Nalu Film Foundation
Herbie Fletcher Archives
Herbie Fletcher
Herbie Fletcher, born on October 18, 1948, in Pasadena, California, is a legendary figure in the surfing world, renowned as a master surfer, an innovative entrepreneur, a filmmaker, and the patriarch of surfing's most influential dynasty.
Growing up in San Clemente, Fletcher began surfing at age nine and quickly rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, competing in events and pushing the boundaries of performance surfing. His radical style and fearless approach earned him a spot among the sport's elite, including features in iconic films like Free Ride (1977), where he showcased his prowess at Pipeline and other heavy Hawaiian breaks.
Beyond the waves, Fletcher's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Herbie Fletcher Surfboards in the 1970s and invent Astrodeck in 1976—the world's first surfboard traction pad, revolutionizing board grip and safety for generations of surfers.
Wave Warriors
Fletcher's foray into filmmaking began in the mid-1980s, when he produced and directed a series of groundbreaking surf videos that captured the raw energy of the era. His most famous works include the Wave Warriors series: Wave Warriors (1985), Wave Warriors II (1987), Wave Warriors III (1988), and Wave Warriors IV (1989), which served as promotional vehicles for Astrodeck while featuring top talent in explosive action sequences.
He went on to create films like Super Natural (1991), starring his son, Christian, and to produce over 50 surf films throughout his career, either as director, producer, or featured surfer.
Fletcher's films were known for their high-octane footage, innovative use of jet skis in big-wave filming, and soundtracks that embodied the punk-rock spirit of surfing's counterculture. Many of these classics have been remastered and are available on platforms like Nalu TV.
Fletcher Films
As a trailblazer, Fletcher not only shaped boards and films but also pioneered new ways to engage with the ocean. He was among the first to integrate jet skis into big-wave surfing and filming, towing into massive swells at spots like Pipeline and Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore, where he lived for years.
His global adventures took him to iconic locations, including Tahiti's Teahupoo, where he filmed daring sessions with his family, and California's Hollister Ranch, as seen in early projects like The Sweet Ride (1968).
Fletcher's artistic endeavors extended to visual art, with exhibitions blending surf culture and contemporary design, further cementing his status as a multifaceted icon.
At the heart of Fletcher's legacy is his family, often dubbed "surf royalty." Married to Dibi Hoffman since 1969—daughter of surf pioneer Walter Hoffman and sister to champion Joyce Hoffman—Dibi has been the backbone of the family business, managing Astrodeck while Herbie pursued his passions.
Fletcher DNA
Their sons, Christian (born 1970) and Nathan (born 1975), have carried the torch: Christian revolutionized aerial surfing in the 1990s, while Nathan pioneered helicopter drops into giant waves and big-wave charging.
Grandchildren like Greyson (a pro skateboarder) continue the tradition, blending surf and skate cultures.Herbie Fletcher's impact on surfing spans decades, from innovative products like Astrodeck to films that inspired a generation. Now in his late 70s, he remains active in San Clemente, creating art, shaping boards, and mentoring.
His story is chronicled in the book Fletcher: A Lifetime in Surf (2019), authored by Dibi, which weaves personal anecdotes with surfing history.
Fletcher's ethos of doing things "exceptionally well and in their own way" continues to resonate, making him an enduring symbol of surfing's rebellious spirit.