Mcdermott Shapes: The Nexus of Maine’s Ski and Surf Culture

From a previous article on The Mountain Advisor:

Maine-based surf-board-shaper siblings Andy and Ryan Mcdermott are known as innovators of shred within their home state, a reputation increasingly expanding to nationally. Lesser known is their intense history with ski culture, proximity to some of the East Coast’s most esteemed figures in the sport, and overall passion for shredding powder and swell alike.

Ryan, left, chats with Dan Marion (far right) at Black Point Surf Shop. Photo: Christian W. Dietzel

Appearing as extras in the 2009 Meathead Films production “Wild Stallions,” these craftsmen are no strangers to the kindred spirit of skiing and surfing. Applying a life-time of knowledge, design r & d, and innovation (including an apprenticeship under esteemed San Clemente, California shaper Terry Senate), the brothers are currently one of only two shapers in the world to produce what is known as the “surf-ski. Considering that their competition, Star Surf Skis works in partnership with the brothers on this niche offering, they currently have the market locked-down. The Mcdermott brother’s surf-ski design has been featured on Salomon Free-Ski TV’s segments with extreme skiing/big wave surf star Chuck Patterson and ski film stars Mike Douglass and Cody Townsend.

Andy and Ryan have made appearances in Meathead’s films as extras, such as the 2009 feature “Wild Stallions.” 

The surf ski, however innovative, never took off into the mainstream. But that was never the key to the McDermott’s core business—making surfboards for passionate people, and doing it from their home in Maine has always been their calling. At the Mcdermott brothers’ second annual International Surf Day event this past June, a full cast of characters arrives at the parking-lot stratosphere of Black Point Surf Shop, their home base located a short distance from Willard Beach which can be located at 134 Black Point Road, Scarborough. ALONG COMES MULTIPLE-TIME X GAMES COMPETITOR AND MEAT HEAD FILM STAR DAN MARION, POWER-SLIDING A CARVER LONGBOARD DOWN THE WAVE-LIKE LENGTH OF THE DRIVEWAY’S PITCH. A PASSIONATE SURFER HIMSELF AND CHILDHOOD FRIEND OF THE BROTHERS, MARION IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF CELEBRITY CUSTOMERS OF MCDERMOTT SHAPES. IT IS ALSO THE PREFERRED SURF-OUTLET TO OLYMPIC GOLDEN-BOY, SUGARLOAF SNOWBOARD AMBASSADOR SETH WESCOTT.

The McDermott’s surf ski made it big in this Salomon Free Ski TV episode.

More interesting, perhaps, is that the Mcdermott Brothers have recently earned a $25,000 grant from the state of MTI (Maine Technology Institute) to finance research into propriety materials to launch of their own full production factory, slated to be opened later this year. It would be the first surfboard factory–ever–within the state of Maine.

Andy McDermott behind the counter at Black Point Surf Shop. Photo: Christian W. Dietzel

“I just want to be able to travel. Ski and surf trips, that’s all I really need,” says Andy. What else do the Mcdermott Brothers have to say about their growing empire of shred?

“Well, MTV2 gave us a call last week—something about a show called ‘Jobs That Don’t Suck’. We’ll see if that pans out,” offers brother Ryan.

Dan Marion gives the surf ski a look-see. Photo: Christian W. Dietzel

Whether you’re a cold-water New England surfer, or a summer-stuck ski bum looking for advice on how to cool off until next winter, take a peak at what the Mcdermott brothers have brewing with their ski-surf science, and rejoice as winter is almost always just around the corner.

For more on the 207 crew, check out www.mcdermottshapes.com