Larry gordon, surfing visionary who created foam boards. Demand for the boards led the pair to move out of the garage in pacific beach and open a fullfledged surf shop in 1959. In 1961, he founded gordon and smith surfboards with partner larry gordon after making boards for a few. A list of the best surfboard shapers surf magazine. The story of how larry gordon and floyd smith started making surfboards in a garage in 1959 and how that business went on to influence the southern. Larry gordon, a fixture in the boardmaking community with gordon and smith, passed away on january 1st. Rip larry gordon inventor of the foam surfboard, by.
Gordon moved to san diego from illinois as a child. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. He won the first place award for education reporting in 2014 from the california newspaper publishers association. Larry gordon presented with outstanding alumni award. Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. Larry gordon, who revolutionised surfing when he created foam boards at his california company in the late 50s, has died. Larry gordon was a chemistry student at san diego state university in 1959 when he and fellow local surfer floyd smith started making surfboards out of smiths garage.
Get the best deals on vintage surfing equipment when you shop the largest online selection at. The sierra foothills seem an unlikely place to find a surf legend. Larry gordon, the man who utterly transformed surfing as he produced foam boards at his california company, has died. Where are mike doyle, mike hynson, skip frye, joe roper. Larry gordon and floyd smith were the cofounders of gordon and smith surfboards in 1961. Larry gordon july 8, 1954 in monroe, louisiana june 25, 1983 in phoenix, arizona was an american football linebacker who played seven seasons in the national football league for the miami dolphins. The story of how larry gordon and floyd smith started making surfboards in a garage in 1959 and how that business went on to influence the. It wasnt long before the gordon and smith label was well known and surfed throughout the surfing world. Larry gordon was one of surfings most important boardmakers, a pioneer in the late fifties and early sixties and a mainstay board brand for more than six decades. Larry gordon was a chemistry student at san diego state university in 1959 when he and fellow local surfer floyd smith started making.
He grew up in nearby pacific beach and started surfing when he was in high school. This beautiful board has been partially restored color work added only, original glass job, original logo, and original fin. Larry gordon and floyd smith were the cofounders of. In 1958 larry gordon began making surfboards in his pacific beach garage with his friend, floyd smith. This board was made during the transition era of surfboard history, when boards were starting to become shorter in length. Point was the main surfing spot in san diego, even more so than windansea. Windansea surf club larry gordon cr8 1960s original membership documents. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Currently, the business is operated by the second generation brother and sister team. Gayle gordon, gordon s wife, stated he died quietly on new years day at his home in san diego following an extended illness. San diego san diego surf icon larry gordon was honored monday morning with a special paddle out at tourmaline beach.
This led to the creation of a surfboard company which became a brand with worldwide recognition. San diego boardmaker and entrepreneur larry gordon, who died on january 1 st from parkinsonsrelated illness at age 76, was one of those people you appreciate more and more with age. San diego boardmaker and entrepreneur larry gordon, who died on january 1st from parkinsonsrelated illness at age 76, was one of those. The true story of a mexican surf trip from hell paul wilson. The story of how larry gordon and floyd smith started making surfboards in a garage in 1959 and how. One long ride follows the shapers, team riders, and craftsman led by larry gordon over the course of. In the late 50s most surfboards were shaped from balsa wood. However if you order a copy of the book through the shacc website, signed by larry no later than thursday, july 23, your book will be ready for pick up at shacc. The boards were heavy, hard to maneuver, and easily be. Vtg hawaiian surfriding 1961 1st ed ancient royal pastime tom blake surf book.
Larry gordon will not be signing books or memorabilia at the event. The way the waves came up it was a gift, said tom pastore. Larry gordon, who helped turn surfing into a mainstream sport with the foam boards he created at his california company, has died. Because he suffered from asthma, his family moved to southern california when he was only three. He was one of the first watermen of the modern era, and was struggling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis als. Both attended mission bay high school, where larry graduated in. Surfboard maker marks 50year ride the san diego union. Because he suffered from asthma, his family moved to. The story of how larry gordon and floyd smith started making surfboards in a garage in 1959 and how that business went on to influence the southern california surf industry. San diego cbs 8 the pacific beach surfing community is preparing to honor surfing legend larry gordon.
Hes mellow, low key, unassuming, but bill has made thousands of surfboards for hundreds of surfers in san diego dating way back to early 70s. Was dave sweet the tesla of the foam era and larry gordon the marconi. Larry gordon s story began in san diego in the early 1940s when his family moved to pacific beach a coastal suburb in san diego. A romantic magical quest series the madeline journeys book 1 by p. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. The surfaris larry gordon memorial bench event may. He is considered one of the pioneers of the modern foam surfboard.
As teenagers in the mid 1950s, larry gordon and floyd smith loved surfing. Surfboards im riding degree 33 magic bullet quad by bill minard boardroom show bill minard is, in my opinion, one of the many unheralded and great craftsmen to come out of san diego. Join facebook to connect with larry gordon and others you may know. Book launch party with surf icons, larry gordon, floyd. Gordon, larry low key, persevering surfboard and surf accessories manufacturer from san diegos pacific beach, california. Gordon s wife, gayle gordon, told associated press on. Smith, along with his mission bay high school friend and track teammate, larry gordon, began to commercially produce surfboards in floyds garage in the late 1950s. Larry gordon still gives his daughter tips on the company. Gordon was born 1939 near chicago, illinois, and developed asthma, which forced his family to move to southern california when gordon was three. Floyd smith will be signing books in person during the event. Iconic surfboard shaper larry gordon passes away at 76. Surfboard legend still making and perfecting signature boards. Proven design and quality made in san diego, california since 1959.
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