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ABOUT US

Crafted on tradition, built for the ride.

Frequently asked questions

ABOUT US

Crafted on tradition, built for the ride

Chelu's Roots

Vintage photo of Chelu Surfboards founder shaping in the 1970s

1970s – First Steps in Surfing and Repair

Starts surfing at 13 and repairs his first surfboard at 14. Builds a boogie board at 16, marking his first hands-on shaping experiment.

Chelu workshop in the 1990s – early surfboard shaping days

1990s – Expanding Horizons

Produced 100 Byrne boards in 1992, for Make Wave SurfShop in Venezuela. Moves to the U.S. in the mid-‘90s, continuing his passion for surfboard repair and shaping.

Top view of Chelu Surfboards lineup – handcrafted boards arranged in circle

2000s – Professional Growth

Works with major brands like Stewart, Chanel Island and Lost. Acquires his own glass shop in San Clemente, CA. His son Jose joins the business, excelling under Chelu’s guidance.

Portrait of Chelu Surfboards founder in his early years

1960s – Humble Beginnings

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in December 1962.

Vintage surfing action – riding an early Chelu surfboard

1980s – Early Shaping and Learning

Shapes his first official board by reworking an old longboard. By 19, he’s shaping with locally made foam blanks and learning the craft.

Chelu and José – generational shapers building custom boards together

2025 – Preserving the Legacy

Focuses on maintaining CHELU SURFBOARDS with Jose as his right-hand man, alongside his family.

Father and son – Chelu and José by the beach, living the surf lifestyle

2010s – Innovation and Mentorship

Produced custom SUP race boards for brands like 404, Riviera, Infinity, Imagine Surf and Hobie.

Chelu and José – father and son moment in the early days of the brand
Chelu and José – father and son moment in the early days of the brand

The spirit behind Chelu Surfboards® 

Jose Luis "Chelu" Magra

Jose Luis Magra is a lifelong craftsman whose dedication to surfboard shaping and manufacturing reflects decades of passion, curiosity, and hands-on mastery. Deeply rooted in surf culture, his approach balances tradition with innovation, and he’s known not just for the boards he creates, but for the way he brings soul into every board. Now based in San Clemente, California for over 23 years, Jose Luis continues to mentor the next generation—including his son, Jose—while staying deeply involved in the design and shaping of every Chelu Surfboard. His quiet influence and commitment to quality have earned him the respect of surfers and shapers across the world.

Jose Magra

From a young age, Jose Magra was drawn to building surfboards at the age of 12 years old and stepped into the world of surfboards, mastering lamination and working with top brands under Chelu’s mentorship. Today, Jose has over 20 years of experience and is a key force behind Chelu Surfboards, bringing fresh energy and innovation while carrying forward the family legacy with skill and vision.

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