Iconic Brands: A retrospective

In the world of vintage boats, some are remembered for their speed, others for their luxury, but the Penn Yan Goose? It’s remembered for its personality. The Goose, as fans affectionately call it, wasn’t your typical watercraft. Designed with utility, stability, and a touch of whimsy, this flat-bottomed boat became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, duck hunters, and lake-drifters who just wanted something practical, dependable, and a little different. Odd Name, Serious Utility Despite its funny name, the Goose was all business on the water. With a broad, stable hull and shallow draft, it could glide through marshes, creeks, and backwater channels where most boats would struggle. It was the ultimate go-anywhere vessel, ideal for fishing trips, waterfowl hunting, or just a peaceful paddle through the reeds. Built the Penn Yan Way Like all Penn Yan boats, the Goose was crafted with care and built to last. Early versions were made of wood, but later models incorporated fiberglass for greater durability and easier maintenance. Though it didn’t boast the sleek lines of a Captivator or the horsepower of a Sport Fisherman, the Goose had its own quiet confidence, reliable, rugged, and ready to go. And thanks to Penn Yan’s signature design principles, even this humble utility boat featured smart construction that made it stand out from other workboats of its time. Still Honking Along Even decades after Penn Yan closed its doors in 2001, Gooses (Geese?) are still out there. You might spot one tucked away in a boathouse, drifting silently along a pond, or getting passed down through generations as a family treasure. Vintage lovers know: once you’ve had a Goose, you don’t forget it.

If you’ve ever cruised across a lake in a sleek vintage boat and felt like royalty, there’s a good chance you were riding in a Penn Yan. Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the Penn Yan Boat Company was born in 1921 thanks to the vision of German-born innovator Charles A. Herrman. What started as a small operation quickly turned into a name synonymous with quality, adventure, and good old-fashioned American craftsmanship. Herrman wasn’t just building boats, he was shaping a culture. Boats for Every Kind of Water Wanderer Whether you were a thrill-seeker craving speed or a leisure lover looking to coast into the sunset, Penn Yan had you covered. The company built everything from sporty ski and racing boats to luxurious yachts and practical fishing boats for the hardworking pros. It was a brand for everyone - weekend warriors, sunbathers, adventurers, and anglers alike. But what truly set Penn Yan apart was its spirit of innovation. The Tunnel Drive: A Game-Changer Charles Herrman didn’t just make boats, he reinvented how they moved. His groundbreaking Tunnel Drive invention took boating to the next level. By creating a cavity that partly enclosed the drive shaft and propeller, this design allowed boats to achieve greater speeds without compromising stability. It was fast, it was smooth, and it was pure genius. The Tunnel Drive gave Penn Yan boats an edge - and a reputation. For years, they were known not only for style but also for performance. From Wood to Fiberglass: A New Era In the 1960s, Penn Yan made the leap from traditional wooden boats to fiberglass construction, a move that kept the company riding the wave of modernity. This shift allowed for sleeker designs, lighter builds, and more durable models that required less maintenance but still packed a punch on the water. The Sunset Years and the Boats That Endure After decades of success, Penn Yan was sold in 1979, and the company eventually closed its doors for good in 2001. But the legacy didn’t sink. Today, vintage models like the Commander and Captivator still turn heads at marinas and lakesides, preserved and cherished by enthusiasts who know quality when they see it. Penn Yan boats aren’t just collectors’ items—they’re floating pieces of history. The Heart of a Boating Legend Though the factory is silent, the name Penn Yan still echoes across the water. It's in the shine of a polished hull, the hum of an old Tunnel Drive engine, and the stories told by those who grew up with wind in their hair and a Penn Yan at their command. So next time you spot a vintage beauty gliding across the water, give a nod to Charles Herrman. He didn’t just build boats—he built dreams.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a boat that blends rugged performance with timeless style, look no further than the legendary 30ft Penn Yan Sport Fisherman. Built for adventure, comfort, and serious angling, this beauty was a flagship of the Penn Yan Boat Company, an American brand known for marrying innovation with craftsmanship. Founded in 1921 by Charles A. Herrman, Penn Yan quickly built a reputation for quality boats that could handle everything from quiet lake days to deep-sea action. But the 30ft Sport Fisherman? That was in a league of its own. Built for the Big Catch This wasn’t your average weekend cruiser. The Sport Fisherman was designed with offshore performance in mind, sturdy enough for open waters, yet smooth enough for long, comfortable hauls. It featured a wide beam for stability, plenty of deck space for fighting fish, and a cabin with all the essentials for extended trips. Power Meets Precision Like many Penn Yan models, the Sport Fisherman often featured the company’s signature Tunnel Drive system, an ingenious design that partially enclosed the propeller for enhanced speed and hull stability. It was fast, agile, and shockingly fuel-efficient for its size. Basically, it handled like a boat half its weight and twice its charm. Still Turning Heads Though Penn Yan shut down in 2001, its boats have never left the water or the hearts of boating enthusiasts. The 30ft Sport Fisherman, in particular, remains a favorite among collectors and vintage boat fans. Restored models still cruise the Great Lakes and East Coast, drawing attention wherever they go.

Built low, fast, and loud. Just like the machines it honors, the Steen’s Pole Cat tee is a tribute to one of the wildest rides in karting history. Back in the day, Steen’s didn’t just build bikes, they engineered attitude. The Pole Cat was a twin-engine, tire-shredding beast that tore up asphalt and made no apologies. It wasn’t built for the faint of heart. It was built for first place. This tee captures that exact spirit - raw, rowdy, and race-ready. Printed on soft vintage-washed cotton with a detailed line drawing of the original kart, it’s perfect for anyone who knows the thrill of speed and the glory of going full throttle. Helmet on. Street clear. Let’s ride.

This isn’t just a hat; it’s a salute. The Steen’s logo cap brings one of the most influential names in Southern California motorsports right back into the sunlight. Worn here by a rider who knows fun isn’t just for the archives, it’s a living, laughing, full-throttle thing. From minibike kits to motocross innovations, Steen’s was the engine behind the early DIY speed movement. That squirrel-with-a-checkered-flag logo? It’s a badge of honor. A reminder of the shop that sparked generations of backyard builds and fearless first rides. Throw this cap on and you’re not just blocking the sun, you’re carrying the spirit of Steen’s wherever the road takes you.

Sometimes the coolest rides come in the smallest frames. Enter: the Frijole Mini-Bike, a SoCal backyard legend that’s been tearing up driveways and dirt lots since 1961. Originally sold as a kit through Steen’s Cycle, the Frijole was the ultimate DIY dream for speed-hungry kids with a wrench in one hand and a need for speed in the other. It was compact, punchy, and didn’t care how old you were, just that you could hang on. Our new Frijole Mini-Bike tee throws it back to that era of grease-stained garage builds and spontaneous street races. With its vintage ad-style graphic and soft, broken-in cotton, it’s perfect for cruising around your neighborhood like it’s 1965. Because some rides never go out of style. They just get faster.

Lions Drag Strip Tee Worn with lived-in denim and a throwback cap, the Lions Drag Strip tee is more than just a shirt, it’s a tribute to SoCal’s golden age of drag racing. This iconic track lit up Long Beach from the '50s through the early '70s, and our design brings that adrenaline-drenched history back to life with soft, pigment-dyed cotton and a sunwashed yellow that feels like summer. Hawai‘i Raceway Park Tee On the back of a vintage bike, the Hawai‘i Raceway Park tee speaks to another chapter of American motorsport history. Featuring a distressed graphic from the 1972 U.S. Motorcycle Championships, it honors the legendary O‘ahu track that shaped local motocross culture. The muted sand tone and retro lettering give it that perfect “found-it-in-your-dad’s-drawer” vibe. Both shirts are part of our Speed Shop Collection, a curated line of heritage-style tees celebrating iconic tracks, legendary races, and the unshakable bond between man, machine, and memory. Each tee is printed in-house on our signature 6.2 oz 100% combed cotton, finished with eco-friendly inks, and tagged with the history behind the design. Whether you’re wrenching in the garage, kicking up dirt on a Sunday ride, or just craving that vintage edge in your everyday wear, these tees aren’t just apparel. They’re time machines.

Before motocross was mainstream, before minibikes ruled every backyard in Southern California, there was Steen’s. Founded by Floyd Steen in the 1960s, Steen’s became the launchpad for the early off-road revolution. They didn’t just sell bikes. They fueled the fire behind some of the most iconic machines of the era. From Taco minibikes to Hodaka-powered racers, Steen’s was the shop where young riders, garage tinkerers, and future legends all collided. They sponsored racers before it was trendy, engineered parts that pushed the limits, and helped shape the SoCal speed scene from the dirt up. Steen’s wasn’t just a name, it was a badge of honor for those who lived wide open. Our new Steen’s cap pays homage to that legacy. With the original mascot logo and a sun-faded wash, it feels like something you’d dig out of your uncle’s old racing box... but better. Whether you’re racing vintage bikes or just chasing that old-school cool, this hat’s for the ones who know: Steen’s didn’t follow trends. They made tracks.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a boat that blends rugged performance with timeless style, look no further than the legendary 30ft Penn Yan Sport Fisherman. Built for adventure, comfort, and serious angling, this beauty was a flagship of the Penn Yan Boat Company, an American brand known for marrying innovation with craftsmanship. Founded in 1921 by Charles A. Herrman, Penn Yan quickly built a reputation for quality boats that could handle everything from quiet lake days to deep-sea action. But the 30ft Sport Fisherman? That was in a league of its own. Built for the Big Catch This wasn’t your average weekend cruiser. The Sport Fisherman was designed with offshore performance in mind, sturdy enough for open waters, yet smooth enough for long, comfortable hauls. It featured a wide beam for stability, plenty of deck space for fighting fish, and a cabin with all the essentials for extended trips. Power Meets Precision Like many Penn Yan models, the Sport Fisherman often featured the company’s signature Tunnel Drive system, an ingenious design that partially enclosed the propeller for enhanced speed and hull stability. It was fast, agile, and shockingly fuel-efficient for its size. Basically, it handled like a boat half its weight and twice its charm. Still Turning Heads Though Penn Yan shut down in 2001, its boats have never left the water or the hearts of boating enthusiasts. The 30ft Sport Fisherman, in particular, remains a favorite among collectors and vintage boat fans. Restored models still cruise the Great Lakes and East Coast, drawing attention wherever they go.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a boat that blends rugged performance with timeless style, look no further than the legendary 30ft Penn Yan Sport Fisherman. Built for adventure, comfort, and serious angling, this beauty was a flagship of the Penn Yan Boat Company, an American brand known for marrying innovation with craftsmanship. Founded in 1921 by Charles A. Herrman, Penn Yan quickly built a reputation for quality boats that could handle everything from quiet lake days to deep-sea action. But the 30ft Sport Fisherman? That was in a league of its own. Built for the Big Catch This wasn’t your average weekend cruiser. The Sport Fisherman was designed with offshore performance in mind, sturdy enough for open waters, yet smooth enough for long, comfortable hauls. It featured a wide beam for stability, plenty of deck space for fighting fish, and a cabin with all the essentials for extended trips. Power Meets Precision Like many Penn Yan models, the Sport Fisherman often featured the company’s signature Tunnel Drive system, an ingenious design that partially enclosed the propeller for enhanced speed and hull stability. It was fast, agile, and shockingly fuel-efficient for its size. Basically, it handled like a boat half its weight and twice its charm. Still Turning Heads Though Penn Yan shut down in 2001, its boats have never left the water or the hearts of boating enthusiasts. The 30ft Sport Fisherman, in particular, remains a favorite among collectors and vintage boat fans. Restored models still cruise the Great Lakes and East Coast, drawing attention wherever they go.

If you’ve ever cruised across a lake in a sleek vintage boat and felt like royalty, there’s a good chance you were riding in a Penn Yan. Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the Penn Yan Boat Company was born in 1921 thanks to the vision of German-born innovator Charles A. Herrman. What started as a small operation quickly turned into a name synonymous with quality, adventure, and good old-fashioned American craftsmanship. Herrman wasn’t just building boats, he was shaping a culture. Boats for Every Kind of Water Wanderer Whether you were a thrill-seeker craving speed or a leisure lover looking to coast into the sunset, Penn Yan had you covered. The company built everything from sporty ski and racing boats to luxurious yachts and practical fishing boats for the hardworking pros. It was a brand for everyone - weekend warriors, sunbathers, adventurers, and anglers alike. But what truly set Penn Yan apart was its spirit of innovation. The Tunnel Drive: A Game-Changer Charles Herrman didn’t just make boats, he reinvented how they moved. His groundbreaking Tunnel Drive invention took boating to the next level. By creating a cavity that partly enclosed the drive shaft and propeller, this design allowed boats to achieve greater speeds without compromising stability. It was fast, it was smooth, and it was pure genius. The Tunnel Drive gave Penn Yan boats an edge - and a reputation. For years, they were known not only for style but also for performance. From Wood to Fiberglass: A New Era In the 1960s, Penn Yan made the leap from traditional wooden boats to fiberglass construction, a move that kept the company riding the wave of modernity. This shift allowed for sleeker designs, lighter builds, and more durable models that required less maintenance but still packed a punch on the water. The Sunset Years and the Boats That Endure After decades of success, Penn Yan was sold in 1979, and the company eventually closed its doors for good in 2001. But the legacy didn’t sink. Today, vintage models like the Commander and Captivator still turn heads at marinas and lakesides, preserved and cherished by enthusiasts who know quality when they see it. Penn Yan boats aren’t just collectors’ items—they’re floating pieces of history. The Heart of a Boating Legend Though the factory is silent, the name Penn Yan still echoes across the water. It's in the shine of a polished hull, the hum of an old Tunnel Drive engine, and the stories told by those who grew up with wind in their hair and a Penn Yan at their command. So next time you spot a vintage beauty gliding across the water, give a nod to Charles Herrman. He didn’t just build boats—he built dreams.

Founded in 1961 by the legendary Gordon "Grubby" Clark in Laguna Niguel, California, Clark Foam didn’t just change the surfing game—it redefined it. Before Clark Foam, surfboard makers were largely on their own when it came to the core material, which led to a lot of trial and error. Enter Clark’s genius: polyurethane foam blanks, which became the foundation of nearly every surfboard ever made. These blanks were the perfect starting point for surfboard shapers, providing them with the raw material they could refine and customize into their signature creations. A Surfer’s Dream Team: From Grubby to Legendary Shapers What makes the Clark Foam story even more epic? Gordon Clark didn’t just work alone. He collaborated with some of the most respected names in the industry, including Dale Velzy and Dick Brewer—two shapers who helped him design the blanks that would forever change the surfboard landscape. This collaboration led to the creation of the ideal foam core that would allow shapers to focus on what really mattered: the shape, performance, and ride of the board itself. As you might imagine, the success was off the charts. At its peak, Clark Foam supplied about 90% of all surfboard blanks globally. That’s right—nearly every surfboard in the world had Clark Foam at its core. Whether you were cruising Malibu or tearing up Hawaii’s North Shore, chances are, your board came from the same foam factory. The North Shore Connection It’s no surprise that Hawaii’s North Shore—the spiritual home of big-wave surfing—was an integral part of Clark Foam’s history. The North Shore is where legends are made, and many of the world’s top shapers used Clark Foam to create boards capable of tackling the monstrous waves of Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset Beach. North Shore's waves demand precision and performance, and Clark Foam’s blanks became the backbone for boards crafted to handle the toughest surf on the planet. Many of the iconic boards used by surfing pioneers like Jerry Lopez, Mark Richards, and Duke Kahanamoku likely had a Clark Foam blank hidden inside. The partnership between Clark Foam and North Shore was more than just a business connection; it was a fusion of innovation and culture. The North Shore’s local surf community, with its legendary reefs and challenging waves, helped push Clark Foam's blanks to the limits, and in turn, those same boards helped shape the future of surfing. The End of an Era But as with many things in the world of surf, the good times didn’t last forever. In 2005, Clark Foam closed its doors, leaving the surfboard industry to search for a new supplier of foam blanks. The closure was a shockwave felt around the world, and many still feel the ripple effects of Clark Foam’s absence today. Despite its closure, Clark Foam’s legacy endures. The innovation that Grubby Clark brought to the industry, combined with the collaborations he fostered, continues to influence the way boards are made. Today, shapers all over the world still look back to Clark Foam as the gold standard, and the boards they create—whether they’re destined for a local surf break or the heavy barrels of the North Shore—are built upon the same principles of craftsmanship and innovation that Clark pioneered. So the next time you catch a perfect wave, remember: you're not just riding the swell, you're riding the legacy of Clark Foam and the waves of history that made surfing what it is today.