Icons of Surf

Our little surfing universe is much smaller than we sometimes think.
We are all interconnected and tied together by the ocean and vibrations of this earth. Getting to share our experiences in this lifetime is one of the joys of the surfing lifestyle.
has made a lifetime out of immersing himself in the surfing pursuit and everything that goes along with it, from some of the most influential clothing brands to managing sales of some of the best handmade surfboards in the world.

When solid swell finally hits, what are you riding?
Most of us (average surfers) don’t need a true “big wave gun“, but we do need more board size and more flotation to be able to catch waves with more energy and more water moving. Many of the designs that work in bigger surf in southern California are also great for the average conditions that we get. ! As with any powerful swell event, err on the side of caution, know your limits, watch out for your brethren in the water and focus on safety above all.

Every one of us is shaped by the influence of our peers, those who came before us, and especially the time in which we came of age. Surfers who grew up through the 1990s, especially in Southern California, witnessed a very polarized surfing culture in which those who strayed from the mainstream style of surfing equipment were quickly marginalized, but at the same time, they developed into their own unique subculture, influenced by the most respected characters from generations before them. Mike Siordia has a deep respect for his surfing elders, as well as an eye on the future and what is truly most important in surfing; fun. Aloha.

Robert “Russ” Brown, founded Russell surfboards in Newport Beach in late 1966. His brand and the surfboard builders and riders which he fostered were at the pointy end of the performance, short board revolution and represented the peak of progression for the Orange County area in California through the 70s and beyond.
From the master to the apprentice, the Russell Brand has been continued by JP Roberts and his crew of dedicated surfer board builders.
There are too many notable names to mention from throughout the years, but please enjoy JP running through his time under Russ, and some of the deeply influential history that is indelible with the Russell surfboard brand.
Long, live the brotherhood!

Koz McRae is a hand shaper currently residing in South Orange County and who spent some quality time living, surfing, and shaping in the Santa Barbara area, bouncing ideas with Ryan Lovelace. He has developed a unique design language, combining influences from different types of waves and wave riding equipment, adapting displacement hull design attributes to a wide variety of wave conditions, not limited to point waves.

Gordon and Smith Surfboards epitomizes handmade heritage, skill, and quality and is still owned and run by Larry Gordon’s daughter Debbie, granddaughter Mele, and a crew of some the best builders in the world. If you want a peek behind the curtain, check the list of tagged builders, who all had their hands on this batch of beautiful San Diego built surfboards.
Long live surfer labor. .brown.5855

We, as surfers in the 2020s aren't much further than one or two generations away from the pioneers who brought the gift from our Hawaiian brothers and sisters and shared it with the world. The [Hap] Jacobs brand carries more weight than most, representing some of the highest quality surfing craft built in the South Bay of Los Angeles from the 1950s, 60s and 70's, to the 1990s and on to current day with Hap's son Kent and the fiberglass boardwrights at Mahalo, fellows.

It’s easy to overlook just how many skilled hands it takes to build a high-quality surfboard. Of course, there are a handful of wizards who can do every step themselves start to finish, but on the whole, a team of experienced specialists are hand-picked and recruited to bring their own particular talents to a team of board builders.
They work diligently behind the scenes, and in my opinion, deserve at least a portion of the spotlight that mainly shines on the shapers and team riders. Tom Sutherland, a.k.a. Sudz got his start as a team rider for Hobie and then moved through many different job titles in the board building occupation, finding his niche as an artist, painter, pin liner.
The next time you stop by a factory to pick up your custom surfboard, ask if it’s OK to stick your head in back and thank the team that builds your wonderful crafts.

Skilled-Surfer-built vs. overseas-low-wage-high-profit-replica surfboards… Ready, go. (**Reposted due to music flag, apologies**) Nainoa Speier of , musing on the effects of the art of surfboard building when profit becomes the primary motive, over community, over legacy, over skill and artistry, over the Hawaiian roots which we all stand on.