Gerry Lopez was born in Hawaii, USA in 1948, He became the State of Hawaii junior surfing champion at the age of 14. He won the Master of Pipeline award in 1972. On account of his unique style and mental approach to surfing, he has become known as the surfer who meditates on waves and even god of surfing by many surfers around the world. In July 1999, Gerry was presented with the Waterman of the Year award by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) in recognition of his efforts to stress the importance of the ocean and its environmental preservation. In 2001 he moved his family and business from Hawaii to Bend, Oregon, where he now continues to shape boards but also can be found snowboarding and water skiing in the Cascade Mountains and surrounding areas.