Ballito surf board shaper draws on 40 years’ worth of waves for inspiration

Find what you love to do, and then find someone to pay you to do it!

That’s normally good advice, but not advice Johno Hutchison needed.

At the age of 15 the Willard Beach resident found his passion in the ocean, surfing waves with his family.

While not in the water he drew inspiration from surfing magazines and dreaming of one day of travelling the world in search of epic breaks.

He started making and shaping surfboards as a hobby and turning his hand to shaping unleashed a creativity in him that became a career that has lasted 40 years.

After returning from a trip to Hawaii, Johno opened the Groundswell Surf Shop in the Boulevard Centre near Willard Beach in March of 1998.

Today, he says, surfboard shaping and building – like any profession – requires passion, daily dedication and a continuous search for inspiration, coupled with patience and perseverance.

“I feel privileged that my profession has allowed me to live my dream. My beautiful family have supported me through hard times and encouraged me to stay positive.”

Lockdown has given him an opportunity to collect his thoughts and re-brand, while also introducing new surfboard models, decals and logo designs.

“Lockdown has given me a new perspective on life and this inspired me to be more progressive and innovative.”

With a resurgence in the sport of surfing, business has been good of late.

To anyone considering breaking into the industry, he says: “If it’s a passion of yours, you will succeed”.

“Surfboard shaping did not change my life, it became my life. It has taken me to places that I would never have dreamt of. I have met amazing people along the way, and have been involved in the competitive side of surfing as an accredited international surf judge.”

Aside from shaping, he loves gardening, fishing, soccer and often gets to enjoy a trip up to the Berg and the bush.

To follow Johno’s surfboard shaping journey, check out his Instagram at @hutchison_handcrafted.