Carl Ekstrom

Carl Ekstrom: The Visionary Behind Asymmetrical Surfboard Design

Carl Ekstrom’s journey in surfboard design is a testament to innovation and creativity rooted in a deep understanding of surf culture and hydrodynamics. A pioneer who forever changed how surfboards are conceived, Ekstrom’s contributions to the surf world span decades and include groundbreaking concepts like the asymmetrical surfboard.

Early Inspiration: Learning from the Masters

Ekstrom’s passion for design and surf culture was ignited in the Windansea parking lot in La Jolla, California. As a young surfer, he often listened to legendary board designer Bob Simmons discuss the intricacies of surfboard design. Ekstrom was there on September 26, 1954, when Simmons tragically passed away. This profound moment marked the beginning of a journey that would see Ekstrom carry forward the legacy of innovative surfboard shaping.

From Fiberglasser to Shaper: A Journey of Mastery

Starting his career as a fiberglasser and finisher, Ekstrom honed his craft, learning the intricacies of surfboard construction. By the early 1960s, he opened his own surfboard shop in La Jolla, where his reputation as a skilled shaper grew. In 1965, he revolutionized the industry by patenting the asymmetrical surfboard, a design that optimized performance for both front-side and back-side wave riding.

Expanding Horizons: Prototype Design and Development

Ekstrom’s ingenuity extended beyond surfboards. In the 1970s, he ventured into prototype design, leveraging his expertise with surfboard materials. This diversification showcased his ability to innovate across industries, blending art and engineering seamlessly.

Pioneering the FlowRider Wave Machines

From 1988 to 2000, Ekstrom collaborated with Tom Lochtefeld to design and develop the FlowRider wave machines. These machines simulated perfect waves, allowing surfers to practice in controlled environments. Ekstrom also worked with Stanley Pleskunas to create specialized surfboards tailored for the FlowRider, further cementing his reputation as a visionary in surfboard and wave design.

A Resurgence in Surfboard Design

In recent years, Carl Ekstrom returned to his roots in surfboard prototyping, collaborating with Chris Ahrens, Richard Kenvin, and the Hydrodynamica Pilot Project. Together with modern innovators like Ryan Burch and Hydroflex, he continued refining asymmetrical designs, pushing the boundaries of what surfboards could achieve.

Recognition and Legacy

Ekstrom’s influence on surf culture was celebrated at the Fall 2011 Sacred Craft Show in Del Mar, California. The event paid homage to his contributions, featuring a shaping competition where participants crafted their versions of asymmetrical boards. This recognition solidified his place as one of surfing’s most innovative designers.

The Asymmetrical Revolution

Carl Ekstrom’s asymmetrical surfboards have transformed how surfers interact with waves. By tailoring each side of the board to the rider’s stance and preferred wave face, these boards offer unparalleled performance, blending precision and flow.

As the surf world continues to evolve, Ekstrom’s legacy endures, inspiring new generations of shapers to innovate and experiment. His life’s work is a reminder that surfing is not just a sport—it’s an art form shaped by the visionaries who dare to think differently.