Craig Hollingsworth – Surfboard Stories and the Soul of Craftsmanship - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf podcast, we are honored to welcome legendary surfboard shaper Craig Hollingsworth an artist of foam and fiberglass whose work has ridden waves all around the world for over five decades. Craig Hollingsworth began shaping boards in the early 1970s, during one of the most vibrant and innovative periods in surfing history. Raised in Southern California and deeply immersed in the surf scene, Craig quickly gained recognition not just as a skilled surfer, but as a master craftsman. His boards have become known for their clean lines, functionality, and timeless design—bridging the gap between classic soul and modern performance. Throughout his prolific career, Craig has shaped for iconic labels including Lightning Bolt, Hansen, Duke Kahanamoku, Mike Hynson Surfboards, StarBolt, and Local Motion. But perhaps his most renowned contribution is the legendary Lightning Bolt "Pipeliner", a beautifully refined single-fin gun designed to tackle the heavy waves of the North Shore. Even decades after its creation, it remains a symbol of power, flow, and Hawaiian surf legacy. In this episode, Craig opens up about his journey through the golden era of surfboard design, what it was like shaping for and alongside legends, and how he continues to innovate and shape boards today. We explore his philosophies on design, the subtle differences that make a board magic, and how staying hands-on with every blank has kept his work authentic and enduring. Craig is also the founder of Hollingsworth Surfboards and the president of Makai Surf and Rescue, blending performance shaping with a commitment to ocean safety and community impact. Whether you're a collector, a core surfer, or simply fascinated by the soul of surf culture, Craig's story is a deep dive into craftsmanship, legacy, and passion for the ocean. Join us on The Temple of Surf as we sit down with one of surfing's unsung legends—Craig Hollingsworth.