In the world of shaping, Rachel Lord is a bit of an anomaly. She started surfing late. And when it comes to crafting surfboards, she’s almost entirely self taught. Which is essentially unheard of.<br /><br />“I was able to take ownership of my own process, not dependent on someone else’s approach,” Lord told us last year. “Women often find shaping through art, which leads to a diverse point of view.”<br /><br />To wit, Lord’s studio background (sculpture, painting, and functional design) has impacted her boards’ aesthetic: they’re easy to recognize with eye-popping color designs.<br /><br />“To be able to ride my art was conceptually so much more inspiring to me than something that just sits on a wall,” she says.<br /><br />Traveler Surf Club is home to the Ventura, Calif.-based Lord Boards. Just a quick bike ride or walk and you’ve got a plethora of wave-riding options. Using the club has made it easy for Rachel to make – and test – boards. After surfing, she can warm up on the heated benches, take a hot shower, and head straight to the shop. For Rachel, and Lord Boards, life is pretty good.
