Fisio - The guru of shaping made in Sardinia

We know everything and nothing about them – those magical dispensers of happiness measured in feet and inches. They might seem different, but at their core, they’re not that far apart. Listening to them from opposite corners of the globe, you’d be surprised by how much they share. They capture the dreams of all of us wistful wanderers in search of the perfect ride.

But does that perfect board even exist?

There are surfboards for every taste, crafted in all shapes and sizes. We choose them because they reflect who we are. Each style is a mirror of our personality, and every personality finds its match in a shaper. We set out to meet a few of them, on a mission to sketch their profiles.

They’re elusive, hermit-like figures, remaining true to their discreet and reserved personas. Foam connoisseurs – whether it’s polyurethane, sea foam, or something in a glass – they treasure it all. You can spot them by that unmistakable spark in their eyes; it’s the same everywhere, regardless of age or location.

But who are they really?

Straight outta Quartu Sant’Elena

Our adventure kicks off on a sunny November morning as we drive a few kilometers down to the southern coast of Sardinia. Armed with a name, a face, an address, a bunch of questions, and a mission, we’re ready for action. The first to accept our invitation is Fisio, a guru of Sardinian shaping.

We’ve done our homework and arrive prepped for the meeting. As we reach the doors of his workshop, we perform the ancient and sacred ritual of knocking with our feet – because our hands are full with a crate of classic foamy island blonde beer.

As the bolt slides open, standing before that big walnut-colored wooden door, we feel as excited as Ali Baba before the magic cave. Fisio greets us with a smile, wearing his overalls, deep in the groove of his craft. We quickly realize that stepping into his workshop in search of a shaper means walking out with a new friend.

All about soul

Fisio is on a noble quest: to craft the perfect surfboard for the everyday surfer. You know the type – the one who works too hard, trains too little, and never says no to a beer with friends, but vanishes the moment there’s a whisper of waves nearby.

He’s just like the rest of us, checking the weather forecast late at night, fully aware of the work pile waiting for him the next day. Frustrated, we all feel it when those perfect waves roll in while we’re stuck in meetings or cramming for that big exam. But no matter the challenge, he never gives up – never.

Even with the echoes of the ’90s fading, we’re still here – the die-hard weekend warriors with tight schedules. And Fisio is one of us. By day, he’s a graphic designer; by night, he’s a shaper driven by passion. He started shaping in the late 2000s and honed his craft in a workshop in Spain, surrounded by foam blanks and cervezas.

His workshop still radiates that Latin vibe, buzzing with friends dropping by because, as he puts it, “This isn’t just a workshop; it’s a pub.” His personal page says: “Available Monday to Thursday after 8 PM. Friday to Sunday – hopefully surfing!” Spend just a few minutes with him, and his hallway transforms into a bustling hub, as lively as Bali traffic.

The day we visit, he’s expecting Mark G. You can see the excitement in his eyes; he’s eager to hit the waves but still takes a moment to share his insights with us, which we deeply appreciate.

Let’s say «Poba» all together

Before we wrap up, we uncover the philosophy behind Fisio’s boards. They’re flashy and vibrant, with his favorite board sporting a bright pink color and the word “Poba” styled in a font that screams Barbie. Brilliant.

He wears a playful grin as he claims his boards are designed to annoy – especially his friends. «If I drop you with a pink board, it just makes you angrier!» he chuckles. Fisio is a talker, overflowing with technical insights and generous with advice.

For him, the first step in shaping a board is forming a connection with it. That’s why he involves his clients in the process. Fisio crafts custom boards of all kinds, with shortboards being his specialty.

His bestseller is the “Uovetto” (Little Egg) – a cheeky board he proudly describes as “a shortboard dressed as a turtle.” He saves the shaping for the nighttime, working in a chill, almost mystical atmosphere. He laughs as he recounts how some visitors have even dozed off, lulled by the soothing sound of sanding.

The friend we all wish for

Honestly, he reminds me of Big Z from Surf’s Up (come on, I know most of you have seen it, don’t lie). I mention it, and he bursts out laughing, admitting he’s seen it too. Fisio has pals all over the island and a bit of a struggle with weather forecasts. It turns out his “sentinels” are notoriously unreliable. The moment there’s even a hint of wind, they’re all claiming the waves are perfect.

It’s suspected, quite reasonably, that he’s not always invited out for the waves because of his surfing skills but rather for his undeniable charm. He’s the guy you want in the lineup, even when the surf isn’t great.

And with Fisio, when the waves are a bust, you can always grab a beer afterward – and even when they’re good. In short, he’s the friend we all wish we had.

Thanks, Fisio.