Aloha Forever, Mikey

Sean Mattison Honors Mike Hynson

Few people in the surf industry were as deeply connected to Mike Hynson as Sean Mattison. A former professional surfer, coach, board designer and artist, Mattison credits Hynson as one of his major influences—someone who shaped not only his career but his entire approach to surfboard design.

“I wouldn’t be in the surfboard business without him,” Mattison reflects.

Their relationship spanned decades—through collaboration, challenges, and ultimately, a powerful reunion that gave them both the chance to create something meaningful together once more. Now, as the surf world remembers Hynson’s legacy, Mattison honors him not just as a surfboard innovator but as a mentor, a creative force, and, in the end, a true friend.

More than 25 years ago, a distributor in Japan approached Hynson about carrying his boards. While Hynson wanted to focus solely on shaping, he asked Mattison to run the business. Under Sean’s leadership, they expanded beyond classic longboards and guns, introducing new designs like the Black Knight Quad and the Twinzer and others to the lineup. The business thrived, though working with Hynson wasn’t always easy. Their partnership lasted 10-12 years before they parted ways—not under the best circumstances.

Mattison continued on and developed his successful Von Sol Surfboards, a high-performance alternative surfboard line. It was nearly a decade of working alongside Hynson that provided the foundation of knowledge he would later draw from. Fin design, wave dynamics, and functional design principles—lessons passed down from Hynson—became an integral part of Mattison’s work.

A Reunion Years in the Making

Just a little over two years ago, Mattison brought one of Hynson’s iconic downrailers over to Hynson’s house. Mattison was hoping to document its history and have Hynson sign the board. Instead, Hynson looked at him and said, “We should make more of these.”

Mattison hesitated—until months later, a discussion with Bob Hurley gave him a push. Hurley said, “You gotta do it.”

That moment reignited something between them. This time, their collaboration wasn’t just about making boards—it was about doing it over the top. Hynson’s downrail design revolutionized surfing, making waves once thought impossible, possible. It influenced an entire generation of shapers, including Gerry Lopez and others. And it was also the beginning of a revolution or relationship between surfboards and art. Working with Hynson not only rekindled a business relationship—it enabled Mattison to grow as an artist, embracing airbrushing and creative board designs in ways he had never explored before.

A Final Farewell

As their renewed partnership deepened, so did their friendship. Just before Christmas, Hynson signed a poster for Mattison, writing, “Aloha Forever.” Then, in a deeply personal gesture, he handed Mattison something truly special—his International Board Builders Hall of Fame jacket. Looking him in the eye, Hynson said, “You deserve this.”

In Hynson’s final days, Mattison was able to visit him in the hospital, holding his hand, playing jazz music, and calling longtime friends like David Nuuhiwa and John Bredin to say their goodbyes. When Mattison left, they exchanged a look of unspoken understanding—a farewell that needed no words.

Looking back on their decades-long journey, Mattison reflects:

“I am honored that we reunited. It wasn’t just about building boards—it was about rebuilding our friendship. What we created together in those last few years was something special. The boards, the memories, the respect—it all lives on.”

Aloha Forever, Mikey. - Sean

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