Hayden Cox. Photo: Simon & Schuster
Want to know how Hayden Cox, creator of Hayden Shapes and the world’s best selling surfboard, the Hypto Krypto, became everyone’s favorite shaper? Read the dude’s memoir, “New Wave Vision” published this week by Simon & Schuster Australia, and available on iTunes and hardcover.
Take a peek at the book in this short video from the publisher:
With his good looks, good looking surfboards, clean design aesthetic, it may be tempting to think the 35-year-old Australian always had it easy. Not so much, says Cox in his book, which also features short chapters by the likes of Tony Hawk, Oakley founder Jim Jannard and other visionary entrepreneurs.
Cox started Hayden Shapes at the age of 15, building it into a global success despite the harsh nature of the surf industry and his mother turning him down for a business loan early on. In his 20 years as an entrepreneur, he’s had to fight to defend trademarks and just barely avoided bankruptcy.
The book strikes an inspirational tone that budding entrepreneurs in any industry, not just surf, might resonate with. Here’s a description from the publisher:
“New Wave Vision is a book about creating something. It is experience driven, not a how-to, without glossing over the harsh realities, lessons and challenges faced when backing yourself and building from the ground up.”
Though Cox has reached a level few shapers ever have or will — winning global design awards, creating Future Flex technology, designing iconic boards, partnering with fashion icon Alexander Wang — he says his work as a designer and entrepreneur aren’t finished. Maybe yours aren’t either.
