Im looking for any info on this 8’-3" Bandito by Connor V bottom with a waveset fin.
The Connor brothers were building boards on Eastern Long Island NY from the mid (long board era) 60’s through the transition period.
Jim Connor did most of the shaping and his brother - name escapes me - glassed. Based in the Southampton/Bridgehampton area, they had a core following of a lot of the best surfers on the East End.
Saw Jim a few years ago and he was teaching his son to shape/glass and making his own boards for Puerto Rico trips.
Funny to not log onto Sways for probably a year or so and see a post about an old friend…
Double post… Been a while
Im wondering if Tom may have been his brother? While doing research I found out Tom passed away recently. He was a life long artist on the east end of LI.
Tom was Jim’s brother - and I’m sorry to see the news of his passing. I moved south 3 years ago and don’t follow all the news up there. I saw early resin art pieces Tom did back when resin art was unheard of… In the late 90’s he heard I was shaping and had me order him a 10’+ Clark blank for him. That was the last I saw of him but did see the board - old school noserider with serious resin panels and pin lines.
That board you have looks to be in great shape. Classic '68 V-bottom. And the fin - people would kill for an original Wave Set with no leash hole drilled in it.
Would love to know where you’re located. Jim Connor probably would too - that board belongs on the East End!
Badass in every way. Lucky score!
Got any foil shots?
As a huge fan of Hannon surfboards 67/68 when I saw the serial # on this board it told a story, I’m thinking 40th board of 68 and the 15th Bandito I would like to know if this assumption is correct. The board is in good to very good condition with some repairs needed before it gets ridden. I am located in Ma and have put up a posting on LI Craigslist looking for info. Pete I am greatful for the info you have provided to enlighten me with some history on this board. This board has now been saved as the seller consider throwing it on the “burn pile” thank goodness that did not happen.
Pete, I have sent you a pm.
