This is a Redhead Col Smith that I glassed. Not his typical board but fun.


Sorry about the condition of this one. It's been living in the garden shed under my son Jeep stuff. It's a Neal Purchase (Snr) 7'10" that I glasses myself.

I wasn't his glasser. I was a hobby manufacturer, and used to buy shaped blanks from him.

You're right about his ability. He was effortless. Made me feel fairly useless, especially when I was working my ring out to get on similar waves.

His personality was similar, with a laconic approach to life that took nothing seriously, but he was able to succeed at his goals with it.

He is a loss to Australian surfing.

doggie said...
That last hot stuff board looks just like my AB, almost identical

Far and away my most favourite board.
Wish I could still ride it.

Prawnhead said...
brings back nice memories jim
especially the col smith board
he was undoubtedly the most naturally talented surfer, smoothest style,
i ever saw when i was a grommie surfing at redhead (or reheadby in the local vernacular)
if you were the glasser you must of cringed when he went to the 10 channel boards
cheers

I saw him surfing Nobbies Reef in the early 80's when I was working up there. Great surfer.