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 are still an integral part of his life today.
In 2008, a dear friend and long time shaper, Mike Marshall took him under his wing and mentored him in the art of shaping surfboards. Mike was a shaper for Harbor Surfboards in the early 60's, and shaped/designed boards such as The Trestles Special and The Cheater.
Currently, Tanner resides in Costa Mesa where he continues to shape and test his designs along the California coast or wherever his travels take him.