Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Bessell.
Hi Tim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in La Jolla and started shaping surfboards as a teenager, mostly out of curiosity and love for surfing. I was fortunate to learn from some really talented shapers early on, and over time I just kept at it, trying to improve a little with each board. What began in my backyard eventually turned into Bessell Surfboards, and I’ve been lucky enough to shape for surfers locally and around the world. Along the way, I’ve also had the chance to work on some unique projects that connect surfing with art, which has been a real honor. At the end of the day, I still approach each board with the same mindset I had when I was a kid—I just want to make something that will help someone enjoy the ocean as much as I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. The surf industry has changed a lot over the years, and there were times when it felt hard to keep up. Competing with mass-produced boards, staying true to hand-shaping, and riding out the ups and downs of the economy have all been challenges. I’ve also had to learn the business side of things as I went, which doesn’t always come naturally when your passion is in the craft itself. But I think those struggles helped me grow, both as a shaper and as a person, and they’ve reminded me why I started in the first place—because I love surfing and building boards for people who love it too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I shape custom surfboards by hand, and I’ve been doing it most of my life. What I really focus on is making boards that fit the individual surfer—the way they ride, the waves they surf, and even their personality. I’ve shaped everything from high-performance shortboards to classic longboards, and over the years I’ve been able to experiment with different designs and materials to keep improving. I’m probably most known for blending surf culture with art through collaborations, but honestly, what I’m most proud of is seeing someone light up when they ride a board I’ve made. That feeling never gets old. What sets me apart, if anything, is that I’ve always tried to stay true to the craft of hand-shaping while still being open to new ideas. For me, it’s not about being flashy—it’s about making something that really works for the person who’s going to surf it.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
When I was in highschool before I founded Bessell surfboards, I was infatuated with architecture. I was fortunate enough to take a program called the Regional Occupational Program (ROP), which taught me the foundations of how to build houses from the ground up. In my college years, I collaborated with Eugine Ray, the head of SDSU’s architectural department who taught me the value of sustainability. After these experiences, I started a nonprofit entitled “Bessell Living Systems” in 2005 to explore and share sustainable technologies. This nonprofit repurposed shipping containers into habitable dwellings for off the grid living, Its purpose was to research, develop, and disseminate methods and systems that try to harmonize human habitations—and our built environments—with ecological principles. In practice, that means working on things like energy efficiency, passive design, materials recycling, and other green-tech approaches. The idea wasnt just to theorize, but to create tools and frameworks that people can actually use in homes, studios, or communities. I’m proud of the fact that Bessell Living Systems lets me apply the same care and attention I bring to shaping surfboards into something with environmental value. It’s a reminder that creativity and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Pricing:
- Andy Warhol Surfboards Start @ $14,000.
- Custom Boards Start @ $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bessellsurfboards.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbessell/?hl=en
