Who is Taylor Jensen?

Blog Overview

• Taylor Jensen's early life and career beginnings
• Highlights of his professional achievements and titles
• Details of his recent victory at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic
• Information on Taylor Jensen's signature surfboard models and designs
• Insights into the surfboard fins associated with Taylor Jensen
• Discussion on his influence and legacy in the longboarding community

Taylor Jensen is a distinguished figure in the world of professional longboarding, known for his impressive achievements and contributions to the sport. Taylor has made a significant impact on the longboarding scene with his exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Jensen's journey into surfing began at a young age, influenced by his father's passion for beach volleyball and the surf culture surrounding him. He started surfing around the age of six or seven and transitioned to longboarding by the age of ten. His first longboard contest was at thirteen, and he quickly found success, winning his first professional event at sixteen during the San Miguel Surf Festival

Young Taylor Jensen surfing. Photo credits to his mom. 

Hailing from San Diego, CA, Taylor grew up with a passion for riding any type of surf craft that he could get his hands on. At the age of 13, he fell in love with Longboarding and since then he has become one of the most successful and dominant competitive Longboarders in the World today.

Over the course of his career, and with many more years to go, he has racked up 3 WSL World Longboard Titles, 6 North American National Titles, 3 Australasian National Titles and over 50 professional career victories along the way.

In 2024, Jensen added another significant victory to his career by winning the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, showcasing his continued dominance in the sport. 

Personal Life

Beyond his competitive career, Taylor Jensen is known for his dedication to family. He often speaks about the importance of his family life, which includes his wife and two daughters.  His personal experiences, such as meeting his wife at a surfing event, have been pivotal moments in his life, enriching his journey both personally and professionally.

When he’s not chasing swells and contests all over the globe, Taylor spends his downtime with his wife Nava and daughter Jagger, splitting their time between the beaches of San Diego, CA and the Far North Coast of NSW, Australia. 

Taylor Jensen has won three longboard world championships, with back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, and a third in 2017. Throughout his career, he has competed on his signature model, the TJ Pro shaped by Dan Mann, which is available in Firewire Timbertek. 

Surfboards and Signature Models

Jensen is closely associated with high-performance longboarding, often riding boards that reflect his dynamic style. His involvement in the design process ensures that these boards meet the demands of both competitive and recreational surfers.

• TJ Pro: This is one of Jensen's most well-known models, designed in collaboration with Firewire Surfboards. It is crafted to enhance performance and is suitable for both advanced and novice surfers due to its responsive and maneuverable design
• TJ Pro V: Another variation of the TJ Pro, offering different design elements to cater to various surfing styles and conditions
• The Gem: This model is part of Jensen's signature series, designed to offer a blend of traditional and modern longboarding features
• Special T: Known for its versatility, the Special T model provides a balance between performance and classic longboarding aesthetics

• Singleton: Singleton is shaped with legendary board builder Stu Kenson and utilizes Firewire's advanced Thunderbolt technology for enhanced performance

Taylor Jensen also has a range of surfboard fins designed in collaboration with Flying Diamonds of California, reflecting his expertise and style in longboarding. These fins are crafted to enhance performance, offering a balance of speed, control, and maneuverability.

• Signature Single Fin: They provide a balance of speed, power, and flow, making them ideal for both tail performance and nose riding. 

• Pro Flex Fin: This model features a medium flex pattern with a wide base for drive and a narrow tip for release. It's suitable for modern logging and can be paired with side fins for a 2+1 setup. 

• Power Drive Fin: Inspired by classic longboarding designs, the Power Drive fin offers a wide base and significant rake for drive and stability. It's ideal for locked-in nose rides and powerful turns. 
• TJ Quads: Designed for surfers seeking additional drive and speed, these quad fins work well across various board types, including longboards, shortboards, and mid-lengths. They offer a balance of hold and release, enhancing speed and maneuverability. 

Influence and Legacy

Taylor Jensen is not only a competitor but also an influential figure in the longboarding community. He has been part of the evolution of longboarding, balancing the high-performance aspects with traditional styles. Jensen's approach to surfing emphasizes versatility, allowing him to transition seamlessly between shortboards and longboards. 

His influence extends beyond competitions, as he actively participates in surfboard design and development, working closely with shapers and manufacturers to innovate and improve longboarding equipment. Jensen's commitment to the sport and his ability to inspire both seasoned surfers and newcomers make him a pivotal figure in the surfing world.

Taylor Jensen's career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for longboarding. His achievements, coupled with his contributions to surfboard design, have left a lasting impact on the sport. As he continues to compete and innovate, Jensen remains a central figure in the longboarding community.

Shop Taylor Jensen Surfboard Models

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