Meet the Influencers of Puerto Rico’s Surf Culture

This article is part of a series produced by United Voices, a new Dinogo immersion initiative that connects local content creators with Dinogo editors for workshops, storytelling, and shared experiences in a destination. Our journey begins in Puerto Rico.

With its stunning summer climate, surfers in Puerto Rico can effortlessly adjust to the varying swells along the island’s coast, allowing them to ride its waves nearly year-round. However, Puerto Rico’s reputation as a surfing hotspot is deeply intertwined with its local surfing community, primarily supported by talented surfboard craftsmen.

Comprising locals who have devoted their lives to surfing and understanding the island’s waves, these craftsmen draw on their experiences to handcraft stunning surfboards. Their creations are not only artistic representations tailored to each customer’s skills and needs but also serve as significant symbols of identity for local surfers who ride them.

Local surfers take great pride in riding surfboards crafted in Puerto Rico, especially in an industry dominated by international brands. However, it wasn't until early 2023, when I received my first custom hand-shaped surfboard from Machete Shapes, that I truly grasped this sense of pride. This experience sparked my curiosity to visit and document the artistry of local shapers Mika Ramírez, Néstor Ramírez, and Migue Flores.

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Quality and Performance Passed Down Through Generations

Locating Machete’s workshop feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a quiet area of Isabela, a town on the island’s northern coast celebrated for its beautiful beaches and exceptional surf. As I arrived, the loud hum of a shaping machine drowned out the sounds of a podcast interview featuring American shaper and big wave rider Gerry López. Following the noise, I quietly made my way to the back, where I found Mika, covered in foam dust and completely absorbed in his craft.

Mika is the third-generation craftsman in his family. Following in the legacy of his grandfather Néstor and father Guaili Ramírez, Mika was raised in the world of surfing. Now passionate about crafting custom surfboards, he seeks to build a connection with his clients both in the shaping room and on the waves.

After welcoming me, he guided me through his workshop, which is divided into three distinct areas for shaping, painting, and glassing. He then took me a few blocks away to introduce me to his grandfather, Néstor Ramírez, the founder of Pelícano Surfboards.

It was evident that Néstor’s expertise had been passed down through the generations: With over 40 years of experience, he seemed capable of determining the perfect surfboard simply by observing your walk. Meanwhile, Mika, with nearly three years of shaping under his belt, could recommend the ideal board for you just by inquiring about your style and favorite surf spots.

“When you purchase a board from outside the island, you lose the connection with the shaper. But when you order from a local craftsman, that connection is restored. We live here, understand our waves, and design boards that are tailored to your surfing style.” – Mika

Mika shared how his initial curiosity for shaping was transformed when his family revealed the intricate and demanding nature of creating a surfboard. Learning everything on his own was challenging but crucial for mastering each aspect of the design. After a lengthy hiatus from shaping, it was only after Hurricane Maria that he felt compelled to return to Puerto Rico from the States and continue his family’s legacy under the name Machete Shapes.

“A machete, beyond being a symbol of resistance, is a cutting tool, and my boards are designed to slice through waves, primarily for high-performance surfers looking to excel on the island.” – Mika

Néstor Ramírez recounted how support from major surf shops has waned over the years. In the 1970s and ’80s, the demand for locally crafted Pelícano boards was much higher, as there were few local shapers and international brands had less influence. All they needed to do to promote their work was showcase their newly hand-shaped boards while surfing at local breaks.

Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Pelícano established itself as a prominent surf brand in the island’s surfing community. During this period, Pelícano boards were widely available in many surf shops in San Juan, benefiting from substantial local support. However, with advancements in shaping technology and the introduction of high-quality materials like epoxy resin and expanded polystyrene, boards became lighter and easier to mass-produce, making it more challenging for local shapers to sell custom boards in local shops.

As surfboard designs gradually transitioned from larger to smaller shapes, Néstor honed his skills in crafting a diverse array of boards for different surfers. One notable piece from Pelícano’s extensive collection was a custom yellow Gun. A Gun is a longer and heavier surfboard with a pointed nose, typically measuring between 8 to 10 feet, designed for tackling massive, powerful 30-foot waves. These waves aren't for the casual surfer; they're for thrill-seekers eager to conquer the daunting swells of Rincon’s Tres Palmas.

The sight of that enormous board highlighted that the trust local communities place in their shapers surpasses the allure of international recognition or financial gain. Today, owning a Pelícano surfboard is akin to possessing a modern artifact, as they are considered one-of-a-kind treasures on the island. With the burgeoning surfing scene in Puerto Rico, the demand for Pelícano boards has remained steady among those familiar with the brand's legacy, thanks to local word of mouth.

“Seeing a client ride the board you crafted and hearing their enthusiasm about it is an incredible feeling. It fosters a sense of community among everyone who supports our work.” – Mika

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A Vibrant Community of Shapers in the Workshop

Migue Flores, a surfer and engineer, is recognized for his innovative designs. He was introduced to shaping at the age of 10, but it wasn't until a decade later that he began crafting boards for himself out of necessity. Despite having only three years of shaping experience, he has quickly become one of the most sought-after shapers on the island.

“I recall salvaging my first boards from my neighbors’ trash, sneaking them into my family’s garage, and fixing them up with duct tape. That’s when my journey began.” – Migue

He started shaping after catching the eye of local shapers Ricky Muñiz and Raymond from Dimensions Surfboards. After receiving an invitation to their workshops, he became captivated by the design process. He later found a place to work on his initial designs thanks to Titus Meléndez and Wilfredo Pacheco, two seasoned shapers from the island, whom he regards as his mentors.

In his studio home in Isla Verde, Migue highlighted how his friends have significantly contributed to his growth as a shaper.

“The meetups of local shapers in their workshops are vital. We continuously support one another. The sharing of ideas among shapers helps us catch details that one might overlook but others can spot.”

“Every surfboard carries the signature of a shaper, but behind each piece, there are numerous ideas and constructive feedback from fellow shapers in the community.” – Migue

This collaborative approach has become essential to Migue’s work, enabling him to design various types of boards for diverse experiences on the water while balancing performance with style.

“High-performance surfing on smaller boards boosts dopamine levels, which explains the popularity of such boards. Mid-length boards, measuring between 6'6" and 8'0", provide a balanced experience with enhanced stability and wave flow. In contrast, longboarding is characterized by a slower, serene style, allowing surfers to savor each moment on the water.”– Migue

Migue Flores and Mika Ramirez are collaborating with respected local shapers on a new initiative called the Surf Collective, aimed at launching a platform by 2024 to unite shapers across the island. This project will promote their craft and streamline sales in Puerto Rican stores, while also helping aspiring surfers who lack the means to purchase surfboards, making the sport more inclusive.

Mika Ramírez, Néstor Ramírez, and Migue Flores represent just a few artists whose creations weave narratives that bridge tradition and modernity. Their workshops serve as vibrant spaces for creativity and connection, fostering the exchange of ideas that are intended to be passed down to future generations of shapers.