A Brief History of Gordon & Smith Surfboards
Words by | Darby Moore
Gordon and Smith got their start in the art of surfboard building back in the early 1950’s, when surfboards were commonly constructed of balsa wood. The result? A board that weighed in on average over 40 pounds, that was clunky and difficult to control. It was this conundrum that first inspired Gordon, a former chemistry student, to develop a way to make surfboards lighter and more maneuverable.
The Birth of Gordon & Smith Surfboards
To find a solution, Gordon looked to his family’s business, aptly named Gordon Plastics. It was here that Gordon sourced the foam chemicals that he began to experiment with in the process of building surfboards. From this exploration, Gordon became one of the first artists to bring polyurethane surfboards to the market.
After discovering a way to make a lighter, more manageable surfboard, Gordon and Smith started making their own boards in Pacific Beach. The duo’s first operation had humble beginnings, as the two started their now world-renowned operation in Smith’s garage. In 1959, the family owned and operated business of Gordon and Smith surfboards was born. It didn’t take long for Gordon & Smith Surfboards to become a leader in the surfboard industry in the mid-1960’s.
Meet the Gordon & Smith Team
With the help of three talented shapers, the label became known for their world-class, 100 percent hand-shaped surfboards. The team is led by Steve Seebold, the head shaper of Gordon & Smith Surfboards, who first started producing boards back in 1961. By beginning his career in this era, Seebold is familiar with the alternative surf craft that defined the 1960’s and 1970’s. Seebold’s extensive knowledge of fishes, eggs, and logs prepared him as a shaper for the recent resurgence of the popularity of these shapes among surfers.
Seebold is joined by Chris Darby, who has been shaping for Gordon & Smith Surfboards since the early 2000’s. Darby specializes in modernizing traditional alternative surf craft shapes by putting his out spin on popular outlines, utilizing sleeker foils and rail shapes. Rounding out the team are Hank Warner and Dominic Picone, who represent two ends of the spectrum when it comes to surfboard shaping. Warner has been shaping since 1967, and has over 25,000 surfboards to his name. On the other hand, Picone is new to the shaping scene, bringing a newfound enthusiasm to the brand.
It is through the work of this small group of shapers that Gordon & Smith has been able to maintain their prominent stance in the industry. In modern day, surfers are clamoring for both newly shaped and now vintage shapes that have been produced by this talented group.
Here at the Surf Station, we have an affinity for the high level of craftsmanship that Gordon & Smith Surfboards has maintained over the decades. Currently operated by second generation brother and sister duo, Eric and Debbie Gordon, our team is always on the lookout for interesting and beautiful collector’s surfboards from the iconic label.
