Bing Copeland: A Pioneer of Surfboard Design and Surf Culture

Herbert “Bing” Copeland is a name that resonates deeply within the history of surfing. As the founder of Bing Surfboards in 1960, Copeland not only crafted some of the most iconic surfboards of the 1960s and 1970s but also helped shape the culture and innovation that defined surfing’s golden era. From his beginnings in Hermosa Beach to his influence on international surf culture, Bing Copeland’s legacy inspires surfers and shapers worldwide.

Early Life: A Love for the Ocean

Born in Torrance, California, in 1936, Bing grew up just blocks from the Manhattan Beach Pier. His first introduction to surfing came at 12, thanks to legendary shaper and lifeguard Dale Velzy. Velzy handed young Bing an eight-foot, eighty-pound board to try, and after a few wipeouts, Bing finally stood up and rode his first wave to the shore. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for surfing.

Velzy became an early mentor to Copeland, teaching him the fundamentals of shaping. Bing began his apprenticeship sweeping balsa shavings, gluing blanks, sanding boards, and crafting wood fins. These early lessons laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential careers in surfboard design.

The Road to Bing Surfboards

In 1955, Bing and his close friend Rick Stoner joined the Coast Guard, stationed near Honolulu, Hawaii. They surfed iconic spots like Ala Moana and the North Shore there, further refining their skills and love for the sport. After returning to California, Bing worked with Velzy and other influential shapers, eventually deciding to strike out independently.

In 1960, Bing Copeland opened Bing Surfboards on the Hermosa Beach waterfront. The brand quickly gained a reputation for quality, innovation, and artistry, becoming one of the most recognized surfboard labels of the 1960s and 1970s.

Revolutionizing Surfboard Design

Bing Surfboards became a hub of innovation during surfing’s golden era. Copeland collaborated with some of the most talented shapers and surfers of the time, including Donald Takayama, David Nuuhiwa, and Dick Brewer. Together, they created groundbreaking designs that influenced the sport for decades.

  • The Bing Noserider and Lightweight Models: The Nuuhiwa Noserider, introduced in the mid-1960s, was a game-changer in longboard design. Its deep concave and refined rails made it ideal for nose riding, while the Lightweight model catered to surfers seeking faster, more responsive boards. These designs sold an estimated 10,000 units between 1965 and 1967.
  • The Bing Pipeliner: Shaped by Dick Brewer in 1967, the Pipeliner became a defining model for surfers tackling the challenging waves of Hawaii.
  • The Bing Bonzer: In 1973, Bing produced a trademarked Bonzer model, one of the first boards to incorporate a three-fin system. This innovation laid the groundwork for today’s tri-fin setups seen on performance shortboards.

Bing’s Later Years and Legacy

By 1974, as the surfboard industry evolved and shortboards dominated, Bing Copeland decided to step back from the business. He licensed the Bing name and moved with his family to Idaho, where he still spends much of the year. During the winters, Bing retreats to Baja, where he surfs three to four days a week, embracing the sport that shaped his life.

Bing’s legacy lives on through the resurgence of Bing Surfboards. Today, talented shaper Matt Calvani and ’60s surf legend Lance Carson oversee the production of Bing boards, ensuring the brand’s timeless designs and quality craftsmanship remain available to surfers worldwide.

The Man Behind the Name

Have you ever wondered how “Bing” became his name? According to Copeland, it started with his babysitter. Born Herbert Bingham Copeland III, his babysitter disliked calling him “Herbie” and instead shortened his middle name to Bing—a nickname that has stuck ever since.

A Gracious Legend

Bing Copeland remains gracious and humble, sharing his stories and insights from what many consider the most significant era in surfing history. His influence on surfboard design and his contributions to global surf culture ensure that Bing Surfboards is more than just a brand—it’s a piece of surfing heritage.