Valaric
Jordan Brazie is a creative wizard of sorts. A shaper known for his innovative and unique design approach. He describes most of his shapes as alternative performance. His brand aesthetic is best described as a collaboration between science fiction and fantasy. Think electronic dance music meets Dune taking shape as a surfboard for the thumping beach breaks of the Outer Banks or the point breaks of Iceland.
Jordan continues to push boundaries in surfboard design. His commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship sets Valaric apart from the rest. In 2024, surf enthusiasts can look forward to exciting new developments from Valaric, as Jordan explores innovative ways to leverage Space Rock for surfboard enthusiasts worldwide.
We sat down with the most recent and two time winner of the Florida Shape Off to learn about his origin story and all things Valaric.
2004: A young Jordan with board number 1.
Why Valaric Surfboards and not Brazie Shapes?
JB: I wanted my boards to be their own entity and not too focused on my birth name. Valaric is a word I had in mind from an early age. I like the sound of the word phonetically and I like the way it looks visually. I wrote it on my skateboards at an early age, and it was also on my first surfboard I ever shaped.
What was the first board you shaped and why did you choose that shape?
My first shape was a 6’4” thruster with a super square tail, blue airbrushed rails. I had gotten my hands on John Carpenter's shaping 101 vhs tape. I didn’t really want to vary from the example, plus I wanted a 6’4” thruster.
Brazie cutting out a modified Star Cruiser.
Has your point of view on the type of equipment you shape shifted over the years?
I still love shaping what most would call a “conventional” or “traditional” shortboard when the opportunity presents itself. I shape a wide spectrum of boards for a multitude of conditions. A majority of those shapes would be alternative to your standard thruster.
Tell us about the four boards you shaped for the site? What logic did you use in choosing this offering of shapes?
I put together what could easily be a small well rounded quiver to cover a large range of waves. The models I shaped from shortest to longest are The Oscillator, The Portal Gun, The Star Cruiser, and The Captain’s Log. I chose a color pallet of blue pigments to flex Space Rock’s color mixing capabilities.
The Oscillator: This is a versatile alternative shortboard that is great for paddling long lineups by having a stretched out but smoothly curved outline for volume and maneuverability while having a mild entry rocker and soft roll under the nose to be forgiving on punchy waves. Setup as a quad fin for added control over the speed and power the board offers.
The Portal Gun: This model is designed to be an early take off, and confident step board with modernized 70s semi gun vibe. I chose a 6.9 size to fit below a mid range board, something you can paddle fast on but still duck dive no problem. Quad setup to secure steep angle take offs and drive through fast sections.
The Star Cruiser: This my favorite mid size go to board. Ideal for waves just above perfect logging conditions to shoulder-head high days. This is my take on the Wayne Lynch evolution design but a little more performance rocker profile. Essentially an egg shape that puts the rider right in the sweet spot where you pop up, giving you complete control of the board from a back end position. A mid-length that allows you to either take similar lines to a performance board or keep it chill and cruise.
The Captain's Log: This model may be familiar for those that have seen it when I was shaping for WRV, as it has been a go to noserider model in my lineup for many years while frequently updating but maintaining the core ingredients. Wide point just behind center, 60/40 slightly pinched rails and subtle but detailed foil that provides smooth glide and lift for a maneuverable and stable nose riding experience.
Do you see any of your mentors in those shapes?
The Portal Gun has a lot of influence from Bill Frieson’s low apex rail designs and beak nose perfectionism. The outline is 90% from a template of Marty Keesecker’s 70’s model called the Whoa Daddy!
I see Dave Barnes in the Oscillator and Star Cruiser rails and foils. His label is Seasoned Surfboards and I worked at his factory scrubbing machine cuts. I learned a lot of how I approach performance elements from him.
2024 Florida Shape Off Winner honoring Bill Frierson
Speaking of Bill Frierson the most recent Surf Expo shape off was in honor of Bill. That was your second time winning the shape off. How did your first win compare to this one?
The first win was new and exciting. It’s something that I’ll never forget. The second win was very personal due to my personal connection with Bill. I truly wanted to pay him respect, and the fact that I won was the cherry on top. A salute and thank you.
Winning the Florida Shape Off qualifies you to compete in the San Diego Boardroom shape off in October. Being that it is your second time competing will your approach be any different?
This year will be honoring Bob McTavish. As I’ve been driving up and down the East Coast visiting my accounts I’ve been putting my hands on any McTavish I can find. When I competed back in 2019 it was when they introduced the bracket format. It’s been cool to see how the format has evolved. I’m definitely a fan of a more objective and measured approach to the competition.
What more can we expect from Valaric in 2024?
You can expect more rider and design development. I want to expand on existing relationships and develop new relationships that inspire the growth of the Valaric brand. Inside looks into my board designs through surfing, shaping and the creative process via media and video content. And of course I’ll be making new and experimental designs available through spacerock.com.