Born at sea. Raised at sea. Chaos at sea.
Gonzo Shapes is a boutique surfboard shaping studio founded by big-wave surfer Jurie Muller. Every board is shaped by hand, built around the individual rider, and informed by years spent chasing swells, studying waves, and learning the ocean from the inside out.
No stock models. No production lines. Just custom boards designed to suit the surfer, the conditions, and the feeling they’re chasing.
Gonzo Shapes officially began in 2016, but the story started long before that — in the water.
After years of surfing and developing a deep appreciation for surfboard design, Jurie was given the opportunity to work alongside respected South African shaper Alistair Brown of Cape St Francis Surf Factory. Under Al’s guidance, he was introduced to every stage of the craft, from hand-shaping blanks and refining rails to glassing, spraying and finishing boards.
Al played a significant role in shaping Jurie’s understanding of board design and craftsmanship, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Gonzo Shapes.
Another influential mentor was Pierre de Villiers of Dream Surfboards, who shared his extensive knowledge of shaping larger boards, working with templates, and understanding how subtle design changes influence performance across different conditions.
Today, every Gonzo Shapes board reflects years of hands-on learning, experimentation and time spent in the ocean. The focus remains simple: creating functional, beautifully crafted surfboards that are shaped with purpose and built to be ridden.
No production lines. No shortcuts. Just boards designed by a surfer, for surfers.
Every surfer is different.
Different waves. Different goals. Different ways of moving across the water.
That is why every Gonzo Shapes board begins with a conversation rather than a catalogue.
The aim is simple: to create a board that feels natural beneath your feet and keeps you coming back for one more wave.
Gonzo Shapes continues to experiment with alternative materials, including wool sourced from our own Merino sheep.
It’s an ongoing exploration of what surfboards can be made from, and how they can be made differently.
Spend a few days on Ouland Farm learning to shape your own surfboard under Jurie’s guidance.
These small, hands-on workshops take participants through the process from blank to finished board, offering an immersive introduction to surfboard design, craftsmanship and the thinking behind Gonzo Shapes.
Accommodation and shared farm-to-table meals can be included, creating a complete Ouland Farm experience.
