Eric Arakawa

 Shapers are the unseen craftsmen behind a surfers performance. Eric Arakawa is currently gun shaper for Hawaiian Island Creations and one of the world’s most famous shapers. He also helped invent the `Nose Guard’ for surfboards.

Surfers Bible: Tell us about your living as a surfboard shaper?

Eric: Been making boards since I was 14 years old as I couldn't afford to buy new ones! I just ate, slept and dreamt of surfing, it was my whole life. Probably a shaping highlight was Derek Ho winning the world title on my boards.

Surfers Bible: You have the ideal surfing pedigree - Hawaiian, living at Wiamea Bay, respected shaper. What does surfing mean to you?

Eric: Funny, I was once asked, “What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned through surfing?”. My response was “I think the most important thing that I’ve learned about surfing is that surfing is not the most important thing”. That is it. Surfing is not the most important thing, it’s not the end. Surfing is now a means to an end. I use surfing as a way to fulfil my purpose in Jesus Christ, as a tool that I use to serve God. Apart from that, surfing leaves you empty, wanting more.

Surfers Bible: You’re obviously a Christian, what’s been your journey as a surfer coming to a Christian faith?

Eric: I personally had everything I needed, I did well at family, school, friends and surfing. When I was 15 I got invited to a church by a friend who was so persistent, I gave in and said `I’ll come on the one condition that you never ask me to go to church again.’

Surfers Bible: Just to get him off your back, why the reluctance?

Eric: I had this image of a Christian as pious, stern and reserved and I’d have to be very careful how I walked, acted, even how I dressed. I went to church that first Sunday morning and all my preconceived ideas of Christianity just went out the window, they really loved me!

Surfers Bible: Why would you hang out with these Christians when you already had all you needed?

Eric: It was a different kind of fun, I noticed that they had something that I didn’t have. I’m a real analytical person, I have to understand the whole process before I commit to anything. I remember just sitting down one day and just assessing my life ”Why am I even here?” “What’s the whole purpose of my existence?” My life purpose thus far was to be born, be busy, grow old and die. That seemed so empty, completely empty.

Surfers Bible: Sounds depressing, and yet so common? What happened then?

Eric: I was challenged by a friend `Eric, have you ever asked Jesus Christ into your heart?’ and I said ‘No’ and he said “Would you like to?”. I can’t explain it, I had been wrestling to understand all this. I said ‘Yes’. He shared with me a few simple truths about my life, my sin and my need for God’s solution in Jesus. My eyes were opened. I asked Jesus Christ into my heart. I remember opening my eyes and realising that I got it! That’s it! It felt like drinking a glass of water after thirsting in a desert for so many years.

Surfers Bible: What is your favourite bible passage and why?

Eric: Philippians 1:21 “But for me to live is Christ and to die is gain”