Larry Bertlemann – Profile of a Surfing and Skateboarding Icon

On October 10 (2026), Larry Bertlemann, legendary surfer, skateboarder, and pioneer of the radical shortboard style, passed away.

Larry, also known as "Rubberman," was described by Matt Warshaw in the Encyclopedia of Surfing as follows:

"One of the most important figures in Hawaiian surfing during the 1970s. After finishing fourth in 1972, Bertlemann rode the wave of surfing's popularity, dedicating himself to documenting and showcasing his unique style through photos and films."

He inspired, among others, the famous California skate crew known as the Lords of Dogtown, and to this day, the "Bert slide" remains a popular trick performed across skateboards and surfskates alike. Among skaters with Polish roots, we often see it featured in Helena Kazmierczak's media on steep bowls around the world.

Larry frequently surfed single-fin boards like the "Sting," a shape that remains popular today and continues to inspire surfboard shapers worldwide. I personally own two boards inspired by this outline. Key to Bertlemann's surfing was placing the fin relatively far forward from the tail to achieve greater maneuverability on the waves he chose.

There is a wealth of material about him available online that is well worth exploring. Larry is fondly remembered across both the surfing and skateboarding communities.

Below are a few links, though you can find plenty more material on this truly iconic, charismatic, and unforgettable figure.

"Anything is possible"

RIP Larry Bertlemann

Text by Michał Szymkat translated by Gemini

Photo: Art Brewer