Surfing's Origins - Doug Haut
I wasn’t really sure what to expect the first time I met Doug Haut. I was really impressed with his surfboards. Doug had a fire and passion in his eyes. I was slightly overwhelmed to be in the presence of someone who surfed in Santa Cuz in the 1950’s without a wet suit…….water temperature 54 degrees, no wet suit…think about that.
Doug was born on July 29, 1944, in the midwest and early in life migrated to Santa Cruz, California. Haut grew up in the water, first as a swimmer, then as a surfer in the late 1950’s. Here’s part of his interview - he’ll explain his origins .
Doug was drawn to the allure of the ocean and the thrill of riding waves. He quickly honed his skills, becoming an accomplished surfer, known for his smooth style and fearless approach in the water. His passion for surfing led him to explore breaks along the California coast and beyond, shaping his identity as a surfer and his future endeavors.
In the early 1960’s, Haut turned his passion for surfing into a profession, establishing himself as a surfboard shaper. His innovative designs and craftsmanship soon gained recognition within the surfing community, earning him a reputation as one of the top shapers of his time. Haut's surfboards are still prized for their performance, blending cutting-edge design with the practical needs of surfers. Here’s a look at his early trophy wall.
Beyond his contributions to the sport as a surfer and shaper, Haut played a pivotal role in the evolution of the surf industry.
In 1969, he co-founded Haut Surfboards, a company dedicated to producing high-quality surfboards for enthusiasts around the world.
The brand quickly gained traction, becoming synonymous with craftsmanship and performance in the surfing community.
Throughout his career, Haut remained deeply connected to the surfing lifestyle, embodying its values of freedom, creativity, and respect for nature. His influence extended beyond the waves, shaping the culture and ethos of surfing for generations to come. Today, Doug Haut's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of surfing and its profound impact on individuals and communities worldwide. Every time I’ve seen him since my initial interview, he has always met me with a smile and a hearty handshake. My Haut t-shirts are among my prize possessions. Doug is only a small part of the film Addicted to Joy, I hope you find your way to watch it in its entirety.
I’d like to thank you all for reading Wood Water Soul. We’d like to announce we have moved Addicted to Joy to a new streaming service, we have some very cool things planned for the future, (check out the shirts )and we’re excited to share it with you. Please share this Blog with a fellow surfer, from or with a friend that needs so Joy in their lives. I invite you to watch, Aloha.