The story of Don Hansen is a tale deeply rooted in the history and culture of surfing. Don began his life’s journey in South Dakota in 1937, and word on the street is that when he was 18 years old he hitchhiked to California after graduating high school. Hansen ended up in Encinitas after a stay up north shaping for Jack O’Neill in the late 1950s. Don was captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship of surfboard shaping and in 1961, he established Hansen Surfboards in Cardiff, eventually moving the shop to where it stands now in Encinitas in 1968. From the beginning, Don’s goal was not just to create surfboards but to create crafts that would enhance the rider’s performance.
As Hansen Surfboards gained popularity, Don’s reputation as a master shaper grew. Surfers flocked to his shop, drawn by the quality and performance of his boards. Don’s dedication to innovation led him to experiment with new materials and designs, pushing the boundaries of surfboard building.
As surfing evolved over the years, so too did Hansen Surfboards. Don and his team embraced new trends and techniques, always staying at the forefront of surfboard design. Yet, amidst the changes, the core values of quality, craftsmanship, and camaraderie amongst the local community remained unchanged.
Beyond shaping surfboards boards, Hansen Surfboards became a hub for the surfing community. Surfers would gather at the shop to share stories, swap tips, and celebrate their shared passion for surfing. Today, Hansen Surfboards is run by the whole Hansen family, serving the community at large. The shop is the main sponsor and gathering place for the Encinitas Boardriders Club, where you will find the local community celebrating surf movie premiers, live music, awarding scholarships, or when one of our own has achieved a major milestone. Don himself is often found among gatherings, imparting wisdom gained from years of riding the waves and running a successful business that supports our community.
Hansen Surfboards stands as a testament to the enduring spirits of surfing and community. With each board crafted with care and passion, Don Hansen continues to inspire new generations of surfboard builders and community leaders.
