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Surfboard shaper and icon Bill Holden dies
February 8th, 2008 ·
Bill Holden, a well-known surfboard shaper who helped mold the sport into what it is today, died recently from a heart attack.
I had the pleasure of meeting Holden a few months back at this year's Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame. His smile was ear-to-ear as he talked about his early days shaping board for Holden Surfboards back in 1955, when his creations would go for $50 a piece. These days, some of the classic boards can go for thousands of dollars.
Holden, creator of Holden Surfboards on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, was a good friend of famous surfboard shaper Dale Velzy, among other surfing icons.
Surfboard shaper Bob "the Greek" Bolen bought his first custom board from Holden, later buying his first foam blank from him.
"He was kind of worried I would go into the business. I told him I wouldn't, that I just wanted it to build myself a board," Bolen recalled, chuckling.
Bolen did go on to become a shaper, but the two would help each other with their work over the years.
Holden held a lot of pride in the artistry and detail that goes into creating each board.
"It's like sculpting. It just gets in your blood," he said during an interview a few months back.
Holden, a Laguna Beach resident, was such a force in the shaping world that he was the first inductee into the Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame back in 2000.
The award was given to him at his 70th birthday party, a surprise to all the guests.
"Bill and his wife were so touched, both of them started crying," recalled friend Mike Ester.
Holden has attended every Hall of Fame ceremony since it started, clutching his award through the day and chatting with surfers who admire his work.
"He was such a sweet, sweet man. He always had a smile on his face," Ester said.
Holden was an active member of the Longboard Collector Club, which will donate $100 to the charity to be picked by his family. Other local surfers have jumped on to match the donation.
Holden was loading up a car for a Super Bowl party when he had the heart attack.
"Bill was a good man, and really enjoyed life. He will be missed by everyone who ever came in contact with him," said Roger Mann, president of the Longboard Collector Club.
A paddle out will be held for Holden, but likely not until spring.
- Laylan (Orange County Register)
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