Gerry Lopez, a renowned surfer, was born in Hawaii, United States of America in the year 1948. At the tender age of 14, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the State of Hawaii junior surfing champion. This early success was merely a precursor to his illustrious career, which would go on to earn him numerous accolades.
In 1972, Lopez won the prestigious Master of Pipeline award, a testament to his exceptional skills and mastery of the sport. His unique approach to surfing, which emphasized mental focus and spiritual connection with the waves, earned him widespread recognition and admiration from the surfing community. Many have come to regard him as a true legend of the sport, often referring to him as the "surfer who meditates on waves" or even the "god of surfing".
Lopez's dedication to the preservation of the ocean and its delicate ecosystem has also been widely recognized. In July 1999, he was honored with the Waterman of the Year award by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) in recognition of his tireless efforts to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
In 2001, Lopez made the decision to relocate his family and business from Hawaii to Bend, Oregon. This move allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for shaping surfboards, while also exploring new outdoor activities such as snowboarding and water skiing in the majestic Cascade Mountains and surrounding areas. Despite the change of scenery, Lopez remains deeply committed to his surfing heritage and continues to inspire new generations of surfers around the world.
