Thursday, February 16, 2012

A couple more cool things from the back wall of the shop...

We've got some intersting things around the shop....some cool stuff on the back wall leading into the employee lounge. 

the 'back wall' doors


This photo's a 1967 Harbour Surfboards ad. Hand signed by Rich Harbour.  It says "To Beach House Never Quit  Rich Harbour". That's super cool...now that I've been in the surf shop business going on my 17th year, I know why he wrote what he did. We've been carrying Harbour Surfboards for 16 years and they really are pieces of art and have a cult-like following.   It's a "Cheater Model" ad, explaining how well the Cheater rides in all sorts of conditions...I love the Walker Foam logoin the bottom right corner.

This is one of my favorites...it's a mid 1960s Hap Jacobs Surfboards ad, signed by Hap as well as Robert August.  Cool surfing shots of Robert August, LanceCarson, Rick Irons and Dale Struble...all teamriders at the time.  I love the original Jacobs 422 Model outline.  We've been carrying Hap's boards for 16 years as well...one of the nicest, most humble guys I've ever met.  He's a true class act anda true craftsman.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Crow Haley Leashes - locally made in San Diego California!

I got a bunch of leashes delivered yesterday from Crow Haley...San Diego, CA.  I've been carrying them for years, but yesterday took a closer look at the packaging.

Looks like a normal leash, right?


Take a closer look...pretty cool.  They're super affordable as well...got my business.


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Harbour Surfboards - A true Classic.

Harbour Surfboards have a new surfboard model ...check it out.  I borrowed this from Harbour Surfboards blog.

 The new “1966 Banana” and How it Compares

 Now, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference between a “1966 Banana” and a “Classic.” I was wondering the same thing so I had Rich give me a little feedback on this “1966 Banana”. Here’s what he had to say…
1966 Original Harbour "Banana"

 We took down the 1966 Banana that was hanging on the ceiling in the shop, spent a half a day taking some measurements and made a 9’6″ and a 10’0″ for stock as seen below.
9'6" "1966 Banana" Board #30301

 Here’s the 9’6″ 1966 Banana we made for stock. Board #30301. It has a 1″ Balsa stringer, a tail block, and some color on the hot coat to give it that old school vibe.
Dimensions:
Length: 9’6″
Tail: 15″
Wide: 22″
Thick: 3 1/4″
Nose: 17″
Price: $1,305.00
9'6" "1966 Banana" Board #30301


10'0" "1966 Banana" Board #30300

 Here’s the 10’0″ 1966 Banana that we made for stock. Board# 30300. It has a 1″ Balsa stringer, a tail block, and some black and red color on the hot coat.
Dimensions:
Length: 10’0″
Tail: 15″
Wide: 22 1/4″
Thickness: 3 3/8″
Nose: 16″
Price: 1255.00
10'0" "1966 Banana" Board #30300


"Classic" VS. "1966 Banana"

 The blue “Classic” on the left is 9’10″ and the “1966 Banana” on the right is a 10’0″ but it’s close enough for a visual comparison. Notice the “Classic” has a more pulled in tail, smaller tail block, is wider at the mid-point, and wider through the nose. The “1966″ Banana has a straighter/narrower outline.
The “Classic” at 10’0″ is:
Length: 10’0″
Tail: 14 1/2″
Wide: 22 3/4″
Thick: 3 3/8″
Nose: 17 1/4″
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON…
“Classic” Dimensions:
10’0″ x 14 1/2″ x 22 3/4″ x 3 3/8″ 17 1/4″
“1966 Banana” Dimensions:
10’0″ x 15″ x 22 1/4″ x 3 3/8″ x 16″
What can I expect out of these boards?
The “1966 Banana” is literally that…a Banana from 1966. These boards tend to have a pretty narrow and straight outline and a flatter rocker. This one will definitely set trim pretty easily. Breaking that trim, or in other words, turning this board, will be a bit more challenging than any other board in our lineup at the same length. If you have a sense of humor, then you’ll have fun on this one. And yes, it noserides but not as well as our “Noserider” model.
The “Classic” was designed in the 80′s using all of the knowledge gained through the longboard years of the 60′s, this board has the glide that was so important, and a turn that rivals the best design from that era. This one has more curve in the outline than the 1966 Banana.This is a great board for someone who wants the best of everything from those golden years.
What kind of rails do these boards have?
Both boards have 50/50 rails that are full. These boards are stable.
Where do you see these boards performing the best?
Both will perform well at San Onofre, Cardiff, or Bolsa Chica on a peaky day. Maybe Rincon, Malibu, or Trestles with nobody out! Lot’s of people in the lineup means more maneuvering around them while going down the line. These boards will not maneuver very quickly so good luck dodging the crowd at first peak, Malibu on these.
Who would benefit most from this board?
A “1966 Banana” would benefit a better-than-average surfer looking for something different and challenging.
A “Classic” would benefit an average to better-than-average surfer looking for a novelty ride that is challenging but not as challenging as the “1966 Banana”.
Basically…
Think of surfing the “1966 Banana” like driving an old Cadillac from 1966 without power steering. It’s going to take a some effort to crank a turn, it’s heavy, and you’ll probably pearl it if you take it into any waves that are fast and/or steep. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun!
The “Classic” is for the person looking to ride an old school log. It’ll be easier to turn and maneuver than the “1966 Banana” but it still won’t turn like a contemporary cruiser. Don’t worry, it won’t bite you!

“There may be something to be had with riding equipment that doesn’t make surfing easier. Surfing ancient equipment that is difficult to ride is an achievement in itself.”

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Patagonia Wetsuits rock...plenty on the racks to choose from.


patagonia wetsuits from jason baffa films on Vimeo.

We've got a full range of Patagonia Wetsuits on the racks.  Best suits on the market.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A few cool 70s & 80s used sticks came in...For Sale.

1970s Surfboards Hawaii twin fin

early 70s Bing single fin...3 stick

1970s G&S single fin

7'6" 1980s G&S thruster

Volcom Pipe finals...awesome!

Check it out...down to the wire!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

A little Baja, Mex with Richard Kenvin and Tony Alva

A little Baja, Mex with Richard Kenvin and Tony Alva....via Surfers Journal

Who is J.O.B.? Check this out...

Jamie O'brien...good sized Pipeline on a Costco Foamie.  Enough said.

Check out this video at Backdoor Pipe...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zQJELWtdSo

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Cool 70s Surfer Magazine- December 1974

A friend brought in cool vintage Surfer Magazine...December 1974. What a cool read! There were some really great ads that screamed 'transition era', along with some really rad photos and killer articles!  What stood out to me was an article about Uluwatu, written by Neil Stebbins that had some unreal photography, including this one of Gerry Lopez carving a nice long, left wall. 
Gerry Lopez - Uluwatu


Reno Abellira wrote a great piece on surfing the North Shore and Billy Hamilton wrote about The Duke Classic, won by Larry Bertleman in "windy, 12-15 foot Sunset Beach surf. The water was extremely demanding and the riptide at its very worst."  "Real hold-your-ass stuff." 
Killer Jacobs add...

Cadillac wheels & Sunshine Surfboards


There was a super cool Design Forum called Reaching for Energy...about fin evolution, the Aipa Stinger,  the California Keel Fin & the flex tail.  Reading these old mags, lets you see just how we got from there to where we are now...take the time to check them out if you ever get a chance.
Stay Stoked,
Eric
George Greenough...carving some of the hardest bottom turns ever.

Bing Bonzer ad...head shaper Mike Eaton & one of the eras best flicks...5 Summer Stories.