In this episode of Discover La Jolla, host Jim McInerney sits down with local legend and world-renowned surfboard shaper, Tim Bessell. With a career spanning over four decades, Tim shares his incredible journey from shaping his first board at age 13 to becoming a global name in both the surf and art industries.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
The Early Days: How Tim’s grandfather, an aerospace engineer, taught him the fundamentals of fiberglass and resin in a basement workshop.
A Professional Pedigree: Tim’s rise through the ranks at iconic labels like Sunset Surfboards, Lightning Bolt on the North Shore, and his influential partnership with Billy Caster.
The Warhol Connection: The fascinating story of how Tim met Andy Warhol in NYC and eventually secured the exclusive worldwide license to feature Warhol’s iconic pop art on his surfboards.
Innovation in Surfing: A look at "The Grip," Tim’s revolutionary waxless surfboard technology that he spent 20 years perfecting.
Tim has been a staple of the La Jolla community at his Westbourne Street location since 1987. His boards have transitioned from the waves to the walls of prestigious museums like the San Diego Museum of Art and SFMOMA.
Connect with Tim Bessell:
Website: bessellsurfboards.com
Visit the Shop: 515 Westbourne Street, La Jolla, CA
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