Artist Statement

Greg Noll;
Surfing is a feeling that never leaves you. Noll challenges anyone who wants to know what the life of a big-wave surfer is really like to get on a board and paddle out there, point the board down the face of a wave, and make a commitment. That’s where you find the truth.

Jed Noll;
My commitment to perfection truly makes my boards a stand out in today’s world of mass production.

Biography: 

Greg Noll;
Pioneer big-wave surfer Greg Noll was called Da Bull by his fellow surfers for his stubborn, straightforward and aggressive approach to the sport. His approach to life in general wasn’t much different. His life revolved around surfing and everything the sport engendered. He made surfboards and surf films. He pioneered modern surfing in Australia. He discovered Mazatlan as a surf spot. He was the first to ride the fearsome waves at Waimea Bay and Outside Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore. He was the first to bring Legends of the 60”s together in various locations around the world for just a “good time”.

Part of Greg’s motivation for riding big surf came from the camaraderie he enjoyed with his elite rowdy peers. The other part came from within: “I just wanted to ride a bigger wave than anybody. I wanted to do something none of the other guys could or would do.” One day in December 1969, he did just that when a storm from the Aleutians drove monstrous swells onto the shores of Oahu and created a day like no other at Makaha Point. There, Greg Noll met the wave that had beckoned but had eluded him for twenty years.

Hawaii State Senator and former World Surfing Champion Fred Hemmings was out in the water at Makaha that same day. Afterward, he described Greg Noll’s experience as a death-wish wave. If he had been anyone else in that situation, he would have died.

Jed Noll;
Jed was born and raised in Northern California. Constantly surrounded by the legendary shaping knowledge of his father, Greg Noll, Jed was taught the secrets of traditional surfboard shaping.

In 1994, Jed began working under Master Shaper Bob Pearson of Santa Cruz. During his years at Pearson Arrow, Jed learned the skills necessary to satisfy the changing needs of today’s surfboard consumer.
He has spent time under the tutelage of California’s Chris McElroy, Australian Matt Haymes, Kazumi Nakamura in Japan, and Peter Daniels of South Africa. Jed has also traveled as a surfer and a competitor to Europe, Asia, Australia, all over California, Hawaii, the East Coast, and many places in between.

The rich history of the Noll family has inspired Jed to bring back the novelty of Old School surf team camaraderie.

Currently, Jed is based out of Santa Ana California, working with the Watermen’s Guild which is considered by most, the highest quality glassing company on the coast.