Gordon & Smith

Overview

Gordon & Smith manufactures surfboards and skateboards in San Diego, California, operating as a family-owned business since 1959. It holds a position in the surf and skate markets with a focus on in-house production of custom boards, maintaining heritage from early foam surfboard pioneers.¹³⁶

History

Gordon & Smith was founded in 1959 by Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith, who began producing polyurethane foam surfboards in a garage using chemicals sourced from Gordon Plastics.¹³⁴ The company grew into one of the leading surfboard manufacturers in the 1960s, expanded into skateboards during the 1970s with high sales volumes, and later added surfwear in the 1980s.³ Floyd Smith sold his interest in 1971 and moved to Australia; Larry Gordon continued until his death in 2016, after which second-generation family members Eric and Debbie Gordon took over in 2014, resetting operations with in-house manufacturing.¹²⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in-house in San Diego, California, with full control over surfboard and skateboard production established since 2014.¹⁶

Notable Products

• Modern Machine - Funboard model introduced in 1974, precursor to contemporary fun boards.
• Red Fin - Popular 1960s model designed by Mike Hynson.
• Skip Frye model - Influential 1960s surfboard shape.
• QuarterSpeed - 1960s performance board model.
• Fibreflex Skateboards - 1970s skateboard line with high production volumes.

Reputation

Gordon & Smith is regarded by surf enthusiasts as a pioneering brand with deep San Diego roots and consistent innovation from foam blanks to shortboards.³⁴ Professionals value its family-operated continuity and custom quality, though it receives less attention in modern high-performance competitive scenes compared to newer brands.¹⁵