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. Currently he resides in Costa Mesa where he continues to shape and test his designs along the California coast or wherever else his travels take him.