Meet Dave Moore | Surfboard builder/desinger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, why did you pursue a creative career?
It was my life….
I always had a passion for surfing and surfboards since a child. I did some work in High school for a surfboard Mfg. in Van Nuys during the 80’s doing ding repairs and other jobs. It was at that time I learned the process of surfboard building.
After City College in Santa Barbara, working on boats in San Diego I worked as sales rep and park builder in the snowboard industry first and then finally transitioned to sales rep in the wine business and action sports.

I decided to go to work on my own and create a surfboard repair business called “DINGBATZ” . It in 2000 when suncure resin came out and I was able to fix boards at rapid speed. I made a name in Huntington Beach. It was at that time when customers asked if I sold new boards, and after a few times of hearing that I decided to use the skills I learned as a kid and build a few for myself…. and that’s how it started.

The rest is history, boards were made, and people loved the way they rode. Many orders were taken right away. I fell in love with the craft and found my passion. I felt this was my calling since it brought joy to the customer and allowed me to to be creative. I also enjoy the perks of building my own boards to surf.

Since then I built boards in Playa Grande Costa Rica for 3 years and found a studio in Huntington Beach where I’m currently at. I’m a member of Malibu Surfing Association and can be found surfing at Surfrider Beach in Malibu.

You can learn more about my company at DMZSURFBOARDS.com
or on Instagram @dmzsurfboards

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After all these years I consider myself as a custom Shaper/Designer.

I had a gist on how to shape and build as a kid, It took years to”really” get it down. Officially being self taught during the beginning of 2000. By 2003 boards were selling. We didn’t have YouTube or internet then. You’d have to steal with yer eyes or hope to get tips while putting in work at your local factory.Trail and error was the only way. What’s crazy is that my family didn’t support surfing business because it was not considered lucrative and they assumed bad things about the sub-culture at that time.

Luckily I had my extended surf family who loved it and supported me.

I had no idea at that time how a quart of resin would impact my future with DINGBATZ surfboard repair, which later evolved into DMZ surfboards.

I’ve done special custom promotional boards for different companies and organizations. Built boards for a couple world champions and numerous WCT competitors during the mid 2000’s… All boards were all hand shaped before computers became involved and Clark foams closure.

Now after decades of board building, I like to use experience as the foundation to my understanding of hydrodynamics which allows me to build all kinds of watercraft’s.

With all the competition in the board business now it’s good to find a niche, but I must say I’ve been through the wringer with the surf industry so I try to avoid the typical monotony of automated surfboard production and distribution.
I like to focus on custom surfboards, offering Malibu longboards, mid lengths or HP shortboards. individually made for a customer and their needs.

I also do Vintage surfboard restoration and some repairs for friends

As of right now I’ve been really stoked on this special project I have with competitive surfer Jacob Pacheco @pronetoride (Team USA 🇺🇸 adaptive surf). Jacob has Cerebral Palsy so we have to go outside the box and create a prone board that works specifically for his mobility and needs. Working with people to find that special board is a passion and skill I have to share, and I hope I will be able to serve for years to come.
After all the experience I’ve had, I feel keeping it rootsy and soulful is the way for me.
And I’m here for the long haul.

Learn more and contact @dmzsurfboards.com and Instagram @dmzsurfboards

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First ,I like to give the Surfrider Beach Malibu experience. Weather they surf or not it’s an always a fun experience meeting the local boys and lot crew and happens to be in my opinion the most beautiful part of LA. Depending on swell and being tired from surfing that could be the vacation!!!!

Live shows are always an option for nightlife due to So Cal always has something going on…

My studio/shop is always a go to, That’s where the magic goes down……

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother Carol Moore
Grandfather Gene Chenault
My daughter Taylor Moore and Granddaughter Tatum.
My wife Janessa Bookout

Tim Phares for allowing me to be a little pest as a kid in Van Nuys. I wouldn’t have known anything if it wasn’t for you, Polar Bear and Dave Brown.

The Huntington Beach surf shops and crew for giving me the work @Dingbatz
HSS, Rockin Fig, Becker, Java Jungle ,Malibu Surf (Evan Caples)

Andy Roth (ZZYZX)
Tom Moriarty (Mt Waterman)
Mark Nakashima (Chuck Dent)
Randy Lewis, Cino Mag,
Steve Baimbridge, Matt Bettis
Don Ramsey, Sam Hawk,
(Costa Rica) Amboy Korling ,Carlo Salustri
Marcelo Tamayo, Hienz John Lahoud

Especially Carl Goldman and Susie Chenault
I couldn’t be me without you……

Website: https://dmzsurfboards.com

Instagram: @dmzsurfboards

Facebook: Dmzsurfboards@ facebook

Image Credits
Brad Chamberlain

Ben Thomson