What are you riding ?

Gee Piper, SFSO founding father and contest director has been known to shout across the line up "Hey mate....... What you riding?"

I cant help myself....... (says Gee)

Whenever I see someone with a vintage or alternative looking surfboard I invariably end up having a chat. The fun and stoke generated from riding these forms of equipment is contagious. The semi brown patina or beaky nose can be a dead give away. I have been on the "Fun" bus since the early 2000's so have accumulated a vast array of boards that fit that mold. Old boards have come my way through various routes but one vintage board in particular has left its mark and remains my "go to rider".

I was lucky enough to be offered the loan of a 5'8" Hawaiian shaped Ken Bradshaw from the collection of Simon Dean. Simon and I have been friends for many years through our love of collecting vintage boards so when he offered to loan it to me for our "Single Fin Shootout" I was beyond stoked. I knew from the first surf it was a great board. Plenty of speed, tons of drive and loose to boot so many months later, when the subject of returning the board cropped up my reply was definitive "You’re not having that one back. I love it." There was a short pause before the board was kindly offered to me. Simon reluctantly said. "Well if you love it that much its yours. You can have it for what it cost me" what a gent.

In our current over crowded line ups, anything that produces a positive spirit of fun and giving has to be nurtured, respected and cherished, so don’t be surprised if when riding yours or your dads’ old board you get some bearded old cruiser paddling up to you shouting.

"Hey mate......... What you riding"

Part of Gee’s collection of vintage single fin boards (pre 1985 of course) will be available for competitors to ride at the event. But the question burning on everyone’s lips is ; will the Cheyne Horan Lazer Zap ever get ridden ?

Watch this space……