WSJ #041 Dan O’Hara

The Wave Sliders journal

ENTRY #041

Written By: Dan O’Hara

Intro By: Jack Ventura

INTRO:

I'm not sure when brands become "legacy brands," but SOLID Surfboards certainly feels like one to me, and I'm honored to have Dan, founder of SOLID Surfboards, participate in this month's Wave Sliders Journal. Dan has been shaping boards and influencing the surf industry for over 20 years.

Fun fact: When I was a grom hitching rides to the beach in NY, Dan's SOLID boards were everywhere. I remember asking my friend's older brother, "Who is SOLID?" His response: "Dan is the man—you should meet him if you're getting into surfing..." Fast forward about 15 years: I met Dan in San Diego, and now I'm proud to call him a friend and a mentor.

Thanks, Dan, for participating, and I hope you all enjoy this short read.

PS - Get a custom SOLID Surfboard!

Who is Dan O’Hara?

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Shaper, founder, and the creative force behind SOLID Surfboards, Dan grew up in New York and started shaping boards over 20 years ago! In 2008, Dan moved from his hometown in NY to San Diego, and since then, he has been revolutionizing the surf industry with his own unique twist on eco-designed surfboards.

What was your first job?

First jobs reveal a lot about who we were.

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Hardware Store - well before that cleaning up job sites for my dad.

What have you learned through surfing that translates to everyday life?

What you have learned from surfing and how those lessons help you through daily livin'...

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Gotta check around every corner! I love exploring beyond the end of the road, exploring the path less traveled and even more so obviously love finding waves around corners that arent obvious. Kinda has translated to the rest of my life where the best opportunities are taking that one extra step, driving that one extra mile or taking that one last shot.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in the next 10 years?

Share a goal for the next decade, and how surfing might have influenced these aspirations.

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Hunker down and find a home base, start to establish some land that will probably be tough in the beginning but pay off dividends in the long run. Not sure where that is yet but have sure been exploring all the options!

What Dan Is Stoked On Lately...

Someone in the surf community you are stoked on:

My shaping mentor Charles Williams who recently passed away. I am bummed I was out of the country for his paddle out - but he was such an icon in his zone and just a great person in general. He lent out a huge helping hand when I was flailing in my late teens and made a huge impact in my life. There is rarely a day that goes by that I'm not doing something he taught me. Other than that - my dad for sure. He cruises longboard but absolutely has no interest in trends or fads or being recognized at all, he got me in the water for my first waves and I'm forever grateful for that.

A quote you like?

“Nobody cares how good you surf.”