Tasmin :
Sorry, I ghought I saw an ad for this lately, but cannot find a lead on this at the moment.
       I have a postal address for Alby Thoms - PO Box 409 Spit Junction NSW 2088
       This may be of some help, will keep a look out and get back to you if anything turns up.
       Geoff

Follow Up :
Thanks for the address, Geoff. Now I can go to the 'source', in effect!
Regards,
Tamsin

Les,
     Sorry for the delay but I am very busy at present.
     Just a short note...
     1. I am confident your friend is right, the name is probably Teys.
     This is probably a spelling error or an error where/when ever I sourced this - I have no idea where
     my original note is, probably from a decal.
     2. At present cannot open your images, but having other problems so I will re-check these.
     3. I may have a decal photograph (the source?), but  after a quick look I can't find it either. Will also
     re-check.
     4. I would be interested in your methods and results with decal replication.
     I did try do do some of this myself and although the images looked OK on the computer, and OK in a
     normal print out, the problem was getting the printer to print onto rice paper.
     The one or two reasonable decals I printed (only black), I laminated under fibreglass as tests and
     the ink quickly faded when exposed to sunlight.
     6. I am also interested in the Spoon.
     Hope this is a useful start,
     Geoff.

Woosley Surboards 2.
Hi Geoff
Thanks for your reply.
The process I have used to recreate the decal has been to digitately image the existing decal and transfer it to a bmp (bitmap) format and load it into a Autocad LT architectural computor programme.
This gives me the ability to use the line drawing tools to firstly draw outlines of the letters and all graffics.
I  worked over the image as a separate layer.
I could not locate any existing graffics to use so it was a tedius process of drawing arround each letter point to point untill I had outlined all the wording and boarders.
This was then cleaned up removing oll unwanted lines.
By used the infill tool I was able to create the words and boarder.
This took about 40 hrs and created a 440kb file.
The new image (drawn at 1000 times fullsize) was the scaled to the correct size of the original and will be printed out on a ink jet plan plotter (water based ink) onto rice paper.
I have already tested a sample which was successfull.
The infill could be in a colour if required.
I have attached both the original image and the decal I have created in jpeg format, I hope you can open these. My only concern is the lower RH area of the boarder as I feel it could have another break in the clouding.
You mentioned you have a photo of a decal, comparing my efforts with this would help.
About my spoon (as they have become to be called), I have always refered to it as a Greenough.
The board was bought in about 1969 from  the Woosley factory in Brisbane by a friend of mine, Wayne Isles for me and I used it for about 5 to10 years.
It then hung in the garage untill recently.
I visited Wayne recently, now living on the Sunshine Coast, and realised the board was worth having restored. The board had been made using about 6 layers of cloth with a rather thick layer of resin which cracked badly. Wayne seems to remember Greenough had been working in the Woosley factory shaping his own boards and my board had been copied from his.
The board has a single Greenough Velo fin, 10" The board is 5' 1'' long and seems to have less foam than others I have seen on your web site, it floats in a vertical manner withabout 6" visible above the water.
It is clear on the bottom and top with red on the rails where the foam is on the underside.
There is a yellow pattern created above and below the decal.
I can send you a photo when the work is completed.
I have had a copy made of the board to use so I can get back to the beach in my old age.
Les Cook

I still have a 1970 Farrelly pintail (clear with a single stringer) in my
garage, 7' x 19'', single small laminated 'timber' fin; a real dart.
Went/goes best in barrels, just turn, aim & drive!

Best board I ever had - or the one I had when I surfed best! - was a clear
6'4'' Farrelly rounded square tail, like the one in your catalogue. I was a
member of Mid Steyne Boardriders Club (Manly) in 1968 -70. I can remember
being the first & only guy out for half an hour at sunrise at The Bower, 6'
and perfect in May 1972. Impossible today! (I know cos I still periodically
try!)

I also have a reproduced but not good quality photo of my aunt riding a
surfboard at Bondi in the 1920's; she was hailed as one of the first (& few
women) to ride a board.

Anyway, great site & a great effort. If I can trawl up anything worth
contributing I'll be in touch.

Best wishes,
Bruce Andrews

Bruce,
Thank your for your email.
Your recollections are most informative. A few questions quickly arise...

1. first board - single Greenough fin 7' 10'' Wallace brand new for $48
i. circa 1967 vee bottom?
ii. circa 1968-9 pintail, Tracker or round tail?
iii. stringerless?
iv. finbox?
iv. stock or custom?
v. Other features - pigment/tint, colour, pinlines, volan knee patch?

2. clear 6'4'' Farrelly rounded square tail
i. possible year? The one the site (#46) is dated at 1969 which I am sure is pretty accuate. I ordered a custom
7ft Farrelly pintail in 1969 (shaped by Warren Cornish) and picked it up on 28th November - the receipt is
reproduced at the bottom of the page. The day I collected the board the shop had a range of stock boards,
mainly pins and squaretails just like #46. Also in the shop were three Side-slippers with radical nose kick and
finboxes - I was told that these were Midget's lastest design.
ii. This design, sometimes known as a White Kite - as shaped by Ted Spencer at Shane Surfboards, was a
huge seller and I have seen many examples by other manufacturers. I have an example by Jim Pollard from
Newcastle also 6ft 4 inch (not on the web page) and  am currently arranging to photograph a similar board by
Nipper Williams' Surfboards.

3. 1970 Farrelly pintail (clear with a single stringer) in my garage, 7' x 19''
This board sounds interesting and I would like some more details. Also have a Farrelly 6 ft 4 inch pintail in the
collection (again, not on the web page) that I am hesitant to date. The design interest here is that dimensions
and templates (particually for the pintail) were fairly stable 1969 to 1972 but the big change was in the move
from the high-mid-low rail (nose to tail- as seen on #46) to the full soft down rail the predominated from 1972.

Any details you could send would be useful, maybe check Catalogue Specifications page for a general run
down on dimensions, features, photographs.
If the link doesn't work navigate by... Appendix - Design and Decor - Catalogue Specifications

A couple of withdrawls from the Bower Memory Bank -
1. A rainy weekday in 1973, solid 8ft , no wind, dead glassy and about 8 surfers out,  half of which was a car
load from Narrabeen - including Terry Fitzgerald and  Mark Warren.
2.circa 1972 - the largest wave I have ever seen from the water.
Thanks again , Geoff

Wow! & thanks 2.
 Thanks for your response... I wasn't really expecting one. To answer your questions...see below.
Had a few great surfs at The Bower over Xmas/New Year... only 5 guys out one day and 4 the next during howling 4-6 ft nor-east
wind swell, then a good 4-8 ft south-east swell a week or so later with about 20 guys. Still good odds. Got my share of waves. And
riding a too-small 6' 6'' Findlay swallowtail Thruster but with only 2 fins, having lost the left rail fin at the Bower 6 months ago and I
haven't gotten around to getting (or needing!) another one. Works fine as long as I just go right (not much choice at the Bower!) and
factor the 'slip' into any cutbacks etc. Not bad for an old bloke (I'm now 51).

1. first board - single Greenough fin 7' 10'' Wallace brand new for $48
     i. circa 1967 vee bottom?  Flat bottom, slight fibreglass V immediately preceding the fin
     ii. circa 1968-9 pintail, Tracker or round tail?  A wide pintail; I bought it December 1968
     iii. stringerless?  I'm pretty sure it had a stringer
     iv. finbox?  No finbox; fin set into board.
     iv. stock or custom?  Stock, straight off the shelf
     v. Other features - pigment/tint, colour, pinlines, volan knee patch?  It had a blue bottom  with red rails and
     a clear deck (I think)
2. clear 6'4'' Farrelly rounded square tail
     i. possible year? I bought it early 1971, straight off the shelf. It had a single fin.
3.  1970 Farrelly pintail (clear with a single stringer) in my garage, 7' x 19''
On reflection, I think I bought this one in 1975, not 1970. Sorry.
But I definitely still have it. I'll try to organise a digital photo of it and will e-mail it to you.

Best wishes,
Bruce Andrews

Trevor,
1. I do not trade in surf memoriabilia and an loathe to quote prices.
2. Note that boards sell usually at top prices for top condition.
3. Demand by collectors is not consistant - at auction similar boards in similar condition can
go for vastly different prices. Collectors are looking for certain boards that will compliment
others in their collection.
Now the good news. The board you have sounds interesting, please consider...

1. I assume construction at Bronte is designated by the decal (laminated under the fiberglass)
or sticker(usually metal foil stuck on the outside of the board). Please ndicate if this is not
the case.
a. If the sticker version - these are considered rare as most often they are no longer on the
board. Ensure that it is not further damaged.
b. I have an estimated date of the move from Bronte to Brookvale as somewhere around 1957,
which would make the board very early.
Caution : i. The board may be later, the decal/sticker old stock used after the move.
         ii. I would have doubted foam boards were made by Bill Wallace at Bronte - see #3
below.

2. The length at 8 ft 3 inches  also posible indication of early manufacture.

3."Blue" - blue resin coat on the outside of the board (top and bottom?) is common for the
period, often used to cover imperfections in the blank. Examine area around the fin to confirm
the colour and/or the fin is original - hard to explain but have a look anyway.

3."broken down centre by clear strip/wooden stringer/fibre matting"
a. at any section is the foam sunk below the stringer or stringer sunk below foam? Early blanks
were prone to swelling, unlike modern blanks which shrink.
b. can you see foam between the stringer and the colour?
c. Can you identify the wood? There is a very small possiblity that the board is solid balsa
wood, but if it has open dings then this is easily answered.
d. Does fibreglass appear similar to the modern fine weave or a thick/heavy looking weave?
e. Any pencil markings on the stringer?

5. The "odd shaped fin" is of particular interest, more data required. I assume it is not just
the fin that "weighs a ton".

6. Please look at Catalogue Specifications http://www.surfresearch.com.au/00000000s
If the link doesn't work go Appendix - Design and Decor - Catalogue Specifications.
This is a general overview of board features and includes details on taking photographs and
formatting. Photographs are most useful, as long as I can access them.

Please follow up with any more questions or data,
Geoff 

 Hi Geoff,
  Great website, thought it might help if I could suggest other brands not yet mentioned.
  At the end of the 60's and probably to '72 there was a Surfboard manufacturer on Taren Point Road, Taren Point NSW 2229 called Baron Surfboards maybe Frank Latta was one of the shapers.
 regards Leigh
 

Leigh
Thank you for your complementary email and information.
I have added your contribution to the page with  a credit, to be uploaded about the end of this month.
The Manufacturers' index was done early for the site and was initially compliled from listings in TRACKS
magazine in 1976 through to 1979. Earlier manufacturers have been added as examples have come to notice. I
do have some memory of Baron Surfboards and have updated the entry to read...
 

Baron Surfboards
1968 Taren Point Road, Taren Point NSW
Baron Sufboards were probably an off-shoot of Peter Clarke Surfboards, manufactued at the same location.
This may have been for business reasons or adoption of a more contemporary name in line with the industry
practice of more colourful and decorative decals in the late 1960's. The decal script was Old English, as
previously used by Shane Surfboards, and the use of a Iron Cross graphic was common on many boards.
Frank Latta, possible shaper, and any other Peter Clarke Surfboards' employee of the period.
See entry for Peter Clarke Surfboards.
There was also  Baron Kneeboards, which may/may not be conected to the original company.
Email contribution 4 Jan 03
At the end of the 60's and probably to '72 there was a Surfboard manufacturer on Taren Point Road,
Taren Point NSW 2229 called Baron Surfboards maybe Frank Latta was one of the shapers.
 Thanks to Leigh 

Paul,
Thank your for email - a link has been added to my web links page.
I had a quick look but currently I am six months behind in email (now working backwards) and it is not possible
to prepare a detailed reply at present.
Geoff.

Ziv,
My web site is not a commerical company.
I do not sell surfboards or surf related items.
I have no catalogues/brochures/stickers/other.
Geoff.

John,
I only have scans of printed diagrams from books - the best one on the web site at .
History -History Appendix - Source Documents - Tom Blake Paddle board
The source (Pop Mechanics?) is noted.
I am attempting to source more detailed and clearer plans but yet with little success.
Please note that I am in Australia - this material should be much more widely available in the USA - I am
assuming that is your location.
If other avenues prove unsuccessful , get back to me as I will be starting intensive work on this period (1928 -
1945) in the next six months.
Geoff.

  I recently purchased a 1967 Morey Pope Tracker at the
  Noosa Malibu Longboard Classic charity auction. It has
  intricate artwork on the face and the straightline MP
  logo on the back. On the tail of the face of the board
  near the stringer are the specs 9090 - 8'3" T It also
  has a Morey Pope & Company Logo near the skag. A logo
  on the face states McTavish Tracker.

  The board is in pristine nick and I wonder if it is an
  original. The description read as follows at the
  auction "Morey Pope 1967 Tracker by Bob McTavish. This
  8'7" example was the world's first production short
  board and comes with a framed article featuring Bob
  Cooper and McTavish - simp;ly awesome".

  Do you reckon I bought the real deal?

  I would appreciate your input

  Peter Barlas
  Noosa

Peter,
This board is of significant interest.
Given your decsription, I find it hard to imagine it is a reproduction.
Some features that might indicate...
1.1. Weight
1.2. Volan glass rail laps or cuts
1.3. High or 50/50 rails - but thin
1.4. Original style decals
It is difficult for manufacturers to faithfully reproduce these features.
1.5. Comparison with other examples - see 3.3 and 3.4 below.

A few questions...
2.1. Does the board have a deep vee bottom in the tail, characteristic of Bob McTavish's designs June -
December 1967.
2.2.  Do you have "the framed article featuring Bob Cooper and McTavish" ?
2.3. Is it dated and does it refer to Morey-Pope Surfboards?
2.4. The description read  8' 7", the markings 8' 3'' - have you measured the board?
2.5. Is it possible to send
i. desciption of design features?
ii  description of decor features?
ii. images?

Please check...
surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications

A few comments...
3.1. The Tracker model is interesting in that although in the USA it was generally a wide tailed board about 8ft,
in Australia is was the term applied to a shorter foiled design - see Catalogue 1968 Keyo #69 and 1969
Wallace #108.
3.2. Tracker was also a popular brand of Australian surfwear, circa 1970 - 1980.
3.3. An example was for sale online at SURFnHULA.com (at US$700.00 I think).
It may still be listed.
Sorry cannot insert link - click Surfboards for Sale and do a lot of scrolling.
3.4. For comparison I have an image from Longboard Magazine Aug-Sept 1994. which should be attached.
3.5. I am unfamiliar with the descriptions of face for the deck and back for the bottom.
Skag is used sometimes in the US, but is usually spelt and pronounced skeg in Australia.

Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff. 

  Hello there, I can across your site and think its fantastic, it must of taken forever ! Good work.  Just wondering if you can tell me a
  little about a surfboard that I have, don't know if you can help me or not, what I am wanting to know is how old it is approximately.
  I was thinking maybe around the 1960's???? It measures approx. 7.5" On the line down the middle it has: 399 Johnson under the
  wax?  (hehe probably can tell I don't know alot about surfboards!) I have a few pictures of the board on the following urls: (thought
  this might be easier than trying to explain)
  http://members.dodo.net.au/~sevenofnine/abc.JPGhttp://members.dodo.net.au/~sevenofnine/a.JPGhttp://members.dodo.net.au/~sevenofnine/ab.JPG
  hopefully you could look when you have a few minutes, if not thanks for your time anyhow. Have a GREAT day !!!!
  Thanks
  Donna.

Donna,
Thank you for your positive comments.

The board is definitely early to mid 1960's.

The length is very unusual for this period - probably for a juvenile ridder and possibly accounted for by the
Custom decal.
Most boards of the era were + 9 feet (108 inches).

The board appears in excellent condition.

The markings Johnson denote the shaper and 399 the board number in that series.

It is unlikely that the board was manufactured at that address (central Sydney), it was possibly made under
licence by a major manufacturer.

Please confirm phone number as 211 - 2837.

Please check...
surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications
for my formatting specifications - these detail how to measure and photograph surfboards.
I would be interested to have full details of the board.
Also any information on it's history - even from when and where it came into your possesssion.

I have added an entry with decal and credit to the Manufacturer/Shaper index, online at the next major upload
(June?).

Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff. 

Paul,
I am overwhelmed with yor offer.
Apart from "The Surf" actually running for 20 editions, your work in having it transferred digitally is impressive.
I would be very happy to have a copy on CD.
Many thanks for your kind offer.
Geoff Cater
PO Box 37
Shoalhaven Heads NSW 2535

  A friend of mine put me on to your website after hearing about an old surfboard I had. I was hoping you might be able to pin point
  the year and possibly some history where its from who made it etc. Obviously pictures would make this easier and if you think you
  can help I'll organise some, but I give you a quick description:

    Approx. 8ft in length
  Approx. 3inchs thick

Hollow
  Square rails with half dowling along the bottom on both sides
  No fin
  Square tail
  Solid rounded nose
  Drain hole near nose

  Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

  Simon Briscoe.

Simon,
Several stock questions/points...
1.Photographs would certainly help.
2. Estimate condition
3.Has the board been painted, repaired or restored in any manner.
5. Drain hole - merely a drilled hole or built in brass threaded plug?
6. Indicate your location
7. Please follow navigation bars for references (sorry, but it is a pain to put links in).
If you can't find what I've indicated, then get back to me.
8. For specifiction details and hints on surfboard photographs, see....
Surfresearch - Appendix  - Design and Decor - Design : Catalogue Specitications

The design
Probably 1956 to 1959
Based on Tom Blake's Hollow board design, 1935
See ...
Surfresearch - Appendix  - Design and Decor - Design : Plans and Specitications - Scroll down select 1935
Blake Hollow.

Originally long boards (usually 16 feet) that were particually used for paddling, the plans were widely distibuted
around the world and examples were found near any large body of water, including lakes, from 1940 into the
1960's.

In Australia the construction method was widesread and used for surf boards and surf skis.

In 1956 the Malibu board (8 to 10 feet) was introduced into Australia, but due to a lack of available balsa wood,
early models were made using the established hollow timber techniques.

Commonly known as an Okinuee, high tech models by experienced builders featured a fin and solid timber rails
that were shaped. Some of these boards also have a distinct bottom rocker.
See...
Surfresearch - History - Scroll down and select Okinuee 1957.

Most boards retained the square rails of the paddle boards; for ease of construction and not being aware of the
superior performance of shaped rails.

The case was similar  in New Zealand, South Africa and England where variations of these boards were used
up to 1961.

The is no example in Surfresearch's Catalogue.

Your Example
Hollow, Length : 8 feet, Thickness : 3 inches, Solid rounded nose, Square tail
- all common for this design

Drain hole at nose - a brass threaded plug hole (commonly used by contemporary boat builders) is usually
fitted. Amateur models more likely to be a simple hole with a simple plug, for example a cork.

Square rails - indicates amateur builder or non-wave riding use.

with half dowling along the bottom on both sides - this is unusual to me. Many examples have half doweling on
both sides of the deck to assist the rider to stay on the board, the use of surf wax not yet common.

no fin - the most difficult to account for.
Given the length, a fin would be expected if the board was intended for wave riding.
There are two possibilities...
1. the board was only intended as a paddle board and never had a fin.
2. it had a fin at some stage, but it was damaged/removed.
Fixing of fins to this design was structually difficult - many examples have non-original fins, either replaced by
the board's riders as a repair or much later as a  restoration.
Carefully examine the  tail area for any evidence of a previous fin.
Obviously difficult if the board has been repaired or painted.

There were few professional builders and no surfboard factories in this era - boards were usually built in
backyards, garages or at the Surf Life Saving Clubs.
The design plans were widely distributed and constuction was capable by any skilled carpenter.
Unless the board has a known history and/or markings or a label (there are some examples) it is virtually
impossible to trace the builder.

I hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff.

  I'm on the hunt for a copy of the Captain Goodvibes publication
  "Porkarama"; a big collection of Tony Edwards' cartoons + heaps of other
  drawings by him. I'm a big fan; my Mum threw out all my old mags in a
  bloody cleanup!!  Probably circa 1979(?).  I actually saw one was up for
  sale at the recent surf Auction by Mick Mock at the Mona Vale Hotel;
  kicking myself now that I didn't bid.

  Any chance you know who might have one, or maybe what Mick Mock's
  contact details are, in case it didn't sell?  I live at Curl Curl in
  Sydney.

  regards,

  David Martyn.

David,
You are searching for...
PORKARAMA Soundtracts Publishing, Darlinghurst NSW 1980. Cover price $2.95
1. It was probably a fairly small run and the large, low quality paper format probably means these are scarce.
2. I was reasonably suprised to see the copy at the 2002 Surf Auction.
I think it did sell, but don't currently don't have a record of the price obtained.
3.There is a very good chance that I might know who has one, but my copy is not for sale.
4. Mick Mock
PO Box 330
Manly NSW 2095
Ph. 02 9977 7453
Fax : 9939 8600
Good Luck,
Geoff.

 1.Made by Ron
I was surprised to see that you did not have a reference to "Made by Ron" 60's Australian made surfboards in your reference, I can
  forward JPG's of the board if you like,Bart

Bart,
1. There is an entry for Ron Surfboards in the Manufacturer/Shaper Index
Path....
surfresearch - catalogue  - catalogue options - manufacturer/shaper  index - r - scroll down.
Also see Crane Industries at c, MM Surfboards at m, WM Surfboards at w,  and McCoy Surfboards at m.

2. If you can forward jpgs for my files, that would be welcomed.
Please check...
surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications - photographs

3. I have a Ron Surfboard in my collection, semi restored.
It has not been added to the catalogue because it currently has low priority in my workload.

4. These boards were apparently ...
made in large numbers,
sold at a basic price (usually through chain or sports stores - not surf shops)
basic in design, and
considered unfashionable at the time (Belmore is inland Sydney suburb and looked down on by coastal
surfers).
They are generally considered of minor interest by collectors
and have lower value at surf auctions than similar era and condition boards by 'hard-core' manufacturers.
Probably because most serious collectors already have one.

5. I assume you enquiry to "Made by Ron" refers to the decal on your board - this was an earlier or alternative to
the more common Ron Surfboards and line drawing graphic as shown in the Manufacturer/Shaper Index.

Hope this of some interest (and that Point 4 was not too depressing).
Geoff
2.Made by Ron
  Geoff, Thanks for your informative reply! It doesn't matter to me what the board is worth, just that it is 40 yrs old,
from the time I
  started surfing here on the Gulf coast of Texas, and has never even been in the water! (see "Made in Australia
" paper sticker in
  logo shot) I appreciate the work you are doing historically, and include the following info on my "Ron" Stringer 1
1/2"
  redwood.,gloss finish,Length 9'6", tail 13.25", nose 15" , mid&max wdth. 20.5",pod 4",lift approx 2" at each
end,thickness
  approx3" weight approx 25-30 lbs! Fin heighth 9", base 11" . Was bought approx 10 yers ago in the box,
(since destroyed) in San
  Antonio Texas. Foam slightly yellowed, a few rail dings from handling, red tape left from original packaging.
overall, a very
  handsome well made board. I hope the file photos are not too large!
Thanks bart in Texas

Bart,
Thanks for your information and images. It's export to the USA is most interesting.
It is a handsome example - the extent and quality of the colour decor is unusual.

Please confirm..
1. Board purchased circa 1990 in original freight box?
2. Purchased from garage sale, used goods store, surf shop, private collector?
3. Did freight box have printed details on the outside?
4. Phone number on decal is six digit?
5. Shaper's markings on stringer read?

I would be interested to add your board to the catalogue if you can send larger images, specifically...

1. Deck template scanned to 25 cm (banner image)
2. Deck template scannedto 19 cm (scale image)
3. Bottom template scanned to 19 cm (scale image)
4. Seperate decal image scanned to 200 pixels
5. Seperate adhesive sticker image scanned to 200 pixels.

The fin image is perfect.

If this is unclear, please check...
surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications - photographs

Thanks,
Geoff
3.Made by Ron
Were the shots I sent on the Ron board useable? , Thanks, Bart

Bart,
Recieved the images Ok.
Geoff

I am hoping that you can help me.  My name is Rod Hose from Jan Juc, Victoria.

In 1987 I purchased a Gordon Woods board from a guy in Melbourne and restored it.  He was going to cut it up
to make a windsurfer.  It is a Gordon Woods 9'8" triple stringer number 4856 and I rode it for 10 years before
moving on to a modern Friedman Flyer longboard .  I was wondering if you are able to provide me with any
details of the history of my Gordon Woods surfboard which has now been retired to pride of place on my lounge
room wall.

I have tried to contact Gordon Woods by mail at his old address 208 Harbord Road Brookvale without success.

 Attached are some jpeg's of my Gordon Woods and my brothers Tony Olsen 10'8" and my 6'2" Springer 4
channeled, double
winged, swallow tailed thruster.

 Thanks
Rodney Hose
Jan Juc

Rodney,

Sorry, I can not be of much help.
I have not previously contacted Mr. Woods, so can offer no direct information.
A few comments...

1. "number 4856" - as far as I can work out these numbers are not useful unless there is access to the original
order books and even these may be rudimentary, that is they may not denote the shaper.
Many shapers have said they have complete order books detailing every board made.
One manufacturer of the period suggested that the numbers were originally adopted to placate the Taxation
Department, which was concerned that some manufacturers were avoiding tax on cash sales.
Note that many boards of the period are not marked/numbered.

2. It is possible that this is the 4856th board - from the 208 Harbord Road Brookvale factory.

3. The design in the images indicates circa 1962 - 1964, mostly on the fin. The other major indicator is the rails
- fatter and rounder (earlier) to egg and thin (later).

4. At this time it is unlikely that the board was shaped by Gordon Woods - most large manufacturers had a
stable of shapers/surfers. From 1963 to 1965, Gordon Woods Surfboards included Midget Farrelly,  Bob
Kennerson and Nat Young as employees.

5. There is a good chance the board was sent new to Victoria - Gordon Woods Surfboards was a major
supplier to other states besides NSW.
In Victoria, Parkview Marine 799 Neapean Hwy, East Brighton had an exclusive distribution, circa 1963 - 1965.

6. The decor is unusual (see 6.), both in the design and for most stock boards, multi-stringers were clear and
colour  mostly on single stringers.

7. Please indicate extent and method of restoration.

I hope this has been of some interest,
Geoff.

Maurie,
Sorry, but I have some questions before we find some answers.
Please attempt navigation paths to references (saves me having to put in links)
Images would be helpful.
 1.  balsa surfboard - is the blank...
i. a solid block of timber (unlikely)

ii. multi-blocks with no central stringer in different timber,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1959 - #60

 iii. multi-blocks with one (or more) central stringer in different timber,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1963 - #24

iv. other

Stringers in balsa boards appear to follow the introduction of foam boards, so probably after 1962.
Balsa boards before foam (1957 - 1959) tend to be multi-blocked.

2. It is almost straight both ways -
i.  template, or
ii. rocker, or
iii.  template and rocker.

3. Please confirm board dimensions and features...
Length : 9 ft 6 inches
Width : 20 inches
Thickness : 3 inches
Pod : 8 inches
Wide point : +ve inches or -ve inches from the mid point (that is 4 ft 9 inches from the nose)
This measurement determines the template -
+ve inches is a Foil or Gun,
-ve inches is a Pig or No-nose,
0 inches is a Double-ender or Egg.
Nose : round - most 1950's boards have a rounded nose with with a subtle point.
Fully rounded noses more to early 1960's.
Tail : square

4. Reversed "D" shaped fin Please confirm fin dimensions and features...
Construction  ...
i. laminated timber
ii. laminated fibreglass
iii. other

Is the fin original?
If the fin has been replaced there is usually some damage to the blank were the original fin broke away from the
board.

Dimensions... Height, Base, distance from tail.
Early boards used  timber fins, fixed to the blank and laminated as the whole board was glassed.
Early fin templates were usually rounded D set very close to the tail.
Reverse D, or Pixie Fin or Phil (Edwards) Fin, probably date from around 1962.
see surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - fin catalogue

5. Please confirm board decor...
I assume at this point the board is clear and the sticker on the deck at the tail - please advise otherwise.

sticker on the board -is it...
i. an adhesive sticker on the outside of the glass,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1959 - # 99 - scroll down to Decor - Decal
or
ii. the common  paper decal laminated on the blank ?
iii. other
 It is oval shaped, 3"x2",silver with black,green,blue,similar logo to O'Neil.- does it resemble the sticker
noted in i. above?
Many Australian manufacturers copied US designs (shapes, decor, decals and even advertising) in this period
so the similarity to the O'Neill logo is not suprising.

Plus "H" with board printed underneath on the sticker. - is this...
A 3'' x 2'' silver oval sticker / decal  with a black, green and blue graphic (similar to O'Neill logo), with text "H
Board/s" and "Phone No. 82 3825".

Comments/Guesses...
i. I am assuming the board was made in Australia. There is a very small chance this is not the case.

ii. The use of a decal/sticker usually indicates it is probably a serious manufacturer, but may have been a
short-lived backyard builder. It could also be a short run of an established manufacturer (or an employee) with a
change of decal to the standard design.

iii. The largest clue is the phone number, but I think it could be any state.
Ideally if you could correlate the phone nuber with that used by another manufacturer
It helps somewhat to put the board in a given period.
Metropolitan phone numbers went from three letters and 3 numerals (eg ABC-123) to six numerals in the late
1950's. Later they went to seven numerals and now eight numerals.

iv. The O'Neill logo was used by Scott Dillon Surfboards ( see decal #99 above and a clearer version at
surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - manufacturers/shapers index - s - scroll down to Scott
Dillon Surfboards.
However the text "H Board" and the phone number do not correspond.

v. John Arnold Surfboards in Adelaide were the Australian licensees to O'Neill USA. This would be one reason
for using the O'Neill logo, but I do not know when they started manufacturing.

vi. "H Board/s" could possibly be early versions by Hayden (Qld), Honessee (Qld) or Hawke (WA) who started
manufacturing in this period.

Not much help I know, but trying to establish who actually shaped a board in this period is very difficult.
Geoff

  Several years ago I found some surf shirts called PLATTS
does someone still make these shirts??
where can i get them
I am a in Wisconsin USA
help if you can
 thanks
Bill Platt

Bill,
Thank you for your interesting (and obscure) enquiry.
From memory (it would take days to hunt out the complete story)...
Platt's Surfwear was one of the earliest major Australian surfwear labels, circa 1965.
They stopped production probably by the late 1970's-early 1980's when they were eclipsed by Quicksilver and
Billabong.
In this later period the name may have been onsold to to mass producer to trade on any residual goodwill.
Many advertisements featured recognised surfers of the day.
The logo was usually in blocked capitals with a surfer on the right hand side.
I think that Mr. Platt, the owner, was the father of Kevin Platt - one of Australia's top surfer/shapers in the late
1960's.
Surfwear is of minor interest to me, although I do have a small collection to which I have hoped to add an
example by Platt's, but have been unable to source any.
Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff. 

Gidday Geoff, first of all I'd like to say what a great site you have, a lot
time and effort on your part no doubt. I am writing to see if you could
please help me identify my boards approx year. I was given it as a teenager
when I lived in New Zealand (I am now 40) living on the gold coast.It is an
Atlas 9 foot 2inches, twin stringer about 3inches thick,I have enclosed a
 couple of pics.
Thankyou for any help regards Rick.

Rick,
Thank you for your positive comments.
re Altas Surfboard
No earlier than 1963, when Altas (-Woods) began production.
No later than 1966, depending on ...
1. Fin - describe shape and dimensions, an image if possible.
2. Rail shape - the thicker and rounder then earlier, by 1966 rails
started to
to thin out.
3. Decal details - is there a full address on the decal (there were two
premises, both in Auckland) ?

New Zealand surfers were restricted in importing blanks and boards in
the 1960's.
This changed when Alan Mitchell visited Australia and came to an
agreement with Gordon Woods to supply a mold, materials and know-how for
a royalty payment on each blank.
Hence the boards usually carried a Atlas-Woods decal, the early design
the same design as on your board.
The 'Woods' which appears to be absent (or blacked out) of the decal on
this board.
Altas-Woods were one of the major manufacturers in New Zealand in this
period, and were available at several outlets.
Shapers included George Tomlin, Ken Clarke, Wayne Parkes and the Tinkler
Brothers.

Reference : Williamson, Luke: Gone Surfing - The Golden Years of Surfing
in New Zealand, 1950 -1970
 Penguin Books (NZ) Ltd, cnr Airborne and Rosedale Roads, Albany,
Auckland 1310, New Zealand. 2000
pages 46 and 50.

Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff

  Geoff, I found your site via a link from realsurf.com.
I have had a quick look through your site and am very impressed. I look forward to
  having a closer look when I've got more time - ie at work rather than at
  home looking after the babies. Like many surfers in their late thirties
  and having surfed for 20 or so years, I now have a nostalgic regret that
  I sold my first surfboard. The usual story in the late seventies get rid
  of that old 6' 10" single (wooden) fin with the air brushed bottom
  depicting the stair way to heaven and get onto that rad 5' 10" twin fin.
  Hmmm. I have a photo of my old board, it was made by a guy called
  Russell Francis in Oakleigh Melbourne under the name of Springtime
  Surfboards. My question is: Do you know of a website where one could
  "advertise" for information on my old board? I''d love to get it back
  again, it's look great mounted on the wall in the 'pool room'. Maybe
  it's something you have off your site? I'd be interested to know if
  you've been asked this before and any other suggestions you might have.

  Regards Chris Morgan

  Christopher Morgan
  Learning Area Leader - Technology
  Pastoral co-ordinator Year 8 Purple
  chris.morgan@wesleycollege.net

Chris,
Thank you for your positive comments.

I have not specifically been asked advise on locating old boards by their owners, although this wish is often
expressed by surfers/surfboard collectors.
Hence, some collectors specifically seek board designs and/or brands that most closely resemble their original
boards.
It is very rare to locate an original board, however this is inevitably more luck than design.

My only suggestion (very long shot) is to place an ad on realsurf's Boards for Sale page, and wait.
Upload the photograph if possible, they are a significant help.
You may improve your chances on a Victorian site (if that's were the board was last sighted).

I will add Springtime Surfboards, Oakleigh, Melbourne. Shaper: Russell Francis circa 1978 to the
Manufacturer/Shaper Index at the next upload (June?) and may get some future feedback.

Footnote : The only thing worse than a 1970's surfer searching for one of their original boards, is a 1960's surfer
who knows there is no point looking - they ripped the glass off their old 'worthless' Malibu boards and reshaped
them (usually badly).

Good luck,
Geoff. 

 Shawn Maxfield wrote:
 I am attempting to locate info on my father, Allen Maxfield.
I was cleaing out the office and noticed a number of trophies.
  one was from the Pipeline Invitational in '67-'68, and the Huntington World open at the Huntington beach pier.
Would you be able to assist in locating any info on those contests.. articles, posting of results, photos- anything?
He was a member of the USSA also.
He somewhat dropped outta sight, and the surfing scene after 1969 after I was born.
Help!  Thank you very much, I by chance stubled across your site and am hopeful I can locate anything.
Shawn Maxfield
Special Activities
(949)754-7860

Shawn,
 Sorry I have no information on your father.
 My research is focused on Australian surfboard design, but I often have to look at international influences.
 My sixties resources are limited and unfortunately the magazines and books for this period are highly sought by surf collectors, and fetch a premium price.
 I can only offer a few suggestions...
 1. the Pipeine Invitational '67-'68 sounds like an event promoted as the Expression Session - it was featured in a movie and had coverage in magazines.
 2. Huntington World open at the Huntington beach pier - not sure of this.
 3. USSA member - this would seem to be a solid lead - there must be some contest records of this period available somewhere.
 4. A long shot - try to find Corky Carroll - (possibly at http://www.corkycarroll.com , but has moved his site a couple of times) if necessary via google.com or another search engine.
 Corky was the dominant competitive surfer in the USA 1964 to 1972, attended every contest that was going and is still involved with the surfing industry.
He also has a (warped) interest in surf history, some of which is on his web site.
 Good luck,
 Geoff. 

I have just purchased a cord surfboard.
It is a D fin & was shaped by kevin Platt. the logo has Bowmanrd caloundra as the addess.
 It is in perfect condition & set me back $80 at a garage sale in Woodgate Beach
I have attached a photo of the logo in case you can use it.

Dan,
Thanks for the image - I've cropped it and added to the Cord Surfboards entry, with a credit.
This will be uploaded sometime in the next month (or two).
If you have time check surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications
for information on taking surfboard photgraphs. It really helps to remove the wax.
Geoff 

  Dear "Geoff", If you would like some more info about #163 or some real history of the Wayne Lynch International Involvement
  boards built at John Arnold's (with all due respect to Wayne whom I highly respect and am still in contact with, Wayne did not
  shape at that time or at least not commercially in the period these were built), I can be contacted on kym@cobrainter.com Kind
  regardsKym Thompson
 

Reply #2
Kym,
Unfortunately I appear to have sent off a half completed reply that escaped from the Unsent Messages box.
I hope to have a full response prepared by next week.
Coincidentally, I have had an email from Les Purcell at Caloundra who reports that he worked at the John Arnold
factory in 1969.
I have asked him for any information that he can forward on the Wayne Lynch model.
Geoff

  I have a late 60's 8/11 Skipe Frye Stringer GS with a dual canvas travel bag.  7.5 or above value board; 9 or above on bag.
Where can I market the set?
and also some magazines I want to sell.  Where can I go?

These are a few of what I have:  Surfer Magazine--
    Vol. 1, #'s 1,2,3, and the one and only first annual horizontal; Vol. 4,
# 5; Vol 5, # 1; Vol 6, #6; Vol. 7, #'s 2, 3, 4, 6; Vol.8, #1.
Then, I have, excuse me, International Surfing, Feb.,'65 and Surfing Photo Annual/$2.00, no date--must be one of '65-'67.
They are in magazine covers.
You have an awesome website!
Sincerely,  D. Lassen.

Daryl,
Sorry,
1. I am in Australia, I think you are USA

2. I do not sell or deal in boards or related surf items.

3. The objects described certainly have value, but note that shipping a board is not like posting a magazine -
usually best sold locally.

3. Depending on where you are try...

A. "SURFnHULA.com" <Info@SURFnHULA.com>
 Jim and Victoria
 SURFnHULA.com
 Toll free (877)410- 7648
  In Hawaii (808) 935-2341
They deal in boards and Hawaiiana and ship to/from mainland USA.

B.  www.surftrader.com  - online postings of for sale/wanted

C.      www.cubbysurf.com  - if they still/ever existed

D. www.swaylocks.com -

E. Surfbooks.com - dealer in books and magazines

E. Search for a local surf cam site or even a local surf club site - they sometimes have a For Sale page

F. Ebay - particularly for the magazines.

Hope this is of some assistance,
Geoff 

Aloha Geoff,

Two of my alt.surfing buddies have recently posted/written on this
subject.  I posted up a simple summary page that provides links to the
original material:
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/awaveheight.html

You might find Buddy Williams' graphic useful. Neal Miyake wrote the
on-line article.

A clarification on the paipo picture from my page... new information
that's rolled in from Sean Ross' family:
"Paipo rider named Sean Ross having fun at the Pipeline. He is riding
one of Paul Lindbergh's Hawaii Paipo Designs boards.
Sean was a life guard at the Ehukai Beach (Pipeline) for years in the
1970's.  Photo by: Alan McCray, Hawaii."

Keep up the tremendous effort!

vr/Rod

P.S.  Minor typo... my last name is spelled with a "D" - Rodgers. The
"d" is dropped all the time!

Rod,
Thank you for your complimentary email.
Unfortunately I'm snowed under with work - including setting up a new computer, tranfering files and clearing all the email out of this one.
I will try to get to the Wave Height material at some stage, but that work seems like a decade ago.
It was a sudden burst of research that grew out some rather heated beach dicussions, and once I felt I was comfortable with my conclusions I quickly moved on.

The last nine months has tended to concentrate more on early history...
A new(ish) section at History - Menu - Source Documents
might have a few items of interest,  such as Prone boards from 1934 and  1935.

Your further information re Sean Ross has seen that credit adjusted.
Of course I also corrected the spelling of Rodgers - with sincere apologies.
The page now carries a disclaimer : "Spelling errors are rife"
- which gets me off the hook in most cases - but this error is inexcusable, hardly a "minor typo".
If these corrections have not yet been uploaded they will be within the next four weeks.

Good to hear from you,
Geoff

Image of a 1953 book that turned up in the post yesterday from the UK, not yet added to the Books page.

I was amazed to see one of my old boards in your catalogue.
The above board was the first board that I ever did a 360 on!
Are these boards on display anywhere? and do you sell them?

Craig Joubert
 Tel: 4268 2884
Mob: 0412 259 022
E-mail: craigjoubert@fishinternet.com.au

Craig,
1. "I was amazed to see one of my old boards in your catalogue."
I was amazed to find that the original owner of one of my old boards saw it's entry in The Catalogue.
Congratulations, you are the first.
Naturally I have heaps of questions, but will try to be concise...
Factory address ?
Date (my guess was 1985) ?
Custom or stock ?
Decor design and/or spray by ?
The board did not have the trailing fins when I purchased it - any idea of their dimensions?
Do the numbers CO684 mean anything to you?
2. "Are these boards on display anywhere? "
It is currently stuffed in the back of an immobile pan tech with about twenty other various boards
- so at least is is not lonely.
The Catalogue is intended as a form of virtual museum .
#206 is currently in the old format (principally smaller images and minor text changes).
Tonight I will re-scan  the #206 images and reformat the page - to be uploaded in the next four weeks.
Any further details you could supply would be most appreciated and anything that I add to the entry will be credited.
I thought I also had plans for a Step tail kneeboard (similar to #206) that maybe of interest to you
- but they are not online.
These will be added if I can find the original hard copy versions.
3. "and do you sell them? "
Generally no, the above board has a special place in my collection...
I have a particular interest in non-standing boards - see Catalogue Menu - Paipo Catalogue
It is the only example of a four fin that I have.
Only example of fractured grahic decor.
The stepped tail also unique to my collection.
However I will give this question further thought,
Geoff

Les,
Thank you for your contribution.
I have adjusted the entry for Les Purcell Surfboards (with a credit), and adjusted or added the other
manufacturers you noted.
Can you confirm the factory location as Maroochydore Qld ?

I have listed Nalu Surfboards/Tony Biltoft (with credit) under N.
I have included your comments about Darryl Bolger and Kent Manning at the Les Purcell Surfboards entry.

These will be uploaded about June.

Unfortunately the Manufacturers/Shapers Index is one directional.
The entries attempt to help establish the shaper of a particular board, rather than detail a shaper's history (with
some exceptions, eg Midget Farrelly).
A reversed index (Shaper to Manufacturer) is possible, but too much work for me to contemplate in the near
future.

Coincidentally, I am currently researching the Wayne Lynch International Involment model, made at John
Arnold Surfboards , Adelaide, circa1969 - 1971.
I previously had listings for Wayne Lynch, Wayne Dale and Sid Kwiatkowski as shapers in 1969.
One example (signed  "Wayne Lynch   7' 9"   1007 " on the blank) is catalogued at ... # 103
Another online example (sub 6 feet, later - 1970-1?, US import?) is at Swalock's Design Forum.... # 196

Any comments you could make about this model would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Geoff.
2. Tue, 6 May 2003
"F PUR." : <spanner@caloundra.net> wrote:
Dear Jeff, thanks for your reply,

Recently I was contacted by a chap from Up here who is a collector and He has considerable research on boards he has collected, would his contact be any help to you?...  and congratulations on your site and the work you are doing will be great for future generations...Re info on the requested itoms, in next e-mail...

Les,
Thank you for your complimentary comments and I look forward to any further information.
Unfortunately I'm snowed under (not the least is transferring all the files to a new computer) any further contacts you are able to pass on would be appreciated and I will follow then up as soon as possible.
Geoff.

Mate was just wondering if have looked into Arthur Morris from Wollongong
I know he is still around and has all his old original boards,
he was surfing the South Coast of NSW in the early 1940's
 regards
 Steen Barnes
Company Director
Gwil Barnes Interiors Pty Ltd
9 Mount Ousley Road
Mount Ousley NSW 2519
Wollongong Australia
 steen@barnesinteriors.com
phone: 02 42291 999
fax: 02 4229 8980
mobile: 0412 939 763
 www.barnesinteriors.com

Steen,
Thank you for a positive source for information.
Unfortunately I'm snowed under with moving all  files to a new computer- and clearing up 3 months of back email.
I will check a Wollongong phone book for an address/phone number.
Could I assume that in this period that he had membership and /or connections with a Wollongong Surf life Saving Club?
Geoff
2. Wollongong Legends : Arthur Morris  Tue, May 20, 2003
 Hi Geoff,
Your Welcome, and I know what you mean about snowed underArthur Morris is still alive and well.
His son Craig Morris is also one of the best surfers in the area his mobile phone number is 0438 258 157.  Arthur lives at 3 Strone Avenue, Mt Ousley NSW 2519.
You are right he is a Life Member of Wollongong City Lifesaving Club, he has some increadible stories from the past, definatell worthy of a phone call.
His home number is 4229 4135.
regards Steen Barnes

Steen,
Thanks for this information, I hope to follow this up in the near future.
Geoff

Sartash,
       Probably, but more information required...
       1. Approximate dimensions
       2. Approximate year
       3. manufacturer
       4. condition
       5. By "beach boys" do you mean "The Beach Boys" - USA recording group?
       6. your location
       Geoff

2. beachboys surf board Thu, 8 May 2003
Sartash gorbski wrote:
Yes Beach Boys like the group...sorta like a flintstone lunchbox etc. No idea of the year but the original owner is
maybe 50 or 55. I'll pull it down from the rafters. I hope to do that this weekend. The original owner gave it to my
son about 12 years ago and he never did surf with it....my son that is.
I'm in Southern California. The condition is used but I'll examine it closely to see if its just dirty. I am going to take
pics to send to someone. I'll send you some if that would help...Thanks Sarah

Sarah/Sartash (?),
Yes photographs are a great help.
Check surfresearch - catalogue - menu - catalogue specifications for some hints on taking surfboard photographs.
Geoff

Geoff
I have put together a page for the "King" steptail following your instructions as close as possible.I have other boards I have restored
that I would like to submit if you are interested.Please let me know if I need to make changes to the way I have put the page
together.
Regards
 David Platt.

Geoff.
I have provided most of the info you asked for. Did you receive my last e-mail on the 8th which had photos and info attached?
Regards
David.

Geoff.
I am seding e-mails but i dont think you are receiving the photos. Did this one work.

David.

Geoff,
 I will try and find out about the b&w photo.
 David.
- email included attached image.

Geoff,
The page looks great.
You have a ? in regard to the fin that was in the board, yes it was plastic.
At the end of the restoration details Platt has three t's.
The b&w photo appeared in a copy of Surfabout.
The board was imported from the USA by Gordon Woods.
I'm still waiting on more info, I'll pass it on when I receive it.
One of the post restoration photos is not appearing.
The border is there with the x in the top corner but no photo.
I really appreciate the time you have put into the page, and the whole site.
It is a great source of info and helps me immensely with the restorations that I do.
If you are interested in more boards let me know and I will send you a list of the restorations.
David.

Geoff.
That b&w photo appeared in Vol 1 No3 page 17 & Vol 1 No 4 page 3 of Surfabout.
David.

David,
Many thanks for all your work.
I think I have all these adjustments uploaded by now , please report any further problems.
Geoff

Dear Geoff

I wonder if you may be able to help me with a photographic image.

We are a publishing company presently preparing for publication, the above primary school textbook.  We require a photographic image of 'Duke Kahanamoku'. There is a picture on your website that would be most appropriate (see attached copy taken from the website).

<<1915p0206duke_surf_cronulla.jpg>>

If you were able to supply this picture in hi-resolution 300dpi digital format I would very much appreciate it.

Reproduction details are:

Rights:  Australian only

Print Run:  7,000

Size:  half page size - 300 dpi hi-resolution.

Full credit will be given to the source, of course.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards
 

Helen Mammides
Permissions Assistant
Harcourt Education
22 Salmon Street Port Melbourne, Vic.  3207

Helen,
I am presently moving files into a new computer and am snowed under.
I am not sure how to supply this picture <<1915p0206duke_surf_cronulla.jpg>> in hi-resolution 300dpi digital format.
I have not done this before.
The image is not mine, from memory the original is held by the Bishop Museum, Honolulu.
The page gives several references that reproduce the image...

Warshaw, Matt :  Surfriders – In Search of the Perfect Wave
Tehabi Books, Inc.
Collins Publishers, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022.  1997
page 30

Kampion, Drew. Forward by Bruce Brown  Stoked : A History of Surf Culture
General Publishing Group Los Angles  1997
Second edition by Benedikt Tashen Verlag GmbH, Hohenzollernring 53, D-50672 Koin.  1998
page 40
 

Thoms, Albie: Surfmovies
The Blue Group
PO Box 321 Noosa Heads Queensland 4567  2000
page 22

At least one of these should be available in your local library - and your scanning resources are probably superior to mine.

Please contact if more help required.
Geoff

Michael,
Thank you for your positive comments.
I have adjusted the spelling in #40, #165 (shaped by "K F") and in the Manufacturers/Shapers Index for MR Surfboards and Maddog Surfboards.
I thought there was another entry somewhere, but can't find it at present.
These will be uploaed sometime in the next month.

Could you confirm other MR Twin fin design shapers as
Mark Platter,
Tony Cerff and
Ken Freelander from South Africa.
Any others?

Did you observe any of the previous MR design , the Stinger, made around this time ? -
I have reports of two MR Stingers marked with the initials "S B".

Many thanks for pointing out the spelling error and the feedback,
Geoff

2. Bob Margetts    May 20, 2003
 Geoff,
Thanks for your reply...Yes those were other shapers of MR designs, though one was spelt Mark Plater.
I have spoken to Bob Margetts since about your site and his entry on your page.
He was pleased that there was a site on the internet with that info.
He doesn't have the net but I'm think you could probably ring Bob on 02 6685 7873 for more information on the designs .
I'm sure he'd be more than glad to help.
S B ? It draws a blank at this time but I'm sure it'll come to mind when I least expect it.
Later Regards
Michael Krilich

Michael,
Thank you for your information.
Unfortunately there are several refernces to both Bob and Mark on the web page and i am not sure if I have corected them all.
I should pick up any outstanding entries in the next 6 months.
Geoff

  Bonjour,

  I am Stéphane from Biarritz.

  Your website is really fantastic : in Europe we have nothing like that.
And even nothing at all.

  Unfortunatly I was looking for informations about Hot Stuff Surfboards and I found very few.
I have 2 Hot Stuff surfboards :
  - 1 single 6'0 Wayne Rabbit Model
  - 1 thruster 6'1 Kong Model
  I'd like to know if there are autralian model or model made in Europe under
  licence (there was an english licence). And who are the shapers : the boards
  are not signed.

  Perhaps you have those informations.

  Thanks a lot.

  Stéphane

  If you need informations about french or european boards, it will be an honor for me to help you.

Stephane,
Thank you for your positive comments.
Unfortunately I am in New South Wales, and have only a rudimentary knowledge of Queensland boards.
I have even less knowledge of European boards.
surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - manufacturers/shapers index - H - scroll down
has an entry for...

Hot Stuff Surfboards
Currumbin Qld 1979
1979 Alan Byrne, Gil Glover, Hamish Garham and Steven Reid;
1981 Drouyn, Rabbit; Alan Byrne;

A few points...
1. Try a email to  Goodtime Surboards
They are in Coolangatta Queensland, have a web page (if this link doesn't work , try google.com) and deal in
old boards.

2.  boards are not signed - makes it almost impossible to 100% confirm the shaper, most manufacturers at this
time had a stable of shapers.

3. The boards were almost certainly not shaped by Rabbit (Wayne Batholomew) or Kong (Gary Elkington)...
- they would probably have been signed
- both surfers would have been fully involved with the pro-circuit at the time the boards were made.

4. Given the boards are in France, most probably English models.
Try to find the English manufacturer (for example look for advertisements in European magazines of the period),
and they were probably done by the top shapers.
I know this is a drag, and the magazines hard to come by, but this is a major reference source.
A commencement date for the English licence is critical, especially with the earlier Rabbit board.

5. If they are Australian models, most likely the shapers are Gil Glover for the Rabbit board and Alan Byne for
the Kong board.

6. The Rabbit board probably 1978 to 1983
- Rabbit surfed for Geoff Darby Surfboards up to circa 1978
- single fins rare after 1983, almost totally supplanted by Thrusters.
One possible reference  - John Conway : Adventure Sports : Surfing
 Salamander Books Ltd., 129 – 137 York Way,  London N7 9LG, United Kingdom 1988
Photograph of Hot Stuff/Rabbit model deck - looks like a Thruster template.
Most of the photographs in the book are European.

7. Kong board probably 1984 to 1988 (his pro career), - from memory (sorry, no references) he then retired,
moved to France (this could be a connection with your board) and rejected the nick-name Kong.

8. Images are a great help in dicussing boards - for suggestions see
surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - catalogue specifications - photographs
Even if these are not used for correspondence, photographs are highly recommended as a record of any
collectable boards. Invaluable if the board is sold, traded, lost or stolen.

9. These are probably vert collectable boards - particually if they have significant decals...
The Rabbit model at one stage used a decal based on the Warner Bros. logo and Bugs Bunny, but was
threatened with legal action by Warner Bros. and withdrawn. I believe this decal to be very rare.
The Kong model used (a more common) King Kong (large ape) graphic.

I am snowed under at present (transferring all files to a new computer), but will note your contribution about Hot
Stuff Surfboards' English licence in its Manufacturer/Shaper Index entry for the next upload (in about four
weeks).

Geoff 

  Hello,

  RE:

  Age Surfboards
  Aloha Surfboards -red
  Bare Nature Surfboards
  Barry Bennett Surfboards - cartoon grahic
  Barry Bennett Surfboards - diamond
  Barry Taylor Surfboards - star
  Barry Taylor Surfboards - black text
  Bob Brown Surboards
  Hand shaped by Bob McTavish
  Bronzed Aussies - flag/wave
  Bryne Brothers Surfboards - wedge
  and
  Col Smith Channel

  May I use the afore mentioned logos in my history of the surfboard logo page or shall I omit them alltogether.
  I'd hate to omit these great shapers from Austrailia by will If I don't hear from you.
I'll be happy to give photo credit if that is satisfactory. If you approve, what name would you like me to give credit to?

  Michael Richard

Michael,
Thank you for your prompt response.
You may use the logos listed below in your history of the surfboard logo page.
A photograph credit is satisfactory, please use...
geoff@surfresearch.com.au
A photograph credit and a link would be preferable....
http://www.surfresearch.com.au

I am a long way from attempting any detailed work on decal design, however some basic comments are at...
surfresearch - appendix - glossary - D - scroll down to Decals/stickers
The text reads...

Decal / sticker
usually a graphic logo or text indicating the manufacturer printed on rice paper and laminated onto the blank.

Decal is the preferred term.
In pre-factoy production times riders would often decorate their boards with paint, often a name in decorative
script, cartoon character or club logo.
In Australia the Surf Life Saving Club ‘Reel’ logo was popular.
First production logo credited to Outrigger Canoe Club (Hawaii) circa 1935  –paddle graphic over “O”
branded into solid wood boards. Image 1.
Other variations included
 - metal medallion fixed by screws (circa 1940 – Tom Blake, (Hawaii),
 - laminated business card (circa 1947 x, USA),
 - external metal foil adhesive sticker (1960 Gordon Woods, Australia). Example : Image 2.
First rice paper decals possibly by Velzy-Jacobs (USA) circa 1955, first used in Australia by Scott Dillon
circa 1958.
The Hobie decal, circa 1956, set a precedent in design, the highly stylized script  and framing. Image 3.
In Australia, Keyo was one of the manufacturers that adapted the theme. Image 4.
Professional surfing in the 1980’s saw a preference for clear boards and prominent positioning of sponsor’s
decals.
(Images 1 - 4 are not included here).

The images were probably copied from the Manufactures/Shapers Index, and some link to catalogue entries,
specifically...
 Age Surfboards  1969 #42
 Aloha Surfboards -red  1982 #33
 Barry Taylor Surfboards - star  1973 #83
 Barry Taylor Surfboards - black text  1973 #90
 Hand shaped by Bob McTavish  1980 #23
 Bronzed Aussies - flag/wave 1978 #84
 Col Smith Channel 1979 #64

The Barry Bennet decals (in fact not really decals but scans of stickers) links to a Manufacturers entry for Barry
Bennett Surfboards at...
surfresearch - catalogue - menu options - manufacturers/shapers index - B - scroll down.

In most cases the images have been/will be updated with larger scans.

Please note :
- surfresearch.com.au has no commerical content, I am not selling anything.
- I make extensive use of historical material (text and images) and make considerable effort to acknowledge all
sources.
- in most cases, the board/fin/decal images in the catalogue entries are mine. Exceptions are credited. 

Bob and Noel,
Thank you for your positive comments.
I am afraid I can be of little assistance.
I have no details on this board/manufacturer/label.

A few comments...
1. Bat tail -  usually a wide tail in template with three points separated by two concaves.
The design was possibly first used for an episode  the televsion series Batman 1965 - 1967.
Batman is challenged to a surfing contest (by the Riddler?) and uses a board with  "Bat"  decor and tail (similar
to the Batmobile.design).
More general use in mid 1970's, I think initially from the USA, possibly Rick Rasmussen, originally from the East
coast.
Australian, probably any, examples are rare and most likely to be single fin boards from 1973 to 1976, a period
of considerable design focus on the tail.
Examples include the Swallow tail, Fangtail, Fish tail, Flex tail, Tinkler tail, Ski/Screwdriver tail and variations to
all the common tail templates.with the addition of single and multi Flyers/Wings.
Your example is of considerable interest.
I have one example of this design, Catalogue No. 93 circa 1981 - but the tail is severvely damaged and I don't
have a suitable photograph. I believe this board is a throw-back by the shaper to his 1970's work.

2. Small yin/yang logo near tail - I assume a decal?
Although commonly associated with Town and Country Surf Design, the yin/yang symbol (like the lightning bolt
and the arrow) was used in decor or decals by some other manufacturers.
May indicate a promotional or commissioned board manufactered by Town and Country Surf Designs
(Australia), but highly unlikely.

3. shaped by Kenny Mac - I have no record of this shaper.
Please confirm  name is not  Mickey Mac.
Geoff.

Bob & Noel Smith wrote:

  Geoff.....just picked up a Sunrise surfboard, single fin, bat tail late 70's. Logo has a sun with a drinking straw in it's mouth down to
  water. Small yin/yang logo near tail with shaped by Kenny Mac. Any help???????Great site, will send some scans and details of
  some boards.Regards,Bob SmithJan JucVic.

No message here.

Cliffys,
Thank you for your prompt and comphrehensive response.
Geoff

Cliffys wrote:

  1. Everyone associates longboarding with a sense of style. If you appreciate the attempted pun on Malibu then that is all we have
  attempted to do, NOT insult or offend the world's population of starving people, some of whom myself and friends sponsor. I'm sure
  that the creators of the world famous MAL-FUNCTION Longboard Classic or the Mal-Addiction Longboarders Club equally mean no
  harm, insult or disrespect to mentally challenged people or those with drug habits etc. If we have offended you it was by
  accident.2. As you read this a member is looking into starting up a web page.3. We do have an unofficial environmental policy,
  'trying to keep Gerroa clean'. You've probably seen some of us cleaning up the beach and carpark every so often, especially during
  the tourist season. Feel free to help. As for the parking lot, ask council to do something about it as we do. The carpark has been
  upgraded somewhat due to the efforts of one of our members.4. The six man heats and existing comp. shirts are used not only
  nationally but worldwide. If you're not happy with the format you can complain to any of the relevant associations, i.e. NSW
  Traditional Longboarders, Surfing Australia, The World Surfing Association or the ASP. (Please remember that helping to judge is
  helping your clubmates). Please note that the judging system, scoring system(0.5) and wave count are standards that relevant
  governing bodies have set.You also stated that drawing heats on the beach is a misuse of surfing time. NO! Drawing heats the
  night before and then having to reorganise them because some members hadn't shown up is a misuse of time but it can't be
  helped.Also the 9' rule is the accepted standard. In conclusion, when joining a club it is usual that the member makes an effort to
  fit into the club, not change the club to fit their individual beliefs. Club MALnutrition Longboarders has been running quite
  harmonoiusly since its inception. If you feel that we don't satisfy your particular needs feel free to contact me and we will gladly
  refund your membership.Yours Sincerely,John Mandybur, PresidentPhone: 42342362

Maurie,
Sorry, but I have some questions before we find some answers.
Please attempt navigation paths to references (saves me having to put in links)
Images would be helpful.
 1.  balsa surfboard - is the blank...
i. a solid block of timber (unlikely)

ii. multi-blocks with no central stringer in different timber,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1959 - #60

 iii. multi-blocks with one (or more) central stringer in different timber,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1963 - #24

iv. other

Stringers in balsa boards appear to follow the introduction of foam boards, so probably after 1962.
Balsa boards before foam (1957 - 1959) tend to be multi-blocked.

2. It is almost straight both ways -
i.  template, or
ii. rocker, or
iii.  template and rocker.

3. Please confirm board dimensions and features...
Length : 9 ft 6 inches
Width : 20 inches
Thickness : 3 inches
Pod : 8 inches
Wide point : +ve inches or -ve inches from the mid point (that is 4 ft 9 inches from the nose)
This measurement determines the template -
+ve inches is a Foil or Gun,
-ve inches is a Pig or No-nose,
0 inches is a Double-ender or Egg.
Nose : round - most 1950's boards have a rounded nose with with a subtle point.
Fully rounded noses more to early 1960's.
Tail : square

4. Reversed "D" shaped fin Please confirm fin dimensions and features...
Construction  ...
i. laminated timber
ii. laminated fibreglass
iii. other

Is the fin original?
If the fin has been replaced there is usually some damage to the blank were the original fin broke away from the
board.

Dimensions... Height, Base, distance from tail.
Early boards used  timber fins, fixed to the blank and laminated as the whole board was glassed.
Early fin templates were usually rounded D set very close to the tail.
Reverse D, or Pixie Fin or Phil (Edwards) Fin, probably date from around 1962.
see surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - fin catalogue

5. Please confirm board decor...
I assume at this point the board is clear and the sticker on the deck at the tail - please advise otherwise.

sticker on the board -is it...
i. an adhesive sticker on the outside of the glass,
see surfresearch - catalogue - 1959 - # 99 - scroll down to Decor - Decal
or
ii. the common  paper decal laminated on the blank ?
iii. other
 It is oval shaped, 3"x2",silver with black,green,blue,similar logo to O'Neil.- does it resemble the sticker
noted in i. above?
Many Australian manufacturers copied US designs (shapes, decor, decals and even advertising) in this period
so the similarity to the O'Neill logo is not suprising.

Plus "H" with board printed underneath on the sticker. - is this...
A 3'' x 2'' silver oval sticker / decal  with a black, green and blue graphic (similar to O'Neill logo), with text "H
Board/s" and "Phone No. 82 3825".

Comments/Guesses...
i. I am assuming the board was made in Australia. There is a very small chance this is not the case.

ii. The use of a decal/sticker usually indicates it is probably a serious manufacturer, but may have been a
short-lived backyard builder. It could also be a short run of an established manufacturer (or an employee) with a
change of decal to the standard design.

iii. The largest clue is the phone number, but I think it could be any state.
Ideally if you could correlate the phone nuber with that used by another manufacturer
It helps somewhat to put the board in a given period.
Metropolitan phone numbers went from three letters and 3 numerals (eg ABC-123) to six numerals in the late
1950's. Later they went to seven numerals and now eight numerals.

iv. The O'Neill logo was used by Scott Dillon Surfboards ( see decal #99 above and a clearer version at
surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - manufacturers/shapers index - s - scroll down to Scott
Dillon Surfboards.
However the text "H Board" and the phone number do not correspond.

v. John Arnold Surfboards in Adelaide were the Australian licensees to O'Neill USA. This would be one reason
for using the O'Neill logo, but I do not know when they started manufacturing.

vi. "H Board/s" could possibly be early versions by Hayden (Qld), Honessee (Qld) or Hawke (WA) who started
manufacturing in this period.

Not much help I know, but trying to establish who actually shaped a board in this period is very difficult.
Geoff.

 rosemarie jessop wrote:

  To  gEOFFI have a balsa surfboard ,9.ft 6" x 20" wd. 3" thick,round nose, square tail,  8" wd.It is almost straight both
  ways.Reversed "D" shaped fin. There is a sticker on the board.It is oval shaped, 3"x2",silver with black,green,blue,similar logo to
  O'Neil.Plus "H" with board printed underneath  on the sticker.The Phn: # on the board is 823825.I've had a few shapers look at the
  board,but they can't help in the history on the board.The shapers come from the Mornington Peninsula in VictoriaHope you can
  help me out.                                .                                       Sincerely Maurie Jessop

Kevin,
I am looking for some biographical material on Mr. W. W. Hill, who was
Secretary of the Australian Swimming Union, circa 1914.
I am most interested in his connections with the Surf Life Saving
movement and his role in the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku tour of 1914-1915.
Thank you,
Geoff Cater

Bill,
Thank you for your interesting (and obscure) enquiry.
From memory (it would take days to hunt out the complete story)...
Platt's Surfwear was one of the earliest major Australian surfwear labels, circa 1965.
They stopped production probably by the late 1970's-early 1980's when they were eclipsed by Quicksilver and
Billabong.
In this later period the name may have been onsold to to mass producer to trade on any residual goodwill.
Many advertisements featured recognised surfers of the day.
The logo was usually in blocked capitals with a surfer on the right hand side.
I think that Mr. Platt, the owner, was the father of Kevin Platt - one of Australia's top surfer/shapers in the late
1960's.
Surfwear is of minor interest to me, although I do have a small collection to which I have hoped to add an
example by Platt's, but have been unable to source any.
Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff.

Gackp@aol.com wrote:

  Several years ago I found some surf shirts called PLATTS

  does someone still make these shirts??

  where can i get them

  I am a in Wisconsin USA

  help if you can

  thanks

  Bill Platt

Rick,
Thank you for your positive comments.
re Altas Surfboard
No earlier than 1963, when Altas (-Woods) began production.
No later than 1966, depending on ...
1. Fin - describe shape and dimensions, an image if possible.
2. Rail shape - the thicker and rounder then earlier, by 1966 rails
started to
to thin out.
3. Decal details - is there a full address on the decal (there were two
premises, both in Auckland) ?

New Zealand surfers were restricted in importing blanks and boards in
the 1960's.
This changed when Alan Mitchell visited Australia and came to an
agreement with Gordon Woods to supply a mold, materials and know-how for
a royalty payment on each blank.
Hence the boards usually carried a Atlas-Woods decal, the early design
the same design as on your board.
The 'Woods' which appears to be absent (or blacked out) of the decal on
this board.
Altas-Woods were one of the major manufacturers in New Zealand in this
period, and were available at several outlets.
Shapers included George Tomlin, Ken Clarke, Wayne Parkes and the Tinkler
Brothers.

Reference : Williamson, Luke: Gone Surfing - The Golden Years of Surfing
in New Zealand, 1950 -1970
 Penguin Books (NZ) Ltd, cnr Airborne and Rosedale Roads, Albany,
Auckland 1310, New Zealand. 2000
pages 46 and 50.

Hope this has been of some assistance,
Geoff

Rick Kale wrote:

> Gidday Geoff, first of all I'd like to say what a great site you have, a lot
> time and effort on your part no doubt. I am writing to see if you could
> please help me identify my boards approx year. I was given it as a teenager
> when I lived in New Zealand (I am now 40) living on the gold coast.It is an
> Atlas 9foot 2inches, twin stringer about 3inches thick,I have enclosed a
> couple of pics.Thankyou for any help regards Rick.

hris,
Thank you for your positive comments.

I have not specifically been asked advise on locating old boards by their owners, although this wish is often
expressed by surfers/surfboard collectors.
Hence, some collectors specifically seek board designs and/or brands that most closely resemble their original
boards.
It is very rare to locate an original board, however this is inevitably more luck than design.

My only suggestion (very long shot) is to place an ad on realsurf's Boards for Sale page, and wait.
Upload the photograph if possible, they are a significant help.
You may improve your chances on a Victorian site (if that's were the board was last sighted).

I will add Springtime Surfboards, Oakleigh, Melbourne. Shaper: Russell Francis circa 1978 to the
Manufacturer/Shaper Index at the next upload (June?) and may get some future feedback.

Footnote : The only thing worse than a 1970's surfer searching for one of their original boards, is a 1960's surfer
who knows there is no point looking - they ripped the glass off their old 'worthless' Malibu boards and reshaped
them (usually badly).

Good luck,
Geoff.
 
 

Chris Morgan wrote:

  Geoff, I found your site via a link from realsurf.com. I have had a
  quick look through your site and am very impressed. I look forward to
  having a closer look when I've got more time - ie at work rather than at
  home looking after the babies. Like many surfers in their late thirties
  and having surfed for 20 or so years, I now have a nostalgic regret that
  I sold my first surfboard. The usual story in the late seventies get rid
  of that old 6' 10" single (wooden) fin with the air brushed bottom
  depicting the stair way to heaven and get onto that rad 5' 10" twin fin.
  Hmmm. I have a photo of my old board, it was made by a guy called
  Russell Francis in Oakleigh Melbourne under the name of Springtime
  Surfboards. My question is: Do you know of a website where one could
  "advertise" for information on my old board? I''d love to get it back
  again, it's look great mounted on the wall in the 'pool room'. Maybe
  it's something you have off your site? I'd be interested to know if
  you've been asked this before and any other suggestions you might have.

  Regards Chris Morgan

  Christopher Morgan
  Learning Area Leader - Technology
  Pastoral co-ordinator Year 8 Purple
  chris.morgan@wesleycollege.net

Rodney,
Thanks for the feedback, in particular the comments and image from Gordon Woods.
I had a listing for "Wally Edmonds" on the Gordon Woods page, but had mis-spelt it as "Edwards"
- and missed including him in my initial response.
I have now corrected this and also added Glen Ritchie.
Given my comments on the significance of board markings (numbers), the comment that
"He kept no records about the boards he built" is strangely reassuring.

I am assuming that Mr. Woods sent the image by email
- if this is the case and you have his email address, it would be most helpful.
Geoff

Rodney.Hose@csiro.au wrote (amongst other things):

  I have also received a reply from Gordon Woods.He kept no records about the boards he built but from memory he said it was
  around 1964, the stringers are Californian redwood and it is Volan glass.It was possibly shaped by Glen Richie or Wal Edmonds
  who was his master shaper and taught Nat Young to shape.

 Shawn,
 Sorry I have no information on your father.
 My research is focused on Australian surfboard design, but I often have to look at international influences.
 My sixties resources are limited and unfortunately the magazines and books for this period are highly sought by surf collectors, and fetch a premium price.
 I can only offer a few suggestions...
 1. the Pipeine Invitational '67-'68 sounds like an event promoted as the Expression Session - it was featured in a movie and had coverage in magazines.
 2. Huntington World open at the Huntington beach pier - not sure of this.
 3. USSA member - this would seem to be a solid lead - there must be some contest records of this period available somewhere.
 4. A long shot - try to find Corky Carroll - (possibly at http://www.corkycarroll.com , but has moved his site a couple of times) if necessary via google.com or another
 search engine.
 Corky was the dominant competitive surfer in the USA 1964 to 1972, attended every contest that was going and is still involved with the surfing industry. He also has a
 (warped) interest in surf history, some of which is on his web site.
 Good luck,
 Geoff.

 Shawn Maxfield wrote:

   I am attempting to locate info on my father, Allen Maxfield.
  I was cleaing out the office and noticed a number of trophies.
  one was from the Pipeline Invitational in '67-'68, and the Huntington World open at the Huntington beach pier.  Would you be able to assist in locating any info on
  those contests.. articles, posting of results, photos- anything?  He was a member of the USSA also.  He somewhat dropped outta sight, and the surfing scene after 1969
  after I was born. Help!  Thank you very much, I by chance stubled across your site and am hopeful I can locate anything.  Shawn Maxfield
  Special Activities
  (949)754-7860

Dan,
Thanks for the image - I've cropped it and added to the Cord Surfboards entry, with a credit.
This will be uploaded sometime in the next month (or two).
If you have time check surfresearch - appendix - design and decor - catalogue specifications
for information on taking surfboard photgraphs. It really helps to remove the wax.
Geoff

Dan wrote:

  I have just purchased a cord surfboard. It is a D fin & was shaped by kevin Platt. the logo has Bowmanrd caloundra as the addess.
  It is in perfect condition & set me back $80 at a garage sale in Woodgate Beach.I have attached a photo of the logo in case you
  can use it.

Kym,
Reply #2
Unfortunately I appear to have sent off a half completed reply that escaped from the Unsent Messages box.
I hope to have a full response prepared by next week.
Coincidentally, I have had an email from Les Purcell at Caloundra who reports that he worked at the John Arnold
factory in 1969.
I have asked him for any information that he can forward on the Wayne Lynch model.
Geoff

kym@cobrainter.com wrote:

  Dear "Geoff", If you would like some more info about #163 or some real history of the Wayne Lynch International Involvement
  boards built at John Arnold's (with all due respect to Wayne whom I highly respect and am still in contact with, Wayne did not
  shape at that time or at least not commercially in the period these were built), I can be contacted on kym@cobrainter.com Kind
  regardsKym Thompson
 

               realbeds
           To:
               kym@cobrainter.com
  References:
               1
 
 
 

Kym,
Unfortunately I have no information on Wayne Lynch International Involvement boards built at John Arnold
Surfboards, South Australia.
My only sources are a few advertisements from the period, magazine articles, books and contemporary films
(now videos).

I am aware that Wayne Lynch did not personally shape these boards circa 1969 - 1971, but rather they were
signature models (designed, but not shaped by). Similar signature boards were available by Nat Young
(Gordon Woods Surfboards), Ted Spencer (Shane Surfboards) and other leading surfers in this period.

I have always assumed that the John Arnold connection was somehow an adjunct to Wayne Lynch's wetsuit
contracts with O'Neill - John Arnold being the Australian licensee. This may not be correct.

An advertisment for John Arnold Surfboards, late 1969 lists the shapers as Wayne Lynch, Wayne Dale and Sid
Kwiatkowski. I assume Dale and Kwiatkowski were responsible for the production boards.

An J.A. advertisment late 1970 notes the 'designers' as Wayne Lynch and Wayne Dale and they are available in
"All states of Australia -  East and West coast USA - England - France". These overseas boards must have
been made under liscence.

A Klemm-Bell Sufboards, Torquay, advertisment for mid-late 1971 offers "Wayne Lynch Hand Shapes and
Designs". Presumably by now the contact with John Arnold Surfboards had ceased.

Apart from these signature model boards, it appears that in most cases Wayne Lynch rode/rides his own
personally shaped boards, the first circa 1967 - sorry have looked by cannot find the magazine reference at
present. Some details on the first board were available on Wayne Lynch's web page, last time I looked.

The famous yellow board with thick black pinlines on the bottom, circa May 1968 as seen in the opening
sequence of Evolution, (I am fairly sure) has two block Rip Curl Surfboard decals on the bottom, and a single
on the deck.
Subsquent boards in the film (Sydney, South Australia and West Australia) appear to have John Arnold
Surfboards decals.
The boards ridden in France, Morrocco and Puerto Rico were built at Barland Surfboards in France - see
 Young, Nat :  Nat’s Nat and that’s that – an autobiography
 Nymboiba Press, 8 Bay Street, Angourie, NSW 2462, Australia 1998  page 177, and following.
Wayne Lynch rides at least seven different boards in this film, shot in about12 months; illustrating the rapid
design changes in this period.

Board # 103 (please note : not # 163 -see below)
 
 
 

kym@cobrainter.com wrote:

  Dear "Geoff", If you would like some more info about #163 or some real history of the Wayne Lynch International Involvement
  boards built at John Arnold's (with all due respect to Wayne whom I highly respect and am still in contact with, Wayne did not
  shape at that time or at least not commercially in the period these were built), I can be contacted on kym@cobrainter.com Kind
  regardsKym Thompson

Daryl,
Sorry,
1. I am in Australia, I think you are USA

2. I do not sell or deal in boards or related surf items.

3. The objects described certainly have value, but note that shipping a board is not like posting a magazine -
usually best sold locally.

3. Depending on where you are try...

A. "SURFnHULA.com" <Info@SURFnHULA.com>
 Jim and Victoria
 SURFnHULA.com
 Toll free (877)410- 7648
  In Hawaii (808) 935-2341
They deal in boards and Hawaiiana and ship to/from mainland USA.

B.  www.surftrader.com  - online postings of for sale/wanted

C.      www.cubbysurf.com  - if they still/ever existed

D. www.swaylocks.com -

E. Surfbooks.com - dealer in books and magazines

E. Search for a local surf cam site or even a local surf club site - they sometimes have a For Sale page

F. Ebay - particularly for the magazines.

Hope this is of some assistance,
Geoff
 

"Daryl J.Lassen" wrote:

  I have a late 60's 8/11 Skipe Frye Stringer GS with a dual canvas travel bag.  7.5 or above value board; 9 or above on bag.  Where
  can I market the set?  You have an awesome website!  Sincerely, D. Lassen.

and

See also some magazines I want to sell.  Where can I go?  Thanks, DL.
 

These are a few of what I have:  Surfer Magazine--
    Vol. 1, #'s 1,2,3, and the one and only first annual horizontal; Vol. 4,
# 5; Vol 5, # 1; Vol 6, #6; Vol. 7, #'s 2, 3, 4, 6; Vol.8, #1.  Then, I have, excuse me, International Surfing, Feb.,
'65 and
Surfing Photo
Annual/$2.00, no date--must be one of '65-'67.  They are in magazine covers.
selling.  DL 

Les,
Thank you for your contribution.
I have adjusted the entry for Les Purcell Surfboards (with a credit), and adjusted or added the other
manufacturers you noted.
Can you confirm the factory location as Maroochydore Qld ?

I have listed Nalu Surfboards/Tony Biltoft (with credit) under N.
I have included your comments about Darryl Bolger and Kent Manning at the Les Purcell Surfboards entry.

These will be uploaded about June.

Unfortunately the Manufacturers/Shapers Index is one directional.
The entries attempt to help establish the shaper of a particular board, rather than detail a shaper's history (with
some exceptions, eg Midget Farrelly).
A reversed index (Shaper to Manufacturer) is possible, but too much work for me to contemplate in the near
future.

Coincidentally, I am currently researching the Wayne Lynch International Involment model, made at John
Arnold Surfboards , Adelaide, circa1969 - 1971.
I previously had listings for Wayne Lynch, Wayne Dale and Sid Kwiatkowski as shapers in 1969.
One example (signed  "Wayne Lynch   7' 9"   1007 " on the blank) is catalogued at ... # 103
Another online example (sub 6 feet, later - 1970-1?, US import?) is at Swalock's Design Forum.... # 196

Any comments you could make about this model would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Geoff.
 

PURCELL wrote:
Hi there, I have just browsed your surfing site. It was a pleasure to see my name in there. Here are a few more
details.-------I started my shaping for Woosley Surfboards in Kelvingrove Brisbane in 1968 ,Then I journeyed
south  and then shaped for  Atlas Surfboards in Melbourne 1969  then John Arnold in Adelaide in 1969,My
journey then took me back home to Queensland and  next I shaped for Connexion Surfboards in Caloundra
during 1970 which was owned by Greg Clough.  >From there I shaped at Adlers Surf Centre in Wooloongabba
in Bris from 1970 to late 1973..In 1974 I opened the Les Purcell Design Surfboards and retired from my
shaping winter of 1995 for the time-being............-------------Just in case you are interested there are a few
shapers I did not see who are credible..1. is Tony Biltoft who owned Nalu Surfboards, in Brisbane 1972 to 1973
when he died.There was a Memorial Contest for him for many years following. Kent Manning of Sunshine Coast
and Darryl Bolger  of the Gold Coast, all credible shapers and I'm sure we could come up with more if we sa on
a sandy beach and reminisced......You can call me on 0754781066 if you need to confirm any of these details or
for any further information.......Thanks Les P. F PUR." <spanner@caloundra.net>
  References:
               1 , 2
 
 
 

Les,
Thank you for your complimentary comments and I look forward to any
further information.
Unfortunately I'm snowed under (not the least is transferring all the
files to a new computer) any further contacts you are able to pass on
would be appreciated and I will follow then up as soon as possible.
Geoff.
 

"F PUR." wrote:
Dear Jeff, thanks for your reply,
I would suggest that Daryl and Kent could speak for themselves as I did
not work for them at any time
they were just not mentioned as now I realize you are cataloguing a
particular board.......
I did not  and do not speak for them  and Tonys family would have more
information on him.
I was just offering you leads for your research I was not looking for
publicity .
What I gave you was just basically to help you with you research, and
for me to get the correct year I worked for each company....
Recently I was contacted by a chap from Up here who is a collector and
He has considerable research on boards he has collected, would his
contact be any help to you?...  and congratulations on your site and the
work you are doing will be great for future generations...Re info on the
requested itoms, in next e-mail...

Craig,
1. "I was amazed to see one of my old boards in your catalogue."
I was amazed to find that the original owner of one of my old boards saw it's entry in The Catalogue.
Congratulations, you are the first.
Naturally I have heaps of questions, but will try to be concise...
Factory address ?
Date (my guess was 1985) ?
Custom or stock ?
Decor design and/or spray by ?
The board did not have the trailing fins when I purchased it - any idea of their dimensions?
Do the numbers CO684 mean anything to you?
2. "Are these boards on display anywhere? "
It is currently stuffed in the back of an immobile pan tech with about twenty other various boards
- so at least is is not lonely.
The Catalogue is intended as a form of virtual museum .
#206 is currently in the old format (principally smaller images and minor text changes).
Tonight I will re-scan  the #206 images and reformat the page - to be uploaded in the next four weeks.
Any further details you could supply would be most appreciated and anything that I add to the entry will be
credited.
I thought I also had plans for a Step tail kneeboard (similar to #206) that maybe of interest to you
- but they are not online.
These will be added if I can find the original hard copy versions.
3. "and do you sell them? "
Generally no, the above board has a special place in my collection..
I have a particular interest in non-standing boards - see Catalogue Menu - Paipo Catalogue
It is the only example of a four fin that I have.
Only example of fractured grahic decor.
The stepped tail also unique to my collection.
However I will give this question further thought,
Geoff

Craig Joubert wrote:

  I was amazed to see one of my old boards in your catalogue. The above board was the first board that I ever did a 360 on!
  Are these boards on display anywhere? and do you sell them?
  Craig Joubert Tel: 4268 2884
  Mob: 0412 259 022
  E-mail: craigjoubert@fishinternet.com.au

Rod,
Thank you for your complimentary email.
Unfortunately I'm snowed under with work - including setting up a new computer, tranfering files and clearing all
the email out of this one.
I will try to get to the Wave Height material at some stage, but that work seems like a decade ago.
It was a sudden burst of research that grew out some rather heated beach dicussions, and once I felt I was
comfortable with my conclusions I quickly moved on.

The last nine months has tended to concentrate more on early history...
A new(ish) section at History - Menu - Source Documents
might have a few items of interest,  such as Prone boards from 1934 and  1935.

Image of a 1953 book that turned up in the post yesterday from the UK, not yet added to the Books page.
Of course, contact me if this doesn't work.
 
 

Your further information re Sean Ross has seen that credit adjusted.
Of course I also corrected the spelling of Rodgers - with sincere apologies.
The page now carries a disclaimer : "Spelling errors are rife"
- which gets me off the hook in most cases - but this error is inexcusable, hardly a "minor typo".
If these corrections have not yet been uploaded they will be within the next four weeks.

Great to hear from you,
Geoff

rodNDtube wrote:

  Aloha Geoff,

  Two of my alt.surfing buddies have recently posted/written on this
  subject.  I posted up a simple summary page that provides links to the
  original material:
  http://www.surfresearch.com.au/awaveheight.html

  You might find Buddy Williams' graphic useful. Neal Miyake wrote the
  on-line article.

  A clarification on the paipo picture from my page... new information
  that's rolled in from Sean Ross' family:
  "Paipo rider named Sean Ross having fun at the Pipeline. He is riding
  one of Paul Lindbergh's Hawaii Paipo Designs boards.
  Sean was a life guard at the Ehukai Beach (Pipeline) for years in the
  1970's.  Photo by: Alan McCray, Hawaii."

  Keep up the tremendous effort!

  vr/Rod

  P.S.  Minor typo... my last name is spelled with a "D" - Rodgers. The
  "d" is dropped all the time!

Steen,
Thanks for this information, I hope to follow this up in the near future.
Geoff

Steen Barnes wrote:

   Hi GeoffYour Welcome, and I know what you mean about snowed underArthur Morris is still alive and well. His son Craig Morris is
  also one of the best surfers in the area his mobile phone number is 0438 258 157.  Arthur lives at 3 Strone Avenue, Mt Ousley
  NSW 2519. You are right he is a Life Member of Wollongong City Lifesaving Club, he has some increadible stories from the past,
  definatell worthy of a phone call. His home number is 4229 4135. regards Steen Barnes

        ----- Original Message -----
        From: realbeds
        To: Steen Barnes
        Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 9:59 PM
        Subject: Re: Wollongong Legends
         Steen,
        Thank you for a positive source for information.
        Unfortunately I'm snowed under with moving all  files to a new computer- and clearing up 3
        months of back email.
        I will check a Wollongong phone book for an address/phone number.
        Could I assume that in this period that he had membership and /or connections with a
        Wollongong Surf life Saving Club?
        Geoff

        Steen Barnes wrote:

          Mate was just wondering if have looked into Arthur Morris from Wollongong I know he is still around and has all
          his old original boards, he was surfing the South Coast of NSW in the early 1940's regards Steen Barnes
          Company Director
          Gwil Barnes Interiors Pty Ltd
          9 Mount Ousley Road
          Mount Ousley NSW 2519
          Wollongong Australia steen@barnesinteriors.com
          phone: 02 42291 999
          fax: 02 4229 8980
          mobile: 0412 939 763 www.barnesinteriors.com 

Sartash,
Apologies for the delay but this computer is on its last legs and getting work done it is a chore.

Photographs are most useful if possible.

Check...   surfresearch - catalogue - catalogue menu options - catalogue specifications - select
photographs option
for hints on taking surfboard photographs.

Geoff

Sartash gorbski wrote:

   Yes Beach Boys like the group...sorta like a flintstone lunchbox etc. No idea of the year but the original owner
  is maybe 50 or 55. I'll pull it down from the rafters. I hope to do that this weekend. The original owner gave it to
  my son about 12 years ago and he never did surf with it....my son that is.I'm in Southern California. The
  condition is used but I'll examine it closely to see if its just dirty. I am going to take pics to send to someone. I'll
  send you some if that would help...Thanks Sarah

  realbeds <realbeds@shoalhaven.net.au> wrote:

        Sartash,
        Probably, but more information required...
        1. Approximate dimensions
        2. Approximate year
        3. manufacturer
        4. condition
        5. By "beach boys" do you mean "The Beach Boys" - USA recording group?
        6. your location
        Geoff

        Sartash gorbski wrote:

          I would I find if a beach boys surf board I have has any value? Thanks, Sarah