It all started with the fish when the innovative shapers and board builders out there decided to revisit the past for some inspiration. In doing so they brought back some lost skills such as resin tints and hand foiled fins.The Fish Fry has been a place for these fine craftsmen to showcase their skills. We have seen some amazing boards as shapers have pushed the boundaries over the last few years. As this new look at the fish has evolved to its many forms, it has influenced other shapes and designs along the way.This has spawned a renewed interest in other board forms by this same group and a wider following.Notably the Mini Simmons, Hulls, old school Logs and Pigs. It is pleasing to note that there are an increasing number of people building their own boards as well.All of this is to be applauded and celebrated as a positive for surfing.So it is only natural that these shapers and board builders continue to share their skills with us and include these other shapes at the Fish Fry.It has truly become a melting pot of ideas for like minded people.

New Zealand 1965

 
Surf Safari, Newdicks Beach 1965

Onboard are local Maketu surfer Niven Ray, Rotorua team Roger Edwards, Lindsay Sundgren and Chris Blincoe along with driver, Jimmy Isdale and on roof - Chris Wells.
The van was stacked with Roger Land and Bob Davie mals.  I believe the photo was taken by Rotorua surfer journalist Philip Smith.
The boys chased the surf all the way up to Little Waihi by driving along the beach. Weekends were spent bunking down in Niven Ray's parents garage at Maketu.

No comments: