I'm sure you have all heard of the latest technology at work in the shaping field: computer shaping machines that can be used with design programs to design and cut out a roughly-finished blank. But is this the future of shaping? I think not. For one thing, the "designer" still has to know what makes a surfboard work, and work well. Skilled shapers have been making insane surfboards for decades without the use of these machines and will continue to do so. In fact, most shapers today will not even use a computer pre-shape in creating a pro team rider's new board. They are simply a tool to take the labor out of high-volume production shaping, not a tool to replace the coordination of a skilled shaper's hand, eye, and soul.