Here are some pics (lifted from Ryan’s blog) of my 7’6" that I picked up from Ryan Lovelace back in May, while visiting SoCal. Since I’ve been back in South Carolina, the surf has been far from ideal. Even still, I’ve been riding this board more than anything else, and having a blast.
Thanks Ryan!
[img_assist|nid=1052457|title=7'6" PC Hull deck|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
[img_assist|nid=1052456|title=7'6" PC Hull tail|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
[img_assist|nid=1052455|title=7'6" PC Hull bottom|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
The last wave in the clip couldn't have been ridden any better by anyone at any time. Just for a giggle, I looked at a clip of Michael Peterson in 1977 for comparison. Yes, it is a contest, but it looks like Peterson had embraced the Hawaiian gun style board, riding one that was, at least a foot too long in a choppy, bug-stance style. Ted Spencer on that backyard board would have killed it in those waves in 1977. Newer isn't always better...
Sorry Lee, you're dead wrong with that one. McT and Co. ripped, but struggled with those boards in IMLF. Inspiring, Yes!
MP, the dumpster files. photo: Paul Gross 74'
[/quote]
I was talking about Ted Spencer's board and surfing in '68/'69 vs Michael Peterson's surfing the Stubbies in 1977. And only the surfing in those two clips. You put Ted and that board in a time machine at drop them off in the 1977 Stubbies line-up and I can't see how Peterson, Rabbit or MR could beat him.
Today was a great day for us in southern orange county. Marc andreini showed up with some amazing surfcraft. What do you do when you come across an original 12’3" clark foam blank? You take it to Jim philips and have him splice in a 1.25" cedar stringer in it. Then you give it to the master shaper Mr. andreini. He touches the board and this is what you get!!! 12’2" Hippy pin! A million thanks to Marc Andreini, Mr. E, and the epic work of the Santa Cruz Board Builers Guild.
I was serendipitously blessed to have the opportunity to surf with Marc and his friends yesterday! (Coincidentally we were at the same place at the same time.) I had the chance to tell him again how thrilled I am with the beautiful boards he created for me, and to ride one of his masterpieces right there with him. ( I hope I did it justice!) The sunshine, wind and waves all cooperated too - an all-too-rare scenario this summer. I’m still on cloud nine!
