Meet a Master: Surfer Supplies Hosts Malcolm Campbell, Co-Creator of the Iconic Bonzer
In a special gathering that bridges the rich history of West Coast innovation with the enduring soul of East Coast surf culture, Surfer Supplies in Ocean City is set to host legendary shaper Malcolm Campbell of Campbell Brothers Surfboards. Malcolm will be there to connect with surfers, talk shaping, and delve into the fascinating, decades-long history of the groundbreaking Bonzer design.
Surfer Supplies, a beloved local staple since 1962, invites the community to a meet and greet this Saturday, October 4th, at 1:00 PM at the shop located on the corner of 31st Street and Asbury Avenue.
Greg Beck, one of the owners of Surfer Supplies, shared his enthusiasm for the event. “We’re honored to have Malcolm Campbell here,” Greg explained. “The Bonzer, which he and his brother Duncan have been making since 1970, is more than just a fin setup—it’s a truly valid hydrodynamic concept that has stood the test of time. It’s a chance to learn directly from a master.”
The story of the Bonzer is one of quiet, unrelenting progress. In an era dominated by single-fins, the Campbell Brothers introduced their innovative three-fin Bonzer in 1970, laying the groundwork for modern multi-fin surfboards. They later refined the concept with the high-performance five-fin Bonzer in 1982.
For the Campbell Brothers, this design philosophy extends beyond hydrodynamics; it’s about evolution. The Bonzer experience is dedicated to creating “dynamic changes that produce quantum shifts in understanding and performance.”
For Malcolm Campbell, the board is a symbol of that “evolutionary potential.” A testament that a great idea is never truly finished, but is always being refined for the next wave, the next generation, and the next leap forward. His work, often considered decades ahead of its time. The Campbell Brothers continue to influence how modern shapers think about water flow, concaves, and the perfect turn.
This Saturday’s event offers a rare chance to sit down with a surfing icon and discuss the concepts that changed the sport. Whether you ride a classic Bonzer, a modern thruster, or are simply curious about surfboard design, Malcolm Campbell’s insights are invaluable.
To make the afternoon complete, goodies will be provided by The Sandwich Bar.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share stories, ask questions, and celebrate the revolutionary spirit of a design that remains one of surfing’s most enduring and futuristic concepts.