What design breakthroughs have made an impact on you? For me it has been a several different ones. First one for me was the shortboard revolution, during the years 1968-71. When boards went from 10 to 7 ft, 22in. to 19in. wide, 3 1/2" to 2 1/2" thick. So much innovation and experimentation. Next, turned down rails. I freaked out the first time I spotted a Plastic Fantastic low railer. It almost looked like the board was upside down. But my friend let me try it and wow! It went fast and was loose. I knew from then on a round bellied, S decked hull would be a thing of the past (no offense to hull riders). The next two were the advent of the Mark Richards twin fin and the Thruster by Simon Anderson. I believe there wouldnt be the thruster today without the MR twin fin. Simon developed the thruster because the twin fin was so deadly in small surf as compared to the single finned roundpins he was riding at the time. Since he had a hard time riding the twins he added the rear stabilizer and the rest is history. There are many other designs that I could mention, but these stand out as landmarks for me.
Foamdust…Ditto with the tucked under rails. One of the most important design modifications to come along. Hate to admit it, (showing my age), but fin boxes and removeable fins ranks right up there with the best aspects of “design innovations”…allowing a change of “ride” with each change of fin. Also, for me, invention of the bonzer (double concave/venturi effect - with the splayed out keel fins), which predates the standard thruster/trifin setup. An important (and historic) step further. The feel of a bonzer can’t be beat for many applications…I will always have one in my quiver. Laters, T.
Foamdust…Ditto with the tucked under rails. One of the most important > design modifications to come along. Hate to admit it, (showing my age), > but fin boxes and removeable fins ranks right up there with the best > aspects of “design innovations”…allowing a change of > “ride” with each change of fin. Also, for me, invention of the > bonzer (double concave/venturi effect - with the splayed out keel fins), > which predates the standard thruster/trifin setup. An important (and > historic) step further. The feel of a bonzer can’t be beat for many > applications…I will always have one in my quiver. Laters, T. Tom, Then you should be happy to hear we have just made the first samples of the Red X Bonzer 4.5" side runner. A few more weeks and we will have the 3.5" runners done.
Tom…now you come though! I’m ready to glass on the side fins of a bonzer. Had to make the fins myself because I couldn’t find anyone to sell me some. It was my first attempt at fins…had fun with the whole process. What’s up with all the interest in bonzers lately?
Tom…now you come though! I’m ready to glass on the side fins of a bonzer. > Had to make the fins myself because I couldn’t find anyone to sell me > some. It was my first attempt at fins…had fun with the whole process. > What’s up with all the interest in bonzers lately? I have only had one so far. It is a McCrystal version that is very specialized for square waves. I really like it for the reefs. But, due to the rocker I don’t surf it at Lowers. Once, we finish the smaller fins Malcomb is going to make me a board. Then I’ll have a better bench mark.
I have only had one so far. It is a McCrystal version that is very > specialized for square waves. I really like it for the reefs. But, due to > the rocker I don’t surf it at Lowers. Once, we finish the smaller fins > Malcomb is going to make me a board. Then I’ll have a better bench mark. The bonzer enjoyed a resurgence in the early 90’s. During that period I shaped a 7’0" hybrid with a deep 70’s style bonzer using a standard thruster type fin set up. This board ended up being the best all around board I’ve ever had. In anything up to 6 ft., mushy, glassy, offshore, onshore, perfect, junk, I never had so much fun on a board. I still have it although its a bit beat up, but I’d never part with this board. FD