Joel Tudor: Soul & Style of surfing

Born in San Diego in 1976 Joel Tudor was destined for surfing greatness at a young age. Inspired and taught by his dad, Joel entered into the surfing scene with his acts in the 1992 Longboard Surfing movie “On Safari to Stay”.

Joel turned pro that same year but experienced a Oxbow World Championship drought until his win in the Canary Islands in 1999. While Joel is known for his longboarding he is truly a wave man of all sorts. He can be seen riding longboards, shortboards, stubs, fishes, pin tails, and retro boards alike.

Tudor is constantly spotted at Pipeline paying homage on a 1970’s Gerry Lopez board. Along with riding every quiver imaginable Joel also collaborated with the great Donald Takayama to create the Joel Tudor model which quickly became the best-selling signature series in history.

Joel eventually went on to found his own surfing line, Joel Tudor Surfboards. These have become very popular of late and can easily be found at any local surf shop. He also worked with photographer Michael Halsband to create Surf Book. This pays homage to the architects of contemporary surf culture.

If you are lucky enough to see Tudor hanging ten or sliding down the face of Pipeline on his 70’s throwback give him a shout and I’m sure he’ll be happy to return the favor.

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