If you are a Southern California surfer in need of surfboard or SUP repair, there is a good chance you’ve visited The Ding King in Encinitas. Owned by Brian Szymanski, the shop stands atop the famous “Hill” on Westlake Street—the very place where many legendary shapers and glassers got their start.
As the original surfboard repair facility in San Diego, Ding King remains the go-to spot for North County locals and some of the world’s best professional surfers, all of whom trust their equipment to Brian and the crew.
How did the concept for “Ding King” come about?
The “Beacons Buttons” (not to be confused with Hawaii’s Buttons) is the original Ding King. He started back as a fin foiler at Bahne Surfboards / Fins Unlimited. Even in retirement, you can still find “Buttons” at the shop on Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM talking story, washing his car, and helping customers. He just can’t stay away!
How long has Ding King been open?
The store was established in 1974, back when there was nothing between “The Hill” and the beach. This location has seen the likes of Tony Channin, Mike Diffenderfer, Pat Curren, Gary Macnabb of Nectar Surfboards, Tom Eberly, and Jim Phillips (the “Genius”). If you shape, glass, or do any kind of board production in San Diego, you’ve worked on The Hill. There is a lot of history here, and I’m stoked to be a part of it.
Brian Szymanski at Swami’s | Credit: The Cardiff Kook
How long have you been shaping, and who were your mentors?
I’ve been shaping for about 34 years now; I started when I was 20. Back in the eighties, I was surfing for Sunset Surfboards and came to The Ding King looking for work. I started fixing dings for Buttons, and then Tom Eberly took me under his wing. He showed me the ropes—everything from finning and hot coats to laminating and sanding. Tom was instrumental in teaching me to shape and pointing me toward a career in production board building.
How did you get into repair work professionally?
As a team grom for Sunset Surfboards, I got a job fixing boards at their old shop on Coast Highway 101—the same place where Moonlight Glassing originated. I eventually rented a shaping room from Buttons until 2002. When he wanted to retire, I bought the business and took over where he left off.
Do you repair Balsa wood and other specialty boards?
Yes, we repair everything: regular polyester, epoxy, carbon fiber, wood surfboards, and stand-up paddleboards. I’m proud to work with a dedicated team of five employees who make the work fun and interesting every day.
What is your average turnaround time?
We take immense pride in our craftsmanship. Most repairs have a 2 to 5-day turnaround. Generally, if you bring your board in on Monday, you’ll be surfing it by Friday.
Tell us about your custom surfboards.
That started with Tom Eberly. He was my shaper at the time, but he used to “lag” on my boards on purpose to motivate me to learn to shape for myself! I couldn’t wait, so I was forced to learn. Today, I run Ding King, shape for Channel Islands, and design racing SUPs for Starboard.
Collaborating with Rob Machado
My favorite board right now is a 5’5” collab I’ve been working on with Rob. When he’s in town, we design together at the shop. Check out the
“Board Eat Board” segment in our custom section.
What are your favorite local surf spots?
I’m a Cardiff guy, so I love Suck Outs, Seaside Reef, and Swami’s. I also head down to Baja Malibu and the reef breaks in Mexico when a big swell hits.
What do you love about calling Encinitas home?
I grew up in the tight-knit community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. I remember bombing Birmingham Drive as a grom with my board in hand. Having traveled the world, I always realize there is nowhere better than right here. It has that sleepy beach town vibe, incredible food, rippable surf, and great people. Home doesn’t get any better than that.
Ready to get back in the water?