Duke Boyd*
Hang Ten founder Duke Boyd grew up in the 1950s, riding the waves off the Hawaii and California coasts and learning firsthand about the apparel shortcomings that impacted surfers. A consummate artist, ad man and entrepreneur, his foresight and professional acumen created a brand that would serve as the model for all future surfwear companies.
In 1960, Boyd approached seamstress and clothing designer Doris Moore with a stack of sketches and discussed the possibility of creating a jacket that could help keep surfers warm on the water. Noticing a set of surf trunks drawn beneath the jacket, Moore suggested creating the bottoms instead. These earliest versions of “board shorts” were capable of withstanding the rigors of surfing, and they were an instant hit with surfers along the California coast. A new brand of surfwear was born.
Together, Boyd and Moore decided on the name Hang Ten, a term synonymous with elite noseriding. They designed the golden, barefoot logo that would become the brand’s iconic trademark. The feet gained world-wide recognition, as did the company’s cheeky advertisements, which frequently graced the inside cover of Surfer.
Hang Ten was one of the first surf brands to sponsor surfing events. The company was also committed to helping budding surfers develop into athletes, and established competitions around the world to help get young riders showcased in magazines and on television.
Though Boyd and Moore sold the company in the 1970s, the Hang Ten brand lives on as a global phenomenon. Through the company’s many licensing agreements, those iconic tanned feet are displayed on everything from surfboards and skateboards to sun care, apparel and other lifestyle products.
In 1974, following his departure from Hang Ten, Boyd teamed up with surf legend Gerry Lopez to launch Lightning Bolt, another highly successful surf apparel line. Boyd passed away in 2020.
