Shaper Interview: Werner Gnigler, JP shaper
- Tell us what your position in the trademark JP.
I am responsible for the shapes of the tables and fin development.
- Do you consider yourself an artist?
Shapear not an art, is a work of craftsmanship. The difficulty is in knowing that changes will affect the tables and in what direction we should move forward.
- How can we recognize your shapes?
I custom design almost the entire range Js. As design tables of various programs, I have to work different features in each model. Each year developing new concepts adapted to each of the models.
- Can be a good shaper even without surfing?
Yes, but hinders the evolution of shapes because you rely on the information of third parties. If you browse, you can see the changes yourself.
- Who taught you to shapear?
I've been 20 years shapeando tables, I have worked with different shapers, I learned with them and later I started working on their own. My biggest influence was Jonathan Paarman here in Cape Town.
- Do you still remember your first shape? Did anything good?
My first designs were drawn large freeride for F2. Worked very well and since then I have followed shapeando tables.
- What experiences have been important in your career as a shaper?
Undoubtedly have competed in the World Cup, have constant contact with the best riders in the world and the opportunity to sail with them in the best spots.
- How many tables you shapeado up today?
I've never counted.
- How long takes to make a table?
Shapear a table does not take too long, delaying the production process are rolling and finishing due to drying times in each stage. If you organize and use time-outs can be made 5 tables in the time it takes to make one. We must also take into account how many people help in the workshop. If I have a table in a hurry I can finish in a week.
- Do you need knowledge of hydrodynamics to be a good shaper? 
That helps, but the determining factor in the design of the tables is the experience from sailing and test a variety of shapes. This is not a science that can study or be able to document yourself as in the case of sailing regattas. The case of windsurfing is different, you have to learn from experience.
- What are the latest trends in the shapes of surfboards?
At this time the slalom and speed are quite popular, this means that people are interested again for large tables. But windsurfing is a sport that you need as individual products for each client because everyone wants to go fast. Other sports such as freestyle and wave are also very popular.
- Why the standard tables change every year? Is this a reasonable evolution?
Yes, sure. The improved year after year. Also windsurfers needs also change. As I mentioned above tables turn fast becoming popular again, whereas in the past the handling was more important.
- What shaper has made the largest contributions in the history of windsurfing?
No one did anything amazing to change the world of windsurfing, many people had to develop new concepts that influence improved tables.
- What shape do you think was more successful and how did it arise?
It depends on how we value the success by sales, individual satisfaction or outcome of the test.
-Each year the tables are a little different, do you think that the shapes of the past will be repeated one day? 
Some characteristics of the shapes of the past are repeated in the new designs but combined with others so that the product is always different. We'll never make the same tables as 10 years ago.
- You know how it will work before you test a table?
What I can guess but you never know for sure until the water tested. If we did not need to build test tables.
- Do you also design your own wings?
Yes.
- What is especially important in designing a fin?
There are several parameters to consider: angle, profile, outline, etc ... All are important.
- Do you work alone or with a team?
I have people who help me in the workshop to build prototypes of boards and fins. Furthermore assist riders in the tests.
- Do you collaborate with other shapers?
In JP Richard Greene have in Maui, we are in contact but everyone has to design its own set of tables.
- Shapeas custom tables for the general public or only for team riders?
Only for the team riders, very few to the public.
- What famous riders have shapeado tables? 
I have worked with many children, most recently with Josh Stone, Ricardo Campello, Julien Taboulet, Kevin Mevissen, etc..
- How important is the fact of knowing the customer-rider to make a good board?
I just need to know your size and in what conditions you want to use.
- What fascinates you in the shaping?
Working in the constant improvement of the tables and make an attractive product that runs on water.
- Why did you choose South Africa to do development work?
It's a beautiful place and meeting all the conditions necessary to test navigation tables, flat water, waves, light wind and strong wind. I think there is no better place in the world.
- What is your favorite windsurfing spot around the world?
Cape Town.
- What is your favorite spot in South Africa?
Melkboss.
- Shapeas with background music? Of what kind?
We always have the radio on.
- What aspects of your personality do you think helps you be a good shaper?
I'ma workaholic and perfectionist, so do not stop until the job done.
- Do you lead personally test the tables and let the riders do it for you? 
The tables are tested by team riders, but no table is sent to production without my having sailed with her.
- What is it that keeps you motivated?
I love this sport and the challenge of improving the tables year after year.
- How do you see the future of this sport?
This is a great sport, and that new trends will keep you alive and interesting.
- What is your favorite discipline in windsurfing?
The waves of course.
- What do you think about the kite?
It's nice to see people in the water, of course a few windsurfers started to kite but many returned because they realized that windsurfing is more fun.
- Shapeas kiteboards?
Not really. I shapeado some for a friend, but nothing more.
- Can you give us some tips for choosing table?
You need to be aware of the circumstances in which you browse and your level, then it is easy to find your perfect table.
- How is your lifestyle, you feel lucky? What does a typical day in your life?
I love my job and think I am very fortunate to be able to do what I'm doing. I work very hard to present a great product each season.
Here in Cape Town start work very early, 6.30. I usually test in the afternoon. So I try to leave the workshop on 14 to 15 to see the sea. If there is no wind, I stay in the workshop. Unfortunately I have little free time, but I try to use it to be with my family, especially now that we have a baby.
- Looking ahead, what are your goals?
Succeeding with JP and develop the best boards in the world, but above all to have health and enjoy life.
- You think you can build a table to break the barrier of 50 knots?
Yes, no problem. The hard part is finding the ideal conditions to break the record.
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