Hey All, I have an old board that I have been told has been signed by Bill Hansen the world's most renowned windsurfing designer.
Can anyone on here validate that and let me know if this board has any value to anyone?
I have images but can't post being a new member. If anyone is clued up and interested in helping me out hit me up and I can email you the shots.
IG: michaelgilbert
mail@michaelgiblert.eu
Thanks in advance
The world's most renowned windsurfing designer? Who told you that? He is very respected, but I wouldn't go as far as saying he is the world's most renowned. Given how long it's been since he has done any windsurf work I'll say the board is worth $150 sight unseen. Old windsurf boards aren't really worth much I'm afraid regardless of whether or not their shaper has signed them.
We graduated HS in the same class.
Owner of Windwing out of Berkeley 1984 to 1995.
I used one of his 5.0's just 1/2 hour ago.
Not worth much.
2 years ago, he was living in Mill Valley with one of my ex's.
Select to expand quoteLeeD said..
We graduated HS in the same class.
Owner of Windwing out of Berkeley 1984 to 1995.
I used one of his 5.0's just 1/2 hour ago.
Not worth much.
2 years ago, he was living in Mill Valley with one of my ex's.
That's more detail than I expected.
I think it's OK to quote guys full names, but maybe not the best idea to go the other route.
Select to expand quoteLeeD said..
Shouldn't state full name?
Jo....
this one ? ;
I first met Laird at Haliewa. He was sitting in a cafe having coffee, and my then g/f and I sat down on the adjoining table. Probably 1986. He was already famous by then, medium big waves, tow in huge waves, and windsurfing sorta OK.
After we ordered drinks and lunch, during a lull in the action, we heard Laird and his bud talking about seeing a windsurfer on a green sail outside of Backyards. That's maybe about 7 miles from Mokuliea Beach, where all the windsurfers launched from that day. I turned around and told them it was she, sitting next to me. We joined tables shortly, talking about windsurfing mostly, and his bud was Roddy Lewis, another ex surfer turned windsurfer.
Sadly, she passed away 10 years later...stroke.
Haut Team rider, Neil Pryde, Oneill wetsuit fit model [size 10].
Select to expand quoteLeeD said..
Sadly, she passed away 10 years later...stroke.
Haut Team rider, Neil Pryde, Oneill wetsuit fit model [size 10].
that's really sad, i am sorry to hear that.
Select to expand quoteolskool said..
LeeD, since you love name droppin how about you drop YOUR full name.
Don't tell me his first name is Robby 
So just to build on Lee's fantastic story
America gained independence from Britain in the late 1700's after the Revolutionary War. Britain was hoping to extend its empire across the Atlantic Ocean, but the colonists who settled the territory did not want to be under Britain's control, with their various taxes and regulations. Both sides were very passionate about their position on the issue, so a war occurred. This war featured a few heroes, including George Washington and Paul Revere. Lee suggested George Washington become America's first president when they gained independence. I am not sure what happened to Paul Revere. Lee?
he Declaration of Independence was written before the war by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 and made clear the position of the colonists. It was signed by many important people, including Ben Franklin and John Hancock, witnesses were Lee and a friend who designed the first fins used in SoCal wavesailing. Ben Franklin is well-known for many things. A famous tale is that he flew a kite with a small piece of metal somewhere on the string during a lightning storm. One famous quote he learned from Lee was "Tell me, I forget. Teach me, I remember. Involve me, I learn." Maybe this had something to do with why he flew that kite. Later he moved to Oahu and hung with Robbie designing kites for watersports posers.
^^^^
Totally makes sense .
So what came first , shorts over wetsuit or flying keys ?
Superman could have been the first outer underware wearer . Fashion before function .
OMG , kiters are hip .
Select to expand quoteolskool said..
LeeD, since you love name droppin how about you drop YOUR full name.
You should buy the book.
Remery, surely just one volume couldn't be big enough? Think we are lookin more like Windsurf Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Select to expand quoteolskool said..
LeeD, since you love name droppin how about you drop YOUR full name.
Pretty sure it's just Richard.....
Select to expand quotefjdoug said..LeeD said..
Shouldn't state full name?
Jo....
this one ? ;
I first met Laird at Haliewa. He was sitting in a cafe having coffee, and my then g/f and I sat down on the adjoining table. Probably 1986. He was already famous by then, medium big waves, tow in huge waves, and windsurfing sorta OK.
After we ordered drinks and lunch, during a lull in the action, we heard Laird and his bud talking about seeing a windsurfer on a green sail outside of Backyards. That's maybe about 7 miles from Mokuliea Beach, where all the windsurfers launched from that day. I turned around and told them it was she, sitting next to me. We joined tables shortly, talking about windsurfing mostly, and his bud was Roddy Lewis, another ex surfer turned windsurfer.
Definition of utterly insane self confidence - you voluntarily introduce your girlfriend to Laird Hamilton.
Select to expand quotegizza said..
Hey All, I have an old board that I have been told has been signed by Bill Hansen the world's most renowned windsurfing designer.
Can anyone on here validate that and let me know if this board has any value to anyone?
I have images but can't post being a new member. If anyone is clued up and interested in helping me out hit me up and I can email you the shots.
IG: michaelgilbert
mail@michaelgiblert.eu
Thanks in advance
You can ask him through linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/william-hansen-aerosports. He got a PhD in physics from University of Utah, but it does not look like he ever designed boards.
His sails, windwing, were somewhat popular in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 90s. He stepped down from the brand in 2006, and quite soon thereafter the brand closed down.
You can read more about him in this loooooooong interview www.americanwindsurfer.com/articles/wingmaster/ it includes some details about his long (extramarital) affair with LeeD.
Now now boys.......
I'm sure in your long affair with windsurfing, surfing, or other sports, you have met quite a few people.
So, after 35+ years, accumulation totals quite a few.
Being single adds a few of the opposite gender.
Being somewhat decent adds some attraction.
Being a free-spirited shop employee with new gear also.
So that's what you get.
I'm sorry you are jealous.
But, all that time, I wished I was in YOUR shoes....making tons of money, having a house and new cars, a loving wife and 2 dogs.
As you well know, the single life isn't nearly what it's hyped up to be. Lot's of lonely time, insecurity, restlessness, followed by boredom and rejections.
Yo LeeD, don't think any of us are jealous of your lifestyle. Just trying to work out who you are n why you constantly name drop? Interesting last post.
As for single poorer lifestyle.
Well it's been a blast as a single full-time Dad for past 23yrs... Plenty of dates, gfs n long time watersport mates Doing what I want when I want.... Life is what YOU make it. 
Sailed 4th day at Berkeley, Sept.'83. Pacific Surf Sails was the predominant brand.
Tried to sail a day gusting to 55 with a 3.9. Couldn't carry board down the beach to the water. Other guys, like 3 to a sail, did get into the water, glass boards and 3.5's, and let go as rigs flew 30' distances 6' in the air.
Got duck jibes down by end of '84. But still 50% on regular jibes.
Ordered a 7'7" x 23" wave board in March '84 and rode it until Sept. that year. Twin fin swallowtail.
