Surfer Shaper and Surfing Rebel

Mike Hynson (1942-2025)

The surf world has lost one of its most iconic figures. Mike Hynson, legendary surfboard shaper, surfer, and co-star of the groundbreaking surf film The Endless Summer, passed away in January 2025 at the age of 82. His influence on surf culture, board design, and the way the sport is recognized worldwide is immeasurable.

Mike Hynson working in shop

A Life Dedicated to Surfing

Born on June 28, 1942, in California, Mike Hynson was the son of a U.S. Army soldier who spent much of his youth shuttling between Hawaii and San Diego County. From a young age, he was drawn to the waves, spending countless hours surfing the breaks of Southern California. Hynson’s passion for the sport led him to become not only an exceptional surfer but also an innovator in surfboard design.

Mike surfing

The Endless Summer: A Global Legacy.

In the early 1960s, Hynson’s reputation as a skilled surfer began to grow. He quickly became known for his smooth style, precision, and ability to adapt to waves of all shapes and sizes. This talent caught the attention of filmmaker Bruce Brown, who cast Hynson in The Endless Summer (1964) alongside Robert August. Hynson’s charisma, skill, and easygoing demeanor helped make the movie a cultural phenomenon, bringing surfing into the mainstream and inspiring generations to take to the waves.

Innovator in Surfboard Design

Beyond his on-screen legacy, Hynson was a master craftsman and visionary in the art of surfboard shaping and became known for his experimentation with board design, helping to refine the shortboard revolution. At Gordon & Smith Surfboards, he created the famous tri-stringer “Red Fin” model and contributed innovations like the down-rail shape that transformed board performance. His contributions to surfboard innovation enabled surfers to push the boundaries of what was possible on a wave. In 1972, Mike also developed the DolFin, a surfboard fin designed after a dolphin’s dorsal fin.

A Larger-Than-Life Personality

Hynson’s life was marked by periods of turbulence and transformation. In the late 1960s, he became immersed in the countercultural movement, aligning with the Brotherhood of Eternal Love and exploring alternative lifestyles. After meeting Carol Hannigan over two decades ago, Hynson began to turn his life around, finding stability and lasting companionship. Despite facing struggles and personal and professional challenges that followed, he remained a beloved and influential figure in the surfing world.

Remembering a Legend

Mike Hynson’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to surfing will endure. From his role in The Endless Summer to his innovations in surfboard shaping, Hynson leaves behind a legacy that shaped the sport’s past, present, and future.

Paddle out in his honor and ride a wave with the same joy and passion he brought to the surf industry. Rest in peace, Mike Hynson. Your legend lives on.