Due to a disproportionate amount of passion & enthusiasm verse access to spending capitol the individual worth of pieces in my collection of "innovation period surfboards 78-83" tends to average the garage sale price of about one hundred bucks.
But occasionally I get lucky. I stress, both very occasionally and very lucky.
The case in point is this one beautiful green tint early twin fin by Bob Brown of Forster on the NSW mid North Coast salvaged from the back room of an antique furniture warehouse. Made in 1978 or '79 this board has never been ridden. Never. It is in truly mint condition. And such a beautiful board too. 6'0" Rounded pin tail with an unusual set of hips, it features a lovely two colour hand cut stencil spray of a Blue whale. It looks to me like it was shaped off of a single fin template due to the wide point being so far forward and the narrow rounded pin tail. But the true mystery lies in the shaper. Could this board have been shaped by a young future politician and leader of the Greens party in Australia Doctor Senator Bob Brown before he moved to Tasmania?
Nah... Bob Brown is still mowing away in the same factory in Forster on the Mid North Coast of NSW. He's a local Forster treasure and lovely bloke to boot. Still making beautiful boards. Benzo.
ReplyDeleteNice try with the dramatisation of the topic, but alas, I don't think so! Homosexual is not a consideration with this dude. Many of us still own our original 60's and I currently own an excellent 2000's rocket shaped by Bob Brown. I'll give you $100 for the twinnie anyday! Nut
ReplyDeleteFederal Senator? - No, Respected Surfboard Shaper - Absolutely! Not only has Bob Brown been shaping great boards at Forster for 40+ years, before that he was a "Shire Boy" who developed his love of shaping boards with his best mate (Bobby Brown) at Jackson Surfboards and Gordon & Smith in the late '60's. The legendary Floyd Smith is quoted as saying that Bob showed immediate talent as a shaper and developed into one of the best shapers he has seen. I'm stoked to have 2 of Bob's G&S Tranitional boards in my treasured collection.
ReplyDeleteWarick Vaseo. 24 Dec.2013
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure of knowing Bobby since 1985, and since then I have found Bob to be most likeable person and now find him to be inspirational as we get older. His interest in continuing to make the best surfboards I have seen in my 50 years of surfing, and his attitude to carry on and not become lazy, as I have done. The precision and care that Bob takes in every board he designs is a credit to a true tradesman and surfer. I worked for a period of time with Bob in his Forster factory, in that time I learnt so much from you Bob. You are a true Legend and the best in your trade.
Does anyone know how I can contact Bob Brown, I have an original 1976 Bob Brown longboard I would like to see if he can restore it. I have tried calling the number in Forster but no one ever answers, I cant seem to find any mobile, email or fax numbers and they have a Facebook page with no information it. Appreciate any help anyone could give me. Thanks. Sean.
ReplyDelete