THE 1960s
LEARNING THE CRAFT
Hoy began with ding repairs and glassing before moving into shaping. Driven by a passion for surfing and the high cost of buying new boards, he learned how to create surfboards for himself.
RUSTY SURFBOARDS · SHAPER PROFILE
HOY RUNNELS
SURFBOARD SHAPER · LONGBOARD SPECIALIST · CRAFTSMAN
50+YEARS OF SHAPING EXPERIENCE
THE CRAFTSMAN
A LIFETIME OF PRECISION, BALANCE & CRAFT
With more than five decades of shaping experience, Hoy Runnels is one of the most respected craftsmen in modern surfboard design.
His journey began in San Diego during the 1960s, where a passion for surfing — and the high cost of buying new boards — inspired him to learn the art of shaping for himself.
More than 40,000 boards shaped — each one built with care, precision and attention to detail.
A LIFE IN SHAPING
FROM SAN DIEGO TO THE RUSTY SHAPING BAY
THE G&S YEARS
PRECISION, CONSISTENCY & EXPERIENCE
Hoy developed his skills alongside some of Southern California’s most influential board builders. His years at the legendary G&S Surfboards helped establish his reputation for precision, consistency and uncompromising attention to detail.
1994—TODAY
JOINING RUSTY
Since joining Rusty Surfboards in 1994, Hoy has played a key role in refining many of the brand’s most trusted designs.
Throughout his career, he has hand-shaped more than 40,000 surfboards. His shaping bay has also become a place of mentorship, where younger shapers have learned from one of the industry’s true craftsmen.
DESIGNS & INFLUENCE
TIMELESS LINES, MODERN PERFORMANCE
Hoy is best known for his beautifully balanced longboards, blending timeless lines with modern performance.
Every board reflects the experience of a lifetime spent studying waves, refining curves and perfecting every detail. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with the performance expected from a modern Rusty surfboard.
BEYOND THE SHAPING BAY
CRAFT BEYOND THE SHAPING BAY
Away from the shaping room, Hoy enjoys restoring antiques, collecting Tiki art and working with wood — another craft that reflects his passion for creating things built to last.
Today, Hoy Runnels remains an integral part of the Rusty Surfboards family, continuing to shape boards with the same care, precision and dedication that have defined his career for more than 50 years.