Rick Stoner, Mike Bright, Sonny Vardeman and Bing Copeland (l-r) at Sunset Beach - early 1956
Photo courtesy of Bing Copeland
The men behind the names featured in the Last Wave Originals collection all have a great story to tell. Each made some significant contribution to the sport of surfing, whether is had something to do with an innovative surfboard design or use of new materials, a new surfing style, or a unique marketing scheme. Whatever the contribution, these guys were truly "pioneers" of our sport in that comparatively little had taken place before their time. Sure, surfboards had evolved from flat wooden planks to hollow boards and then to the Malibu "chip" and use of a fin, but beginning around the time Dale Velzy opened what was considered the first surf shop and when polyurethane foam replaced wood as the core material, the fun really began. Suddenly, surf shops began popping up and surf movies were made. Surf contests were held and surf teams were formed. Surf magazines were published and advertising campaigns were launched.
Out of respect for all that these colorful individuals have done for surfing, we spent a lot of time researching each name. In many cases, we have been able to sit down face-to-face with these guys and hear their story right from them. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have met these characters and are committed to representing their names in the very positive manner they deserve.
We hope you enjoy what we have written about these legends. They did a lot more than shape surfboards--they shaped a sport and a lifestyle.