Eric Arakawa Rides the Wave Back: Island Classics surfboard Brand Returns
Oahu, Hawaii – Veteran Surfboard Shaper Eric Arakawa is making waves again, this time by reclaiming creative control of his original surfboard company, Island Classics. Arakawa, a respected figure in the surfing world, officially reacquired the brand from Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) in 2019, setting the stage for a revival rooted in authenticity and passion. The resurgence of Island Classics marks a notable moment in surfing history, blending heritage with a fresh vision for the future.
“The thing with the industry is that a lot of things have gone corporate,” Arakawa stated. “There are brands that lack authenticity or have hollow marketing. But with this,it started off as grassroots. It was a passion, and we went from there.”
A Legacy Reborn
Founded in 1982, Island Classics quickly became a prominent name in surfing, known for its high-performance boards and association with some of Oahu’s most legendary surfers. Surfers such as Michael Ho, Derek Ho, Ronnie burns, and Shawn Briley were among those who proudly represented the brand during its initial run.
After years under HIC’s umbrella, Arakawa’s decision to bring Island Classics back under his direct management signals a return to the brand’s core values: quality craftsmanship, genuine passion for surfing, and a deep connection to Hawaiian surf culture. As of 2023, the global surfboard market is projected to reach $2.8 billion, with a growing demand for handcrafted boards that reflect a surfer’s individual style and preferences, according to industry reports.
The Vision for Island Classics
Arakawa’s current focus is less about meticulous business plans and more about exploring possibilities. He’s excited about recreating boards for surfing legends such as Derek Ho and Ronnie Burns, preserving archival designs. There’s also exciting news surrounding the prospect of screen-printed merchandise featuring these iconic designs and the potential for sharing untold stories and images.
Did You Know? Eric Arakawa’s archive includes original photographs, magazines, and artwork, offering a unique glimpse into surfing’s past.
“I have two storage bins, basically my scrapbook, that are full of original photographs and magazines, original artwork, positives, and slides,” Arakawa explained. “I kept it. I feel like there’s a story to tell. And there are some cool stories.”
Arakawa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and family in this new chapter. His son now helps manage the business, ensuring that the brand’s legacy is passed down to future generations.
Pro Tip: Look for surfboards with hand-shaped details to ensure quality and performance tailored to your surfing style.
Navigating the Waves of Change
Arakawa’s career has seen its share of challenges.After starting Island Classics in 1982, he co-founded Surf Co. Hawaii in 1986, pioneering the surfboard Nose Guard and building a global network of accounts. Though,a divergence in business philosophies led to a split,forcing Arakawa to rely on his surfboard shaping skills to make ends meet.
“I went from a good salary to overnight having no salary,” he recalled. “I had a wife, two kids, and a mortgage. I was scrambling. But I still had surfboards. It was a tough three years.”
In 1995, Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) approached Arakawa with an offer he couldn’t refuse, acquiring Island Classics and bringing Arakawa on board to focus on design, board building, and team collaboration. While it was a good deal, letting go of the brand was arduous.
“it was really hard as I worked so hard with Island Classics,” Arakawa added. “Building that was my baby, and I had to let it go. It took me a few years to get over it.”
A New Chapter Unfolds
Arakawa’s collaboration with HIC initially proved fruitful, with notable surfers such as Ronnie Burns, Shawn Briley, Michael and Derek Ho riding his boards. He also played a key role in bringing Andy Irons into the fold.
Ultimately, Arakawa and HIC parted ways due to disagreements over brand direction and quality control. Arakawa felt that producing cheaper boards overseas would dilute the brand and compromise product quality. Recent industry analysis shows that consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainable and ethically produced surfboards, reflecting a shift in values.
By 2019,Arakawa was shaping high-quality boards under his own name,supported by an international network of licensees.Though, the desire to revive Island Classics remained strong. After negotiations with HIC, he successfully reacquired his brand, marking a full-circle moment in his career.
Looking Ahead
Arakawa’s team is eager to learn more about the brand’s history and future plans. The younger members are particularly interested in the stories behind the boards and the moments that shaped surfing history.
“The team at the factory is a young crew,” Arakawa said. “And they’re just frothing. They ask stories, want to know the background on things, what this moment was like, how this board was made, that sort of thing. For me, it’s old news.But through these casual conversations at the factory over the years, when I share them, to my surprise, the young crew is interested. They’ve helped me to realize there is a story to tell. And that’s what I want to do with the brand.”
Arakawa’s vision for Island Classics is rooted in passion rather then a rigid business plan, mirroring his early days in the industry. He emphasizes doing what he loves and sharing the brand’s unique story with the world.
Here’s a summary of Eric Arakawa’s journey with Island Classics:
| Year | Event | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Island Classics Founded | Marks the beginning of Arakawa’s surfboard shaping journey. |
| 1995 | Acquisition by HIC | Arakawa joins HIC, focusing on design and team collaboration. |
| 2019 | Brand Reacquisition | Arakawa regains control of Island Classics, setting the stage for its revival. |
| Present | Brand Revival | Island Classics returns with a focus on authenticity, quality, and heritage. |
Eric Arakawa is scheduled to appear at the 2025 Boardroom Show in Del Mar, California, on October 11-12, as this year’s Icons of Foam honoree.Tickets will be available online in September.
The Enduring Appeal of Handcrafted Surfboards
In an era of mass production, handcrafted surfboards such as Island Classics stand out for their unique qualities and attention to detail. These boards are not just sporting equipment; they are works of art that reflect the shaper’s skill and the surfer’s individual style.
The resurgence of interest in handcrafted surfboards is driven by a desire for authenticity and a connection to the history of surfing. Surfers are seeking boards that not only perform well but also tell a story and embody the spirit of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did eric Arakawa revive Island Classics?
- Eric Arakawa revived Island Classics to reconnect with the brand’s authentic roots, driven by a passion for surfboard shaping and a desire to share its rich history.
- What makes Island Classics surfboards unique?
- Island Classics surfboards are unique due to their blend of heritage designs honoring surfing legends and modern craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality performance.
- How does Arakawa balance tradition and innovation?
- Arakawa balances tradition and innovation by respecting archival designs while incorporating contemporary shaping techniques, resulting in surfboards that perform in today’s conditions yet honor the past.
- Who were some of the iconic surfers who rode island classics boards?
- iconic surfers such as Derek Ho, Michael Ho, Ronnie Burns, and Shawn Briley were among those who rode Island Classics boards during its initial peak.
- What is Eric Arakawa’s vision for the future of the Island Classics brand?
- Eric Arakawa envisions Island Classics as a brand that stays true to its roots, sharing its history while continually innovating and producing top-quality surfboards.
What do you think about Eric Arakawa’s decision to revive Island Classics? What are your favorite surfboard brands and why?
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