I3@USD-Fall 2025

Remembering Ned McMahon

Shaping Boards, Lives and a Sustainable Future

(1956-2024)

E dward Francis “Ned” McMahon, whose life embodied adventure, innovation and unwavering kindness, passed away while surrounded by his family on Aug. 13, 2024. A devoted partner of the University of San Diego, McMahon was a man of undeniable presence — navigating life with a boundless spirit. Born on April 4, 1956, McMahon’s love for the ocean began early. At 18, he took a gap year and moved to Hawaii, where he embraced the legendary surf and began shaping a career — literally. After earning his degree in marine engineering from Texas A&M, he went on to handcraft more than 35,000 surfboards, influencing generations of surfers and collaborating with some of the most respected names in the industry — Nat Young, Rip Curl, Lightning Bolt and Town & Country Surf. McMahon wasn’t content to simply ride waves; in the surfing industry he created them. He embraced new technology early; brought innovation to surfboard production; pioneered advanced soft boards; and helped develop the rescue sled, which transformed water safety around the globe. His passion was boundless. As he once wrote in his “Inspirocean” blog: “I love the sea and need to be By Michelle Sztupkay

energy advisor. “Ned so inspired me that I recruited him to teach the Sustainable Energy course for my Master’s in Engineering, Sustainability and Health program.” McMahon also guided Professor Odesma Dalrymple, PhD, on a wind energy initiative to support small farm energy needs for the island of Tobago and to teach alternative energy technology to locals. The De Sanctis Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship, Venkat Shastri, PhD, collaborated with McMahon on senior design projects and the installation of three EnergiPlants across campus: “Ned never veered from his commitment to his mission of sustainable energy. He embodied a strong work ethic that proliferated throughout his organization.” McMahon routinely hired USD seniors and interns, whom, Shastri confirmed, "loved working for Ned.” Ned McMahon’s legacy is found in the surfers who ride boards he shaped, the communities empowered by his sustainable innovations and the countless individuals he inspired to dream bigger, work harder and live kinder. Sculptor and EnergiPlant collaborator Jon Koehler reflects, “Ned was one of those amazing people who could see the invisible and do the impossible.”

around it, whether in a shack on a beach somewhere or from the deck of an old wooden schooner — the sea is life.” McMahon’s adventurous spirit extended beyond shaping and surfing; he was a skilled sailor who spent years navigating the Caribbean and East Coast. During his sailing adventures, he met his former wife, Christine. Together, they lovingly raised two daughters, Emilie and Jessica. Beyond the waves, McMahon’s life was defined by his deep faith and commitment to others. He served the Catholic Worker movement, managing Casa Milagro in San Diego to assist refugees. In 2007, his love for the planet inspired the founding of Malama Composites, producing recyclable, bio-based foam. In 2012, he launched Primo Wind, creating innovative wind-energy solutions. His commitment to sustainability brought him to the University of San Diego where he served on the advisory board of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and partnered with the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Professor Caroline Baillie, PhD, worked with McMahon on her Forest School Design Project, where he served as an alternative

07 IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE