OK, so there I am, I've made it all the way from California to the UK, from London to Braunton in North Devon and I'm finally at the Vintage Surf Meet at the Museum of British Surfing
and I'm on a mission.
I'm there to find and bring home a uniquely British piece of innovation period surf history.
I know what I'm looking for, something bright, something with a Gull or Alder logo, something by Vitamin Sea or Bilbo. Something ridden by Carwyn Williams or other 80's British born pro.
I'm looking for something with a unique connection to Great Britain and 80's surf culture.
I'm standing in the yard, talking to my new mate Crawly, who has just come up to me and said "Hey there, are you that guy who likes 80's boards?". I say "Yes, yes I am" and I've found a new best friend and rival collector.
Then I see it out of the corner of my eye, a skinny young fellow is pulling something bright and green out of a Morris Minor wagon, Mini Cooper or some uniquely British surf vehicle.
I say to Crawly, "are you thinking that could be what I'm thinking that could be?"
He says, well "Pottz was born in the UK and I think his brother still lives around here".
and I'm on a mission.
I'm there to find and bring home a uniquely British piece of innovation period surf history.
I know what I'm looking for, something bright, something with a Gull or Alder logo, something by Vitamin Sea or Bilbo. Something ridden by Carwyn Williams or other 80's British born pro.
I'm looking for something with a unique connection to Great Britain and 80's surf culture.
I'm standing in the yard, talking to my new mate Crawly, who has just come up to me and said "Hey there, are you that guy who likes 80's boards?". I say "Yes, yes I am" and I've found a new best friend and rival collector.
Then I see it out of the corner of my eye, a skinny young fellow is pulling something bright and green out of a Morris Minor wagon, Mini Cooper or some uniquely British surf vehicle.
I say to Crawly, "are you thinking that could be what I'm thinking that could be?"
He says, well "Pottz was born in the UK and I think his brother still lives around here".
5'10" swallow tail thruster with T&C Hawaii decals.
Then I see the TEAM decal under the glass and I'm convinced I've stumbled upon one of Martin Potter's early team Town and Country boards that has ended up back in the UK whilst he and his family where still in the process of relocating. It all adds up, the time period, the age of the board, the geographical location on this part of the English coast, the fact that the guy found it in an antique furniture warehouse.
My mission is a success beyond my dreams, not only a unique British connection but an important piece of early 80's global surf culture.
I drive the board back to London, fly it back to the States and get it a message off to Martin Potter in Australia.
Then I see the TEAM decal under the glass and I'm convinced I've stumbled upon one of Martin Potter's early team Town and Country boards that has ended up back in the UK whilst he and his family where still in the process of relocating. It all adds up, the time period, the age of the board, the geographical location on this part of the English coast, the fact that the guy found it in an antique furniture warehouse.
My mission is a success beyond my dreams, not only a unique British connection but an important piece of early 80's global surf culture.
I drive the board back to London, fly it back to the States and get it a message off to Martin Potter in Australia.
I excitedly wait for a reply to my query.
Damion to Martin Potter: "Hey Martin, I spotted this board at a swap meet in Braunton, North Devon UK. Could this have been one of yours? cheers, Damion.
Then comes the response I've been waiting for.
Martin Potter: "Nah its not mate! Sorry!"
Damion to Martin Potter: "Hey Martin, I spotted this board at a swap meet in Braunton, North Devon UK. Could this have been one of yours? cheers, Damion.
Then comes the response I've been waiting for.
Martin Potter: "Nah its not mate! Sorry!"
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| 80's expert, Skelly looking for any identifying marks. |
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| Museum of British Surfing car park. |
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| Martin Potter's air brush spray designs from the early 80's remain some of the most iconic in all surf history. |
For a deeper understanding of Pottz the man and the competitor I recommend a read a this excellent piece by Derek Riley for Stab magazine.
did they airbrush over the pencil marks on the stringer? can they be read still?
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