Why Ryan Campbell Is a Surfboard Shaper You Need to Watch
Stab’s recent “10 Shapers To Watch In The Next 10 Years — Part Two” dropped some serious heat, spotlighting a fresh batch of foam alchemists pushing the boundaries of board design. One name in particular stood out: Ryan Campbell of Campbell Designed. If you’re not already familiar with him, now’s the time to pay attention.
The Shaper: From Bottom Turns to Bottom Contours
Ryan Campbell might humbly call himself a “young old guy” at 40, but his trajectory suggests he’s just hitting his prime. Raised in the factory alongside his father, shaper and ex-pro surfer Stuart Campbell—a shaping veteran with a résumé that includes Gordon & Smith, Hot Buttered, and Aloha—Ryan grew up with foam dust in his eyes and a surfer’s intuition in his DNA.
After a period as a professional surfer, Ryan returned to shaping with a sharpened eye and years of feedback built into his blood. His boards aren’t just shaped—they’re surfed, tested, and refined with the precision only a family of pro surfers could bring.
Why He’s Different: Tech That Rips
The standout reason Ryan is one to watch? ExoFlex technology. Developed alongside his father, Stuart, ExoFlex redefines how stiffness, flex, and drive interact in a board on the wave face. Inspired by yacht racing engineering, it combines EPS epoxy with a staggered carbon layup that delivers spring through turns—without the usual chattery drawbacks of epoxy in bigger or lumpy surf.
It’s a tech-forward approach in an industry still clinging to 60-year-old materials and methods. Ryan doesn’t mince words: “To me, using PU and a wood stringer feels like working with dinosaur materials.” And he’s not wrong—why should the most progressive surfers be riding gear that hasn’t evolved since the Beatles?
A Surfer's Shaper
Unlike some designers who barely set foot in surf, Ryan’s shapes are born from experience. “If you can’t surf that well, it takes you a lot longer to learn how to make a true performance board,” he says. His background gives him an edge—his boards aren’t just more technically advanced than the rest; they feel incredible underfoot.
Mikey C from Joyride even gave Campbell Designed boards a nod, ranking them up there with giants like Channel Islands and Pyzel. And with names like Asher Pacey and Victor Bernardo vibing on the tech, it’s only a matter of time before ExoFlex boards start showing up in more lineups—and possibly a future Stab in the Dark feature.
What’s Next?
Ryan’s vision is clear: become one of the biggest names in surfboard design. With consistent growth, dialed-in tech, and a refined performance-first philosophy, he’s not just chasing hype—he’s building something substantial.
For now, if you’re in Australia and looking to test the future of surfboard tech, Campbell Designed Surfboards (including collaborations with Album) are ready to ride. And if you’re outside Oz? No worries we ship internationally. Keep your eyes peeled—Ryan Campbell’s story is just getting started.
The Future Is Fluid
Between heritage, innovation, and performance, Ryan Campbell checks every box. He’s not just a name on Stab’s list—he’s shaping the next chapter of surfboard technology. Don’t sleep on him. The future is fluid, and Campbell Designed is forging the next wave in innovation.
At Campbell Designed Surfboards we know surfing and we know our surfboard technology is second to none. We are so confident in our surfboards that we're offering a MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE if you don't love your new surfboard.
Head over to our SURFBOARD page or reach out to us for a free on-site consult to help you choose your next magic board.
