The birth of G&S Skateboards began in Gordon and Smith's surfing roots, which began in the mid-1950s, when Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith formed a close friendship while surfing together. Their shared passion for riding waves on surfboards, led to the creation of the Gordon & Smith surfboard company.

During that era, most surfboards were crafted from heavy balsa wood, making them challenging to maneuver and prone to waterlogging. Larry, a chemistry student, sourced polyurethane foam chemicals with help from Gordon Plastics (his family’s business). Larry and Floyd built their own foam surfboards using a custom mold and by the winter of 1959, the demand for their foam boards prompted them to move from Floyd’s Pacific Beach garage to their first legitimate surf shop.Thus, Gordon & Smith was born, becoming a brand with worldwide recognition.

In the 1960s, G&S emerged as one of the leading surfboard manufacturers, with legendary team riders and shapers joined forces with G&S, helping the company carve out a niche during a defining era in surfing.

In 1965, Floyd moved to Australia to establish Gordon & Smith Surfboards on that continent, expanding the brand’s reach. This exchange of innovation and quality between continents solidified G&S’s global reputation.

The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed the shortboard revolution. G&S, always staying current without compromising integrity, became the world’s largest surfboard manufacturer.

In the early 1980s, G&S ventured into surfwear production, catering to specialty stores.

Simultaneously, they became one of the largest and most successful skateboard companies. Their Fibreflex skateboards gained immense popularity, selling 500 boards per day with a 6-month backlog.

Skaters became overnight superstars! G&S attracted a diverse group of talented skaters over the years. Their team included both street and vert riders, each leaving their mark on skateboarding history. Notable G&S team riders from Gordon & Smith's history include:

Neil Blender: A true skateboarding icon, Neil Blender was an integral part of the G&S team. His innovative style and creativity left a lasting impact on the sport.

Billy Ruff was another standout rider for G&S. His smooth and fluid skating made him a fan favourite.

Doug Saladino’s powerful and aggressive approach to skateboarding made him a force to be reckoned with. He was a key member of the G&S team during the 1980s.

Dennis Martinez, part of the “Flying Aces” crew, contributed to G&S’s success. His technical skills and dedication to the sport were commendable.

G&S Skateboards commitment to quality and innovation persisted through the decades, and today, G&S continues to produce top-quality skateboards..

Larry Gordon, a legend in the surfing industry, passed away in 2016, and his family still owns the business, with Eric and Debbie Gordon now at the helm.

G&S remains true to its timeless ethic, perpetuating innovation and relevance for generations to come.

So next time you see a G&S skateboard, remember the immense history behind those graphics!

G&S Skateboard Videos:

G&S Skateboarding Team Video: 1984

1984 Gordon & Smith Skateboard Team Video: Ken Park , Eric Nash , Jim Gray , Neil Blender

Gordon & Smith Skateboard Exhibition at Mission Bay in San Diego in 1986
"September 20, 1986 Skaters were out to impress at Mission Bay in San Diego at a Gordon & Smith sponsored event. Seasoned skaters showed off their stuff in an effort to promote the sport that "gives you a one of a kind high."  Radical and intense said one skateboarder. Artie Ojeda with photographer Ron Johnson."

G&S Footage Skateboard Video from 1990
"The G&S Footage video featured Neil Blender, Doug Smith, Bill Danforth, Remy Stratton, Steve Claar, Jesse Neuhaus, Blaize Blouin, Mark Heintzman, Duane Pitre, Rob Dyrdek, John Drake, Sean Miller, Willy Santos, Matt Beach, Brian Howard, Larry Jones, Paul Smith, Scott Conklin, Bo Turner."

G&S Winona Riders Skateboard Video from 1991
"A promo video which was filmed in December 1990, and was dedicated to the actress Winona Ryder, who according to a team survey was the most beautiful creature on the planet. Skaters: Shannon May Willy Santos Mark Heintzman Matt Schnurr Mike Taylor Kris Markovich."

 G&S Stun Skateboard Video from 1991
"Skaters in this video: Matt Beach, Blaize Blouin, Justin Bokma, June Cate, Joe Davis, Mark Heintzman, Thom Hornung, Brian Howard, Larry Jones, Kris Markovich, Shannon May, Sean Miller, Anthony Ogelsbey, Leigh Peterson, Willy Santos, Brent Schneider, Matt Schnurr, Paul Smith, Remy Stratton, and Ian Toombs."