Matt Calvani wins champions Shape-Off Challenge at 50th Surf Expo

Key Highlights

• He's awarded his check by Surf Expo director Ricky Carroll. Calvani was ecstatic and equally surprised by the win. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe explained that his detailed attention to include the specific dimensions of the rocker on this board was what he felt was key to his victory. Carroll agreed.“The difference here came down to the surfboard's rocker, and Matt got it right, just perfect,” Carroll said.“I am honored to be among so many talented shapers here,” said the 55-year-old, who has been a craftsman since he was a teen.
• “It’s been a while since I've been back here, everyone is so friendly.”Calvani was the winner of the 2020 event, honoring the late and Florida icon, Dick Catri. Allen White, of Cocoa Beach, who was the 2025 Shape-off winner, was originally chosen as an alternate to this year's competition. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I guess luck was on my side again,” said White, who has been shaping under his company, Allen White Surfboards. Matt Calvani (Bing Surfboards), far left, won the 18th annual Florida Shape-Off held during the 50th annual Surf Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on Jan.
• 9, 2026.
• Allen White (Allen White Surfboards), second from left, was runner-up and Jim Hannan of Melbourne, middle, took third.
• Second from right is Surf Expo director Ricky Carroll, and Surf Expo Director Roy Turner, right. Carroll's announcement of third place came as an even bigger surprise to Jim Hannan, who has collected several checks during the last 15 years from the Expo Shape-Offs.“I was honestly finding it difficult to even know where to start with such a limited amount of time with this unusual and unique board,” said Hannan.