3 years after what was called "Black Monday" for most of the surfing community, local shapers are struggling against foreign made boards and increased competition amongst themselves for customers. With the destruction of Clark Foam more and more boards are being made in China. This SignOnSanDiego article tells how shapers are adjusting to the changing marketplace.

Shapers struggle to stay afloat

Reilly, a San Diego transplant by way of Long Island, had been shaping boards for five years when he finally felt the effect of the “Foam Crunch” seven months ago.

“When it really came down to it, it was costing as much money as I was making,” Reilly said. “I'd go into a shop with one of my boards and the owner would say, 'This looks like a board I can get for $200 cheaper.' At that point I realized things might not get better.”