Surfboard Pioneer Don Hansen, 1960s Icon and Walk of Fame Inductee, Dies at 88

SHACC captioned: “It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a dear friend and true titan of our tribe, Don Hansen. Don was a founding member of SHACC and a lifelong friend to our founder, Dick Metz.”

Modern longboard legend, Joel Tudor, commented: "Rest easy don! What a trail you blazed for our tribe of surfers! Did it your own way and terms ….lived it out to a very beautiful life and ending! Thanks for all you contributed to this ocean lifestyle! Awoooooooo!"

Per Matt Warshaw’s Encyclopedia of Surfing, here’s a snippet of Hansen’s early days:

“Surfboard shaper and manufacturer from San Diego County, California; founder of Hansen Surfboards, and a leader of the signature model era in the mid-1960s. Hansen was born (1937) and raised in South Dakota, lettered in boxing, track, and football, and earned up to $600 a week as a mink trapper. He began surfing at age 18, after graduating high school and hitchhiking to San Diego.”

And here’s a look at the cover Hansen landed on SURFER back in 1962:

In addition to his accolades in the water, Hansen was perhaps best known for his contributions to the surfboard shaping space. Under his label, he sponsored surfing greats, including the likes of Mike Doyle, Rusty Miller, Linda Benson, and Margo Godfrey.

Even the great Gerry Lopez got his hands on a Hansen board, remembering:

"Mike Hynson used to come over and he made boards for Reno [Abellira] and I to try too, but his early ones also had turned up rails in the nose. Then, I think it was in 1969 when I had a surfboard model with Hansen’s that we called the Lightning Bolt, that seemed to work okay.

“Then all of a sudden Hynson showed up with a board that had down rails from nose to tail. We all looked at it a thought, ‘There’s no way, you’re just going to catch edges on that thing.’ But he had a little belly, round bottom, and he had tail rocker. He made a couple for Reno and I and we were both really impressed how well they worked. They worked way better than our own boards."

In 2023, Hansen was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame. In their honor roll announcement, they wrote:

“Over the years, Don's innovative spirit never waned. He continued to refine his techniques, experimenting with new materials and shapes, always striving to create the ultimate surfing experience. His contributions to the industry earned him accolades and respect from his peers, solidifying his place as a true pioneer in surfboard shaping.”

Rest in peace, Don Hansen.