You are right… original Tom Blake boards are hard to come by and ones in good original state sell for mucho $‘s. This is a Catalina and probably considered the least desirable of the companies that were producing boards under Blake’s’ patent. According to the book “Tom Blake - The uncommon Journey of a Pioneer Waterman” it seems Catalina really had terrible quality in the boards, started to use really inferior material and even at some point started to use non-waterproof glues. Book even states that the owner of Catalina ended up committing suicide after a series of business problems.
Anyway, This board was sold on an ebay auction in '06… had the board was sent to Dirk @ vintage wooden surfboards who upon inspection figures it to be an authentic Catalina based on his review and some discussion with Gary Lynch. The original imposed Catalina Equipment Company emboss is still intact although it was very worn and you had to look close to make out, seems to be the only part of the board that was left fully original. What was cool about this board is it appears that it was really made more for surfing than just paddling. This beast has nice rounded rails (rather then squared up 90 degree rails found on many early paddle boards) and some noticeable rocker. Would have loved to take her for a ride but no way… it is now on the wall. Cheers, Mike
Howzit Fatb, Monkeypod wood is a Hawaiian wood that is really beautiful and used for many things like furniture, wall hanger boards and other things. Grows all over the place but is protected and you can only take downed ones. Big controversy about a developer on the south shore who cut some down that were in the way of his shopping complex he is building. The wood I am working with is actually called earpod not epod. I am making some wall racks today the are made from Kamani tree which is very hard wood but is also every wheres and I don’t think it’s protected like Monkeypod. I bet if you goggled it there’s lots more info there.Aloha,Kokua
Howzit Wood_Ogre, Did you see the article in the G.I. last year with Titus K holding the Wood board. That was one of 5 that Mez made. He does amazing wood work and I’m so glad to be able to work and learn from him. Will try to remember to take my camera with me to work and get some pics. Aloha,Kokua