Atelier Qualia Surf is the creative vessel of Fantine Capron, a dedicated surfboard shaper, glasser, and artisan board builder based between the wave-washed coasts of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Sun and Salt Collective is honored to host her as a Surf Coach and Collaborator. Each board she crafts is a fusion of function, feeling, and fine craftsmanship—an invitation to ride with deeper presence and personal connection.
With over five years immersed full-time in the craft, Fantine has shaped her path under the guidance of masterful local mentors. When not shaping under her own label, she brings boards to life as a full-time glasser at Hotdog Glassing, collaborating with renowned names like Mando Surf Co., Ashley Lloyd Surfboards, Steve Blaylock Surfboards, Boyton Surfboards, and Swell Cycle Surfboards.
At the heart of Atelier Qualia Surf is a reverence for sensation—the dance between board and body, ocean and intention. Whether a surfer arrives with clarity or curiosity, the process is the same: an intuitive collaboration to uncover the board that meets their essence in the water. Every detail is tuned to serve the felt experience, honoring the soul of surfing through design.
For me, building a custom surfboard is more than just the specs, the rocker and rail foil. It’s a creative collaboration with you. I love working with surfers who are curious, who want to learn, and who care about the craft. Whether you’re ordering your first custom or you know exactly what you want, I’ll meet you where you’re at and guide us through the rest of the process. -Fantine
Ask me Anything!
www.qualiasurf.com
-
When someone approaches me for a custom board, I like to keep things personal and attentive. It usually starts with a conversation—either in person, over the phone, or through email. We jump into a sort of assessment. I’ll ask about your surfing experience, where you typically surf, the kind of waves you love (or want to be ready for), and how you want your board to feel under your feet. As we discuss your goals, I also always pay great attention to your visual and aesthetic desires.
From there, we work together to figure out the right model or design. I might recommend something from the Qualia lineup, or we might develop something entirely new together. I shape every board myself and depending on the model or new design, it will either hand-shaped or CNC cut. I glass your board myself, and build it start to finish—so what you get is a board built with care, intention, and a close attention to detail.
All Qualia surfboards are built with durability in mind and glassed with bio epoxy Entropy Resin. Flax cloth decks are available upon request. -
I’ve been building custom surfboards full time for 5+ years, surrounded by wonderful local mentors. I truly focus on sensations and what a surfer needs out in the ocean. Coming to me with clarity is ideal but nonetheless if you are uncertain of your needs, that is also exactly what my job is: helping you get clarity for your next surfboard.
My shaping and glassing style is influenced by both traditional techniques and modern design, always with an eye on how a board actually responds in the water for each different surfer. I’m particularly drawn to boards that let surfers express their style—whether it’s performance surfing, noseriding, drawing long clean lines, or loosening up for more dynamic surfing.
-
Peeling right hand point breaks and my 7’2 Magnolia! If I had one board to bring to an island that would be the one.
Client Love
-
" Getting a board made by Qualia was a true surfer-shaper collab experience. I had a rough board design with a specific spot in mind when I met with Fantine. She was receptive to my ideas no matter how goofy they were and open to discuss specs. Then, using her extensive knowledge of board design and building, she crafted a board perfectly tailored to my build and riding style. Can’t recommend Qualia enough! If you want your next board to be shaped just how you imagined it, faster than you expect it, and also look like a sick piece of art, look no further, Fantine’s got you! "
Julie
-
“I worked with Fantine on two shapes, a twin pin step up and a diamond tail daily driver. Fantine is more than skilled at her craft, shes innovative and inspiring to work with. I was able to share my ideas and specifically how i wanted the boards to feel and she came up with these outlines. I haven’t been able to get off these boards, they’re fast, fun, and work in all conditions. In southern california having boards that are versatile is super key. And can’t forget the art direction and colors on these. Fantine has such fresh visual aesthetic and style.”
Leah
-
“Fantine is a translator of a wish into a surfboard. I tried my best to explain to Fantine the dream I had in my heart. She helped ground my random thoughts with the right questions and took the time to understand what I had and hadn’t enjoyed about past boards, where I usually surf, my body type, my surf ability, and also my inspirations and what brings me joy. Fantine delivered on my wildest dreams for a unicorn board. My surfboard feels like it sprang from my heart into reality. Every time I take my board out is a joy, and I am always so proud to mention Fantine when someone asks me “Hey, where did you get that board?””
Mary
-
" Getting a board from Fantine was super fun every step of the way. She immediately had a good understanding of what I wanted and gave really helpful feedback on the shape. We landed on something I was stoked on and I really appreciate her attention to detail regarding both the shape and aesthetics of the board "
Robin
-
"Working with Fantine was an amazing experience. She helped me shape a beautiful custom fish that’s now my daily driver. Fantine took the time to understand the waves I love and guided me through the whole process—it was my first custom board, and she made it feel so easy. The board catches tons of waves on small days and handles the serious days up here on the north coast. Total magic! "
Cassie
-
“Fantine was fantastic! I wanted a new fish board and she asked me tons of questions about my experience level and surfing style. (She asked me questions I did not even know needed to be asked.) We talked a bunch in person and via text. The board is beautiful AND it surfs great! Awesome job, awesome board, awesome person. 5/5 stars, would work with again. Thank you Fantine!!!”
Jackson