"Shaped for Mike Peterson" - Bill Stembridge board

General Discussion
1

Hello Everyone, I’m new to this forum in search of some answers on a surfboard that I acquired from a family member. From what research I’ve done, this board was shaped by Bill Stembridge, who was a shaper in california during the 70’s. The inscription says “Shaped for Mike Peterson - Bill”. My question is, does it seem probable that this board could have been shaped for the Michael Peterson? I was told that it may have been but I do not have a comprehensive knowledge of surfing history, so I can only assume, and hence why I am here!

 

My Questions: Did he ever go by “Mike”? did MP ever ride tri-fins? is this board in line with MP’s era? Did MP ever have relations with Stembridge? What is something like this worth? If anyone on this forum could me give some insight on this piece I would greatly appreciate the information. 

 

2

I’d say it is very unlikely that the board belonged to MP of Australia.

 

3

Totally agree. By the time thrusters had become in vogue, Michael Peterson’s candle had burnt out. Too bad his drug use and psychiatric problems got in the way of his amazing surfing talent. One tube ride at Sunset Beach from some 70s surf movie stands out in my mind, probably one of the best I’ve seen on film.

4

Bill has been a ghost shaper for many labels

makes some nice boards

5

My first shaping bay was previously Bills down in the the SURF GHETTO of HB (Slater Slums)

Bill Stembridge has shaped for so many years and for so many good guys.

20,000 plus hand shapes. The numbers much higher than that I believe.

He could have shaped the board for MP?

Back in the day the drugs were a big diversion.

HB was like a permanent WOODSTOCK in the late 60’s early 70’s.

This may have brought MP there?

Whether the board was ever picked up who knows?

Out of this surf Ghetto / Slum we would see many PRO’s pick up boards while in town.

Taj Burrow, Tom Curren, Brett Simpo, Alex Gray to name a few.

Then you have the old North Shore Guard that would shape and hang out during the summer off seasons. (70’s)

Many well know shapers have shaped in one of the bays in the hall way line with shaping stalls.

There is a lot of history in this factory and a HB hub for board building.

Kind of like Russell was to Newport - Chuck Dent was to HB.

Bill Stembridge made me a board back in 1971. I was lucky to get one of his shapes.

He shaped for Graig Hoside (GREAT GOOFY FOOTER) at the time.

Since his little brother Daryl Hoside was my surfing buddy he made me a custom.

Stembridge is the man.

 

Kind regards,

surfding

6

The Google links constantly amuse me.  Here's one that popped up on this thread.  Looks like some of the clientele at my 'real' job....

7

Hey Mike

Do you have contact info for Bill Stembridge?

if so could you pm it to me.