Iconic Brands: A retrospective

Clark Foam, founded by Gordon "Grubby" Clark in 1961, revolutionized the surfboard industry by introducing mass-produced foam blanks using the innovative "foam claw" machine. This breakthrough significantly lowered production costs, enabling more people to afford surfboards and contributing to the growth of surfing in the 1960s and 1970s. Clark Foam became the dominant supplier of foam blanks, known for their high quality and consistency, and was used by top surfboard manufacturers worldwide.However, in 2005, the company unexpectedly closed its doors due to regulatory issues and a decline in the surfboard industry. This abrupt closure disrupted the surfboard manufacturing supply chain but also led to the emergence of new foam blank manufacturers. Despite its relatively short existence, Clark Foam left an enduring legacy as a pioneer in making surfing more accessible and affordable, reshaping the surfboard industry, and playing a vital role in the history of surfing.