kentucky, skateboarding, tattoos, Uncategorized

“old man”

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So last week I get a carving board from Original Skateboards. The thing is so different from any skateboard I’ve ever had, starting with clay wheels in the early 70’s, that I hesitate to even call it a skateboard. Turns like no other. I’ve been skating around the neighborhood, getting the feel of it. It feels good to be skating around just for the fun of it again.

Anyway, I’ve gotten two memorable compliments.

“You are the coolest old man I’ve ever seen!” yelled from a window of a passing car by a cute girl.

My first thought was “right on!” then,……. OLD MAN?

A couple days later…    “I’ve never seen an old man, on a skateboard, with that many tattoos… cool….  right on… you’re a legend!” yelled by a young man as I skated past on the Newport flood wall. Once again, cool, then,….. OLD MAN?

Well I’m just not sure what to think,… but I’m still gonna go skate today.

boards for sale, Uncategorized

Thanks!

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where I wanna be

I’d like to thank all of those who have ordered boards recently. My next trip has booked solid thanks to all of you.

I’m looking forward to shaping several Simmons style boards as well as some EDB’s, a quad and a glider. That leaves no time for more stock but fortunately you can still find my boards in stock at Surfindian.

history, photos

Hadji: a life well lived

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I just heard today that one of my personal heroes has passed. After suffering a massive stroke last week, Hadji apparently passed a few days ago. I was fortunate to count him among my friends and have to say, he was a constant inspiration.

Hadji was one member of a crew, inspired by Skeeter, to return to surfing later in life. The crew, including Billy Goldsmith, Captain Dan, Black Mac, Bud Powell, Ron St. John, Larry Gordon, IRS Dave, John Bishop, Inge, Mary Helen and Dave Ish, and a host of others I’m not remembering at the moment, were always a constant presence at Tourmaline in the mornings. They were a concrete link to the history of surfing and ocean lifestyle in San Diego.

Hadji will always embody the positive attitude and joy that surfing brings to life. I had the honor and pleasure of sharing many sessions with him and the rest of the boys and will treasure the memories forever.

design, history, Uncategorized

kookbox nerd fodder

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Okay, I’m a nerd, so here goes. One of the factories that produced Blake paddle boards (some have claimed the nicest examples) was Robert Mitchell Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were an extremely large furniture manufacturer. Apparently Tom met one of the family in Florida and it went from there. These boards were furniture quality and I’ve read mostly went to the East coast and Hawaii.

I found this article while researching the boards made here in Cincinnati.