In the intricate and often unseen world of surfboard manufacturing, where raw foam transforms into the sleek, wave-riding vehicles that define our coastal culture, certain individuals stand out not just for their skill, but for their profound and lasting impact on the craft. Gary Stuber, affectionately known throughout the San Diego surfing community as the “Lam Master,” is one such figure. For over five decades, his steady hands and meticulous artistry have been the crucial element in bringing countless surfboards to life, turning shapers’ visions into functional works of art that have graced waves around the globe. His deep roots in the Encinitas surf scene, his unwavering dedication to quality, and his pivotal role in shaping the very infrastructure of the surfboard industry were rightfully celebrated in October 2024, as his peers gathered along the familiar banks of Rose Creek at the San Diego Boat and Ski Club to induct him into the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame.

Gary Stuber’s connection to the craft of surfboard building stretches back to the зарождение of the modern surf industry in North County. His journey began in the 1960s at Surfboards Hawaii, a significant early player in the local scene when it was situated in Leucadia. This foundational experience provided him with an invaluable introduction to the intricate processes involved in transforming raw materials into wave-riding tools. From there, his expertise was sought after by other iconic surfboard manufacturers of the era, including Hansen’s and Sunset Surfboards, each stop further honing his skills and solidifying his reputation as a master of the lamination process.

The 1970s marked a significant chapter in Gary’s career as he ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding Black Dot Surfboards. Operating out of a legendary, albeit precarious, house perched precariously on the cliffs at the end of E Street in Encinitas – a spot affectionately known as the “Cliff Hanger” – Black Dot became another testament to Gary’s dedication to the craft. The “Cliff Hanger,” a lost piece of old Encinitas lore, embodied a certain rebellious spirit and a raw connection to the ocean, much like the early days of surfboard building itself. Its eventual condemnation, despite local efforts to save it, served as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the coast, though perhaps a fortunate demise considering its seemingly imminent plunge into the Pacific. Years later, Gary would chuckle about his time at the Hanger, recalling a memorable moment when he stepped onto the balcony to check the surf only for his foot to fall straight through a weakened floorboard.

It was during his time at Sunset Surfboards that Gary truly earned the moniker that would stick with him throughout his illustrious career: the “Lam Master.” His exceptional skill and unwavering attention to detail in the lamination process set him apart, making him the go-to craftsman for ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic beauty of countless boards. Lamination, the crucial stage where fiberglass cloth and resin are meticulously applied to the shaped foam core, is a delicate balance of technical precision and artistic finesse. Gary possessed both in abundance.

When Sunset Surfboards eventually ceased its surfboard production, Gary’s expertise remained highly sought after. He joined forces with other notable figures in the local shaping community, including the meticulous Peter “Pinline” St. Pierre, the innovative Kenny “Tumbleweed” Mann, and the ageless surfing prowess of Mark Donnellan, to establish a new venture: Moonlight Surfboards. This collaboration brought together a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to quality, laying the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the modern surfboard manufacturing industry. Soon, other influential shapers, such as the highly respected Gary “GH” Hanel, were welcomed into the Moonlight fold, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.

For anyone who has spent time in the water riding a surfboard crafted in the latter half of the 20th century and into the new millennium, the chances are remarkably high that Gary Stuber’s skilled hands played a crucial role in its creation. If you’ve ever experienced the smooth glide and responsive feel of a Channel Islands, Campbell Brothers Bonzer, a finely tuned GH, or the soulful glide of a Josh Hall design, there’s a significant probability that Gary Stuber was the “Lam Master” who transformed the delicate foam into a durable and functional work of art beneath your feet.

Gary’s mastery extended across the diverse spectrum of surfboard designs that have emerged over the decades. He has expertly glassed everything from the intricate channels of a channel bottom to the unique hydrodynamics of a Campbell Brothers Bonzer, the retro glide of Fishes and Eggs, the minimalist freedom of finless boards, the added drive of four-finned configurations, the classic glide of longboards, the tucked rails of wingers and stingers, and even the more experimental flex of boards without stringers. Each design presents its own unique challenges in the lamination process, demanding a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and the ultimate performance goals of the shaper. Gary navigated these complexities with an unparalleled level of skill, consistently delivering flawless results. After all, some of these boards would be tasked with holding up to the immense forces of 20-foot surf, a testament to the structural integrity that Gary’s expertise ensured.

Gary’s deep understanding of the lamination process can be traced back to his early days at Surfboards Hawaii in Leucadia, where he learned from a true pioneer of the craft. As Gary himself recalled, “I learned everything from Larry Templin, who was Hansen Surfboards’ first laminator. Back in, 1965 or ’66, he was the first guy I saw do the abstract resin work, hand-pouring the different color mixtures. I developed my own technique from watching him.” This mentorship from a seasoned professional laid the groundwork for Gary’s own innovative approach to lamination, particularly in the realm of resin artistry, where he developed his own unique techniques for creating visually stunning and durable finishes.

Moonlight Glassing, the renowned surfboard manufacturing shop co-founded by Peter St. Pierre and Gary Stuber in 1979, has become an institution within the surf industry. Since its inception in Carlsbad, California, it has stood as a beacon of high-quality craftsmanship and artistic mastery. Moonlight has collaborated with a who’s who of influential shaper brands, consistently delivering exceptional glassing work for names like Christenson Surfboards and Ryan Sakal Surfboards, among countless others. Their reputation for meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality has made them a trusted partner for shapers seeking to bring their visions to life with the highest standards of durability and aesthetics.

On a warm October evening, against the familiar and welcoming backdrop of Rose Creek at the San Diego Ski and Boat Club, the San Diego surfing community gathered to honor one of their own. Gary Stuber, the “Lam Master,” was inducted into the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame amidst the enthusiastic cheers and heartfelt appreciation of his surfing peers. This recognition was a testament not only to his exceptional skill as a laminator but also to his enduring presence and profound influence within the local surf industry. Gary Stuber’s hands have been the silent force behind countless iconic surfboards, the crucial link between the shaper’s art and the surfer’s ride. His dedication, his mastery, and his unwavering commitment to quality have left an indelible mark on the San Diego surfing landscape, making his induction a truly fitting tribute to a true local legend.