Known for his surreal paintings of ocean landscapes and tropical destinations, Wade Koniakowsky has gained worldwide recognition for his oil paintings.  His work is currently showcased internationally as well as in 17 galleries extending from the East Coast to Hawaii and has been featured in numerous publications including Graphis, Art Direction, Communication Arts, and Print. A lifetime surfer and watermen, he has created art for the Rabbit Kekai World Long board Contest, Duke’s Oceanfest, the Women’s World Long board contest and the Molokai to Oahu World Paddleboard Championships.
Wade’s signature paintings can be seen in movies, television shows and international surf competitions such as The North Shore Vans Triple Crown.  As a San Diego resident we have had the unique opportunity to get to know Wade and see his amazing oil paintings up close.  Groundswell Supply is honored to be working with Wade and to showcase his amazing God given talents.  

Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith were the pioneers behind the iconic Gordon & Smith name.  Their legendary Gordon & Smith Surfboards and Skateboards have become known worldwide for their innovative materials, shapes and quality construction. Started in the late 50’s when most surfboards were shaped from balsa wood, they had a vision and product that would revolutionize the surfboard industry. They replaced the heavy wood boards of the time with Polyurethane foam which was an ideal material for light weight surfboards soon to become cutting edge. Larry, a chemistry 
student, was able to source the foam chemicals with help from Gordon Plastics, his father’s family business. With no surfboards available within 50 miles, Larry and Floyd built a mold and began blowing their own foam and building surfboards. By the winter of 1959, the demand for their foam surfboards forced a move from Floyd’s Pacific Beach garage into their first surf shop. Gordon and Smith was born and would become one of a small group of individuals to launch the Surf Industry.  Through the sixties and seventies Gordon and Smith was able to successfully adapt to the change in surfboard design and lead the progression within the industry to become the world’s largest surfboard manufacturer .  During this time Gordon and Smith also become one of the largest, most successful skateboard companies and one of the first to sponsor professional teamriders. Skateboarding exploded as the company sold 500 Fibreflex skateboards per day with a 6 month backlog and skaters became overnight superstars.  They continued their success by producing surf wear for specialty surf stores.  The Gordon & Smith family has continued to produce top quality surfboards throughout the decades and has rereleased some of their high quality skateboards upgraded with more modern materials.  Larry Gordon owns the business to this day, he still surfs and is looked upon as a legend in the surfing and skateboarding industry.  Larry's son Eric and daughter Debbie are doing an excellent job carrying on the tradition as they run the business today.  Quality and innovation are reasons Groundswell Supply is proud to partner with Gordon and Smith.  ” Knowing our past, in that we have served millions, gives continued vision for our future”.
Larry Gordon

 

Founded in 2007 originally as a surfboard brand by Matthew Jung, Wellen has since evolved into a premium beach lifestyle brand. Focusing mainly on men's apparel, Wellen is known for their classic surf style and quality American made garments. You will find their products to fit well and feel extremely comfortable as all materials are carefully chosen and produced with care.  We are stoked to partner with these folks for their epic products for the surfer.

Living a life inspired by the ocean. Feeling the stoke of a good surf session. Drawstring swim trunks. Riding a vintage bicycle. The flapping of sailcloth in the wind. A crisp white button down shirt and a pair of khakis. The sounds of a bar of wax on a board. Lobster with butter. A vintage VW bus. A crackling fire. A life well spent. This is Wellen.

Sunscreen selection makes a huge difference in the quality of our lives and we are stoked to be working with Watermans for the same sunscreen that world class surfers and waterman wear every day.  Watermans Applied Science stands committed to providing quality sun protection products to those individuals for whom life in the shade is not an option.  They offer the best, most effective and functional, high-performance sunscreens on the market, specifically designed for high-intensity water and endurance athletes.  The sunscreen is formulated to stand up to the rigorous demands of an active life in the sun, wind and water. Their goal is to ensure a day in the sun doesn’t mean a lifetime of dealing with the consequences.

Otis was established to provide a unique point of difference within the eyewear market: a premium product that transcends the boundaries between fashion and technical excellence. This includes the use of the world’s best lens material – mineral glass – in every model they make. Otis has its roots in coastal culture, design, art, music, fashion and all that encompasses this lifestyle. They combine this heritage with our overriding philosophy of providing a product of unequalled quality.  As a supplier that is focused on the standard in quality surf products, Groundswell Supply is really stoked on this relationship and to have such an amazing product line in our store.