Iconic Surfboards of Legends to Be Auctioned

SAN CLEMENTE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 16, 2013) - The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center today announced additional items for its surf auction including vintage surfboards from some of the sport's most revered pioneers and legends. Presented by Quiksilver Waterman Collection, "California Gold," the Surfing Heritage Vintage Surf Auction, will take place on May 11, 2013 at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, California. This year's auction will feature more than 60 surfboards and memorabilia from the 1920s through the 1990s, and will include a live online option for those who want to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from anywhere in the world.

In addition to the rare surfboards that will be featured in the auction, the jewel of the evening will be the auctioning of "The Surf Riders of Hawaii." The first book on surfing, this relic was made by hand by A.R. Gurrey, Jr. between 1911 and 1915 and holds a revered place in the world of surfing. Initially made to sell in his local art shop in the still desolate Waikiki beach in the early 1900s, A.R. Gurrey, Jr. was one of the first photographers to capture the surfing phenomena, thereby opening the sport to world-wide attention. With only eight known books in existence, the one available at the live auction was the copy that was found by Gurrey's family in his personal belongings, and features images of some of the first modern surfers in Hawaii, including Duke Kahanamoku.

A few of the surfboards that will be featured in the auction include:

PACIFIC SYSTEMS HOMES - BUTTE FAMILY BOARD 8' MID-1930s
In 1929, the surfing son of a cofounder of Pacific Systems Homes convinced the company, that built prefabricated homes, to build and market surfboards creating the first surfboard manufacturer. Meyers Butte custom ordered this board for his son Wilson in the 1930s and it became a family heirloom that was customized throughout the generations. This custom construction, with only redwood as stringers and no redwood to protect the rails, results in a unique board owned by the family that caused it all to happen.
Pre-auction estimate $8.5K-$20K

PAT CURREN FLARED STRINGER GUN
Known best for his 1950s balsawood big wave guns, the enigmatic Pat Curren didn't shape many boards out of polyurethane foam and fiberglass but almost every one he produced was a work of art. This early 1960s semi-gun is no exception. In excellent condition it features the classic Curren lines, built for no-nonsense performance in serious surf.
Pre-auction estimate $7K-$15K

ZEPHYR shaped by JEFF HO 1974 WINGER SWALLOWTAIL
In the early 1970s California surfers tended to be fiercely loyal to their regional shapers but none of these developed a cult-like following quite like Dogtown's Jeff Ho, whose Zephyr label came to define the ultimate "local's" brand. Featuring Ho's characteristic boxy rail and beaked nose, this wicked machine is finished with airbrush graphics reflecting street art from the tough neighborhood this board came from. The art has the look and feel that C.R. Stecyk was known for creating during this iconic time period. 
Pre-auction estimate $2.5K-$5K

PAT RAWSON SUNSET BEACH GUN 8' 3" shaped for TOM CARROLL
This Pat Rawson-shaped gun was custom made for two-time world champion Tom Carroll to use to win the 1988 Hard Rock World Cup at Sunset Beach. Rawson, considered one of the North Shore's premier gunsmiths, foiled this 8'3 super-narrow squash tail specifically for Carroll, who put on what many longtime observers claim is still the best contest performance ever seen at Sunset Beach.
Pre-auction estimate $3K-$10K - NO RESERVE

Click here to see a video sneak peek of this board.

The auction event will feature exhibits, art, music, food, and VIPs including Greg and Jed Noll, Renny Yater, Peter Mel, Rusty Miller, Peter Townend, Larry Bertlemann, Chris Christenson, and dozens of others. Bidding packages are available to those who would like to participate in a special dinner reception.

Stay up to date with all event news by "liking" our fan page at https://www.facebook.com/VintageSurfAuction or on twitter: @SHSurfAuction. To pre-register for online bidding, please visit the website at http://www.thevintagesurfauction.com/. Visitors can also pre-purchase bidding packages for the event in Costa Mesa.

About The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing's heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations; and to achieving our goal of surfing being more accurately understood, represented and enjoyed. For more information on the foundation and how you can help support the cause, visit www.surfingheritage.org.