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.

Legendary New Zealand shaper Bob Davies past away this week.



"When surfing pioneer Bob Davie arrived in Gisborne from Sydney in 1964, surfing was in its infancy.
He was here only three years but helped grow the sport and left a legacy that evolved to make Gisborne (arguably) New Zealand’s surfing capital.
When news broke of his sudden death this week at his home in Whangamata, the Gisborne surfing community was quick to offer condolences and recount tales of his time here.
Several preliminary interviews for an obituary made it clear Davie had a profound influence on the Gisborne surfing scene (the obituary will run in the Herald at a later date).
He was a prolific surfboard shaper. It is estimated that at one point 90 percent of the boards ridden in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay were from his Bob Davie Surfboards brand."
Bob Davies and Allan Byrne
"But he was not only a great boardmaker. He was a champion surfer and trained up his young protégé Allan Byrne.
He helped set up the Gisborne Surfriders’ Club (now Gisborne Boardriders’ Club), which has gone on to become a cornerstone of surfing in the region.
It is safe to say Gisborne surfing would not be what it is today without the influence of Davie. "

Like most young Kiwis one of my first boards was a Bob Davies. They were some of the best looking boards in their day. Proud to have met him a couple of years ago when he was on the Gold Coast.

Thanks to the Gisbourne Herald for the words
Posted by Big Fish

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