Gordon & Smith Surfboards: A Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
For over six decades, Gordon & Smith (G&S) Surfboards has been at the heart of surf culture, shaping not just boards but the entire surfing and skateboarding lifestyle. Founded in 1959 in San Diego, California, by Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith, the brand has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a timeless commitment to the sport. As they celebrate 65 years of continuous operation, G&S remains an iconic name that resonates with surfers and skaters alike.
The origins of G&S began with a shared passion between Gordon and Smith. Larry Gordon, a chemist, brought his knowledge of fiberglass technology, while Floyd Smith, a skilled surfer and craftsman, added a deep understanding of surfboard shaping. Together, they recognized the potential of using fiberglass to improve surfboards at a time when wooden boards were still common. This technological leap forward helped propel G&S to the forefront of the surf industry.
Their early boards, particularly the "Hot Curl," became highly sought after by surfers who desired boards that were lighter, faster, and more durable. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance boards that allowed surfers to push the boundaries of what was possible in the water.
While G&S made waves in the surf world, their influence expanded to land when Larry Gordon and his son, Eric, recognized the growing popularity of skateboarding in the 1960s. The company started producing skateboards using the same fiberglass expertise that had made their surfboards famous. G&S was among the first to mass-produce professional-quality skateboards, with the introduction of the "Fiberflex" skateboard in the 1970s. These boards featured flex and durability, which were crucial in the evolution of skateboarding from a street fad to a global sport.
The company’s skateboards helped fuel the rise of skateboarding legends like Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva, making G&S a defining brand in both surf and skate culture. The Gordon & Smith name became a symbol of performance, style, and quality, with a legacy that transcended generations.
One of the defining elements of G&S’s success has been its ability to collaborate with some of the most legendary surfers of all time. Skip Frye, an iconic figure in longboarding, began shaping for G&S in the 1960s, and his contributions, including the famous “Frye Fish,” further elevated the brand’s reputation. Frye's boards reflected a purity of style and performance that became synonymous with G&S. Other notable riders and shapers, including Billy Hamilton and Barry Kanaiaupuni, also shaped and surfed under the G&S label, helping to push the company to the top of the competitive surfing world.
Despite the evolution of surf technology over the years, G&S has maintained a dedication to craftsmanship that honors its rich history. Their boards, both classic and modern, reflect a commitment to innovation without losing sight of the traditional elements that made the brand a staple in the surfing community. From the longboards of the 1960s to today’s retro-inspired shapes, G&S continues to offer designs that appeal to surfers of all skill levels and styles.
One of the company’s trademarks is their ability to adapt and stay relevant. Over the decades, they have embraced advancements in materials and techniques, ensuring their boards remain on the cutting edge of performance while preserving their iconic aesthetic. Today, G&S produces a wide variety of surfboards, including retro-inspired models that pay homage to their classic designs, while also creating contemporary shapes that cater to today’s performance-driven surfers.
As Gordon & Smith Surfboards celebrates 65 years of shaping the surf and skate industries, the brand remains a cornerstone of Southern California’s surf culture. To mark this milestone, G&S has launched a limited-edition 65th Anniversary T-shirt, available in both white and blue, as a tribute to their long-standing influence. This commemorative design celebrates the legacy of craftsmanship and passion that has defined G&S, making it a must-have for anyone who cherishes the roots of surf culture.
Few companies can claim the kind of lasting impact that G&S has had on both surfing and skateboarding. Through constant innovation, dedication to quality, and a genuine passion for the lifestyle they helped shape, Gordon & Smith Surfboards has stood the test of time. The brand’s legacy lives on through every surfboard and skateboard they create, continuing to inspire new generations of surfers and skaters around the world.
As they look ahead to the future, G&S remains committed to staying true to the principles that have guided them since 1959—quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep connection to the surfing and skateboarding communities. The story of Gordon & Smith is not just one of a surfboard company but of a cultural icon that helped define an era and continues to influence the world today.
