Former pro surfer Scott Dailey shapes kids to follow their own paths

Scott Daley with sons Grayson and Jack in the doorway to the shed, where it all happens. Photo by JP Cordero

Scott Daley with sons Grayson and Jack in the doorway to the shed, where it all happens. Photo by JP Cordero

Scott Daley and his two boys, Grayson and Jack have a good thing going. Scott is a former World Surf League pro who still rips when we compete in the South Bay Boardrider contests. He surfed on the pro tour from ‘79 to ‘92 and was on the winning team in three Kanvas by Katin Pro Surf Team Challenges. He worked for Natural Progression and Open Ocean in the late ‘70s before moving on to Body Glove in the early ‘80s. Scott retired from Body Glove a few years ago and lives in El Segundo with sons Jack, 22 and Grayson, 18.

Their backyard looks like the a Doobie Brothers album cover. It’s filled with colorful, abstract airbrushed surfboards, T- shirts and hoodies. It’s too bad the Hermosa Beach Insomniac isn’t around any longer. Grayson and Jack believe their artwork is the most important part of their surf-related products. 

Grayson Daley balances art and function. Photo by JP Cordero

“As far back as I can remember, I was surfing next to my dad on my Boogie Board. I was probably 5 years old at North Shore’s Freddie-land,” Grayson said. Freddie-land is next to Velzyland. It’s where all the little local kids learn to surf.

”Dad would take us with him to Hawaii every winter,” Jack added.

Grayson and Jack started surfing seriously in Junior High and competed on the El Segundo High surf team. Grayson shredded on his blue 6-foot-4 Greg Mungal, while Jack started on a 5-foot-4 ET four fin fish he won in a contest. Now, they surf El Porto 5-foot-10 and 5-foot-4′ eggs shaped by Grayson. Grayson loves experimenting with weird shapes. He rode a finless surfboard for a year.

Jack Daley sews hoodies with soul. Photo by JP Coprdero

Jack started his hoodie freestyle, abstract art, sweatshirts and T-shirt business by making them for friends. Jack said, “They have really caught on. I can barely keep up with the orders. I think it’s because the whole ‘60s Woodstock, beards-and-long-hair look is making a comeback that suits my style. Each shirt is my own artwork.”

Grayson shaped his first surfboard when he was 13.

“My dad and I stripped the fiberglass off a broken longboard. My first five surfboards were longboards stripped down, reshaped and re-glassed.

“I started  making hand boards for body surfers and selling them at Dive N’ Surf. They had my original abstract resin artwork, which got everyone’s attention. To me the abstract art work is just as important as my shaping skills. I know my shapes are functional and my art enhances the surfboard,” Grayson said. 

Grayson’s shaping idol is El Segundo’s Tyler Hatzikian. Like Hatzikian, Grayson does everything himself. He shapes, glasses, polishes and finishes each surfboard. 

Grayson Daley balances art and function.

His newest design is a 6-foot-8 short longboard he calls his Mid-Length Model.

Grayson also does ding repairs. “I love making boards look new again. My surfing comes second to my surfboard business. There is a big white board on the living room wall covered with surfboard and clothing orders coming in and going out.”

“We just got a surfboard order from an Iraqi princess through the TikTok website,” Scott mentioned.

Grayson sold several boards to art collectors through Hermosa’s Resin Artwork Gallery. 

“I have never worked in a surf shop. I taught myself the surfboard making process with the help of my dad and watching others online,” Grayson said.

Scott added, “I couldn’t be more proud of my two boys and what they are trying to do. I am glad I can help them with advice and money for materials to fill the orders.”

His boards can be viewed at Daleyshapes.com. ER

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