Ole Surfboards: The Timeless Craft of Bob “Ole” Olson
For over 73 years, Bob “Ole” Olson has been deeply immersed in the art and soul of surfing. From the cliffs of Palos Verdes, where a young Olson watched surfers carve through waves with awe, to his workshop in Lahaina, Maui, Olson’s journey is a testament to the passion, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of the Hawaiian “Sport of Kings.”
With nearly 10,000 handcrafted boards to his name, Ole Surfboards continues to shape the surfing experience for riders and collectors around the globe, from the shores of Tokyo to the iconic waves of Malibu.
A Legacy Born in Southern California
Bob Olson first caught the surfing bug 62 years ago under the shadow of the Huntington Beach Pier, where he rode his first wave. Soon after, Olson began crafting his own surfboards, guided by iconic mentors such as Hobie Alter and Harold Walker. Their influence helped shape Olson’s meticulous approach to surfboard design, emphasizing the artistry and functionality of handcrafted boards.
After serving in the Korean War and teaching industrial arts at Rancho Alamitos High School, Olson returned to surfing and shaping full-time. He set up his first shop in Seal Beach, California, a location that quickly became a hub for surfers drawn to his craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship in a Mass-Produced World
What sets Ole Surfboards apart is Bob Olson’s dedication to the traditional art of hand-shaped boards. In an era dominated by mass-produced “pop-out” surfboards shaped by machines, Ole remains committed to his tools, templates, and decades of experience. Each board starts with a foam blank or wood, transformed through Olson’s expert hand-planing into a custom creation tailored to its rider.
His boards aren’t just functional—they’re works of art. Surfers ride them in places like Trestles, Malibu, and the pristine waves at Mala Wharf in West Maui, while collectors from the Mainland to Japan prize them for their authenticity and craftsmanship.
A Life Dedicated to Surfing
After setting up shop in Seal Beach, Olson became a fixture in the surf scene. He operated out of several locations, including an old garage near where Blackie’s now stands and a space in the historic Cannery. Eventually, Olson relocated to Lahaina, Maui, where his workshop can now be found tucked away in the industrial district.
Far from the commercial surf shops lining tourist areas, Ole Surfboards remains a hidden gem. Only those who truly understand and appreciate the soul of surfing seek it out. Olson crafts approximately 100 boards per year, each one infused with decades of expertise and aloha spirit. Alongside his boards, Olson’s classic T-shirts have also become coveted pieces of surf culture.
A Global and Timeless Influence
Ole Surfboards have found their way to waves worldwide, from the bustling beaches of Tokyo to the legendary breaks at Malibu and Trestles. Surfers cherish their performance and precision, while collectors admire their artistry and connection to surfing history.
Bob Olson’s story isn’t just about shaping surfboards; it’s about shaping the culture and legacy of surfing itself. His boards embody the purity of the sport, standing as a reminder of the craftsmanship and passion that defined surfing’s golden era.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
At nearly 90 years old, Bob Olson continues to handcraft boards with the same passion he had as a young boy watching surfers at Palos Verdes. Ole Surfboards represents more than just a brand—it’s a piece of surfing history, a testament to dedication, and a tribute to the waves that have shaped lives for generations.
Whether you’re catching a wave on an Ole board or admiring its timeless design, you’re participating in a legacy that celebrates the art and soul of surfing.
