Joël Roux: welcome to the Lightning Bolt Shapers community

The Legacy of Surf: Unveiling the Craft of Joël Roux and Our Timeless Surfboards

Biographical note:

Student of the fine arts of Bayonne, champion surfer, traveler, father of a family, and lover of life, Joël even almost became a professional golfer.

In the sun-kissed days of the late 1970s, under the Hawaiian skies, the waves of destiny brought together two visionary spirits in the surfing world. Jack Shipley, the esteemed founder of Lightning Bolt, crossed paths with a French shaper whose name would become synonymous with the Art and soul of surfboard crafting—Joël Roux. This meeting was not merely a chance encounter but the genesis of a partnership that would echo through the annals of surf history, merging tradition, innovation, and a deep emotional connection with the brand.

Joël Roux, a pioneer of French shaping since 1965, embodies a stylistic vogue that has taken him from the shores of Biarritz to the powerful breaks of Hawaii and Tahiti. Having honed his skills with Michel Barland in the late 60s, Joël's journey truly took flight on the north shore of Oahu in 1972. It was here, amidst the roaring waves and the vibrant surf culture, that his talent shone brightly, catching the discerning eye of Jack Shipley. Impressed by Joël's ability to merge modernity and functionality, Shipley offered him the prestigious shaper role at Lightning Bolt.

Yet, Joël Roux's story is one of relentless passion and prolific creativity. His tenure at Topical Blend in Honolulu saw him producing an abundant array of shapes, each infused with his unique vision. Joël's boards were more than mere tools for riding waves; they combined innovation, technicality, and aesthetic beauty. This set him apart from other shapers of the time, establishing him as a true artist in his craft.

Throughout his illustrious career, Joël crossed paths with many legends of shaping. He learned from the best, being a Mike Diffenderfer and Steve Colleta disciple, and forged enduring friendships. His association with Shaun Thompson for French production further solidified his reputation as a shaper of immense skill and vision. Joël describes himself as a "child of the stars," a testament to his spiritual connection with the ocean and his belief in surfing as a means of expression and liberation.

Was it his daring ventures at V Land or the second reef of Pipeline that instilled in him this deep spiritualism? Or was it simply the culmination of a lifelong quest for freedom through surfing? Perhaps it is both. Today, Joël Roux's boards reflect this spiritual depth and advanced technicality as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Our partnership with Joël Roux brings this rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship to our surfboards. Each board blends tradition and Art, infused with Joël's eloquent touch of artistry. Pieces of Art and heritage crafted by a Master whose passion and dedication to the sport have spanned decades.

Today, his works are placed in the squares and parks of Biarritz, Monaco, China, and elsewhere.