The Grind Series with Forrest Minchinton & Parker Coffin

If you love surfing and appreciate quality craftsmanship, then you're probably familiar with the names Forrest Minchinton and Parker Coffin. Known for their incredible talent, drive, and innovation, these two individuals have made a significant mark in the world of surfing, each carving out their own unique path to success. But most importantly, Minchinton and Coffin are all about putting in the work, day in and day out. Embodying the true spirit of The Grind in all their endeavors, it was only natural for the duo to team up for the latest episode of the series. Minchinton worked his magic to craft a unique surfboard for the Java Monster Creator Club giveaway, set to launch later this year. 

Far from a conventional surfboard shaper, Minchinton’s passion for surfing and craftsmanship has led him to create some of the most stunning and innovative boards in the industry, each one a true representation of his distinctive style. Drawing inspiration from the mid-century board aesthetic and the classic era of surfboard design and manufacturing, his vision for Java Monster aimed to blend elements of a bygone era with the subtleties of modern performance. The traditional outline, timeless neutral color palette, twin fin setup, and polished gloss finish were all meticulously crafted by hand, showcasing his personal touch and adoration for the craft. 

“I’ve always strived to create things that are timeless, whether that’s a surfboard or a film, anything that I do,” he said. “It has this sort of luster to it and that’s something that’s not as common in the surfboard industry today. It’s usually reserved for something special, and I think this one is definitely something special.”

Minchinton has always had a drive for surfing and motocross, which he feels has brought balance and creativity into his life. Growing up in Costa Rica and California, his family and upbringing were major influencers in fostering his passion for these two sports. From watching his dad build surfboards to tearing up the desert on dirt bikes, wheels and water have always been a significant part of his fondest memories. He described these seemingly contrasting pursuits as the yin and yang of his life. Yet, while his career has been beautifully built around everything he stands for—art, travel, motorcycles, and surfing—one of his greatest obstacles in riding was the expense, sparking his interest in building surfboards.

“I think I did it the right way,” he said. “The hard way. I worked from the bottom, worked every single job you could work in a surfboard factory, from sweeping floors to taking out the trash to glossing, you name it. Now, I’m fortunate enough to own my own factory. The hardest thing about carving my own path was just putting in the work, putting in the time, and dedicating to a craft that really has very little monetary rewards. It’s really a passion and a labor of love. You certainly don’t make surfboards to be a billionaire.” Minchinton emphasizes that while others may only see the enjoyment in his life, the reality is that achieving his goals requires a certain level of grit and a great deal of sacrifice.

After traveling the world for five years, he decided to settle in Santa Teresa where he created SOMOS, a shaping studio and residency program for surfboard builders. This unique space, with its glass walls and open-door policy, has become a vibrant cultural hub in the Costa Rican jungle. Whether you're a seasoned board builder, a surfer, or just curious about the art of shaping surfboards, SOMOS welcomes anyone to come and experience the magic of building and celebrating surfboard culture together.

“There’s a certain mysticism, a little magic to surfboards that no one really understands,” he said. “But only a surfer really knows the feeling of picking up a board and knowing it’s the one.” 

The partnership between Forrest Minchinton, Parker Coffin, and Java Monster is not only a nod to the grind of daily life. It is a venture rooted in authenticity that resonates deeply with Coffin himself.

Growing up in Santa Barbara, California, Coffin developed a deep love for surfing at a young age. Despite not residing in a well-known surf hotspot, he was constantly immersed in the passion of likeminded surfers who embraced the sport for all the right reasons. Whether racing his brother down the trail to Rincon or being inspired by local surf icons like Bobby Martinez, Tom Curren, and Dane Reynolds, Coffin grew up believing that achieving his dream of becoming a professional surfer was within his reach. Being in the water has always been the ultimate escape from today's technology-driven world, allowing him to be fully present and forget about all the distractions.

“For me, the part I love the most is the focus you have to be at the right place at the right time, to take all of that movement into account, and position yourself accordingly,” he said. 

Throughout his career, Coffin has faced numerous challenges and suffered severe injuries and time away from the water. His most recent mishap in Barbados resulted in a broken nose and a torn eyelid from colliding with the reef. Nevertheless, Coffin’s strength never wavered, and he always found the bravery to get back up.

“Monster was one of the few that stuck by my side,” he said. “If anything, that gave me the belief and courage I needed to keep going forward. There are things in life you just can’t control, but how you bounce back is obviously within your control. I pushed every day and kept believing it was going to get better. It comes down to how hard you’re willing to push yourself.”

Winning the DaHui Backdoor Shootout with his Snapt4 team was Coffin's ultimate career achievement. Reflecting on the incredible experience shared with friends at the most treacherous wave in the world, he stressed the significance of staying true to oneself and trusting one's instincts when chasing after a dream.

“My main priority is to just remain as authentic as possible, do what is right for me, and follow my own path,” he said. “You know yourself better than anybody. You know what’s attainable for yourself and I think the only thing limiting you from creating those opportunities is belief.”

As fans eagerly await the release of the Java Monster Creator Club giveaway, they can rest assured knowing that they are getting a piece of surfing history crafted by one of the best in the business.

“The most rewarding part of this partnership with Java Monster is the fact that they recognize what I’m doing,” Minchinton said. “To me, that’s felt like I’ve made it in this world, that a brand I’ve always looked up to as this giant of what action sports is, supports what I’m doing. It legitimizes what I’m doing. It’s been very fun to create this board and be given the creative freedom to do what I do.”