Terry Martin: The Soul of Hobie Surfboards and a Shaping Legend
Terry Martin (1937 – May 12, 2012) was a master surfboard shaper whose legacy is etched into the history of surfing. Known as “The Machine” for his extraordinary productivity, Martin worked at Hobie Surfboards for nearly 50 years, crafting more than 80,000 boards. His creations were used by surf legends like Corky Carroll, Phil Edwards, Gerry Lopez, and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, solidifying his place as one of the most influential shapers of all time.
Humble Beginnings
Martin’s journey into surfing began later in life. Born in 1937, he grew up inland, far from the ocean. It wasn’t until his family moved to Point Loma, California, when he was 14, that he discovered the sport that would define his life. His first surfboard—a massive 13-foot (4.0 m), 85-pound (39 kg) wooden board—was typical of the era, when boards were heavy and unwieldy.
Despite his late start, Martin quickly developed a passion for surfing. After graduating from Point Loma High School, he served in the Air Force Reserves and worked in various jobs, including construction, shipbuilding, and door-to-door sales. In 1963, Martin joined Hobie Alter at the Hobie Surf Shop, marking the start of his career as a professional shaper.
Innovation in Surfboard Design
Martin’s first handmade board, a 10-foot (3.0 m) balsa and redwood creation, was a breakthrough in surfboard design. Salvaging lighter materials from a lumber yard, he built a board that weighed just 20 pounds (9.1 kg)—a stark contrast to the cumbersome boards of the time. Without a fin, the board allowed Martin to experiment with new tricks and maneuvers, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in surfing.
At Hobie Surfboards, Martin’s shaping skills flourished. Averaging 10 boards a day, he earned the nickname “The Machine” for his unparalleled efficiency and craftsmanship. Over six decades, he shaped an estimated 80,000 surfboards, including signature models for some of the greatest surfers in history, such as Gary Propper, Joyce Hoffman, and Gerry Lopez.
A Shaper’s Legacy
Terry Martin wasn’t just a craftsman; he was an artist who understood the soul of surfing. His boards weren’t just tools—they were an extension of the surfer’s connection to the waves. Martin was particularly revered for his ability to translate a surfer’s style and needs into a board that performed beautifully under their feet.
His work at Hobie Surfboards helped define the brand’s legacy as a cornerstone of the surfing world. Martin’s boards became synonymous with quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of the sport’s essence.
Even as surfboard manufacturing evolved, with machines and mass production becoming more common, Martin remained committed to hand-shaping. His dedication to craftsmanship ensured that each board carried a piece of his soul and a connection to surfing traditions.
The Final Wave
The last board Martin crafted was a 10-foot (3.0 m) balsa and redwood Hot Curl, a replica of the board he had built in his youth. This symbolic final creation encapsulated a career dedicated to innovation, artistry, and a profound love for the sport of surfing.
On May 12, 2012, Terry Martin passed away from melanoma, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire shapers and surfers alike. His contributions to the surfing world are preserved in the boards he crafted and the countless lives he touched through his work.
Honoring Terry Martin
Today, Terry Martin’s influence lives on in every surfer who rides a board shaped with passion and precision. His dedication to the craft and his ability to connect with surfers personally make him a timeless figure in surfing history. At Hobie Surfboards and beyond, Martin’s story reminds us of the artistry and innovation that define the sport.
