Head Shaper:

Michael Hynson

Behind the Brand: Mike Hynson has represented almost every surf archetype imaginable during the course of his 40-plus-year career. An experimental surf explorer during the ’60s, a counterculture icon during the ’70s, a shadowy semi-outlaw during the ’80s and ’90s, Hynson has reemerged in recent years in a role that—while always part of his persona—seemed be overshadowed by the other larger-than-life aspects of his character: that of a designer. Credited with the creation of several innovations, including the original down-rail prototypes that allowed surfers to conquer Pipeline, Hynson has always approached surfing from a perspective that puts a premium on pushing the evolution of modern equipment to match its wavescapes. “The down-rail changed tube-riding overnight,” said Gerry Lopez during an interview with SURFER. “Pipeline became a real possibility and that was all Hynson.”

With a shaping career that began in 1959, Hynson, known primarily for his role in The Endless Summer, also developed a reputation as a craftsman. A head production shaper at Hobie and at G&S, he developed the “Red Fin” tri-stringer Hynson Model, which was hugely popular in the ’60s with riders such as Skip Frye, Billy Hamilton, Herbie Fletcher, Barry Kanaiaupuni, and Butch Van Artsdalen. Afterward, during the ’60s and ’70s, he also worked at Fins Unlimited in research and development where he created the “Dolfin,” a popular fin design patterned after a dolphin’s dorsal fin. The down-rail—perhaps his most lasting contribution to design—arose during the ’70s as well, and today he combines that trademark element with his understanding of quad-fin templates to produce several of the most dynamic boards in his catalog.

About Hynson's Most Popular Models: “The Black Knight and BKII are currently my popular shapes,” says Hynson. “They surf extremely well with an emphasis on speed. They’re not at all like typical retro fishes.”

Shop Talk: “I’ve always been focused on cutting-edge design and creating shapes that allow a surfer to do the unexpected, to be in the zone and surf better than he or she knew they could.”

What’s one current trend out there that you’d like to see continue with regards to boards and/or design? “I like that surfers are riding everything and anything these days. It keeps things fresh. It expands your mind in the water and out.”

What’s the most important quality to look for in a surfboard? “Unexpected possibilities are the most important quality to have in your surfboard. There’s nothing better than the feeling of going out and surfing and having it be a magical experience that you can’t wait to repeat.”

What is the most important feedback you’ve received from team riders or customers regarding your boards? “People tell me they’re having more fun on these things than they ever imagined was possible.”

What makes your label different from the other surfboards on the market? “I have 50 years of shaping experience and, to this day, I still feel like I’m creating shapes that are extremely relevant, with a focus on the state of the art, speed, and performance.”