Gerry Lopez

Gerry Lopez – A Surfing Pioneer and Legendary Shaper

Gerry Lopez is a name synonymous with surfing’s shortboard revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his profound influence on both surfing and board design, Lopez grew up in Hawaii and quickly made a name for himself on the North Shore, becoming a regular at Pipeline. Over the years, his surfing adventures took him to world-class breaks like G-Land, the islands off Sumatra, and Bali, further solidifying his status as a global surf icon.

Innovative Board Design

Lopez’s revolutionary down-railed surfboards with tucked-under edges allowed him to surf higher and tighter in the powerful curls of waves like Pipeline. These innovative designs made it possible to handle the steep drops and heavy barrels that previously seemed impossible. His boards were instantly recognizable by the lightning bolt he painted down the stringer— a symbol that became his signature.

The Birth of Lightning Bolt Surfboards

In 1970, Lopez partnered with Jack Shipley to create Lightning Bolt Surfboards, a brand that would forever change surf culture. They pioneered the practice of sponsoring professional surfers by providing free boards, a tactic that skyrocketed the brand’s popularity and made Lightning Bolt one of the most coveted names in surfing. Their iconic boards became so popular that other brands began copying the lightning bolt design, cementing Lightning Bolt’s influence in the surf world.

Surftech Collaboration

In collaboration with Surftech, Lopez’s boards are built using a combination of traditional construction methods—like a polyurethane core and polyester resin—with modern technology. These boards are celebrated for being lightweight, durable, and strong, offering surfers the best of both worlds.

Collector’s Items

Many of Lopez’s surfboards are now considered collector’s items, with some original replicas fetching high demand, including the legendary board that first successfully rode the tube at Pipeline.