Found Merv Larson surf ski. Looking for info!

General Discussion
1
Hi everyone,

I know this is a surf forum but there are a lot of really knowledgeable people here who I was hoping could answer a question about the Merv Larson surf ski I recently aquired (google search about Merv turned up a few Swaylocks threads on the man. Example: http://www.swaylocks.com/groups/paddle-surfing-equipment-and-design ). It had been up in the rafters of this house in La Jolla where I had been renting a room. The house got sold and I was allowed to have the dusty old kayak in the rafters.

Well I pulled it down tonight to take to my new home, brushed off the 3 inches of dust and saw Merv Designs was the label. After doing a bit of research, it seems Merv was somewhat of a badass in the surf ski world. I really knew nothing about surf skis until tonight.

My original intentions when acquiring this old kayak were to see if I could possibly use it to access the outer kelp beds for spearfishing in la jolla. This would most likely require me modifying the kayak to hold my gun, fins, etc. If it was an old piece of junk kayak, it wouldn’t be a problem. The problem is that it is actually in pretty damn good shape, and from the reading I’ve done, it seems it may be a piece of history in the surf ski world or valuable in its original condition/sacreligous to modify.

Merv was an innovator, probably the best surf ski rider ever, and an icon in the surf ski world it seems. While I am new to surf skis, I am a surfer. Merv reminds me of George Greenough in lots of ways. If this kayak I have is historically significant or even just cool to have in its original state I would feel bad modifying it.

Anyway, I am posting here tonight to learn more about what I have in my hands and to get everyones opinion on whether or not I should use it for my intended purpose.

It was dark when I pulled it down so no pictures yet but I’ll try to get some asap.

It looks approximately 20 ft, maybe 18 ft when compared to my 14 ft Bark paddleboard (prone, not SUP). Similarly shaped to my Bark 14 footer as well. Sit on top with a foot pedal operated keel. Fairly flat rocker. Looks like its for racing to me, kinda like my paddle board, but what do I know…

Thanks for your help! Information is scarce on the web.

2

Aloha,…Merv is a Ventura legend,…way ahead of his time, designed sit on top surf skis, used foot wells and (seat belts, that were adjustable forward and aft utilizing finboxs as attachment points to slide contact points) His younger brother also an experienced WATERMAN- lived for a time near Pierpont area of Ventura next to elementary school. Old movie footage of him at “C Street”–maybe “5 Summer Stories”?, I believe doing an ol’ rollo with the ski.

You’re not too far off with the Greenough comparison,…time frame same-GG more north in SB, Merv, focused more on Ventura.

Bill “blinky” Hubina, of William Dennis Surfboards, could probably give ya some more info on Merv.

always looked up to these guys as they were about 5 years older than myself.

Aloha, Randy

3

I’d love to see pictures of this thing. Sounds like a rare find!

4

Okay here are the pics! Its still dusty as hell but you get the idea.

 

5

Redundant post deleted

6

Blinky or Matt Moore up Ventura/SB could probably give you some background.  I have been in the water and seen photos of Merv on a surf ski at Rincon.  If I were you I would take that thing up to Surfing Heritage in San Clemente and loan it to them for display.  i’m sure someone around there might be able to give you some info as well.  Deadshaper/ Bruce Fowler who frequents this forum may chime in here.  i bet he has first hand info on Merv.

7
8

http://surfcrazy.com/stanleys/html/mervlarson.html

 

9

i’m thinking it’s one of his cross country  skis used to tow smaller skis and surfboards into remote spots. been to his old shop several times watching him lay up paddles. his paddles were highly sought after by the kayaking crowd back in the day. to find one now would be golden!  his earlier skis were basically big rectangular shaped slabs-which he ripped on. his later skis were way more sophisticated in shape and performance.  watched him during many a session just ripping in surf of all sizes.to get a merv ski or paddle is inceredible. 

10

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately I did not find an accompanying Merv paddle anywhere in the garage. I’m thinking of shaping my own wood one if indeed I do end up using the ski. Really stoked to learn more about this watercraft. Yeah I had already envisioned using it for something similar. I was hoping to use it to access boat-in only spots near home if I can make it sea worthy again. The question still remains though… should I use it or not?

As you said, to get a Merv ski is incredible. Does it belong in the ocean?? 

11

Thats really not a bad idea if you think it is really worthy to be on display. Having issues storing it at the moment so that could kill two birds with one stone: Put it on display if that is indeed where this belongs and essentially store it for me.

12

Thanks Randy. Must have been a cool time and place to be coming up in the world of surfing