expertise, and maybe I don't get credit for my shaping ability," said Biolos in front of a large crowd on Sunday at Sacred Craft. "It is real honor to win this event, as Simon Anderson is a true legend."

"Matt's board was the clear winner and an easy choice, as the deck and nose rocker were spot on, and the bottom curve exact as well," said judge and tribute honoree Simon Anderson. "Of course all the boards were exceptionally shaped, and I am very honored to have these six great craftsman turn out for this event, it means a lot to me."

The other shaping competition during the weekend surfboard extravaganza was the Young Guns of Shaping presented by SIMR Surfboards. In that event four shapers under the age of 25 were given a massive 11-foot chunk of foam from which to carve out a surfboard. Cardiff-by-the-Sea's Ryan Burch bested DJ Kane, Gary Strahle, and Tyler Warren. Burch won $500 for his efforts and the praise of Young Guns shaping judge Rusty Preisendorfer.

Ryan Burch with shaping legend Rusty Preisendorfer Ryan Burch rusty Preisendorfer

"All four guys did an exceptional job given the monumental task they were given," said Preisendorfer. "Ryan's board had great balance, it was symmetrical and the overall flow of the shape was superior. Again, all four guys deserve a ton of credit, and I look forward to watching their shaping careers blossom."

The Sacred Craft Consumer Surfboard Expo took place on the August 14 & 15. Over 7000 stoked attendees enjoyed the surfboard expo which included live shaping, live glassing demos, artwork, music, a surfboard auction, and interaction with the elite shapers, designers and manufacturers of the surfboard industry.


About SACRED CRAFT

Sacred Craft is and always has been about the surfboard. We are passionate about our crafts, and about the craft: surfboards, shapers, designers, manufacturers and the culture that flows from the surfboard. Because surfers really only care about two things: waves and the equipment to ride them with.