Tanner Prairie was born in Costa Mesa, California and spent his days surfing at Blackies in Newport Beach..

Blackies offered a community and network of friendships that still remain a huge part of his life today.
In 2008, a dear friend and long time shaper, Mike Marshall took him under his wing and served as his mentor in keeping the tradition of shaping surfboards 100% by hand. Mike was a shaper for Harbour Surfboards in the early 60’s, and shaped such boards as the The Trestles Special, and the Cheater.

When Tanner made his first surfboard and Mike saw it, he decided to take Tanner under his wing.
They shaped a board together the following day and ever since then Tanner has been making all shapes and sizes of surfboards.
Yet still he prefers one with a smooth outline, a heavy glass job and one fin.