Hey guys… recently picked up a fairly well disguised Lightning Bolt. 6’5" rounded pin gun shape. Fairly good condition… “Eberly”. I think it’s '80’s vintage (?).
I am embarrassed that I have been surfing since 1974, and was unaware of this shaper (I have been told that I should know!) Anyway, Clear (white) with yellow and red bolt logo, just down stringer and not along rails. “Eberson” on tail. I was just gonna surf it, but a couple guys say wall hanger… anyone know anything about Mr. Eberly, the approx era of this little single fin? any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Smokey
PS… just edited to say “Eberly”, not “son”… apologies to all!
thanks, oldphart. I remember watching Gerry and Rory at pipe on our black and white. launched a 40year voyage that will never end. The bolt is cemented in my mind as a symbol of smokin’ tube rides. Grew up in PDX, OR. Back then ANY board you could get your hands on here was cool!!! Thanks again!
Yup. San Diego area guy. Also did Hot Stuff label franchise in California. I have three. Eventually started using just his own name with no affiliation to Bolt or Hot Stuff.
This is a 6’6 he shaped for me in 1986. The logo on the bottom is the one he used for his own label. The airbrush work was done by a sometime contributor here on Sways who goes by the user name atomized. Haven’t seen him around here lately, but if anyone can tell you a lot about Eberly it would be Atomized.
I have about a dozen. Sold off a few last year that were ancient beaters and just taking up space. I had a yard sale, and was surprised anyone even wanted them.
Eberly Surfboards were very popular in my home town in the late 80s and early 90s. The Hot Stuff Wayne Rabbit Bartholemew and Kong Elkerton model boards are pretty collectable.
I got that 6’6 after seeing a “Rabbit” model in a shop. The one on the rack was too short for my liking, so I did a custom order that was a slight variation from the Rabbit model. A year later, I got the same shape in a 6’3.
Tom’s a great shaper and a great surfer. One of the most demanding craftsman in his time. Total respect for him, and his whole trip. He made good shapers better, and if you don’t believe me ask my friends, Bob Hurley, Tim Bessell, and Hamish Graham and they will comfirm it wholeheartedly. Total admiration and respect for Tom.
This is our Eberly Lightning Bolt. A young fellow was dragging it down the beach in a Hooters T-Shirt and cut-offs and I traded him a beater longboard (from Swaylocks Christian) for it.
Last night, it dawned on me that a guy I know has an Eberly Bolt. So today I stopped by his house and took pics of it. it’s a 6’10" and he’s had it since it was new. He never used it much.
