About us
Joël Fitzgerald
"Born in Sydney in 1973, Joel grew up on the Northern Beaches, in the heart of North Narrabeen. His father, Terry Fitzgerald - the "Sultan of Speed" - legendary 70's shaper and founder of Hot Buttered, introduced him to surfing and shaping at an early age.
At the age of 11, he received his first fine single, a 5'7 Spiderman, and started surfing every day.
Joel soon embarked on a series of trips to Indo, Tahiti, Japan and California. From the barrels at Uluwatu to the long straights at Desert Point, he drew his lines, building a style and a philosophy."
At the age of 11, he received his first fine single, a 5'7 Spiderman, and started surfing every day.
Joel soon embarked on a series of trips to Indo, Tahiti, Japan and California. From the barrels at Uluwatu to the long straights at Desert Point, he drew his lines, building a style and a philosophy."
After a third-place finish at the Narrabeen Pro Junior in 1992, Joel spent almost 20 years on the pro tour. But he soon tired of the heats, preferring to search for the perfect wave rather than collect scores.
He leaves the contests to embody free surfing to the full: exploring Balinese reefs, shooting Hawaiian barrels, riding his own shapes for the sheer pleasure of flow.
He leaves the contests to embody free surfing to the full: exploring Balinese reefs, shooting Hawaiian barrels, riding his own shapes for the sheer pleasure of flow.
Based in Byron Bay, Joel founded his own workshop. There, he shapes each board by hand, the old-fashioned way, testing asym, twins, channels and deep concaves, always with that typical Australian surf feel.
He even saved his shape room from going up in flames: in 2022, their house and workshop burn down. Joel almost dies to save a few boards and photos of his son.
From this ordeal comes an even stronger vision: "Your imagination is your best friend.
He even saved his shape room from going up in flames: in 2022, their house and workshop burn down. Joel almost dies to save a few boards and photos of his son.
From this ordeal comes an even stronger vision: "Your imagination is your best friend.
What sets Joel apart is that he rides his own shapes in serious conditions. He's not just a designer: he's a fearless tuberider, who knows exactly what he's creating because he surfs it himself, at Desert Point, G-Land, or Pipeline.
Today, Joel inspires a new generation of surfers and shapers. He blends his father's Hot Buttered heritage with modern lines, always at the service of style, speed and stoke.
His goal? That every board makes you say "wow", whether you're at home on a little beach break or on a world-class point break.
Today, Joel inspires a new generation of surfers and shapers. He blends his father's Hot Buttered heritage with modern lines, always at the service of style, speed and stoke.
His goal? That every board makes you say "wow", whether you're at home on a little beach break or on a world-class point break.
Joel fitzgerald surfboards
Site created by Shapers Clubfeaturing Joel Fitzgerald's board designs, and showcasing his exceptional residences in Marennes to design your custom boards directly, at rates more affordable than an expedition from Australia.
If you visit this site after Joel's departure, you may find what you're looking for in our online store, Joel Fitzgerald category:
https://shop.shapersclub.com/shaper/joel-fitzgerald/If you visit this site after Joel's departure, you may find what you're looking for in our online store, Joel Fitzgerald category:
Contact us
Street: 13 Rue des entrepreneurs 17320 Marennes
Tel: 05 46 27 00 27
Email: contact@shapersclub.com
Timetable: Mon - Sat: 10:00 - 20:00
Tel: 05 46 27 00 27
Email: contact@shapersclub.com
Timetable: Mon - Sat: 10:00 - 20:00
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Photo credits : @elsagirault_photography, @dustydarkroom, Joël Fitzgerald surfboards Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved Shapers Club