Hi everyone,
I recently bought a used surfboard in Japan, and it has a unique handwritten signature that simply reads “Fred” near the stringer, close to the fin box. The board has the following features:
- Dimensions: 6’8” × 19 1/4” × 2 5/8”
- Triple wood stringer
- Blank by Surfblanks Australia
- Hand-shaped, not machine-made
- Deck logo says “Konamoon” (possibly a small/local brand)
- Likely from Hawaii (based on style and materials)
I came across photos of a vintage board sold at California Gold Surf Auction that was signed by Fred Wahiawa, and the penmanship, board construction, and layout are extremely similar — almost identical.
I’m wondering if anyone here might:
- Recognize the signature
- Know about Fred Wahiawa and his boards
- Know if he shaped for Konamoon or worked in Wahiawa in the past
- Have any info about surviving family members, apprentices, or workshops
Any help would be massively appreciated! I can share close-up photos of the board and signature if needed.
Thanks a lot in advance.
— From Japan 
