Alan Cleland, a rising star from Pascuales, Mexico, is making waves in his rookie year at the Lexus Pipe Pro, stepping into the event armed with a quiver of meticulously crafted surfboards. Although Cleland had never competed at a Championship Tour event before, his journey to this point has been marked by his close collaboration with renowned shaper Timmy Patterson.
Cleland first met Patterson when he was just nine years old. Over the past five years, the two have worked together to refine Cleland’s boards, creating some of the most impressive shapes on tour. “Timmy has put in a lot of work, and the boards are so good now,” Cleland says, acknowledging Patterson’s expertise and dedication.
Patterson, based in San Clemente, has built boards for some of the biggest names in surfing, including Andy Irons, Matt Archbold, Pat O’Connell, Adriano De Souza, Jordy Smith, and Italo Ferreira. His reputation for shaping high-performance boards has earned him the trust of surfers worldwide. Known for his laid-back approach, Patterson often shapes in board shorts, creating boards in a style he believes is best suited to the craft.
Cleland is quick to highlight Patterson’s experience and skill, noting that the master shaper has a vast library of variations and files developed over his long career. “I have complete trust in him,” Cleland shares. “Not only is he an incredible shaper, but he’s an amazing surfer too. He understands how the boards work, and we refine them together.”
Cleland, who survived his opening round heat at the Pipe Pro, is now advancing to the Round of 32, with his custom boards ready to take on the legendary Pipeline break.
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