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 |
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