1930's Waikiki Beach Boy Balsa and Redwood Surfboard
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1930's Waikiki Beach Boy Balsa and Redwood Surfboard
About the Item
Clarke wrote a gossip column "Hawaiian Holidays" which ran in Mainland newspapers during the 1940s. Being a Beach Boy meant surfing and Waltah was no stranger to the surf. It pays testament to the man that he was able to enjoy the beach but managed to open 26 stores nationwide selling his own brand of Hawaiian clothing and imports. In the 1960s Clarke financed a record called "Beach Boy Party" which was recorded on the beach at Waikiki.
From the 1930s through the 1950s this board was a regular in the line-up at Waikiki. This handmade board, probably made in Hawaii, is along the lines of a "Pacific Systems Holmes" type surfboard. It features redwood rails and center with a balsa wood body. The deck is flat with convex bottom "Hull" and rounded rails. The pointed nose and flat tail block are also made of redwood.
The board is held together with dowels and brass screws. It has a variety of repairs and patches to cover war wounds it received over its illustrious life. There are butterfly inserts, balsa blocks and redwood patch-work which collectively give this board the status of a piece of true folk art.
The board was de-commissioned in the 1950s and displayed in the "Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club" It had the accompanying Outrigger Canoe Club emblem attached at this time. This board stayed in Hawaii until its purchase from the owners widow (circa 2000-2005). This is a true piece of Hawaiian Surf History.
Appointment necessary for viewing.
- Dimensions:Height: 108 in (274.32 cm)Width: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Depth: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Authentic vintage condition, please see description above.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U120312921969
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