Marc Andreini
Interview by Glenn Sakamoto
Marc Andreini is a California shaper/surfer who started surfing in 1962 and shaped his first board at the age of 14. Respected for his talent and skills as a shaper, Andreini was influenced by such notables as Reynolds Yater and George Greenough. We spoke with Marc to learn more.
What was it like growing up in California?
Paradise! I thank God I was aware of my good fortune and never took it for granted. Imagine being 7 years old and have your mom move you to Santa Barbara (from the San Mateo) to spend every weekend at the beach in the 50’s!
What attracted you to go surfing?
My mom had been at Waikiki in the 40’s and learned to surf (Napoleon was her teacher). She was an avid swimmer and body surfer and taught my brother and I when we moved to SB.
What was the feeling you had when you first stood on a surfboard?
Ecstasy! I still have trouble sleeping once I start imagining the rides I may get in the morning! Hooked for life after only 1.5 seconds standing at the Sandbar at the SB harbor!
Who did you look up to and admire when you were young?
Jeff White of White Owl Surfboards. He took us young grems in and made us belong. I try to pass that along today. And Duke Kahanamoku of course. He was like the John Wayne of surfing, a noble gentleman. Also Phil Edwards and Renny Yater.
What inspired you to shape boards?
I connected the love of riding my first wave to my surfboard I suppose, as I love surfboards as much as riding them. That led me to repairing them from my first ding forward. Shaping was a natural evolution.
What do you love about it?
The Holy Grail in shaping for me is to create sensual flowing curves that extract speed and grace from the wave. That in turn introduces the rider to my vision of how a wave should be experienced.
Who are some of the people who have ridden your boards?
Almost all of my friends! To name one is to leave out ten! I am probably most flattered when other shapers order boards from me!
Who/what inspires you?
Life and the God/Jesus behind it. It is the awe and wonderment of it all.
What is the greatest thing you have learned in your life?
It is better to give than receive. You can’t out give God, you get back more than you put out by 10 fold.
What are you most proud of?
Having some integrity. I wish I had more.
What meaning does surfing hold for you and how has it changed your life?
Surfing is what gave me that drive to exist and it ultimately shaped my whole life around itself.
What brings you the most happiness in the world?
Being at peace. Unfettered by circumstances outside my control.
Who are some of the people you feel are shaping the path for surfing today?
Danny Hess, Tom Wegener, Thomas Campbell, Skip Frye…
What are you currently riding? Your favorite surfspot?
9′, 10′ 11′, pintail displacement hulls/ single fins. Swift Street, Santa Cruz.
Describe your perfect day.
Driving my antique Jag to the beach with my wife Betty and our dog Bubba. We walk the dog, then I surf, my wife tells me I still have it, we go to dinner, we drive home!
What’s next for Marc Andreini?
God willing, my 60’s will be my best decade of surfing!!
Find out more about Marc Andreini and Andreini Surfboards here.