As a point of interest, there are eyewitness accounts, prior to his death in 1954, of both 6 foot and 8 foot boards by Bob Simmons. Dale Velzy in the 1956/1957 period did some 7' 11'' balsa Pigs. Al Nelson's 5 foot balsa strip ''mini Simmons'' twin fin in 1957. Jim Foley, in Santa Cruz, early 60's, ripping on a 7 foot board. Snapping S turns in a very ''modern'' jerky style. At that time I thought it was ugly surfing. But, It's what's here now. Hell, in 1959 I made, and rode a 7' 11'' x 20'' rounded pin, balsa Pig at Windansea. (I was not aware of the Velzy 7' 11's, at that time) The point of this narrative is that those boards, and men, influenced a great many who witnessed them in action. We all stood on the shoulders of those who preceeded us. Foley's 7 foot board may not sound very ''short'' to some, but it was three feet shorter than the commonly ridden 10 foot boards of the day! A very major departure from the norm. OK, my mini rant is over. I feel better now.
As a point of interest, there are eyewitness accounts, prior to his death in 1954, of both 6 foot and 8 foot boards by Bob Simmons. Dale Velzy in the 1956/1957 period did some 7' 11'' balsa Pigs. Al Nelson's 5 foot balsa strip ''mini Simmons'' twin fin in 1957. Jim Foley, in Santa Cruz, early 60's, ripping on a 7 foot board. Snapping S turns in a very ''modern'' jerky style. At that time I thought it was ugly surfing. But, It's what's here now. Hell, in 1959 I made, and rode a 7' 11'' x 20'' rounded pin, balsa Pig at Windansea. (I was not aware of the Velzy 7' 11's, at that time) The point of this narrative is that those boards, and men, influenced a great many who witnessed them in action. We all stood on the shoulders of those who preceeded us. Foley's 7 foot board may not sound very ''short'' to some, but it was three feet shorter than the commonly ridden 10 foot boards of the day! A very major departure from the norm. OK, my mini rant is over. I feel better now.
I’m in complete agreement. There was a debate as to whether McTavish or Brewer gets credit for what we commonly term “the shortboard revolution” of the mid to late 60’s. While there are very early examples of small boards being made and ridden, Greenough was on tiny equipemnt as early as 1960. I also saw a pic of an extremely modern looking Midget Farrelly 6’4" during this time period, that I could have well shaped yesterday.
Let’s face it, McTavish & Brewer were prolific designers in their own right, but neither of them have ever been above self promotion. Greenough, on the other hand, could give a shit.
I was asked who I thought won the debate over whether it was McTavish or Brewer and my answer was…
no one uses his period now-are you serious? look at some of the GG period provided by companies real ames, and others that have duplicated or developed renditions of the well known greenough fin. his other projects were components used as well…not to bring up his vessel styles which are extremely popular and well-known…
ps - the greenough spoon, in my mind, is by all means a monumental road to the short board - i agree completely and i’m hoping that the surf gods shine on our project and allow george to tell his story. thank you so much for the feedback.
I didn't make it to see for myself but was happy to learn that Simon Anderson was recognized for this year's shape off. I should think that his 'Thruster' tri-fin was influential enough to make the list.
There have been many innovative designs but as far as being influential.... I'd put his Thruster somewhere in there for sure.
The modern downrail which has been attributed to Mike Hynson might deserve consideration as another influential design feature. I'm not familiar with the exact board in question and don't think it had a model name or anything but downrails certainly caught on in a major way once he introduced them.
The Lis fish was and is influential. But I think you could argue that the most influential board in recent years has (sadly) been the the Bic-style popouts, I mean they're a pile of shit but they have influenced the industry to take the direction it is now heading in... customisation, performance and suitability down. Conformity, high turnover, pseudo-scientific/engineering marketing bollocks and profits up. (sighs) When it all gets too much I go look through my favourite thread, the resin tints and swirls one (http://www2.swaylocks.com/node/1025644) and then I feel a little less jaded ; )
sorry, allow me to introduce myself - i'm a documentary filmmaker looking to do a film on the history and
evolution of surfboard design - this film is far from being made but i'm trying to do my homework and i thought
the "swaylocks" community might want their voice heard on the topic - i'm sorry if i'm offending anyone, i'd be
happy to remove the posting - i just thought you guys might want a say on the topic at hand. if not - i totally understand.
here's to independent film and conversation- and cold beer. cheers. jb
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You have as much right as anyone to post here.
May take on the performance shorty. There are other veins of influence for various other movements, but this is what I think of performance boards ridden today.
1. Velzy pig
2. Magic Sam/shortboard revolution
3. Greenough spoon
4. Wayne Lynch double ender
5. McCoy Twin fins ( Oz )
6. Mark Richards Twin fins
7. McCoy Lazor Zap
8. Simon Anderson Thrusters
9. Rusty, Al Merrick and various other off shoots.
10. Looks like we are headed back to the pig, but much shorter. Maybe the a Neo Spoon.